CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY NINE – TRYING TO JUST GET BY

"Nia? Is that you?" Betty's shrill voice carried across the café. "I didn't know you worked here!" Nia forced a smile. "Oh, hi Betty. Yeah, I just started. It's... temporary." Betty's eyes narrowed, taking in Nia's coffee-stained apron. "Temporary, huh? Well, I suppose it's better than nothing. Though I would have thought with your education, you'd be aiming a bit... higher." Nia bit her tongue, resisting the urge to snap back. "It's a start," she said instead. "Well, dear, if you need any advice on job hunting, you just let me know," Betty said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I know it can be so hard for young people these days. My niece went through something similar. Of course, she ended up getting a wonderful position at a law firm. But I'm sure something will turn up for you too, eventually." Nia nodded stiffly, not trusting herself to speak. She took Betty's order – a small decaf latte with almond milk – and focused on making the drink, desperate for this interacti