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“It’s important to feel a sense of pride in your work. To be awarded for that good work. It offers a sense of accomplishment. I understand. Let me ask you, are you happy with where you’re at?”
I think about his question. Working my way through law school was tough. Once I graduated and was offered the job at a big law firm, I was ecstatic. Now the expectations I had don’t live up to the actual life I have. “I’m not sure. I don’t even think I know what true happiness even looks like.” I think about my life. Have I ever been truly happy?
“Happiness isn’t found in material possessions or fleeting pleasures, but in cultivating a deep sense of purpose, connection, and inner peace. Take time to build relationships based on love, compassion, and understanding. Do you have anybody in your life that you feel you have a deep connection to?”
I nod, instantly thinking about Roman. “I do.”
“Remember, true happiness comes from aligning your life with your values and embracing the love and grace of a higher power. Trust in yourself to make the right decision. You know deep down the answers you’re looking for.”
He’s right. I know deep down what I should do. “Thank you, Father.” I smile at him, standing from the pew. “I appreciate you listening to me.”
He nods, staying seated in the pew. “You’re welcome back anytime.”
I leave the church feeling a sense of tranquility. I don’t want to work for a firm that doesn’t value me as a person. Only values me as a worker. Somebody they can dictate to. Someone they can manipulate to do their bidding. Bane Delgado is most likely guilty. Even if he isn’t, I don’t want this case.
I head downtown, walk into Stanford, Beaumont, and Lind, and walk right into Mr. Stanford’s office.
His eyes express his worry. “Greer, what’s going on?” He stands from his desk, buttoning up his suit jacket.
I bypass all the formalities, and get right to the point. “I’m so grateful to you for giving me a job. For teaching me, and helping me grow into the lawyer I am.”
He slides a hand over the lapel of his suit. “You’re welcome,” he says, confusion lacing his tone. “What is this about?”
“Please sit down,” I say, taking a seat at the chair facing his desk.
He carefully unfastens the button of his tailored suit jacket, the fabric yielding with a soft rustle, before settling into the plush leather chair positioned behind his imposing oak desk. “Greer?” he questions.
“I appreciate everything, Mr. Stanford, but I’m putting my notice in. I need to explore new options, and I can no longer work on the Delgado case.”
His eyes widen in astonishment at my words. “I don’t know what to say,” he stutters out.
“Just say thank you,” I tell him.
The crow’s feet deepen around his eyes as he attempts to summon a smile. “Thank you, Greer,” he says, his expression initially strained before transforming into one of warmth in an instant. “I’m genuinely happy for you, and if you ever need anything…” His words trail off, but the unspoken assurance hangs palpably in the air. I know he'll always be there for me.
I rise from my chair, extending my hand to shake his. “Rest assured, I’ll fulfill the terms of my employment contract, and the transition of my cases will be seamless.”
He nods appreciatively. “I'm grateful for that.”
As I step out of his office, a weight lifts from my shoulders, leaving me feeling like I can conquer the world. With a surge of determination, I realize that I’m capable of facing whatever challenges lie ahead.
Yet, with this newfound confidence, there's a twinge of sadness as I contemplate the next step. I need to tell Roman that our charade as fake lovers is no longer necessary. The mere thought weighs heavily on my heart, stirring conflicting emotions within me. Perhaps it's time to confront the truth of my feelings for him. Despite the fear of rejection or uncertainty, I know deep down that it's a conversation that needs to happen.
TWENTY-FOUR
ROMAN
Greer’s not home when I wake up, and I pace her living room floor, debating my next step. Last night was miserable for me. I lay awake all night long, thinking about my life. About using Greer as my anxiety crutch. How I need to face my anxiety head on. Not lean on Greer to fix my problems for me.
I need to learn to do it on my own, and there’s only one way to do that.
Greer enters the house, and I swear it’s like there’s this aura that shines around her. She’s breathtaking, and she smiles at me with what looks like true happiness.
“I quit my job.”
I nearly choke. “What? Why?” I’ve got so many questions for her.
She shakes her head incredulously, mirroring my own disbelief, her expression a captivating blend of astonishment and delight. A radiant smile graces her lips, stretching from ear to ear, as strands of her mocha-colored hair dance playfully around her shoulders with each movement. “I don’t like this person I’ve become. Defending the guilty. Not delivering justice.”
