Everything Started Here With You

Men

"Man is the only animal that refuses to be what he is."

-- Albert Camus

Jordan Baschet really has me running around for more evidence. Then again, who needs evidence when it's Luca? He deserves to get sued. All the things he's done to my best friend. He's cheated lots of good people out of money or good business tips. Imagine being the butt of his joke when you realize not everyone likes a blunt person. His opinion isn't worth anyone's time. I can't see how anyone deals with him.

After the little call from Palm Springs about a new court date, I was more than happy to help bring this idiot down. Curse his career and good looks. No one wants a narcissist for a husband. Or best friend. No one wants to be the lapdog, taking care of all his problems and picking up after his lies. No way I could have dealt with him without Hayden backing me up.

"And what do we have here?" Jacobi asked. "My hardworking head attorney dealing with the likes of a lying doctor?"

"Hmm. I kind of figured he didn't have the guts to go through with it." I sighed. "I think he was genuinely concerned about it when he first came to me. And to think he ended up lying about it in just one night. Do you think it made Luca scared?"

"Of course! When a close friend suddenly declares you're the culprit for tax fraud, and you're going to court again, I'd be shaking in my boots."

"You don't wear boots..."

"Figuratively, honey. Anyway, why don't you go out somewhere? Leave everything to me today. I have more than enough help right now."

"You know I live for my work. I missed a case just to deal with a crazy stepfather-in-law. Do you know how upset I was?"

"Kera, you had a party the night before a court case. You not showing your face in court is what made the guy spill his evidence before thinking you were the one keeping us together."

"I wasn't?"

Jacobi laughed. Right. I wasn't the one keeping the team together. Yes, I may be strict at times to keep them from forgetting we're attorneys, but it's not like I was an actual boss. I answer to Jacobi who answers to his father. Well, I expected something else.

"Fine." I sighed. "I'll go, but you owe me. Again."

"Whatever you say, honey." Jacobi walked out just as Dante walked in. Wow. Of all people to come crawling back. I guess my warning from last time didn't get through to him. Jacobi looked back at the last minute and nodded. Right. He is on my side if I need him. I sure as hell want him to know what Dante does in his spare time. Harassment isn't a game.

"...I see you're doing better than I thought you would," he noted uselessly.

"What do you want?" I snapped.

He frowned and hummed in thought. "Nothing. Just wanted to be in your presence."

"Well, I don't want you here. You're taking up space and we have nothing to talk about."

"We do, Sha'Kera. We have a lot to talk about."

"Like what."

"Dinner. I never got to plan it with you last time."

Why was he trying to get me to go to dinner? I have a husband! Kids! When will he ever learn? I guess humiliation is the way into a man's mind. He'll learn his lesson after he sees how much a snitch I can be. If he wants me to act like a woman, I'll act like one.

"Fine!" I sighed heavily. "We'll go to dinner. What time?"

"Tonight. I'll pick you up," he said.