Just Don't Fall (Sweater Weather, #1; Appies, #1)

by Emma St. Clair

Parker’s office is hardly bigger than a closet with no window and outdated … everything. It also looks like a sticky-note store exploded. No motivational posters or framed pictures here—just every available wall surface covered in the small, colorful squares. “Whoa.” Parker grins as she drops into a cheap office chair that makes a horror-movie-esque sound. I’m a little surprised it holds her based on the severity of the groan. “There’s an order to my madness, I swear.” “I believe it.” And I do. The walls might be covered in sticky notes (some of her desk too), but they’re clearly organized. Maybe with a ruler. From the quick glance I give the closest set of fluorescent pink notes, even Parker’s loopy script is neat. Figures. “Didn’t you used to have two planners for every year?” She beams. “I did.” I can tell there’s something she isn’t saying. “You still do, don’t you?” “Yep. Only now it’s one physical, one digital.” Setting her tablet on the desk, she wiggles her mouse to wake up the bulky desktop computer. The motor whirring sounds like a helicopter taking off. I’m getting the sense from Parker’s noisy chair, old computer, and windowless office that the Appies’s budget does not lean heavily into office space. At least not for Parker. Larry was more than happy to show off his luxurious office and Malik, the manager, had one almost as big. “How old is that computer?” She sighs, scanning her phone. “Let’s just say they’ve discovered newer fossils. Sit.” I glance at the cha...