Mermaid Scales - a cheerful hello

The doors opened onto a sea of nearly empty cubicles. The smell of coffee was nearly intoxicating. She was filling a cup with steamy darkness when Chloe sidled up behind her. “You know one of these days Mr. Anderson is going to notice you coming in late.” Her friend jokingly chided her. Joanna shrugged noncommittally and the friends chatted as they walked back to their cubicles. "Wow," she said. "What happened to you?" "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," said Joanna. "You look terrible, Jo. You should go get yourself some coffee and powder your nose before anybody sees you."