Just One Drink

Stella

The clock on the wall reads 11:30 PM, its ticking slicing through the quietness of my office like a knife.

I’m engrossed in the sea of paperwork in front of me when there’s a knock on the door—soft but persistent. My eyes dart up, half-expecting to see Tessa or maybe Piper, but it’s Vance leaning against the doorframe.

“Hey,” he says, his eyes not quite meeting mine as he studies the pile