It was evident in Tracey’s silence that the one-word answer didn’t satisfy her. But Jioni struggled to say anything else. She loved Tracey and wanted nothing more than to impress and please her. But at the same time, her energy drained near her. There was no ignoring the ever-present stress that radiated off of Tracey’s nurturing. Jioni’s smile failed to look organic.
“Sit down, don’t be so tense,” Tracey said. “You are avoiding, and it’s rude. Especially since all I want to do is help you.”
“I’m not avoiding. I’m here,” Jioni said with a soft smile.
Tracey’s face relaxed.
The two walked toward a desk—their footsteps echoed against the empty room walls. There were only three pieces of furniture: A desk and two swiveled chairs.
The entire office smelled of coffee and wood polish. Papers stacked sky-high on the desk. It was silly how disorganized it was. Tracey began typing, not looking up once as she spoke. Next to her laptop was the Agent Trials remote. Tracey picked it up and shook it.
Jioni sunk into her chair. She knew already what Tracey would say.
