Six
Shaun
"The other party will be here in a moment," I tell the waitress as she guides me to a booth near the window.
The outside is bright and flourishing with new life for the season — a contrast to how I'm feeling these days.
The lawsuit is weighing on me more and more.
Everyone at the clinic tells me not to stress so much, but it's easy for them to say; their job isn't on the line.
I let my mind drift back to the sterile law office conference room.
It was such a contrast to the vibrant, pulsating energy of Bedford City.
It fits the image of Mr. Malloy. His no-nonsense demeanor was so unprofessional.
I understand that I'm not their client, but a little decorum would have been nice.
Threats never go over well with me. If anything, they push me to do the opposite.
The bell on the door pulls me from my thoughts, only to flood them with images of Kai, standing there looking around.
I wave my hand to get his attention, and he smiles before walking toward me with purpose, reminding me of the day he was nervous to tell me about leaving for Berkeley.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday.
The day I thought my heart was breaking, although we were never in a relationship.
We would often play at the center's events and text each other, but nothing more than that, since we were both busy.
Over the few months after his announcement, our companionship gradually eroded.
When we played together, we went all in, trying to drink each other up as if we would never see each other again, and we were trying to make as many memories as possible.
I began sacrificing precious time, even texts and phone calls, to fulfill my academic and professional ambitions.
I became so consumed by work that I failed to fully appreciate the importance of Kai in my life.
In the end, it was too late because Kai left before I had the chance to tell him how I really felt.
The memories intensify, the emotions surging back with a force I hadn't anticipated.
I was being pulled back into our past, reliving the highs of our relationship–dolls, tea parties, and glitter.
So much glitter. It was almost unbearable; these memories being a sharp contrast to the cold, stark reality of my current dilemma.
It’s not just about the case.
When Kai sits across from me, I see the pain and the same apprehension in his eyes.
"Fire your lawyer." He says bluntly while staring into my eyes, not a hint of playfulness to be seen. His eyes are tinged with red. Had he been crying?
It takes a minute for my brain to catch up. I thought this was a date. A way to reconnect. Clearly, my brain misinterpreted our gathering this evening.
"Excuse me. What?" I give my head a little shake. I know he's not asking me to fire my attorney so late in the game. I already told him it would be hard for me to find a new one that would even consider representing me.
"I need you to fire your attorney." Straight to the point. No explanation.
"I told you already. I won't have anyone if I do. I must sign this settlement by Monday, or it will proceed to trial. My lawyer is useless now. Could you imagine what he'd be like if this went to trial? But at least I have someone to represent me." I tell him, trying to keep my lip from quivering.
"I can't talk to you like I need to until you fire your attorney. Please, Shaun, read between the lines here," he begs. "Trust me."
"I do trust you. But you have to see it from my perspective." I take a sip of my water. "Will I have new representation if I do?"
Kai hasn't taken his eyes off me since he sat down. He doesn't answer until I see the slightest of nods. It was almost undetectable until I saw the edge of his mouth lift before he picked up his menu.
"Okay," I whisper before pulling out my cell phone and pushing the number for my soon-to-be ex-deadbeat lawyer.
After three rings it goes to voicemail. "Clint, this is Dr. Shaun Whitmore.
Due to the lack of support you have provided in this case, as of April 23rd at 6:18 pm, you are excused from this case moving forward.
My new attorney is here to witness this message. "
Before looking up at Kai, I shoot off a quick text and a brief email, so all my bases are covered, and then slide the phone back into my pocket. Taking a deep, steadying breath, I finally look back up at Kai. "What is this about, Kai?"
He shakes his head at me and holds up a finger. "I need you to hire me."
"Clearly, I need someone now since you told me to fire my lawyer. But the clinic has its own team of lawyers. They will never pay outside the firm that they use, and I can't afford it."
"Pro Bono." Two simple words. Why is he being so cagey at the same time he's vibrating like a reptile about to shed his skin?
"Yes, of course you can represent me. Now, can you please tell me what's going on?"
"I know this is going to sound shady, but I can't tell you. Not yet, at least." He takes a long gulp of his water. "I'm heading back to the city because it's going to be busy for the next thirty-sixish hours, and I can get more done there without distractions."
"Um, yeah. Of course." My eyes are looking all around me, trying to find something to focus on.
Kai puts his hand on top of mine and offers it a little squeeze.
"Legally, I can't tell you what's going on because I still work for the law firm.
But please. Whatever you do, do not be late to the meeting on Monday.
You won't want to miss the show." He gives me a little wink and picks up his menu, as if he hadn't just dropped a huge subliminal message.