394 My Friend Mia

(Cass)

I pull my jacket on. Ziggy leans against the counter, arms crossed, his face a mix of disappointment and frustration.

“What the fuck is an extended break anyway? Fucking stupid,” I spit out.

“It’s the next step of being fired. You were late again. Third time this week.” His voice is quiet but firm, and it cuts through me, hitting harder than I want to admit.

I shrug, forcing a smirk, trying to make it seem like I don’t care, like this doesn’t sting as much as it does.

“Yeah, whatever. It’s just a few minutes here and there. Not the end of the world, right?” My tone is flippant, but Ziggy’s not having it. He doesn’t even try to soften his expression. “Heads up their fucking asses.”

“It was thirty minutes, today, Cass. Then you’re busted smoking pot before you started your shift late, Cass. During a shift. I give up.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t you. I thought—”

“Thought what?” I snap, standing a little straighter. “That I’d be perfect? I didn’t sign up