The Closet

I barely slept. Margaret’s stare haunted me, her “first thing tomorrow” echoing in my head.

I walked into the office, my stomach in knots. Margaret’s office door stared at me. I knocked, heart pounding.

“Come in,” she called sharply.

I stepped inside, forcing a smile. “Morning, Margaret.”

“Sit, Sierra.” She didn’t look up from her laptop. “Close the door.”

I did, sitting stiffly.

“About yesterday, the elevator.” Her eyes flicked to me, cold. “You and Cole looked… disheveled.”

“It was hot in there,” I said, too fast. “Stuffy. No air.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Stuffy.”

“Yeah. Thirty minutes stuck. It was rough.”

She leaned back, arms crossed. “You’re new here, Sierra. I expect professionalism. No gossip, no distractions.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?” Her gaze pinned me. “I saw your blouse. Torn buttons. Cole’s tie was a mess.”

My throat tightened. “It was an accident. My bag caught—”

“Save it.” She tapped her pen. “Just thought to let you know that inappropriate conduct isn't encouraged her