His comment irritates me more than I want to admit.The irony is that I’m usually the cynical one.Lifting my bottle, I take a swig instead of telling him to fuck off.
“Well,” I sigh noisily.“If she does, that will make my job redundant.I’m not a criminal lawyer.”
We share a laugh.
I can’t imagine Courtney hurting anyone.Although she did look like she wanted to hurl a lamp at me a few times last night as I nudged for the last piece she’s keeping from us.
She’ll break eventually.
Whatever it is, it keeps eating at me.
What really made her leave?
I push thoughts of her away, focusing back on my life.
“I take it you’ll be at the Spring Ball this Friday?”Dereck asks, referring to the Annual New York Spring Ball that’s attended by everyone.The one percenters.
The spring gala season is well underway.I don’t attend all of them, but it’s a great way to network, rub shoulders with peers, and ensure my name is on their mind when they decide to divorce.
Someone is always divorcing someone.
“Ah,” I rub the scruff on my face.“Most likely.It will depend how things go this week with this client.”
Courtney.
The woman whose leg I palmed last night.Jesus, anyone would think I was a fucking virgin.One touch of her thigh and suddenly everything has changed.
It would’ve if I’d tugged it over my leg and ripped her panties off.
Yeah, that would’ve most definitely changed the way last night ended.And my fucking career.
Which is why it will never happen.
“I look forward to hearing how they settle.The media are already doing a pool.”Dereck shakes his head.“Reason ninety-nine for not getting married, am I right?”
I laugh.“If you do, make sure you come to me for your divorce.”
Like many of my friends, Dereck is a successful entrepreneur.He started a luxury fashion brand a few years back, and thanks to social media, his celebrity pals, and his knack at engaging his followers, it exploded.From socks to podcasts, his brand is expanding in all directions and collaborating with the hottest names in the world.
A lifestyle brand magnate, they call it.
Damon, Drew’s stepbrother, and no relation to Dereck, owns a streaming platform which is becoming so big it’s competing with the big boys.I’ve heard rumors they’re working on some major projects.
“Keen to hear more about what you and Damon are working on.”
Dereck laughs.“That’s locked up tight right now, but it’s fucking exciting.”
I bet.
Now I’m even more intrigued.
“Good to see you, Sterling.Make sure that Vanguard,Juniordoesn’t knock you off your perch.”Dereck slaps my back.“See you Friday.”
“You probably will.”I glance over at Freddie and consider doing another circuit.The thought of Warren Vanguard has me fired up.He’ll be doing everything he can to ensure his client pays out the least possible, whereas I’m attempting to get Courtney as much as I can.
The end result will impact Courtney’s life and my ranking as a divorce attorney.If Vanguard wins it puts me back probably a year from my greater goal of being recognized nationally.
I won’t let Blackmore orJuniordo that.
