Sudden Chance

Code Blue

When I swing open the office door Andrew nearly falls over. He at least has the decency to look slightly embarrassed before fixing his suit and pretending nothing happened.

David sees him and his frown deepens, "Since you are so eager Andrew you and I can have a meeting now instead of later."

I resist the urge to smirk and quickly make my way out of the office, snagging an empty folder to make it look like I was just here for some documents and not getting scolded. While I want to cry I know that odds are there is someone, somewhere watching me and looking for a reaction so I hold my head high and act like nothing is wrong.

In my car I glance down at my phone, my last four missed calls are all from my dad. Shit. Speaking of the devil my phone starts to ring again with the contact name reading, 'dad'. I let it go to voicemail again and make the drive home. Once I'm back inside I draw all the shutters for the windows that look out onto the street. I didn't see anyone which means they probably don't have my address. Yet.

I scoop up Moose who was sleeping on the couch and sit down, "I'm gonna need some emotional support for this phone call buddy."

I hesitate for a moment staring at my dad's contact number. Eventually I hit dial.

He picks up on the second ring, "Evelyn, about time you called me back."

"Hi dad, I'm doing great thanks for asking. I've missed you too." I can hear the waver in my voice from tears that haven't fallen yet.

I can hear my dad sigh and his voice softens, "So you've read the article."

"Yeah. I just got back to the office, David showed it to me." I pet Moose who has snuggled into my lap and is softly snoring.

I can hear my dad sigh again, I can picture him now. He is probably pacing his office and rubbing the back of his neck, "Evie, I wish I knew what to tell you. Your mother she would have known. She was always better at these things than I am. Do you want to talk about it?" I can hear the hesitation as he trails off, my dad is many things but emotional talks involving tears is not one of those things.

"Maybe another time? Right now I want to sleep. My phone has been blowing up so I may have to get a new number and I'm worried about my address being leaked." I frown as I catch myself absentmindedly chewing on my nail. A bad habit that hasn't appeared in a long time.

"Focus on relaxing right now. I will be flying out there to see you as soon as I wrap up the trials I have and we can figure out everything then. Does that help?" For what he lacks in emotional skills dad is great with logistical details. So all the contingencies, even things I probably won't think of will be handled.

I sniffle and nod even though he can't see me. "Yeah, thanks Dad."

"Okay, I have to go to a meeting now. But text me no matter the time if you need to talk." His tone is firm but gentle and I can tell he is really trying to help.

"I will dad." I fiddle with the hem of my top as I talk, while I don't want to talk about what happened I also don't want to be alone.

"Talk to you later pumpkin." My dad tells me as the line disconnects. Coming from him that is the same as telling me he loves me.

I look around at the empty house and it feels too empty, too quiet. I go to my messages and open up Rose's contact 'Code Blue. Immediate assistance requested.' Rose and I have a series of codes that we can text each other if its something major. Code red is for drama but not something we need the other person for right that second. Pink is for any romantic or positive news. Blue is a code we don't normally use. Normally we don't have to but it's for personal emergencies and immediate attention. Basically a if you can get here get here.

A couple of minutes pass before my phone buzzes, 'omw'

While I wait for Rose I begin to look through and listen to all the missed calls. I grab a notepad and pen from the side table so I can keep track of everything. Most of the calls are from various tabloids and journalists looking to see if I had any comment to the article release this morning. Part of my worry is that I would be contacted by the opposing counsel team but so far it has just been junk. I block all of the numbers but keep my written record. I pull my laptop from my bag and open it and type my name into the internet browser. The first result is the now trending news article. Great. Aside from the one article the other results are linked to cases I have worked on. Switching over to the images results aside from the few photos from the article the rest are professionally done. Which is good. The last thing I need is extra photos surfacing around. I at least know I don't have to worry about my social media because I don't have any public accounts.

Before I have the chance to search any further I hear a series of quick knocks on the door. I look out the peephole and see Rose standing on the other side with a big bag of things. I unlatch the door and am immediately swallowed into a big hug.

****Jimmi POV****

I check my phone as soon as I hear the buzz hoping it's Evie. I had sent her a message once I got up still feeling jetlagged. I chuckle at the photo of her grinning with her coffee, 'Behold! The nectar of the gods.'

'So cruel to tease me when I want coffee this badly!' I hit send but start typing out another message. 'Evie I'm going to be bold here so please forgive me if I'm being too forward but I would love to cook for you when I'm back. I have this amazing pasta recipe and you can consider it as paying me back for the coffee and muffin from yesterday.' I hit send again before I have the chance to talk myself out of it.

A knock on my hotel door distracts me and I set my phone down to go and answer the door to my room service order. While I'm eating breakfast my phone buzzes and I'm quick to check but it is just a reminder to meet in the hotel lobby to go to set in ten minutes.

The next chance I have to check my phone isn't until night when I'm back from filming. Evie still hasn't responded. Was it too much? I thought it would be okay but maybe I should've let her make the next move. I try not to dwell too much on it as I shower and get ready for bed. It was a long day with a lot of scenes and I'm ready to crash.

Sleep that night is fitful and I keep waking up throughout the night. I'm woken up to my phone ringing in the morning. Seeing the call is from my manager, Cindy I pick up, "Hello?" My voice is still hoarse with sleep.

"Have you seen tabloids recently?" Cindy asks, her voice high pitched with worry.

"You know I haven't" I tell her closing my eyes again.

"I'll send you the article now. We will have to release a statement on this." Cindy tells me and I can feel my phone buzz from a message.

I click on the link and my heart immediately drops. Well shit.