Not awkward much, girl, Sarah thought as she greeted him. She was taught to be polite and nice to those she met, and old habits died hard. The other two worked there for years and she said hello to them as well.

“Marcus Reynolds,” he answered, smiling back. It was a warm and welcoming smile, but also nervous.

She liked him. It was an instant decision. “Are you new here?”

Shaking his head, he said, “No, well, sort of. I started eight months ago and recently applied for a new position. I didn’t think I’d get it, to be honest.”