Inevitable

The Lawyer

I awoke with the sound of my alarm clock blaring You'll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & the Pacemakers. My routine is the same every morning. Wake up at nine o'clock, take a shower, drink a large cup of coffee while I read the paper, then off to work. This morning on the other hand would be different. The firm wanted us to be in early for some big announcement. Hopefully it's about the promotion.

Okay, I know that I'm a big lawyer that wins all my cases and I'm already rolling in the big bucks, but a few dollars here and there could get me my fifth brand new car. I take my shower and head down stairs. Skipping the coffee, I head straight out the door. As I get into my car, I see Jenny, my gardener, knee-deep in petunias. 

"Good morning, Jenny! Hope you have a great day!" I called to her. I hired her last summer when she was searching for a job. She's a sweet girl and always shows up on time with a smile.

"Morning Mr. Gunn!" She replied as she brushed back her dark black hair.

I started up my Bentley Convertible and drove off. Traffic is never a problem for me so, I arrive at work on time for the most part. I pull up to the firm, lock my car, and head in. By this time Donald and Debby should be here ready to hear the announcement. However, I was wrong about Donald.

"You ready for the big announcement?" Debby said as she filed some papers away. "I hope this is important cause I lost an hour of beauty sleep."

"Oh, Debby you know the boss wouldn't call us in here an hour early just to announce something insignificant," I replied, knowing that he would do just that and has in the past. All I got in response was a glare. "Anyways, where's Donald? He's going to miss the announcement!"

Debbie reminded me of a college librarian. The cardigan sweater, the glasses, and all. On occasion she would wear a scarf or a turtle neck. Makes sense why she took the job as bookkeeper.

"He's probably asleep or at some crummy gas station getting breakfast," she said.

I would have to agree with her on that. Donald is a bright guy, but when it comes to mornings, well, he gets grumpy. Although he is manager of the firm, he doesn't keep time very well. As I walk into my office I hear the door to the firm open. I poke my head out and there is Mr. Brunson, plump and looking as grumpy as ever.

"I hate mornings," bellowed Donald as he removed his jacket coat. "Sorry I'm late I had to grab something to satisfy my hunger."

Our boss walked out of his office, obviously waiting for us all to arrive at once.

"Now that we are all here, what's the big announcement?" I asked, waiting in suspense, hoping I receive the promotion. That's when it happened. The word's came out of the boss's mouth. I had received the very promotion I was longing for. Why wouldn't I acquire this? I worked really hard to be where I am.

"Congrats Nicolas." mumbled Donald.

"Yeah, great job." uttered Debbie.

I could tell they were happy I got the promotion, but also a little salty. There was no reason they had to be here so early. "Well, let's just get back to work and get all we need to done."

"Sounds good." Said Donald scarfing down his gas station egg and cheese muffin.

"You have an appointment with Sam Duncan today at noon," Debbie calls to me as she scrambles through files on her desk, trying her best to organize them. "And an Isabelle Harris, a teacher from State View High, is coming to speak with you."

I wasn't really paying attention to Debbie, so I just replied with a "yeah, okay." My mind was caught up in this promotion. Anyways, I headed back to my office to review some of my case files. After a few hours of working I thought I would take a break and check my Facebook. I had a notification from about ten years back, of a picture of a couple of buddies and I. We stayed at Camp Jungle Woods for a weekend about three times a year. Those were some good years.