The Darker Exterior

Chapter 20

As I buttoned up my green blouse, I gazed into the elegant mirror in front of me. I hadn't gotten any sleep and it was showing in large dark circles highlighting my sunken eyes. No matter the outcome, I couldn't wait for this to end. At least then, I wouldn't have to ponder all the possibilities and consequences. 

"You're already up?" Atticus' groggy voice rasped from my bed behind us. I turned to him with a small smile as he sat up, placing his feet on my small pink shag carpet. 

"More like I was never asleep," I say, grabbing a nearby matching skirt from my closet. 

"Understandable, Ms. Vidal," he groaned, resting his head in his hands. No matter how much Atticus supported me through this, I saw how it was affecting him. And to be frank, I could understand his hesitation.

After all, he is about to try to ruin his son.

"Are you alright?" I ask, zipping the slightly tighter-than-I-thought skirt up.

"Of course my darling. I'm just going to hop in the shower and we can get going, alright?" he kissed my forehead and rubbed a hand down his face as he strutted to my bathroom.

As I waited anxiously, I brewed a large pot of coffee that had almost exploded as it overfilled, dripping all over the cord. And of course, in a matching suit, I was out of paper towels. 

But I will say, the morning negativity distracted me well from the negativity I was no doubt about to face.

Just as I had cleaned my mess, Atticus walked out of my bedroom wearing another one of his crisp suits, his hair done impeccably, sliding his rings on his fingers.

"You about ready to go, bubbles?" he asks, grabbing his wallet from my counter. The small gesture made me smile and I nodded, walking over to him before pulling him into a loose embrace.

"I just want it to be over," I say, looking up at him. 

"And over it will be, my dear, so let's get going. Time to beat some ass, eh?" he teased, ticking my stomach gently before pulling me toward my door.

The ride to the building was almost silent, but It felt as though everything was screaming at me, from the bright morning sky to the music on the radio. Anger was beginning to fume through my veins.

I was gonna destroy this son of a bitch.

*******************

The parking garage was nearly empty as Atticus pulled in. We were lucky enough to get a close spot today. The only other car in the vicinity was Ford's memorable car.

He must have gotten here even earlier just to be more of an asshole by being first. Or maybe everything he did just made me mad now. 

Atticus got out of the car and straightened his jacket before hastily walking over to my side of the car, opening the door for me before extending his palm to me. 

I had learned if I opened my own car door, it would be shut abruptly just so Atticus would have the satisfaction of opening it for me, so I never bothered anymore. He had trained me well, I guess.

Taking his hand, I dusted myself off as well, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Do you have everything?" I ask looking at the files in Atticus' other hand.

"Everything and more, Ms. Vidal. So let's go beat some ass, shall we?" he began to pull me toward the doors.

Each step I took felt labored, almost powerful. The slight heel on my shoes lacked against the pavement, hallway, and eventually the elevator floor.