Loyal Lawyer: A Standalone Novel

by Jeannine Colette

  Matthew eyes him skeptically. “Like a hundred? How long does it take you? I can—”

  “Make it stop,” I beg my mother, who raises her hands as if she’s helpless to the situation. Behind her is a barbeque grill. “Matt, your burgers are burning.”

  “Oh crap!” He rushes over to the grill that’s now smoking.

  Mom and Fiona follow him, waving away the plumes in the air.

  Henry is looking down with an expression of complete annoyance, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “Definitely not going to be a hundred and sixty degrees,” he mumbles to himself before extending his hand to Sebastian. “Sorry about that. You’ll have to excuse Matthew. He joined an old-school iron powerlifting gym a few years ago and has been infatuated with fitness ever since. I’m Henry. The maturer brother.”

  Sebastian shakes his hand, and the two men hold on a touch too long, both their grips firm. Where Matthew likes to test brute strength, Henry will judge a man based on his handshake.

  “Amy speaks highly of you. I read your original article on the pragmatic and randomized trial of the phase two trial for the antibody in early Alzheimer’s disease.”

  I lean back and stare up at Sebastian, surprised he read one of Henry’s articles. My brother also seems surprised but maybe more impressed than anything.

  “The antibody that targets amyloid deposited in the brain showed a better result for cognitive ability compared to the placebo.”

  “The hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of amyloid-B peptide,” Sebastian states.

  “The antibody targets that. The baseline iADRS score at seventy-six weeks showed significant decrease in amyloid peptide. We were quite pleased.” Henry has a smug expression. Meeting someone who not only finds interest in his work, but can also banter about it is greater than foreplay to him.

  Before Henry has a chance to deep dive into Sebastian’s brain and steal his afternoon away, I interject, “Mom is putting the food on the table. I think it’s time we all take a seat.”

  I’m pulling Sebastian toward the table before Henry has a chance to utter another word. Luckily, his wife has now walked over to him and is turning his attention toward their children, who are now wrestling in the grass.

  “That was impressive,” I whisper to Sebastian. “I didn’t know you’d read my brother’s research paper.”

  “Actually, I didn’t. I just did a bunch of research last night. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s to never come to the courtroom unprepared.”

  I bat my eyes. “You’re so smart. I knew I chose you for a reason.”

  We make our way to the outside tables that are already set up with tablecloths and pink princess decorations with party hats for all of us to wear.

  Before we sit down, my father approaches Sebastian with his hand out in greeting. “Sebastian, I’m James. Welcome to our home.” He has an apron on that says Kiss the Cook, which is just adorable and so fitting for my dad.

  Sebastian gives him the same firm handshake he gave Henry. “Thank you for having me, especially on such a joyous occasion.” He smiles down to my niece Kelsey, who is climbing up in her birthday-girl spot. “Sorry we’re late. I had to finish up some things for work before we could leave.”

  “Attorney, right?” he asks, and Sebastian nods in affirmation. “No worries at all. I like a hardworking man for my Amy. Just glad you could make it.”

  I grin over to Sebastian, who seems cool as a cucumber while meeting my family. He helps me with my seat before taking his own. Heather takes a seat at the head of the table, which Dad happily gave up so she’d have room for her enormous belly. She looks so uncomfortable, as she’s due any day now.

  “So, Sebastian,” Fiona asks from across the table, “tell me about your job. Amy says you practice personal injury law. Please tell me you’re not an ambulance chaser, like those creepy commercials that are on every hour.” She quirks her head to the side with a smug expression covering her normally pretty features, which I want to rip off right now.

  “Fiona, that’s rude,” I growl.

  Sebastian places his hand on my thigh with a laugh. “It’s okay. I know there are some creepy lawyers out there, but there are some good ones too. I like to think I’m on the good side of things. My office specializes in civil rights law as well.”

  “Any cases we might have heard of?” Henry asks as he fills his plate with chicken.

  “Did you read about the Jeremy Carson case? He was wrongfully accused of a crime and spent seven years in prison. There was also the Hotel, where a worker fell off the roof,” Sebastian explains.

  Matthew whistles through his teeth. “I know both those cases. Multimillion-dollar payouts. You make a cut of that? Damn. If you’re looking for a place to invest, I can help you out.”

  I roll my eyes at my day-trader brother trying to get a deal at his niece’s birthday. “He actually also does a lot of pro bono work to give back to the community. One free client for every high-profile one he wins. All of that pales in comparison to what he and his company donate to city foundations, including the Children’s Theater,” I state matter-of-factly and notice Sebastian’s grin as he turns to me. I might have stalked his company website pretty hard when we first met. “Fiona, I believe your company did the advertising campaign for the reopening of the theater. His company also contributed to the restoration of the landmark.”

  Fiona seems impressed. “Well, it’s nice to see you with a professional. Perhaps he’ll rub off on you, so you’ll stop living the pipe dream of an Etsy seller. Not that your chocolates aren’t delicious. They’re just not going to generate a livable income.”

  “When I met Amy, I was impressed with her business plan, and the products are substantial,” Sebastian states, instantly filling me with pride that he’s standing up for me like this.

  “She makes chocolate behind a gym, where she’s also sleeping. That’s not really a career,” Fiona explains.

  Sebastian turns to me with a grin. “You should have seen my first place when I moved to Philly. At least hers has air-conditioning and a real heater. Mine was a tiny hole in the wall with just a floor heater that barely worked. Everyone starts somewhere. It humbles you to have rough beginnings. Makes you work harder.”

  My cheeks are starting to hurt from smiling so big as I listen to him speak. “Exactly.”

  “Amy Morgana Chocolatier is really taking off. She just catered an event we had for the firm, and she’s still the talk of the town. A lot of our corporate clients already said they’re going to use her for their holiday gifts this year.”

  “Really?” I turn to him in shock.

  “Yes, I told you they loved you.” His grin is filled with joy.

  “Are you going to be able to handle that much business?” Mom asks as she takes a seat right next to me.

  I sit up, assuring them that I can. “My loan was approved, so I have everything lined up, and I’m planning on bringing Shawn on full-time. Good things are happening.”

  Mom places her hand over mine. “That’s fantastic news.”

  “Does that mean you’ll finally get a real place to live?” Heather asks.

  I pause for a second and then look at Sebastian. It’s funny how I was searching for apartments, but when Sebastian and I reconnected, I haven’t gone to see one. It just hasn’t been a priority, I guess. Sebastian runs his hand up my thigh, and I smile in return.

  “Once I have everything in line with the business, I’ll find a place. Sebastian has been kind enough to let Lady Featherington stay at his house most days, so that’s been a huge help. I just want to get the website up and have the revenue stream coming in to pay off the loan first. One thing at a time,” I respond.

  “How much of your business is online?” Henry asks. “I have a friend who does everything via Shopify. Is that what you use?”

  “I actually have my own shopping cart system that works pretty well.”

  He seems annoyed. “Amy, why re-create the wheel? Shopi
fy is where it’s at. Their stock is through the roof right now. Stop making things harder on yourself than they have to be just because you want to be different or stubborn.”

  “I’m not using it to be stubborn. I just happen to like the system I use now. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” I explain.

  Henry points the spoon he’s using to dish up the potato salad at me as he says, “Because that system is way better than anything else out there.”

  I let out a sigh, knowing there’s no point in trying to argue with him as I grab my water glass that my mother filled with the pitcher she has on the table.

  “Enough about work,” Heather says, rubbing her lower back, and I appreciate the pivot in conversation. “Sebastian, tell us about how it is that a guy like you who’s, what … early thirties … isn’t snatched up yet? It’s so refreshing to have Amy bring home someone who is gainfully employed, has a nice car, and has his own home. So much better than the last idiot she was gonna bring home. That guy was having a baby with another lady.”

  I choke on my drink and start a coughing fit.

  “Amy, are you okay? That was oddly timed.” Fiona sits up like she’s about to get the dirt on some juicy gossip, which I wish weren’t the case.

  Sebastian pats my back as I look up to Heather.

  “That would be me,” Sebastian says with a smile, not afraid to admit it. “I’m the guy with the baby on the way.”

  “Oh my God, I didn’t …” Heather waves her hand, but Sebastian laughs lightly and gives her his most charming of grins.

  “It’s okay. You only want the best for your sister, and you’re right. I was an idiot. A man should be smarter with these things, but it’s happening. I have a child on the way. A boy actually,” he says with that crinkle in his eye that he gets every time he thinks of his son.

  Everyone’s face drops as Sebastian grins my way, acting unfazed by the bomb he just dropped and not ashamed one bit.

  Fiona leans forward. “So, this is the guy you were talking about at Easter? How long have you been together?”

  “Two weeks,” I answer.

  “A few months,” Sebastian says at the same time.

  I look at him in confusion, wondering what the heck he’s talking about.

  “What? Did you sleep with some chick and then go straight to my sister the next day?” Matthew fumes like the older protective brother he is.

  “Absolutely not,” Sebastian states firmly. “The mother is an ex who I dated for quite some time. We were long broken up when she told me. I met Amy only a few days before I found out.”

  “She kept it from you for that long?” Heather asks, rubbing her belly and then looking over at her husband seated next to her.

  Sebastian shrugs. “She wanted to make the initial decision on her own. Though it’s not ideal circumstances, I’m thrilled to become a father. I am one hundred percent devoted.”

  “As you should be,” my father states, more pleased to hear Sebastian’s stance on the matter than upset that it’s happening to begin with.

  “So, what? You’ll see the kid on the weekends? How will that work?” Fiona asks, cutting up food for her boys.

  “We’re still figuring out the details,” Sebastian says. “But we had a fantastic dinner recently, talking about our plans for co-parenting. I think we’re on the right path to finding a manageable lifestyle.”

  “How far along is she?” Heather asks.

  “Twenty-four weeks.”

  “Who wants to bet these two won’t be together come Thanksgiving?” Matthew asks everyone around the table, pointing at us like we can’t hear him.

  “Matthew James Morgana, you might be a grown man, but I will whoop you with my wooden spoon,” Mom chastises, to which Matthew leans over and kisses her on the cheek.

  “I’ll take that bet. Bottle of Macallan 18 says I’ll be here for turkey and stuffing,” Sebastian says, raising his eyebrows to me like his words are his promise to me rather than the bet.

  “That’s a three-hundred-fifty-dollar bottle,” Henry states matter-of-factly.

  “Would you rather it be a twenty-five-year?” Sebastian’s mouth tilts up in a slight grin as he tilts his head to the side in the cocky way I’ve seen him do when talking on the phone while he’s dealing with other attorneys and he knows he’s got them right where he wants them.

  “Make it a twelve, and you got a bet.” Matthew holds out his hand to Sebastian.

  “Ah, not so sure of yourself now, are you?” Sebastian taunts.

  “Oh, I’m still sure. Just making sure the bet is in my price range since I have to save for my kids’ college funds.”

  “I can respect that.” They grip hands as I shake my head at the male testosterone that’s flooding the table. “Maybe I’ll pick your brain later about some college investment plans.”

  Fiona grumbles, “You just bought yourself a solid two-hour diatribe about portfolios.”

  “I don’t mind. And after, you can give me some parenting advice. I’m a newbie to all things babies.” Sebastian lifts his glass.

  If there’s one thing the Morgana family loves to do, it’s give advice. I can already envision the smartphones coming out as soon as lunch is over with photos of their kids as newborns and conversations of the best cribs, Consumer Reports’ advice on swings, which pediatrician to use, and even how to treat a rash. It’s good he has them now to ask for help. I only know so much on the topic.

  I clear my throat and stand. “Now that that’s been settled, can we get back to the reason why we’re all here?” I say as I put the birthday hat on Kelsey and then myself.

  Sebastian takes his off his place setting and puts it on too. “That’s my girl. Always putting family first.”

  He looks absolutely ridiculous in his cone-shaped hat with pink unicorns, which only makes me love him even more than I already am starting too.

  Yes, it’s new love and slowly simmering deep within my heart. I’m doing my best to keep it at bay, but when he puts his hand on the back of my chair and rubs his thumb on my shoulder as he listens to my siblings while simultaneously reiterating to everyone who will listen how amazing I am, it’s hard to control it.

  Man, I really, really hope he wins that bottle of Macallan.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Summers in Philadelphia are the most enjoyable time of the year. Sure, the Christmas decorations in the historic city make for a wonderful winter, and the spring tulips and fall leaves are beautiful, but the summer months are filled with excitement.

  With the windows open and the music blaring, Shawn and I are packing up the last of the day’s orders, which are being shipped out for a bridal shower.

  “I like these new boxes. The quality is swankier than your last,” Shawn muses as he brings over the last tray of truffles.

  “They are a high upgrade, which I’m hoping will gain presentation points and visually lift up the quality.” I hold up one of the new chocolate boxes. They’re still mauve, but the card stock quality is much thicker. “Just a few more, and you’re done for the night.”

  “I can deliver these for you.”

  I grin as I turn his way. How’d I get so lucky to have such a great employee? “That’s sweet of you. No hot plans tonight?”

  “Nah. Raynne and I split, so I’m lying low for a few days.”

  I shake my head. “Why am I not surprised? Do you stay with anyone for more than a couple dates?”

  He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I like the variety—shoot me. That chick was feisty, but damn, was she crazy, so that one wasn’t my fault. Girl put a wireless Ring camera in my apartment without telling me.”

  “That’s a bit excessive, but how did you not know a Ring was installed at your front door? Don’t you walk by it every time you enter?”

  He laughs as he turns to me with his eyes opened wide. “Because it was inside my house, not outside. Yesterday, my sister came over, and Raynne called immediately. ‘Why do you have a girl in your apartment?’ she aske
d. I was like, ‘How in the hell do you know who I have here?’ She said I was denying it and had proof because she was watching me! The camera was buried behind my books, like a little sneak. I told her, no way. It’s over. I can’t be with a woman who doesn’t trust me.”

  “Wow. Well, you can’t say we didn’t try to warn you. It’s the misspelled name; it’s like a curse for you.”

  He sighs. “I need to find me a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders. I’m not getting any younger.”

  I laugh. “You’re twenty-five. I think you have time until you have to settle down.”

  “I didn’t say anything about settling down. I just want to be with a woman and not have to worry about her going through my drawers when I’m out or making a fake Snapchat to snoop.”

  “I would offer a suggestion, but I met my boyfriend by dialing the wrong number.”

  He purses his mouth and contemplates the idea. “I could try that. Maybe I can meet myself a sexy accountant or something. It’ll be the hot new dating trend. I bet I can get it to trend on TikTok.”

  I nudge him hard with the side of my body since I can’t use my hands. “You just stick to meeting people the old-fashioned way. Want me to see if Sebastian knows anyone? He’s hooking Charity up.”

  Shawn glares out the side of his eye. “Your man is hooking Charity up with a hotshot attorney?”

  “I’m not exactly sure with whom—someone he went to school with.”

  A grimace crosses his face as his brow furrows. A harrumph comes from his chest as he focuses more on the song playing. He’s silent as he works with me to fill the boxes with truffles. The music helps us move quicker as the beat is more up-tempo than what usually plays while we work.

  Where I excel at tempering chocolate—heating and cooling it to the desired shininess or snap of the chocolate—Shawn is excellent at molding. He has a design technique that makes the perfect mold for the presentation boxes. For someone who decided recently that he wanted to be a chocolatier, he has a gift.