“Thanks.” She said to her friend as she walked back to her table.
She was back to sifting through each page as she became acquainted with the clients and the cases. A week and she was not yet halfway through the list. She wondered if she was getting ahead of herself when she accepted this job.
However, she never backed out from a challenge before and she did not plan to start now. She just needed time to adjust to her new environment. Although most of her clients were the wealthy people she fought with before, she would at least get a chance to defend the less fortunate with her pro bono cases.
Her phone started ringing again. It had been ringing several times now. But she guessed she could not ignore it forever. “Yes, Dad.” She answered, lacking her usual enthusiasm.
“So, how is your new office? Although I approved of your new job compared to your old one, I would still prefer that you chose to work for our company.” Her dad chatted over the phone.
This was the reason she did not want to answer his call. He would not stop pestering her about her responsibility to his company.
Her mind returned to the point in her life when she first realized her passion for the law. Her father was more than happy that she had chosen Corporate Law as her specialty, but circumstances changed when she decided to redirect her path.
“I’m good, Dad.” That was her only response to his unending monologue. “I’m happy where I am.” She quickly ended the call. “I love you, Dad.” Then, the line was dead.
She would expect a call again soon, but for now, she welcomed the silence. She knew that her Dad would not stop until he got what he wanted. Her father told her that she would not succeed in her chosen field, but she swore to prove him wrong.
Jacky snapped her fingers in front of her. “Hey, Dani?” Looking at her with worry in her eyes.
“Oh. I’m sorry.” She said, unaware of her presence. “How long have you been standing there?” She must have been staring into space for quite a while. She did not even notice Jacky entered her room.
“Just a minute ago. What were you thinking?” She perched her plump ass on the edge of her table as she scrutinized her.
“Nothing. I’m just probably stressed out with all of this.” Pointing to the stack of files still sitting on her desk. But she did not tell her about her father’s phone call.
Jacky knew who she truly was. Well, she believed that many did since her face when she was younger was always part of the society pages. She was just glad that the media lost interest in her when she decided to lay low and walked away from her association with her dad.
It allowed her to live her simple life without the constant buzz of the press and society.
“Why don’t we go out tonight?” The gleam in Jacky’s eyes warned her that she was up to something, and she was in no condition to deal with her right now.
“Don’t you have a date with Marcus?” She questioned as she set the files that she just finished reviewing on the other corner of her desk.
“We can make it a double date. I can ask Marcus to bring a friend.” Jacky said excitedly, her face lighting up as if she just solved the problem with world hunger.
“Definitely not. I told you that was the last time.” She said indignantly. “You know I have no time for dating and relationships.”
“Isn’t it time that you did? You’re now getting any younger. Maybe it’s time that you think about your personal life. Your love life in particular.” Jacky sat at the chair across from her with concern in her voice.
“I’m not there yet.” She said, dismissing the whole thing. Taking the next file, she focused her attention on the pages. Not wanting to acknowledge Jacky’s words. If she kept quiet and ignored her, she would eventually go away.
“Maybe it’s time you get laid.” She blurted out. “When was the last time you had done ‘The Deed’?”
She looked up from her desk to chastise her friend, but instead, her eyes landed on a figure standing by the door. Oh no! She felt mortified.
How long had he been standing there? Did he hear Jacky’s outburst? Of course, he did. Who would not, with that mouth of hers? Trust Jacky with her impeccable timing to blurt out her unfiltered thoughts. Dani mulled over to herself.
“Sorry, Ms. Hamilton. I could come back later if you’re busy.” The man said as he saw the distressed expression on her face, but he could not help the small grin from showing on his lips from what he just heard.
He knew that Ms. Hamilton would be a handful, but he had no idea, the extent of it. Add her friend, who seemed to have no filter at all. He had no problem with that. He was having a great time, having them as an addition to his team.
“I’m sorry. I came here to tell you that Mr. Blake was on his way.” Jacky whispered. She made a peace sign, walking fast towards the door, but not before, she gave Mr. Blake her megawatt smile.
“Mr. Blake. Please come in.” She stood up for a shake and gestured for the chairs. “You have to excuse my assistant’s unruly behavior.”
“Not at all. I like a little playfulness in the office once in a while. It lessens the tension in the workplace.” He said with an easy smile. She felt more at ease seeing the friendliness in his gesture.
“So, what brings you to my office? Is there any problem?” She suddenly felt anxious, thinking of the possible reasons why he was here at her office. She straightened herself on her seat, hoping to calm herself.
He adjusted his huge frame in the seat in front of her desk. She mentally noted to have that seat change to a bigger and comfortable one. “How are you holding up in here? Do you like your new office?” Waving to the room.
“It is a great upgrade from my previous one.” She admitted. “But I still need time to be up to speed with all the cases assigned to me. I’m not complaining. I’m sure I will finish it in time.” Showing him a confident look.
“I know it’s just a week, no need to worry yourself, but I hope you’re adjusting well.” Mr. Blake said, taking in his surroundings and the things she did with the room.
“I think I just made myself at home as you can see.” She managed to personalize some of the decorations in her office. A picture of her parents on top of her desk, a painting in the corner, and some small figurines and display pieces at the sides.
“I like what you’ve done with the place. It speaks volumes of your personality.” He praised with sincerity in his voice. “With regards to your work, if you have any questions, make sure to notify me.”
“Thanks. As expected, it would take me a week or two more to be well versed with all the files. There are a few issues, but nothing that couldn’t be handled.” She informed him. “Once I completed all my assessment, I certainly would like to set up a meeting to discuss it with you, Mr. Blake.”
“Good to hear, but I think we could drop the formality. Just call me Evan and I hope you don’t mind if I call you Dani.” He said with a friendly smile.
“It’s fine with me. Evan.” She said finally getting a real glimpse of the man who had assisted her from the first day she stepped into this office. He was her immediate supervisor, one of the senior partners of the company. One of the men, whose name was on the wall. Her boss.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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