“Maybe you should pay more attention in the meetings.” She smirks.
“Maybe you shouldn’t look so fucking hot,” I say underneath my breath before exiting. Her laughter follows me out.
Thankfully, I have a couple of client meetings before lunch, which will take my mind off her. Some of the law clinic clients contacted us, and I’m excited to meet up with them. There are three families in need of a better, affordable place to live, and I plan to find a space for them, probably in Connor’s building. We will also enroll the kids in our programs, so childcare won’t be an issue. And there are two other families needing me to represent them in court.
Underprivileged people are often victims of the justice system, simply because court appointed lawyers aren’t as skillful and motivated as the courtroom sharks waiting for their massive bonuses. Some cases will probably take a lot of researching and prep time for me, but I’m looking forward to it.
After finishing the last of my client meetings, Kiara calls to me from her office.
“You needed me?”
“Please, take a seat.” She gestures to the chair in front of her desk. “Are you satisfied here in our little slice of heaven?”
I smile, happy the topic of this conversation isn’t ‘I watched the security footage from a couple of weeks ago.’
“Honestly? I’m loving it. I don’t want to sound like a suck up, but I’m extremely glad I made the decision to come work here.”
“I’m glad to hear that. We’re also very happy to have you. I heard about the gala theme you proposed, and I love it. Your initiative with the law clinic was incredible, and you fit in seamlessly with the rest of the team.”
“Thank you, Kiara. I actually have two more law clinic families coming tomorrow that need my help with immigration papers.”
“That’s great, Matt. As I said, we appreciate having you here.” The wrinkles beside her eyes deepen with a smile. “You can get to lunch.”
It’s good to be appreciated.
Headingto the break room on Friday, Sarah sends me a video of Benji. He’s running towards her, more stable now, with an adorable smile on his chubby face. My lips can’t help but turn up.
“What are you smiling about?” Natalie asks when I enter. I have no idea when she and I will meet up again. She hasn’t made any moves, and I’m following her lead. Staying away and playing it cool is torture, but letting her close herself off again isn’t an option.
“My sister sent me a video of Benji running.”
“Ooh, let me see.”
“He’s adorable,” she says, staring at the screen.
“Enjoying your lunch?” I nod towards another prepackaged salad she’s eating.
“Not really.” She shrugs.
“At least the company got better.”
She laughs, and the sound goes straight to my chest. Making her come is a treat, but making her laugh is something else.
Anne enters the break room, and I dig into my lunch.
“Are you guys coming tonight?” Anne asks.
She swallows her food before saying: “Sure. But I want to do a yoga class before, so we can meet around eight?” Fuck, the image doesn’t help my plan to stay away.
“Works for me. You?” Anne turns to me. “You haven’t responded in the group chat.”
“Sorry, haven’t read it. But sure, why not?” I’m not expecting anything after, but the thought of seeing her again today is enough to lift my spirits.
“OK, then. Eight o’clock, Factory?” She points at me, I nod, and she repeats the same with Natalie. Grabbing her food, she leaves the room.
“Wow, someone really wants to have drinks tonight.” Natalie says, sarcastically, making me swallow a laugh.
“Yeah...I guess she’s sick of the pointless dates.” Anne is on the same mission as I am, finding love. Unfortunately, her first dates are just as unsuccessful as mine.
