Retail Therapy

Avery

The cab smelled like pine air freshener and faint cigarettes, an assault on my senses after the sterile environment of Pierce Industries.

I leaned my head against the cool window, watching Manhattan blur past. My phone buzzed in my purse, pulling me from my trance.

Piper's name flashed on the screen. I swiped to answer.

"Please tell me you're not still at work," she said without preamble.

"I