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Crush
Leaona Luxx
Prologue
Griggs
“Tell me the truth,” I still my facial expressions when Chet begins to smirk. “is this your way of shirking the Closet.com case?”
“You caught me,” I clench my teeth, grinding my jaw with contempt as I continue to load my files into my briefcase. “thanks for putting the rumors to rest.”
“Griggs Black will go down as one of the most valued attorneys in Halthorne history, and it’s looking like the biggest fool too.” Chet leans back in his chair, the one he hopes will be at the head of this table one day.
“Thank you, I appreciate your support. At this moment, all I can say is I’m going to miss this, not everything or everyone, but I’ll be back before Chet can screw it all up.” I flash a wicked grin as the group gathers in the conference room, waiting patiently as Chet frowns while furiously trying to think of a comeback.
Before he can get a chance my assistant, Val, stands, stopping the exchange. “I speak for everyone here when I say we’ll be counting the days until you return, sir.”
“Thank you,” I nod as I close my things, grabbing them from the table and walking toward the door. “but two weeks is all I need.”
Val is on my heels as we make our way to my office. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“Actually, my best friend is managing things on the other end but thank you again.” I hold the door open for her.
She continues, sitting across from my desk as I slide into my chair. “Maria has all your files, your calendar’s clear for a month, just in case.”
“Sounds good, but I won’t be longer than I’ve already stated.” I turn to my laptop and start it up. “I’ll have everything with me if anything does come up. Please, do not stand by and allow Chet to screw up my cases.”
“I understand; I have it under hand.” Val snickers before quickly clearing her throat. “Ah, excuse me.”
“Oh, hell. Like we haven’t laughed at Chet before.” I chuckle as I silently hope she thinks I’m laughing with her instead of dwelling on why I’m going home.
“Again, I'm here if you need me for anything.” Val slowly stands, waiting for me to answer.
I glance at her and realize she’s still not moving. “I’ll be fine, honestly.”
“You’ve booked your ticket?” She raises her brows in question.
“No,” I hesitate because delivery is everything. “I’m driving.”
“Please tell me you’re not taking that rolling death trap?” Val sputters when I raise my brows, finally bristling with indignation as she makes her escape before saying something she considers inappropriate.
“Works every time.” I laugh loudly, returning to my email.
I finish up a few files for the rest of the afternoon and get others in order. Although it’s only two weeks, anything could happen, and I want the firm prepared. By late evening, I’m ready to clock out.
One would think I was retiring instead of taking a vacation, even if I’ve only taken three since starting here ten years ago. I understand the questioning glances and whispers around the water cooler because I keep things close to the chest.
Yet, it doesn’t make the rumors of why I’ll be gone any less disturbing. It’s simple; I’m going home. Although I’m dreading why I have to go, it’s not even close to the conclusion of the rumor mill.
I grab my briefcase, taking one last look around before leaving the office like I have hundreds of times, but this time it’s bittersweet. Once I’m back, I’m sure there’ll be a thousand questioning stares and more whispers, but it’s nothing compared to what they talked about three months ago.
“Now, what in the hell am I going to do with the rest of this mess back home?” I exhale as I step from the elevator, trudging toward my ride. I open the door, sliding into the backseat; the driver knows where to go from here.
My cell phone rings as we pull out from the parking lot. I start to ignore it but can’t once I check the number, and I’m so glad I did.
“You are a pain in my ass; what do you want now?” I blurt as soon as I accept the call and press the receiver to my ear.
Boisterous laughter rings in my ear. “Do you always answer the phone that way, or was that just for me?”
