Love, Law & HipHop

Chapter 7

-CASEY-

I woke up super late today after my long night. I thought about calling Tabitha telling her that I wouldn't be in today but I remembered today was casual Friday. On Fridays, we didn't schedule any client meetings and tried to avoid court appearances. We started out our mornings with a small team meeting and breakfast and spent the remainder of the day getting caught up on any open cases.

I rushed out of the house and to Panera to grab bagels on my way to the office. Since I woke up late, traffic wasn't bad. I arrived at the office and saw everyone sitting in the common area obviously waiting on me.

"Good Morning" I said to everyone as I sat the bagels on the coffee table. The paralegals's cubicles were along the side walls around a common area that we kept for clients as a waiting area. There were four black loveseats in a square-like form around a glass coffee table.

"Long night?" Lisa asked while looking at me. "No, why?" I said looking back with a smile as I grabbed my bagel and cream cheese.

"I must have missed the sneakers memo." She said looking me up and down. Although today was casual Friday, I usually wore a nice blouse, jeans and stilettos. Because I woke up late today, I wore my "Don't let your President be the reason you catch these gifted hands" shirt with some jeans and my Taxi 12s.

"I won't be here all day. Just came for the meeting." I said walking away. I didn't want everyone to know I went to the concert last night. The office has been talking since Gabe sent those flowers Tuesday. I did not need them in my business.

"Okay, so any new updates?" I asked everyone as I sat on the couch. They shook their head no as they continued. "Well, my next two weeks are slow. I don't have much going on so if anyone need me, I'm here to assist. Then, it's Tyreke Henderson non-stop." I said as I took a bite out of my bagel. "Tabitha, where are we with the photographer and food?" I asked her.

My birthday was in two weeks and I was planning a party at this Mansion I rented. My parties are lit every year. My family, friends and old classmates all come into town to celebrate. We sell a few general admission tickets for the public but generally it's pretty private. My clients typically make guest appearances as well. We keep the the drinks flowing all night and have a good time.

"Photographer is booked. The caterer should be calling me back today." She responded. "Okay, I expect to see all of you there. We might find us some husbands." I said laughing. The entire office was young black single women. We all get along well and there was no drama. We were more like sisters than anything. "Alright, I'm going to work on a few things before I head out. Let's get it." I said as I walked away.

"She's extra happy today. I wonder if she let Jamaal back in." I heard Lisa whisper to Tabitha. Tabitha knew I went to the concert but she knew not to tell anyone my business. I ignored their side conversation and headed to my office to sit at my desk. Before I could get comfortable, I heard my phone ringing on my desk and saw it was Tabitha.

"Yes?"

"Jamaal is here."

I looked up and saw him walking in as if on cue. Jamaal, or Maal, is my ex. I met him during undergrad. My cousin LA, his frat brother, was my roommate. They would have parties and kickbacks and often asked me to cook. I was instantly attracted to Maal when LA introduced us. Jamaal is semi-tall, dark skin, with the perfect smile. He used to work out everyday since he played football. Now he has a beer belly which was so unattractive.

"Whats up?" I asked rolling my eyes at him. Maal and I were on and off but at this point I was done with him. I found out he was sleeping with the girl he told me was his best friend, cliche right? All this time he had me around this bitch while they were lowkey fucking behind my back.