Nadia is a hardworking lawyer which a good life. Single, no children and a small yet loving family to keep her grounded. Her twin sister, Victoria, comes back into her life along with a few extras to stir up trouble. How will Nadia handle all of the...
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Chapter 1....
10:45 p.m.
I sat behind my cherry wood desk, a glass of red wine in hand. Thunder booms and rumbles outside as rain beats against the windows. The soft melodies of Sabrina Claudio flow out from my phone and soothe my aching brain. My eyes were slowly becoming bloodshot, but the trial report was due in less than 12 hours. Although the case was won, paperwork is never ending. I take a sip and read over the page of notes opened up to me.
Something is missing, something is missing. This is why you need to organize your notes Nadia.
My eyes relentlessly skim the black and blue marks. The key detail is staring me in the face, laughing at me for not looking at an obvious section. The answer I'm looking for was right in front of me, just needs to jump out at me. My brown orbs were now at the bottom of the notebook as I began to turn the page, and there it was. The final detail or the bittersweet piece as I call it. It may have benefited hugely in the outcome of the case; yet still, the one gut-wrenching thing I will forever associate with this particular case. I take another sip and quickly type into my desktop.
Turning the next page and picking up my pen, I switch between typing and selecting notes of importance. Different moments of the trial flash through my memory as I work.
Defense calls the plaintiff Calvin Jones to the stand.
Calvin Jones. That name will never be the same. Pouring more wine into my glass, I look at the evidence photos and sip. There was a point in time where I couldn't even stomach crime scenes or autopsy pictures. Gagging and only allowing myself the benefit of the bare minimum of what was needed for the case. Law school and working almost 6 years in the firm quickly changed that. I barely bat an eye at the sight of blood, let alone severed body parts now. My, has this workplace changed me for the better. I look at the next photo and type out its corresponding note.
The music fades out and the sound of my ringer fills the nearly empty room. I glance over and stop typing, looking at the caller ID.
Momma.
I look at the time while picking up my phone. 11:15 pm. She's usually in bed by now. Wonder what's up. Accepting the call, I put her on speaker and put my phone down. "Hey momma. Shouldn't you be in bed right now?"
"I am in bed watching my shows. I also know my workaholic daughter is still at the office close to midnight." Momma chuckles as she spoke. I playfully roll my eyes and keep typing. Of course she's one of the only people who knows me like an open book.
"You know how the paperwork goes. I'm up to my eyeballs in it and I still have to review what my next case will be. It's not easy being a lawyer." I say and cross off one of the notes I made. She is right, but I would never let her know that. I have dealt with longer nights at the office. But not always to get work done....
"Mhm if you say so. What I do know is that you better not be doing no work this weekend while you're here. Strictly family time. No laptop, no work cell, and no Christine."
"Aww momma that's foul. I was gonna bring her to help me stay away from work." I lie straight through my teeth.
"Don't even try it Nadia. She's just as bad as you when it comes to the job. You both need to unplug and get away without thinking about work. If you bring her, she has the same rules."
"I will relay the message. What time should we be there?" Sipping my wine, I take one final look at the report.
"As early as you can. Since it's just me, I'll need as much help as I can get cleaning and decorating this huge house you got for me. You know damn well I don't need all this space Nadia Renee." She scolds me playfully and smiles.
"Oh hush momma. You deserve it. And I'm not downsizing it either so suck it up. My late night hours got you that house woman." I joke and close my notes, shutting down my computer. I drink the rest of the wine and put away the bottle into my bottom drawer. As I gather my things, I clear my desk and stand, putting on my jacket.
"Yea yea. You heard what I said. I'll see you in the morning. I love you Nadia." She says as she yawns. "Call me when you're on the road."
"I will. I love you too momma." I smile and hang up. I grab my keys and purse, heading out of the office. Walking to the elevators, I call Christine and press the button. Hopefully she's at my house already. If she lost her key, she's definitely not getting my spare. The line rings and I step into the elevator.
She picks up. "I'm already at your house and dinner is made. I left the office 3 hours before you. Why are you still there?" Christine inquires and sits on the couch, eating and watching Netflix.
"What can I say? I'm dedicated to my work." I smile and walk through the parking garage to my Range Rover. "Momma knows your coming. We can't do any work while we're there. I'll just keep our work cells in one of my suitcases just in case something comes up."
"You just don't listen. Just as stubborn as a baby who wants food." She chuckles and licks her fingers. "I'm not bringing mine at all. I don't want no problems with mom. You can take that ass whoppin."
"I'm the favorite child. She's can't hurt me."
"That's what they all say. Then your feelings be hurt later on crybaby." Christine teases and grins.
"Fuck you." I laugh. "I'll be there in 10. Don't fall asleep cause I know you haven't started packing at all." I unlock my car doors and get in, putting my purse in the back seat. As I glance over, there's flowers in the passenger seat. Cautiously looking them over, I see a card underneath them and pick it up, reading it.
"Actually I have. I need help just packing my shoes and makeup." Christine says in a matter-of-fact manner.
Can't wait to see you again. With love. No name signed.
Strange, I think to myself and put the card down. I start the car and put my phone in the holder on the dashboard. "Don't worry, we'll get it done before 1. I'm already packed up." I respond and drive out of the parking garage. "See you in a bit."
"See ya." She hangs up and the radio plays. As I drive, I glance over at the flowers and think. Who would send me flowers? Why didn't they just bring them up to my office? How did they get in my car? It was probably Christine. She also has a copy of my car keys. I can go a little overboard when we drink. It's the weekend, don't judge.
I continue to drive and let the melody of the radio consume my thoughts. This weekend will be a much needed get away. Surrounded only by friends and family that matter. I can't wait to just relax.....
