Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 2

H E R A

I looked at my pinstriped dark grey pantsuit with matching black stiletto shoes. I tucked in the few loose strands that escaped my low pony tail. I just arrived at Versailles to have my bi-monthly meeting with the club's owner, Carrie. I just come here to talk to her about anything under the sun even if it doesn't have anything to do with her annulment problems. If her annulment comes up, we talk about it but if not, then we don't discuss it.

I dropped by Drunk and Sober to get my coffee fix. The cafe is bustling as usual. Members and guests choosing to stay here to mingle or just relax with a book in hand. If only I could get this quality of coffee from the cafes close to the office, I could be in a better mood.

"Good morning, Attorney!" Masayang bati sa akin ni Tabi. She looked radiant like the ball of energy that she is as always. From what I know, she is married to Calhoun Esteves, a famous actor-turned-director. Her tamed curly hair framed her beautiful face. She really fits to be the one to greet anybody entering her cafe. Her smile might be infectious to some excluding me.

"Good morning. I'll have my cold brew please and please add an iced latte. Thanks."

Ngumiti ito bilang tugon. "Coming right up!"

I waited for my coffee before deciding to just walk to the Wallflower. It was close by anyway and besides, I needed the walk. Sinasabi sa akin lagi ni Cath, sekretarya ni Damon, na hindi na ito magugulat kung makita ako nitong tumakbo ng naka-high heels. With the years of wearing them, nasanay na nga ata ang paa kong naka-takong. Throughout the years, I found that your armor is just as strong as how you dress. Which is why I dress in dark clothes, black sky-high stilletto heels, and my signature blood-red lipstick.

The weather was ideal for walking especially as the cool breeze fans my face. By the time I got to the well-decorated boutique hotel, the receptionist let me up as she knew me already. I immediately saw Carrie's secretary by her office door.

Jodine, Waldo's replacement, stood up when she saw me. I have worked with Waldo in the past years but from what I heard, Carrie let him go to let him start his own family and took in Jodine as her secretary. Jodine used to work as a masseuse in the club's spa until Carrie saw something in her and offered her this job. The woman had a pleasant face and always smiled at me in greeting. I wonder if her radiant smiling face doesn't spasm from all of the smiling she's doing throughout the day like Tabi. Nilapag ko ang iced latte sa mesa nito.

"Thought you might need it." I always make sure to bring her an iced latte ever since I saw an empty cup on her table one time. From that day onward, I always brought her one.

"Thanks, Attorney. Ganda mo ngayon." Lagi nitong sinasabi sa akin iyon. I just say thanks or give her a tight smile. Noong una ay medyo ilag pa si Jodine sa akin pero nang maglaon ay nasanay din kami sa presensiya ng isa't isa. Sabi nga nito sa akin ay — "Hindi naman po pala kayo kumakain ng tao Attorney."

"You look great too." In contrast to my style, she wore pastel-coloured sheer blouses with a matching skirt. She reminded me of that Koreanovela that Cath watches with her girlfriend. Her slender body and height could pass her as a beauty queen. I know better. Beneath all that pretty and cute exterior is a woman tested by time.

"Inaantay ka na ni Miss Carrie sa loob, Attorney."

I opened the door and strode in with my satchel. I caught her sitting in the visitor's area while sipping her tea. She's clad in a bright red pantsuit today with a matching hat and the veil that always covered her face.

"Morning." I greeted her before I sat on the soft couch.

"How was your travel? You know you can use the chopper, right?" Matagal na akong pinipilit nito na gamitin ang chopper nito dahil wala naman daw akong ibang pinupuntahan dito sa may norte dahil karamihan sa mga kliyente ko ay nasa siyudad.