Suits (My Worst Partner-Enemy)

Little Soccer Player

Harvey scoffed. "You gotta be kidding me. She actually said that?" He asked. "Yeah, I don't know if we settled a case or agreed to a bribe." He agreed. Lunch hour arrived. That's why we met up at the hot dog stand. "Did she sign the plea offer?" Harvey asked. "Yeah." I said, holding up the folder as we walked. "Then 'A' she can't rescind that thing unless new evidence comes to light, and I don't have to interview her for shit." He said. "Good." Mike said. "Yeah, good. I don't want to hire another associate ever again. The one I picked causes me enough headaches." He said, referring to Mike. I fake smiled and crossed my arms. "The feeling's mutual for Senior partners." I joked. Mike scoffed. "Oh, right, like winning cases? Graffiti, man in black—does that ring any bells?" He agreed. "It does indeed, which leads us to our next assignment, should you choose to accept it." He quoted. I managed to brush off a chuckle. Someone's been watching so much Mission Impossible. Mike sighed annoyedly. "Please tell me you're about to self-destruct." He said. "We need to settle with the Chung family." Harvey told us. That made us stop walking. I looked at him in shock. "Excuse me, what?" I asked. "Harvey, their son just died." He reminded. "I know, and I also know that grief comes in stages, and the best time to settle is before it gets to anger." He explained. Is he serious right now? Making grief turn into green dollar signs? I glared. "You mean the best time to take advantage of them is before it gets to anger. Correct?" I asked through gritted teeth. Harvey sighed. "That's not—Mike cut him off. "Our concern? I know we got Liam out of prison but he still hit a guy, and that guy is still dead." He said. "And we still represent Liam." He said. I huffed and shoved my hands in my pockets. "Harvey, I know it's not the same situation, but....I remember the day the lawyer came to our place. Nick Rinaldi. I....I remember his dirty shoes. I....remember how they scraped the floor when he walked into the living room to tell my grandmother how much my parents's lives were worth. I've been where these people are. Let me be the one to tell them." Mike said. My eyes widened. I felt insanely awful. To think any time a loved one pass, this happens. I sighed sadly. "Mike, I'm so sorry. Nobody shouldn't go through that. You should definitely be there." I apologized. He nodded. "Thanks Liz." He spoke kindly. "You sure you can handle it?" Harvey asked. "I'm sure as hell not gonna leave them to the likes of you." He joked. "Yeah, that'd be horrible." I joked. He nodded amusedly. "Ok, you can handle it. You're authorized to go as high as $100,000." He told him. After he left, Mike turned to me. "You're coming?" He asked. I nodded my head no. "You've been where these people are. You understand more than I. It's a relief they have an attorney who doesn't think of greed." I said, smiling. He returned the gesture. "Alright." He said.

Back in my office, Isabella finished homework and YouTubing on her laptop. Me? I was basically scrolling through outfits on SHEIN website. Date-wise. Nothing fancy, just cutely casual. Harvey and I might take a walk afterwards. "My goodness." I mumbled boringly. None of these interested me. I exited the page and grabbed my phone to text Maya.

BlueQueen👑🩵: sisterly help?

Twin Sis👯‍♀️❤️: hmm, topic?🤔

BlueQueen👑🩵: fashion

Twin Sis👯‍♀️❤️: subject?🤔

BlueQueen👑🩵: friendly date

Twin Sis👯‍♀️❤️: start at home. We'll look through your closet :)

BlueQueen👑🩵: just cutely casual ok?

Twin Sis👯‍♀️❤️: 💯!

I smiled and breathed a breath of relief until my phone alarm buzzed. 2:30pm. "Damn!" I whispered/yelled. Isabella looked up from her laptop. "Everything ok Liz?" She asked. I nodded and cleared my throat. "Yeah. I have to go pick up Avery. Stay with Maya until I get back. Today's also the day to find out if she's in the soccer team." I said, grabbing my keys and bag. Her eyes widened. "That's great! Ever see her kicks? She's good!" She beamed, smiling. I laughed. "Yup." I said and walked past Harvey. "Where you going?" He asked. I turned around. "To get Avery." I said in an obvious tone. He grinned amusedly. "You still forgot, did you?" He asked. I playfully rolled my eyes. "Forgot what?" I asked. My brain clicked once my attention was on Donna. Ignore him because I'll lose it. I said nothing but continued walking. Harvey fought his urge to laugh. "Elizabeth—I cut him off. "Shut up!" I growled through gritted teeth. He snickered uncontrollably. She'll be waiting for me when he pulls up anyway.

******

"My baby's a soccer star!" I cheered, picking her up. She laughed when I double-kissed her cheeks. Isabella chuckled, hugging her. "Congrats little A!" She said sweetly. We parted. Avery smiled. "Thanks Izzy." She said before I put her down. "So, when is the game?" I asked. "It'll be next month Coach says." She told me. I rubbed her hair and smirked. "You'll do amazing baby. Just keep practicing and doing your very best." I encouraged. Avery nodded obediently. "Ok Mommy." She said while sitting on my chair. Isabella shrugged. "How about we celebrate? Have a little movie night? Or go out for dinner?" She suggested. My brain clicked, reminding me of Harvey and I's date. Friendly. Avery's eyes widened. "Oooo, can we?! Can we mommy?!" She asked excitedly. I fiddled with my fingers nervously. "Uhhh—She cut me off. "Mommy, there are clothes on the screen. Are you looking for something to wear?" She mentioned. My jaw dropped. I mentally facepalmed. Isabella smirked and crossed her arms. "Yes Liz. Why are they there? Is there a special occasion tonight?" She teased. I pinched the bridge of my nose. "How much did you hear?" I whispered. "Enough." She spoke innocently. Avery was still confused. I cleared my throat and smiled tightly. "Sweetie, Mommy has a friendly date tonight....with H." I told her. She looked at the screen then back at me before letting out a fit of giggles. "Ooooo, a date!" She teased. I motioned her to quiet. Avery frowned. "Can I help you look for dresses mommy? Please." She begged. I almost spoke until Maya's voice echoed the office. She leaned against the door. "Of course babygirl. We can help mommy find an outfit and shoes, get her hair and makeup done. She should look dazzling for tonight!" She beamed, making a raindrop gesture. Avery happily bounced. "Yay!" She cheered, arms up in the air. The whole time I silently glared. Isabella tried to contain her quiet laughter. Maya smirked amusedly. "Yup. We'll all have fun tonight." She said through gritted teeth. Jin approached the entrance and smiled. Avery returned the gesture. "What did I miss?" He asked. Isabella got out Avery's soccer ball from her bag. "Nothing much. Talking about soccer." She lied, smirking. He nodded in disagreement and turned to Maya. "Maya, can we talk alone?" He asked shyly. "Sure." She responded before leaving the room. I smiled dreamily, making a heart sign. She motioned her to quiet. I covered my mouth in a chuckle. Isabella raised an eyebrow questionably. "I'll tell you later." I mouthed. She nodded as I returned to my chair and Avery sat across and pulling out her homework sheet.