Chapter 2

On the third floor of a busy accountancy firm, Shannon sat at her oak desk, her focus shifting between the computer screen in front of her and the many piles of paper covering her work area. A small knock made her turn her head towards the door. "Good morning, Shannon." Upon taking in the person at the door, Shannon returned her attention to the glare of the screen. "Brought you a coffee."
 Shannon didn't take her eyes off the screen. "Thanks, Sally."
 Sally strutted over to the desk, placed the mug she carried next to the keyboard and perched her larger frame on the edge of the desk. She stared at Shannon with her narrow hazel eyes. "How's the lesbian this morning?"
 Shannon stopped working, briefly, to check her phone. Returning to her previous task, she let out a sigh. "Bit slow today. Not feeling well?" Sally shrugged. "As you asked, Charlie's fine. She was heading to bed when I left."
 "Rough night?"
 The concern in Sally's voice surprised Shannon, but she didn't show it. "It's possible. I don't know, I wasn't there."
 Sally rolled her eyes. "Not the lesbian. You." She looked Shannon up and down. "You look like s**t."
 Holding in her irritation, Shannon clenched her jaw. "Her name's Charlie. I had a good night, but thanks."
 "If you say so." Sally's childish tone made Shannon shake her head. Sally pushed a few loose sheets of paper around the desk. "So," she started, drawing out the word to get Shannon's attention, but failing. "Has Charlie hit on you yet?"
 Shannon leant back in her chair, folded her arms across her chest and glared at Sally, who had a smirk on her face, pleased that she got a reaction from her friend. "Goodbye, Sally."
 Sally raised her hands up in defence. "I was only asking."
 "If yu want to know about Charlie, call her. You know the number." Shannon took a sip of the coffee on her desk. "She probably won't say much."
 Sally furrowed her brows in confusion. "Why?"
 "Because she generally doesn't say much, and she's most likely asleep. Now, go."
 Sally stood away from the desk and straightened her skirt. "I'm going. Lunch? My treat."
 Shannon sighed. "Sure. See you at lunch." A smile spread across Sally's round face before she left Shannon alone. Shannon ran her hand through her hair and growled. "What a pain in the a*s."

Reviews

[Krysten B.]

You say Shannon and Sally are friends, but it feels more like they are "frenemies." (Glancing up when she comes in but turning away quickly, eye rolling, clenched jaw, annoyed dismissal, etc.) Is that intentional? I agree with the previous review, that some more background on Sally (and also Shannon, since she is one of the MCs) would be helpful for context. Maybe just hint at her job in relation to Shannon's (who is an accountant, or does she just work at an accounting firm?), how they've gotten along in the past, a notable memory that exemplifies their relationship, or something like that...

Again, I like the actions in between the dialogue like in the previous chapter. Really helps set the scene.

[Jemma Packman]

Yes, it is intentional. Sally would be that friend that makes you question why you're friends with them but will be there for you when it's needed.

[Jennie Baron]

My previous review still applies. If I suggest changing anything, it's highlighting the friendship between Sally and Shannon. It's stated that they are friends but I would like to feel more friendliness in their actions and words. Maybe a little background on Sally, such as what is her position in the firm, how long has she known Shannon, etc. Are they peers with equal status at work, or is one a superior?

[Jennie Baron]

Intriguing. You've done well at revealing some information but leaving just enough unsaid. I also like the short chapters in this book (short attention span) and the reformatting makes it easier to read. Keep up the good work!