“I can’t believe it” my client exhaled “you made it look so easy. I have my job back” he added gleefully.
Timothy shut his laptop down. “You had a good case against them. They knew that your terms were a lot cheaper than going to court and having to compensate you with a larger sum of money. Besides, you were very reasonable in what you were asking” he said to Mr Rinardo “you could have asked for a lot more.”
“I know,” my client said “but I just want to be able to put food on the table and pay the bills so I can take care of my family. Thank you, Grayson,” he said turning to me and standing up, giving me a massive bear hug that almost lifted me off my feet “I can’t thank you enough for taking this on pro-Bono.”
“Something as inhumane as this deserved my attention,” I said sincerely “and I didn’t become a lawyer just for the money.”
I did a lot of pro bono work. It was a reminder to keep myself humble and to help those who otherwise could not afford a lawyer. I encouraged my employees to do it as well.
“Well thank you,” Mr Rinardo said, putting me down and then turning and walking away “I can’t wait to start work. If I know anyone that needs a lawyer, I’ll send them to you” he called over his shoulder and then he was gone.
I sighed and began to gather up my papers, the throbbing intensity behind my eyes beginning to feel worse.
“Well, that’s finished. Timothy, can you keep me updated on Mr Rinardo and ensure he’s started back at the store in the next few days?” I mumbled, “as well as checking on the status of the other employees that were let go by Mr Jacobs.”
“No problem. I’ll ensure that they sign the appropriate documents” Timothy said easily before peering at me with concern “Grayson you don’t look so good. You’re kind of pale and you look like you’re about to fall over” he added, taking over gathering the papers as I rubbed my eyes “maybe you should go home?” he asked softly.
I hesitated. “Do I have any other clients today?”
It was already late afternoon. Timothy grabbed his trusted blackberry and started to search through it. “No, you just wanted to prep and finish off paperwork,” he said calmly “all of which can be changed to tomorrow morning. You said you had a headache” he scolded “but I bet it’s a migraine,” he said with a glower and a knowing look in his eyes.
“It is a migraine” I mumbled, as I winced from the various sounds that were piercing my ear drums “but I couldn’t just let Mr Rinardo down.”
“I could have rescheduled” Timothy objected but I shook my head.
“No, he’s been waiting for this day. I wasn’t about to make him wait any longer.”
“Go home, Grayson. I’ll have the limo brought around” Timothy repeated as I winced again “Rest. Otherwise you’ll be unable to function for days” he said firmly as I went to protest.
Fine, I thought glumly and then brightened. At least I’d get to see my wife when I got home. That was a silver lining. Maybe she would help look after me, I thought feeling a little sorry for myself.
“Fine” I growled “bring the limo around” I would go home, but only because I felt like it, not because I’d been told to.
Flair POV
“Did you see her face?” crowed Rachel as the limousine drove towards her apartment first “That manager didn’t know who she was messing with” she added with satisfaction.
“No, but I wasn’t expecting Ian to take it that far” I murmured “although maybe I should have anticipated it, considering he doesn’t take being snubbed too well.”
Rachel raised a brow “Well he got us out of a tight spot and that’s all that matters, but what are you going to tell Grayson when he realizes there’s no charge on his card for the dresses?”
I sighed “I don’t know I’ll think of something. Maybe I could say Ian is a close friend of yours” I suggested.
She laughed “Knowing Grayson he would probably believe it. Heck it might even make Timothy jealous” she mused, her eyes lighting up.
I shook my head at her as the limousine pulled to a stop in front of her building, Rachel quickly grabbed her bag with her dress and climbed out. “Have Lynn take over classes for the next week or so” I yelled out as she nodded “I want time to get ready for the party.”
“Will do” she said cheerfully “but if she leaves the studio a mess like she did last time, you’re cleaning it up” she added with narrowed eyes.
“That’s fair,” I said as she giggled, waving goodbye, the limousine smoothly pulling back out.
I stared blankly out the window, a little stunned when it stopped outside Grayson’s mansion, and thanked the driver as I got out and slowly made my way inside.
I really needed to make this place feel more homely I concluded, the place still feeling cold and sterile. I put the bag of clothes and accessories away and then headed into the kitchen. I had promised Grayson that I would make dinner tonight. The fridge, freezer, and pantry were well stocked, which stunned me because Grayson didn’t have a cook. So who put everything away? Did he have somebody come by every few days to do it? I tapped my chin thinking. What could I make for a man that loved to eat?
“Screw it, homemade pizzas with my special dough,” I said with a shrug.
It wasn’t over the top fancy, but it meant I could eat a vegan one, while Grayson had meat on his and the dough was nice and fluffy. I grabbed the ingredients out and began to get started, inhaling the sweet aroma of the baking ingredients, flour beginning to get all over my clothes and the floor in the kitchen. I didn’t mind. I enjoyed cooking. There was something soothing about it. I flattened the dough, using a rolling pin to flatten it out, making two large pizzas, and then began to assemble the toppings.
I crinkled my nose at Grayson’s with meat on it and then turned to mine, satisfied with the various vegetables. I slid both into the oven, glancing at the time. It was late afternoon, practically evening. I could keep the heat on low once they were done and hopefully, Grayson would be home soon. I began to set the table, humming under my breath. I even grabbed some wine and placed that on the table with some glasses. I was just putting the finishing touches on the table when I heard the sound of the front door opening.
“That smells delicious” Grayson mumbled, coming into the kitchen with his briefcase and taking gigantic whiffs.
“I said I would cook dinner,” I said nervously “I hope you don’t mind pizza. Yours has meat on it” I added hastily as he glanced towards the oven.
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.