"I'm sorry, I'm late for work!"

Evelyn offered a smile, showing off her bright white teeth. She clutched her keys in her left hand, looking James up and down.

"Y-Yeah. Sorry, I can't stay and talk. I'm running really late," she said sheepishly.

"That sucks," he paused, pocketing his house key. "Talk to you later, then."

"Yeah. Have a good day," Evelyn said with a bright smile. James smiled back.

"You too, Evey." He turned, beginning to hum a tune as he went toward one of two staircases down to the bottom floor. She watched him until he disappeared out of sight then turned the opposite way and half-walked, half-ran towards the stairs and stumbled down all three flights. She adjusted her skirt and made her way to the parking lot, unlocking (and stepping in to) her small, dark red sedan. It wasn't in any caliber a modern car. The most modern thing on it was a plug-in for her iPod, which reminded her she had forgotten to get it on her way out. Too late now.

She put the car in reverse, pulled out in to the lot and drove to the exit gate. She saw James standing by his truck talking to another tenant, but just as soon as she saw him he was gone as the gate opened and she pulled out on to the driveway. She turned right and sped off.

Within fifteen minutes, she was at the restaurant. It was something comparable to Olive Garden, though it didn't specialize in Italian food. She pulled in to the driveway and went around to the employee parking. Much to her dismay, she had to settle for the corner spot, right in the direct rays of the sun. Luckily, it was overcast today and they were expecting rain (which she loved). She got out of the car in a rush and shut the doors, heading for the back entrance.

She paused at the employee door, hand halfway to the handle, and quickly noted her boss hadn't called her and yelled at her for being late yet. Perhaps there was still hope. Eve gripped the handle of the door, turning the knob and swinging it open. A rush of cool air hit her, washing over her. It was always chilly in the employee area (the walk in freezer wasn't sealed that well), so she preferred to get to work sooner than later -- especially today, well aware that her nipples would press against the fabric of her shirt (more than they already were) if she got too chilly.

She breathed a sigh of relief, closing and leaning against the door. She took a moment to savor the feeling of freedom.