"What time do you have to go meet the big boss, Layna?" Ben asked as we returned to our desks. He looked remarkably refreshed, likely because his own workload had lightened significantly this week. He leaned against his cubicle wall, radiating a casual energy I deeply envied.
"Mmm. In about ten minutes. Why do you ask?" I said, keeping my tone carefully aloof. I busied myself with straightening a stack of papers that didn't need straightening.
"I was thinking we could go grab some snacks later. The shop at the end of the road has a forty per cent discount today with my loyalty card."
"Oh, that sounds good, I'm in!" I trilled, trying to inject some false cheer into my voice. I forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as brittle as it felt.
"You could invite the big boss," Ben suggested with a casual shrug.
"What?" I froze, my heart skipping a beat. The mere suggestion sent a jolt of electricity straight to my fingertips.
