When I woke up, I took a deep breath and called the store. I had to call in sick. Instead, I was greeted by a frantic manager. Lacy wasn't going to be coming in tonight. I had to be there. It would just be Derek and I working. My stomach clenched harshly. If I said no, they would fire me for sure. So, instead, I took a deep breath and assured them I would be working tonight. If Derek was covering for Lacy, then he wouldn't have time to mess with me. I would just do my job and clock out before he was done. I could manage that.
When I made it to the store, I didn't even check in with Derek. I knew my job by now, and I got straight to work. I saw him eye me from down an aisle as he carried a box. I avoided looking at him. Head down, Oliver. Just work. I can get through this. I told myself. A
