Amidst the echoing shadows of an enigmatic past, my mind stirred with a quiet intensity. My thoughts wandered from the deposition to the odd feeling that tickled at my senses. Something felt different, but I couldn't say what. Trying to stay engrossed in my work, my fingers tapped against the keyboard, the clicks becoming rhythmic music to my ears. The muted hum of my computer was interrupted by a cheerful voice crackling through the speaker on my desk.
"Girl, you're single. It's Friday night. You're not spending another night working when you should be out living your life. Come on. One of the guys from Trampled by Turtles is playing locally tonight. You need to come with me," Angie urged.
I sighed, my fingers dancing across the keyboard as I continued typing. "Angie, I have things I need to do. I have a deposition on Monday and three other cases I need to be working on. I can't go out tonight."
"Oh my God, Kaira. You are going to turn into one of those cat ladies who never leaves their house. Come on, you're approaching thirty and need to go out. See what's out there before all the eligible men are taken."
"I'm completely fine with the prospect of being a cat lady. I think you're the one who's insecure about it." I huffed out a breath, my gaze still fixed on my computer screen. "Angie, why did you call me on my work line? I'm only supposed to be taking business calls on this phone."
Angie's voice took on a more determined tone. "Because you are avoiding your cell phone. I've left messages and texted you half a dozen times. When you don't respond, I have to change tactics. Someone has to drag you out of your office. I'm not taking no for an answer tonight. You can go back to all your boring work the rest of the weekend. I'm pretty sure that's what Sundays are for. I'll be at your house at eight. Don't you dare stay in the office too long! You need to look good. Your boring pantsuits are not going to cut it tonight." Angie hung up the phone before I could argue.
I muttered to myself, "God, she can be so infuriating." I finally tore my eyes away from the computer screen, looking around my office. My dedication to my career was evident in every nook and cranny of the space. I was determined to climb the ladder and become a partner one day, even if it meant long hours and sacrificing my personal life.
My gaze landed on my office secretary, Nicole, who leaned against the door jamb, seemingly relaxed but with a restless tapping of her heel against the floor.
"I made copies of the Dorken file. Mr. Cross also rescheduled the meeting about the Sampson case. It's now Wednesday at ten. You're all set on the Johnson case, although I'm not sure why you took it. You've already done more pro-bono cases than anyone else on this floor," Nicole informed me as she handed over a file.
I accepted the file and replied, "I took it because no family deserves to work so hard to start a business only to have it destroyed over someone's stupidity. Plus, I like helping others whenever I can." I shrugged and set the file on my desk, glancing back at Nicole, who was fidgeting.
"Do you have somewhere you need to be, Nicole?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Nicole hesitated for a moment but then confessed, "Well, it is Friday, and I'd like to miss traffic."
I chuckled. "It's after five. You're not missing traffic. What's up?"
"Oh, nothing," Nicole said, avoiding eye contact.
I, not one to be easily deceived, pressed further. "Now I know something's up. What is it?"
Nicole threw her arms up in exasperation. "Ugh, fine. I have a date tonight." She met my gaze, silently challenging me.
I grinned and leaned forward, genuinely interested. "I met him on Match. It's our first meeting, and I'd like to make a good impression. He's cute in that boy-next-door kind of way. I just really don't want to show up in my work clothes."
"Besides, don't you have to be home to meet Angie?" Nicole added, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.
"Nicole, were you listening to my call?" I raised an eyebrow, amused.