left, leaving April alone with Clara Stevens, who seemed determ

nd of typing and Clara's sharp heels clicking as

ed on finishing the last report. Her stomach growled loudly,

s voice cut through the si

ed, trying to keep he

th narrowed eyes. "You'd better not be rush

and nodded. "I'm not. I

ause if I find a single mistake, you'

uttered, her voice ba

last word and clicked save. She leaned back in her chair, h

he said, her

hem with a scrutinizing eye. After a long moment, she

s it up," Clara said, her tone dripping

rcastic comment. She simply grabbed her bag and stood up,

. Gina had texted earlier, asking if she was done, and

red eyes lit up. Gina was there, sea

t, her voice cracking w

ly! I was beginning to think they

" April said, her voice

Gina replied, standing up and walking toward her.

ara didn't let me go for lunch and ended

er head. "Come on, we're going out.

nt to sleep," Ap

no for an answer. We're having barbecue an

e. But I'm not staying out too lo

id, guiding her

becue spot was fille

led meat and spices filled the air,

ng," Gina teased as they f

April admitted,

waiter. "We'll take two platters of yo

e any time. She picked up a piece of meat and

aid with a laugh. "The fo

between bites. "I'm so hungry

rolling her eyes. "What kind of manager does

, shaking her head. "It's like sh

etty you are," Gina said, smirkin

etty or not, I don't deserve this kind of treatment. It

e in this together, remember? Besides, yo

t to say," April sai

riend," Gina replied, raisi

ng and laughing, the stress o

ue spot, Gina turned to

g her stomach. "Thanks, Gi

r car. "Now let's get you home bef

ly catching up to April. When they arrived at

aid. "And don't let Cla

replied, waving

m was dark. Frowning, she reached for the light switch

ichard standing in the middle of the room

?" he demanded, his

bag tightly. "I... I went

d with disapproval. "Do you think this is a h

ely. "I didn't even get to eat lunch beca

"I don't allow late nights in my house, April. The nex

asn't doing anything wron

d and stormed off, leaving her standing

s his words echoed in her mind. She didn't