Chapter 19

"Thanks," I said as I sat down on a mall chair on the first floor.

"No problem. That guy was such a creep. Are you okay?" Ashley said, standing opposite me, leaning against a massive flower vase.

I'd just been shoved to the ground and on top of that, I was saved by my imagined office rival. No more mall trips for me for a while.

"Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing here?" I looked down and noticed her uniform. "You work here?"

"Yeah, on the weekends."

"Why? When do you rest?" I was shocked. Being the receptionist at Renard was no easy job. She constantly had to pick up calls, interact with visitors and she still managed to remember to keep a jar of sweets stocked up on the counter.

"Don't really have a choice. Family has to eat."

I felt like an idiot for asking. I mean no one really enjoyed working that much. But she was so young. As curious as I was, I didn't want to pry.

"Sorry. What about your parents?" I mentally facepalmed. Why would I ask that?

"Oh they're there. At least mine a