#Chapter 9: Falling

Aria POV That day, I tried to motivate my coworkers. But every time I’d ask for help or suggest something to help improve the workflow around the office, I’d just be met with the same sidelong glances and snide comments as before. Eventually, I gave up. It was five o’clock by that point anyway, so I grabbed my things and went home, glad to be out of that judgmental environment for a little while. But I wasn’t home for long before a text from Darren came through. “Can you come to my office?” I frowned at my phone as I lounged on my couch, wrapped up in a blanket. It was past seven o’clock, well after my scheduled hours, and Darren was already texting me. “I just got home,” I replied, feeling a little frustrated. A moment later, another text came through: “I can come to you. It’s important. Address?” I sighed and sent it to him. “Just so you know,” I added at the end, “I won’t allow after-hours house calls forever.” Three bubble