This is a chapter from my new WIP. There are no trigger warnings for this chapter.
The alert went off on Alyssa’s phone. It was noon and time for lunch. It was her reminder she needed to eat something. Without that reminder, she would either be concentrating on what she was doing or too zoned out to remember much about life around her. Flipping off the alarm, she looked through the window. Her office shared a window that looked into the sales office where Rachel sat.
As much as she dreaded initiating any conversation, Alyssa took a deep breath and walked out her door and stood in the doorway to the sales office.
A welcoming smile gave her a slight boost in confidence. “Want to get some lunch?”
“Sure. Thank you.”
Neither of them spoke as they exited the building and walked to Alyssa’s dark blue Jeep Wrangler. They got in, but Alyssa didn’t put the key in the ignition. She asked, “Do you have any favorite foods or a favorite place?”
“You like sushi?” Rachel replied without a delay.
“Sure.” Alyssa shrugged.
“There’s a fantastic place I go off the main highway.”
The soft top was down on the Jeep. “Are you okay with going topless?” When Rachel’s eyes widened, Alyssa rephrased. “I’m sorry. I mean with the top down on the Jeep.”
They shared the misspeak with a laugh. “I’m good. My hair may not like me later, but heck, I’m already a mess, so let’s go.”
Alyssa placed the key in the ignition and paused to revel in the moment. She couldn’t remember the last time she laughed. Had she ever laughed before? Alyssa couldn’t remember, but it felt good.
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