Office Shenanigans (I)

BRIANNA

The next day at work, I tried to focus on my tasks, but my mind kept drifting back to the encounter with my mother. My phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting my thoughts. Glancing at the screen, I saw my mother's name flashing.

I peeked at Jayden, who was engrossed on his screen. I wasn't sure he would let me pick up the call. I swiped it and returned to work, thinking, 'Maybe I'll call back later.'

The phone started ringing again, and I decided to mute it. I looked up and found Jayden staring at me. "Aren't you going to take that?" he asked.

"It's not important," I said, pushing it aside. We both continued to work, but the phone kept vibrating. "Pick your call, Brianna, it's fine," Jayden waved me off.

I took a deep breath and stepped outside Jayden's office to answer the call.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Brianna, sweetheart! How have you been?" my mother's voice echoed through the phone, a hint of genuine concern in her tone.

"I'm managing,