She mumbled something back, she was sure.

Thursday at four-thirty, Justine decided enough was enough. She shut down her computer, grabbed her bag, and headed home.

Frank peeked out of his office at her as she passed. “Oh, Justine. Did you get that report for Nash done yet? He needs it like yesterday.”

Her stomach fluttered with nerves. It went against everything she’d been taught to go against management, but she stood her ground and gave Frank a wide, nonthreatening smile. “Nope. I’ll have to get to it tomorrow.”

“But you can’t.”

“See you bright and early tomorrow, Frank.” She added a wave and left feeling lightheaded. She also quickened her step, not giving him the ability to confront her face to face.

Practically running to her car, she laughed with wild abandon. I did it. I left on time.

Back at home, she allowed herself to decompress then answered a few questions from Kenzie’s—no, Justine’s—new client. But this time, she didn’t dread working on a project. She wanted to create a new social media platform for the elderly-friendly company Kenzie had handed over.

Feeling enthused about her work for the first time in ages, she even changed into running gear and enjoyed a slow jog, getting her blood moving.

She returned to the building in a good sweat and nearly ran over Auggie.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Auggie. Been visiting your brother?” Duh. Obviously.

Auggie fiddled with her ponytail, the deep red like a flame that burned with Auggie’s energy. “Yeah. But he got busy. He’s going back to work soon, you know.”

“He had mentioned he was returning but I didn’t know when.” That bothered her. Had she been talking so much about herself that Xavier hadn’t been able to share about his own life? Or did he deliberately not tell Justine because they weren’t as close as she thought they were?

“Yeah. He acts like he’s made of money, but he actually has to work for a living. And doodling isn’t gonna cut it.”

“Doodling?”

Auggie blinked. “I meant him taking time off. Goofing off. Doodling his time away. You know, being a doofus doodling.” She chattered like a chipmunk high on caffeine. “So what are you up to?”

Before she knew it, Justine was confiding in Auggie about how much she hated her job but loved her new contract work, how much she loved spending time with Xavier, and how happy she’d been to finally open up about them being a real couple. “Your mom was so sweet at dinner. My parents could take lessons from her.”

Auggie grinned. “Yeah, my mom’s a keeper for sure. She’s a little too nice though.”

“Oh? She had no problem putting Xavier in his place.”

“Well, she’s good like that. But I meant with guys. Her last boyfriend was a total tool. But it’s been a while. I think she’s lonely. I wish she’d let us set her up on more dates. It takes a while before you find a good man.”