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It felt like I had this conversation with her and my mother at least once a week. If they weren’t complaining about me cooking for Dad and a few other elders, they were complaining about how much I worked as a freelance researcher. I was so used to having the conversation I didn’t bother answering her. Instead, I asked, “What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?”
Heaven rolled her eyes, making me smile as I put the enchiladas in the oven. The wings were already in the air fryer and the dip was in my air fryer toaster oven. All that was left was our drinks. Since it would be just the two of us, I’d probably make spiked lemonade. It was crazy how adamant I was about not being a domestic woman who cooked and cleaned daily, and now, I got so much relief out of doing both. Baking calmed me and was one of my favorite hobbies. I think the difference was, what I did now, I did for myself alone. It would be different if I was doing it for a man and kids.
“I’m not sure. Danny wants to go out but I’m not sure. I think I just want to chill and watch a few series or something. What about you?”
“Same. I told you and Ma I wouldn’t work on the weekends, so I don’t know. If I step out, it’ll more than likely be with Carina unless she’s boo’d up.”
“Well, let me know. Maybe we can have a sleepover and watch that new series on Netflix that everyone’s been talking about.”
“I will. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Okay, sissy. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I allowed Heaven to disconnect the call so I wouldn’t have to stop what I was doing. The ’90s R&B playlist I was listening to before she called started back up through my Bluetooth speaker. For a while, I lost myself in my kitchen while I waited for one of my best friends to arrive. By the time I was pulling everything out and setting it up in the living room, Carina was ringing my doorbell. I yelled for her to let herself in since I’d already unlocked the door.
She almost floated into the living room wearing the widest smile I’d seen on her in a while, and I couldn’t help but mirror it.
“I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!” she sang, twirling, like onElf.
I laughed as we hugged. “Okay, I need all the details because you haven’t been this giddy over a man in a while. If ever.”
“Okay, but I’m hungry. Let me get a plate first.”
“Oh! We need to call Draya and Stephanie too.”
Carina nodded her agreement as she headed into the kitchen to wash her hands. She looked really pretty in a red peplum shirt, leggings, and pumps. While she washed her hands, I called our girls. Not to my surprise, Stephanie didn’t answer. She was probably doing something with her son, Sun, who was eight years old. Draya answered, but her husband was kissing all on her neck and begging us to update her later since he finally had a night off. As much as she giggled and insisted he leave her be, I hung up so she could give her hardworking man some attention.
“Well, babe, it looks like it’s just going to be us,” I told Carina as I washed my hands.
“You’re all I need,” she replied with a wink.
We made our way back into the living room, and while I fixed our plates, she poured our drinks. As soon as we got comfortable, she started to tell me about who she was sure would be her new man—Parker Graham. I immediately wanted to go into researcher mode and look up everything about him that I could find. She asked me not to, so I’d hold off for now. As happy as she was, I wouldn’t want to rain on her parade anyway.
I listened intently as she told me about them spending half a day together. Seeing her like this was cute. Carina wasn’t the kind of woman to gush over men. In fact, she swore she wouldn’t get married or have kids. From the sound of it, Parker would soon have her reconsidering that. I stressed to her how happy I was for her, and she ended up staying for a couple of hours before heading out to go see Parker.
After cleaning up, I surrendered to my desire to check my emails since I wasn’t supposed to do any work at all. Curiosity got the best of me when I saw an email from Violet Hunter. Her name was vaguely familiar, but I wasn’t sure why just yet. Instead of immediately opening the email, I showered, got into my pajamas, and climbed into bed first. Once I had the TV on an episode ofThe Golden Palacethat I’d probably seen a million times, I finally opened the email from Violet.
Ms. Daniels,
I hope this email finds you well. Though we have not spoken personally, I am very familiar with your work as a researcher. One of my senior associates has taken on a class-action lawsuit that could use your expertise. If you have the availability to speak with me in person, I’d love to share more details. To honor your time, I’ll have payment available for the short consultation.
Best,
Violet Hunter
Managing Partner
Hunter, Phoenix, Genesis, and Prime
I reread the email three times before doing a quick Google search on the law firm. The website had a very basic setup, offering information on their specialties, partners, and several reviews. There was no harm in going to hear her out, so I replied to her email to see when she’d like to meet. After that, I snuggled deeper into my bed to watch the one and only season of one of my favorite TV shows until sleep found me.
* * *
I wasn’t sure why I was nervous as I headed toward Violet’s office. This wouldn’t be the first time I worked with a lawyer if I accepted her offer. For some reason, though, this felt different. The receptionist, who introduced herself as Gloria, extended her arm toward the open door on the left. She’d already called to let Violet know I was there, so when I walked in, she was standing and waiting with a smile.
“Ms. Daniels, thank you so much for meeting me,” Violet said as she walked around her desk.
