Page 25 of Rayne
Jason's lips twitch into a smile. "Yes. He's agreed to handle some of his own tasks to assist with your capacity."
Ha. Get your own damn coffee.
"Okay, that sounds fine. When does Elijah start?" I ask, grabbing a pen.
"Next Monday," Jason answers. "I'll be handling orientation personally but then I'll introduce you and have you show him around the office. I'll get Mary to send through a list of cases he'll be taking over so we can start transferring everything into his carriage."
I nod. "Anything else you need me to do in the meantime to help?"
He pauses for a second. "No, but if you get any pushback, please let me know."
Judging by his tone, Nick must have said something to him. It's not uncommon for Nick to speak his mind, even to his superiors. But in this instance, I would have kept my mouth shut.
I just nod again, giving him a courteous smile. "No worries. Leave it with me."
Jason turns and leaves, the office quietening down as he walks past them to return to his office. Once his door is closed, the chatter begins again and I slump in my chair. I have no idea how I'll manage everything. Hopefully Nick is less of an asshole and doesn't try to bury me in some attempt at vengeance. The last thing I need is to be collateral damage in a dick waving contest.
I make a start on his case research, easily recognizing that I won't be leaving here tonight. Sadly, it's not the first time I've slept at the office. I have a gym membership with a nearby facility for this reason. If I need to blow off some steam, it's there--but most importantly, there's showers. I also keep a change of clothes in my office just in case.
As the day ends, one by one, my colleagues leave, giving me pitiful stares as I keep on working. The sun finally sets, and I have to turn on some lights to keep going. I notice Jason is still in his office, working late on his case. It's not unusual for attorneys to pull all-nighters either, but soon enough, I'm the last one here.
After ordering some takeout, I keep working, finally managing to finish around four in the morning. I plop my head on the desk, not even worried about how uncomfortable it is. I fall asleep easily, but unfortunately, it doesn't last long.
I'm awoken three hours later by Nick banging my office door. I bolt upright, paper sticking to my cheek.
"Jesus!" I yell, eyes glassy as I squint at him.
"Argh, are you still in the same clothes as yesterday?" he asks with disgust.
I'm drowsy as fuck, with zero filter on only three hours sleep.
"Obviously," I snap back. "Because I haven't been home yet. I haven't even left my desk."
Nick looks well rested, his expensive suit mocking me. He glares at me, scoffing.
"Did you at least finish the task?"
"Did you at least check your emails?" I bark back, rubbing my face. "God, what time is it?"
He huffs, annoyed at my backtalk. "It's seven. You should be ready to go."
Pushing back my chair, I stand. I'm surprised that he flinches slightly, the thought amusing me.
Ignoring him, I reach for my change of clothes, also grabbing my cell and keys.
"Where are you going?" he demands.
Throwing him an incredulous look, I motion for him to step out of the way. "It's not my start time yet. I'm going to go shower, change, and grab a coffee."
Nick's eyes light up, his mouth opening to speak. I hold my hand up, cutting him off.
"I'm not getting you coffee, Nicholas. I'm well aware of what Jason has spoken to you about. Therefore, I won't have time to run your personal errands. Ask a legal secretary if you need assistance."
He's left speechless as I stroll past him, heading to the elevators. It's just a quick few minute walk to the gym, and I make a beeline for the showers, past all the early morning gym-goers working out on machines.
Finally, I feel somewhat human again after a change of clothes and a large extra shot of coffee. When I walk back into my office, I'm not surprised to find large piles of work waiting for me. Obviously punishment for my mouth, I pretend not to let it bother me as I click my mouse to awaken my computer.
It's going to be a long day. Hell, it's going to be a long week.
