“Seriously, bro,” Derrick mumbled, “I would get a plate quickly if I were you. I’m just about ready for seconds myself.”
“Hey, Vince, I saw you being kind of clingy with that broad over the weekend. You know, Derrick’s sister-in-law. What was up with that?” Mike usually just came right out and asked whatever it was he wanted to know. His style was intrusive and usually rude. Mike was Vince’s friend who couldn’t seem to settle down; he didn’t think any woman was worthy of him. In Vince’s opinion, he couldn’t settle down because he couldn’t seem to get past his own self-hatred.
“Not that it’s any of your business...we were just having a conversation.”
“Sasha’s cool,” Derrick added. “She’s really into her career, but she’s a decent person.”
“I think she’s beautiful,” said Taj. “And I think while we’re on the subject, V, you should start thinking about settling down. Find yourself a good woman and have some kids. That’s what it’s all about.”
“That’s not what it’s all about,” Mike argued. “Once you settle down with a woman, your life is over. You no longer have control of your life. Suddenly you got somebody in your ear every day of your life, nagging...and nagging. I’m never settling. Too many fish in the sea.”
“I made the plunge,” Derrick said. “It took me a minute because I had all these goals that I wanted to achieve beforehand. But that went out the window. The reality of it is, when you find the right woman, and you know it...then you have to follow your heart.”
“Yeah, she definitely had your nose wide open,” Mike said to Derrick. “That’s why you were married a month earlier than planned. And you’ll probably be a daddy before the year is over. Watch what I tell you.”
“Derrick is right,” Taj agreed. “When you find the right woman, you follow your heart.”
Mike shook his head. “And this from a man who married his high school sweetheart. You never had the opportunity to stray a little, so how would you know if she’s the right woman? You never even had any strange booty.”
“I’ve had strange booty,” said Taj.
The men laughed heartily at Taj’s rebuttal. Mike had a way of making a fool of Taj, and once again, he’d fallen right into the trap.
“Who have you had sex with since high school besides Elaine?” Mike asked.
Taj was silent. Vince was the only one who knew that it had been less than a year since Taj had an affair. He’d caught Elaine cheating, and as a result he’d had a fling of his own. After ending the affair and confessing it to his wife, Taj and Elaine vowed to never cheat on each other again. They were working on their marriage.
Vince rescued Taj from the discomfort of Mike’s ranting. “I say we go downstairs and watch those Cowgirls get spanked by the Giants.”
“Yeah let’s,” said Mike. “The Giants don’t have a chance in hell of beating the Cowboys. You know it, I know it and the Giants know it.”
The two men argued all the way down to the basement. With all the talk of women and marriage and settling down, Vince thought of Sasha. He wondered if she was the woman he was supposed to have a future with. He wondered if he even wanted a future with anyone. Taj’s marital issues had caused him to be gun-shy; they’d made him afraid of marriage. That was before bumping into Sasha, though. After spending time with her, he could actually see himself settling down for the first time. If she’d just let go of her inhibitions, she might be able to see it too.
Chapter 12
Sasha stepped into her office and placed her briefcase on the corner of Keira’s desk.
“Good morning.”
“Got your Frappuccino,” said Keira, handing Sasha her drink and a stack of messages. “Glad to see you back.”
“Glad to be back,” Sasha said and flipped through her messages. “What’s the mood like around here?”
“Quiet, for now. But give it time. Kirby will be up to her usual tricks soon. Everyone understood about your being stuck in Nassau. Except Kyle of course.” Keira lowered her voice. “He’s asinine. “But other than being stranded, how was your trip?”
“It was very nice. And being stranded wasn’t so bad.”
“Really? That can only mean one thing...you were stranded with a man!”
“How does that mean that?”
“I know you, Sasha Winters. You would not be happy about being stranded and missing that retreat. That was too important to miss. No, there’s something more to this story.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your face is different.” Keira gave her a closer look. “You look like you got your groove back! Just like Terry McMillan did in Waiting to Exhale.”
Keira was an avid reader and had an active imagination. Sasha often accused her of living vicariously through the books that she read. Sometimes she had trouble separating the stories from real life.
“And what does that look like, Keira? What does it mean to get your groove back?”
“It means you’re glowing.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Am I? Sasha Winters, you met a man,” Keira insisted. “Now, tell me you didn’t.”
“Okay, I did.” Sasha smiled and then hushed Keira. “But keep your voice down.”
“I want all the details, Sasha, and I mean it.” Keira smiled. “But first, Kyle’s waiting in your office. He wants to see you.”
“About what?” Sasha frowned.
“Who knows? But you and I will talk later about this new man.”
Sasha wouldn’t be boasting about a new man at all. Vince had turned out to be just like all the other men in the world—predictable. Just when she’d come to terms with her feelings about him, she’d spotted him at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with a gorgeous woman. He’d wrapped his arms around her; kissed her. Sasha had fought the urge to confront him. She’d had a good mind to walk right up to them at baggage claim and let this woman know exactly what he’d been up to while away in the Bahamas.
Before reaching Atlanta, thoughts of Vince had her giddy. She’d found herself thinking of him during the entire flight and wondering what he was doing, whether or not he’d made it home safely or whether he was thinking of her. However, after seeing him with that woman at the airport, she’d attempted to erase all memories of him. Every intimate moment had been a lie and didn’t deserve another minute of her time, she thought. She wouldn’t allow him to absorb her thoughts or energy. Her plan was to bury herself in work, just as she always had. It was what she was accustomed to.
Kyle was seated in the brown leather chair in the corner of Sasha’s office. With legs crossed, he spoke firmly with someone on his cell phone. When he saw Sasha, he held up his index finger in order to indicate “one minute” as if he were in his own office. Sasha resented his arrogance, but she endured it.
After Kyle ended his call, he looked at Sasha, “And what exactly was it that had you detained over the weekend?”
“I was stuck in the Bahamas due to a terrible storm. It was beyond my control.” Sasha pulled a manila file from her briefcase and then sat at her desk. “The phone lines were down. But once I was able to use my phone, I asked Keira to inform you.”
“I got the message, Sasha, but missing the retreat wasn’t a good move for you. You’re at a very critical time in your career, and not showing up for such an important event...I mean...”
“It couldn’t be helped, Kyle,” explained Sasha.
Secretly she was happy that she’d missed the retreat. The time she’d spent in the Bahamas had been far more entertaining than rubbing elbows with snobbish people from the industry. She felt guilty for feeling that way, but she couldn’t help it. The trip had done her a world of good; revived her. Even if things hadn’t worked out with Vince, she was a new woman, with a new outlook on life.
Someti
me during the conversation with Kyle, she’d checked out.
“Is that good for you?” he was asking.
“Is what good for me?”
“A staff meeting this afternoon at three. I’d like to go over our caseload and figure out which cases are better suited for Kirby, and which ones are a better fit for you.”
“Sure, Kyle. No problem.”
A light tap on the door interrupted their conversation.
“Sorry to interrupt, Sasha, but these just arrived for you.” Keira walked into Sasha’s office carrying a vase filled with a dozen coral roses. “It’s got a card too,” she pointed out with a smile. Keira placed the vase on Sasha’s desk.
“Thank you, Keira,” said Sasha.
“Hmm...a secret admirer?” Kyle asked.
“Not sure.” Sasha grabbed the card and slipped it into the pocket of her slacks without opening it.
“They’re coral,” explained Keira with a smile. “Coral roses convey desire.”
“Thank you, Keira. That will be all,” Sasha insisted, and Keira winked as she exited the office.
“Who are they from?” Kyle asked, inappropriately.
Kyle was a handsome man. Shorter than average height, he looked like a younger version of his older brother, Louis. He wore tailored suits and perfectly shined shoes. His hair was always freshly cut, and he wore a precisely trimmed goatee. Kyle always smelled of the latest, most expensive fragrances.
She’d always liked Louis and had a great deal of respect for him, but not so much for Kyle. Johnson, Johnson and Donovan was one of the oldest firms in the Atlanta area. Established by their father, Gregory Johnson, in the early sixties, it was known for its strong ethics and respect for the law. Greg Johnson built his firm on fairness and hired only the best attorneys. Louis tried hard to maintain the standards set by their father. However, Sasha wasn’t sure that Kyle shared their father’s values. And she knew that Kirby Alexander sure didn’t. Her intentions were to make a name for herself, not to expand the company. Sasha had a great deal of respect for the Johnson family and knew that the firm was in trouble with Louis retiring. She knew that the best way to maintain the integrity of the firm would be for them to make her partner. She had the knowledge and experience, but most of all she had the heart for it.
Ignoring his question, she said, “Yes, Kyle. Three o’clock works just fine for me. I’ll see you then?”
With a surprised look on his face, Kyle stood and walked over to the door. He’d been dismissed and didn’t know how to respond. “I’ll see you at three.” He lingered near the door for a moment and then walked out, but not soon enough.
Once he was gone, Sasha closed the door. She was anxious to get to the card that accompanied the breathtaking bouquet. She pulled it out of her pocket and opened it. It read: Enjoyed every second with you. I know you said to let it be, but I can’t get you out of my head. Have dinner with me tonight...Starbucks, 14th Street & Peachtree, 6pm. P.S. Wear jeans. Vince.
“Wear jeans?” Sasha whispered to herself. “And since when did Starbucks serve dinner?”
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and the door opened quickly. Keira slipped in like a cat burglar and eased the door shut behind her. She took a seat on the leather love seat in Sasha’s office and crossed her legs.
“Now! Who is this man that is expressing desire for you with coral roses?”
“His name is Vince. He was the best man at Bridget and Derrick’s wedding. We sort of...hit it off.”
“Sort of hit it off, Sasha?” Keira asked. “What does that mean?”
“Okay, we hit it off pretty well.”
“Is he cute? Never mind. That was a dumb question. Of course he is.”
“Very handsome. Tall and dark with the cutest dimples.” Sasha giggled.
“Is he married or have children?”
“I’m not sure. I saw him being picked up at the airport by some woman. They were quite cozy. It was probably his wife or a girlfriend.”
“Could’ve been a friend, or his sister or a distant cousin even.”
“He kissed her,” said Sasha.
“On the mouth?”
“No...the forehead, but still...”
“Don’t assume things, Sasha. Ask him about her. These roses don’t say...I’m married or in a relationship. They say I’m very interested in you! Men don’t send bouquets like this for nothing. These were carefully chosen.”
“That might be true.”
“So...where is this thing going? You dating him? You planning on giving up the booty?”
Sasha looked sheepish.
“What’s that look?” Keira covered her mouth. “Oh, my God, Sasha Winters! You already gave up the booty?”
“Shh! Keep your voice down.” Sasha smiled. “When you say it like that, it makes it sound so cheap.”
“Sorry.”
“Besides, you told me to have a good time.”
“That I did,” Keira said with a laugh. “I didn’t tell you to give up the booty, but I guess if it was good...then...I’m happy for you, Sasha. You deserve love and happiness.”
“Not so fast. He might be hitched.”
“Or not.”
“Or not,” Sasha agreed, a glimmer of hope in her voice. It was worth finding out who the woman was before she jumped to conclusions. She sighed. “Thanks, Keira. Now, I’m not trying to put you out, but I really have a lot of work to catch up on.”
“Fine. I’m leaving,” Keira stood, “but before I go, please tell me you’re going to see him again.”
“I might.” Sasha blushed. The truth was she’d already calculated the number of hours before she met him at Starbucks.
Keira took one last smell of the roses. “He’s got good taste.”
Sasha nodded a yes. He did have good taste, she thought.
* * *
Everyone had already taken their usual seats around the conference table by the time Sasha entered the room. Taking her place next to Louis, she opened her iPad and searched for her list of cases. Kyle opened the meeting by bragging about the retreat and how worthwhile it had been for all who attended—making sure he glanced at Sasha when emphasizing the words all who attended.
“Louis has been handling our biggest client, the ProTek Pharmaceutical account. However, as we all know, Louis has one foot out the door and will be pursuing a career on the golf course soon. We need someone who is fully capable of taking over the representation of this client,” said Kyle. “Of course, I think that Kirby would work best...”
Louis interrupted. “Excuse me, Kyle. Don’t mean to interrupt, but I think that Sasha would be better at representing ProTek. She has more experience, and she’s assisted me on this account in the past. This company has very complex legal affairs, and I think that Sasha is fully capable of handling them.”
Sasha gave Louis a warm smile. The Louis she remembered was back. He’d always protected her in the past.
“They’re currently in litigation against one of their employees,” Kyle reminded the staff. “We need someone who is shrewd.”
“I’m familiar with the owners of the company, and I’m sure that Louis can quickly bring me up to speed on the details of the case.” Sasha wanted this case. It was a great way to move closer to her goal. “I can do this, Kyle.”
“No offense, Sasha,” Kirby chimed in, “but you’re not as shrewd as I am...”
“No offense taken, Kirby,” Sasha stated, “and you’re absolutely correct...I’m not as shrewd as you are. I don’t think anyone is. However, I am a more seasoned attorney, I’m familiar with ProTek and I’m a barracuda in the courtroom.”
“ProTek is an important client, Sasha,” said Kyle.
“I’m aware of that.”
“You would have to devote most of your
time to this one,” explained Kyle, “and you’d have to be careful not to let your personal life interfere.”
“We all have personal lives, Kyle. And for the record, I’ve never allowed my personal life to interfere with my professional life.”
“It would require your undivided attention.”
“For crying out loud, Kyle. She’s just taking on a case, not performing heart surgery,” said Louis.
“Don’t disappoint us,” Kyle finally said.
Sasha smiled inside. It felt good to be depended on—to be trusted to handle such an important client. She knew that representing ProTek could easily launch her into the partner position that she’d had her sights on for so long. She knew the background on the company. ProTek’s business practices were somewhat questionable, but someone had to represent it. Even though many consumers are harmed by drugs because pharmaceutical companies fail to warn them about certain risks, Sasha knew that it was simply the nature of the beast. As an attorney it was her job to protect her client, and if it got her the corner office with a view, she’d learn to live with it.
“I won’t disappoint, Kyle.”
“This can’t take a backseat to your personal life,” Kyle reiterated.
“Johnson, Johnson and Donovan is my life,” said Sasha.
Sasha was engaged in a war, and obtaining the ProTek account was one step closer to winning a battle. The look of defeat on Kirby’s face was priceless. Sasha knew that Kyle would have to pay for this for weeks to come. She left the meeting feeling a sense of victory that she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Chapter 13
Starbucks was crowded and loud conversations overpowered the light coffeehouse music. People were scattered about—some of them pecking on the keys of their laptops, while others were engaged in quiet conversations. Sasha had chosen the best-fitting pair of jeans in her closet and a nice colorful top—the one that brought out the brown in her skin. She’d applied a natural-colored eye shadow with matching lip gloss, and had traced her eyes with black eyeliner. She’d sprayed a few squirts of perfume, but not too much.
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