9. Chapter 8
Chapter 8
After Margot leaves, I barely have time to compose myself from the lies and guilt before Nick comes storming into my office.
"Did you file the motion like I asked?" he snaps, slamming a piece of paper on my desk.
I lean over, frowning as I scan the paper. It has nothing to do with the motion from this morning so I just nod.
"Yes. I emailed you the lodgement number and saved a copy to the electronic file."
He scoffs, adjusting his tie. Instantly, I realize he's on the verge of imploding—his fidgeting a tell-tale sign. I don't have time to dig further as Jason's voice floats into my office from outside as he chats to another colleague. Nick turns, spotting him before pointing down at the piece of paper.
"See what you can find in the library about these cases. I need research about these judgments. Preferably by tomorrow morning."
"Nick, it's going to take hours," I reply, picking up the paper and looking over the list.
He shrugs. "You should get started then."
I watch as he exits, head hung low as he avoids eye contact with Jason who is talking to Mary. I guess the partners' meeting didn't go very well.
As soon as Nick is out of earshot in his office, Jenna appears in my doorway, another cupcake in hand.
"So good," she muses, nodding to the now blue one. "Did you hear what happened?"
I shake my head. "The meeting?"
Jenna looks behind her, checking for nosey ears before lowering her voice. "Partners are promoting some new associates since we had a great quarter and our workload is increasing."
"And I assume Nick was not one of the successful candidates."
"Nope," she whispers. "But I don't know what he expected. He's still new."
I laugh quietly. "He expects a lot. I'm sure he'll get there one day."
Jenna leans in, eyes shifting. "And they are hiring a new associate with the extra cash. Some hot shot guy from a competing firm. I did some digging on Nick's LinkedIn and this new guy went to law school with him!"
"Not uncommon," I laugh. "Nick is just very competitive. He probably doesn't like the fact someone he knows is encroaching on his territory."
She blinks, processing my words. "My God. Men are like dogs. They just have to piss on everything to mark their territory."
"It's the same in the dating world," I tell her. "Caveman mentality."
"Ew. This is why I can't date. It's too depressing. God, at this rate I'll hit my thirties and be single with cats." She pauses, looking at me wildly. "I mean, it's okay to be single!"
My face twitches and I try to give her a reassuring smile. "It's fine. I like being single. Less drama."
Well… mostly.
"Totally," she agrees. "Don't you get lonely though?"
Stilling, I shrug. "I like my own company and I have my family and friends. Single life isn't the death sentence you think it is when you are in your twenties."
No… you just get so desperate for touch that you fuck your foster brothers in a sex club.
Jenna relaxes, opening her mouth to speak. Before she can, Jason appears behind her, his tall frame hovering over her. He gives me a tight smile over her head.
"Jenna—Leon's looking for you."
"Uh, yes, Sir," she squeaks, bolting back to the other side of the office.
I give her a small wave goodbye before turning my attention to Jason. "Good Afternoon."
"Afternoon," he replies. "Do you have a quick minute?"
"Of course," I answer, gesturing for him to sit down.
Jason closes my office door, sitting down across from me. Even though we've had countless interactions over the years, I still feel a little intimidated. I don't think it's him though—just what he represents; power, authority, the ability to end my career with the snap of his fingers.
"I'm assuming Jenna filled you in. Word gets around the office quickly," he says, cutting straight to the point.
I nod, holding back a smile. "It does. New associates?"
Jason hums, giving me a small nod. "We are intending to increase our billables for the next quarter. More Associates means more revenue. But we were recently approached by a good candidate whom we feel will be a good fit here and assist in meeting those financial targets."
"Right."
"Unfortunately, we're a little stretched on support. With the promotions, we're not looking to hire more support until we see how performance lands. In the meantime, we'd like you to take on the role of dual support."
Slowly, I grasp his words. "You need me to help the new Associate."
"Just temporarily with small administrative tasks. Unfortunately, the legal secretaries are at capacity with my Supreme Court case. Once that finishes, Mary will be able to help support Elijah."
I try to keep my face neutral but Jason sees through it immediately, reassuring me.
"We know it's not within your duties and pay grade. You are one of our best paralegals in the firm, and certainly the best in our department. It would just make the transition period smoother as the younger legal secretaries may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities with their current capacities. You'll be remunerated appropriately for it."
"Oh," I reply, relaxing a bit. "I appreciate that. And does Nick know about the arrangement?"
Jason's lips twitch into a smile. "Yes. He's agreed to handle some of his own tasks to assist with your capacity."
Ha. Get your own damn coffee.
"Okay, that sounds fine. When does Elijah start?" I ask, grabbing a pen.
"Next Monday," Jason answers. "I'll be handling orientation personally but then I'll introduce you and have you show him around the office. I'll get Mary to send through a list of cases he'll be taking over so we can start transferring everything into his carriage."
I nod. "Anything else you need me to do in the meantime to help?"
He pauses for a second. "No, but if you get any pushback, please let me know."
Judging by his tone, Nick must have said something to him. It's not uncommon for Nick to speak his mind, even to his superiors. But in this instance, I would have kept my mouth shut.
I just nod again, giving him a courteous smile. "No worries. Leave it with me."
Jason turns and leaves, the office quietening down as he walks past them to return to his office. Once his door is closed, the chatter begins again and I slump in my chair. I have no idea how I'll manage everything. Hopefully Nick is less of an asshole and doesn't try to bury me in some attempt at vengeance. The last thing I need is to be collateral damage in a dick waving contest.
I make a start on his case research, easily recognizing that I won't be leaving here tonight. Sadly, it's not the first time I've slept at the office. I have a gym membership with a nearby facility for this reason. If I need to blow off some steam, it's there--but most importantly, there's showers. I also keep a change of clothes in my office just in case.
As the day ends, one by one, my colleagues leave, giving me pitiful stares as I keep on working. The sun finally sets, and I have to turn on some lights to keep going. I notice Jason is still in his office, working late on his case. It's not unusual for attorneys to pull all-nighters either, but soon enough, I'm the last one here.
After ordering some takeout, I keep working, finally managing to finish around four in the morning. I plop my head on the desk, not even worried about how uncomfortable it is. I fall asleep easily, but unfortunately, it doesn't last long.
I'm awoken three hours later by Nick banging my office door. I bolt upright, paper sticking to my cheek.
"Jesus!" I yell, eyes glassy as I squint at him.
"Argh, are you still in the same clothes as yesterday?" he asks with disgust.
I'm drowsy as fuck, with zero filter on only three hours sleep.
"Obviously," I snap back. "Because I haven't been home yet. I haven't even left my desk."
Nick looks well rested, his expensive suit mocking me. He glares at me, scoffing.
"Did you at least finish the task?"
"Did you at least check your emails?" I bark back, rubbing my face. "God, what time is it?"
He huffs, annoyed at my backtalk. "It's seven. You should be ready to go."
Pushing back my chair, I stand. I'm surprised that he flinches slightly, the thought amusing me.
Ignoring him, I reach for my change of clothes, also grabbing my cell and keys.
"Where are you going?" he demands.
Throwing him an incredulous look, I motion for him to step out of the way. "It's not my start time yet. I'm going to go shower, change, and grab a coffee."
Nick's eyes light up, his mouth opening to speak. I hold my hand up, cutting him off.
"I'm not getting you coffee, Nicholas. I'm well aware of what Jason has spoken to you about. Therefore, I won't have time to run your personal errands. Ask a legal secretary if you need assistance."
He's left speechless as I stroll past him, heading to the elevators. It's just a quick few minute walk to the gym, and I make a beeline for the showers, past all the early morning gym-goers working out on machines.
Finally, I feel somewhat human again after a change of clothes and a large extra shot of coffee. When I walk back into my office, I'm not surprised to find large piles of work waiting for me. Obviously punishment for my mouth, I pretend not to let it bother me as I click my mouse to awaken my computer.
It's going to be a long day. Hell, it's going to be a long week.
And if I'm being honest, next week isn't looking much better. But it could always be worse. And that's what I continue to tell myself for the rest of the day.