Trials & Tribulations (MPWG Law Firm #4)

Her Prologue

Navy’s heart was full. This had been the best birthday ever.

The only problem had been the static between her boyfriend, Ian, and her closest friend, Zander.

She and Zander met her freshman year of college.

Her roommate was his younger sister, and all three of them hit it off instantly.

Though Navy was attracted to Zander, he was older and gave off a vibe of maturity and charming playboy that Navy knew she wasn’t ready for yet.

Eventually, they established an organic friendship, and her attraction to him faded away the more she got to know him. Not because he wasn’t a good man, but because she didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize their friendship. Fast forward to over a decade later, and that was still the truth.

They were so close, Navy didn’t have to look up to know Zander was the person coming to her favorite hiding place.

She loved her parents’ large home so much that she decided she’d live there until she was married or ready to buy her own home.

Her father had a small shed built in the backyard for her, where she took breaks from the world.

As the door creaked closed, Navy smiled.

Zander’s footsteps were light as he made his way into the living room area and sat next to her. He nudged her shoulder with his, making her giggle.

“Not the birthday girl done ran off from her own party,” Zander teased, making her laugh harder.

“I just needed a break. I feel like I’ve been talking to people all day.”

“I feel you. You ain’t gotta talk to me. I just wanted to give you your birthday gift before I left.”

Hearing that he was getting ready to leave had Navy actively working to keep from pouting. He was her person . . . her favorite person. She loved having him around.

“I told you not to get me anything. Your friendship is the best gift in the world.”

“I mean . . . I know that. I still wanted to get you something tangible though.”

Her eyes rolled playfully as she stared at the mural painted on the wall. It was done by one of her favorite artists, Neko.

“I think next year, I want to go on a trip for my birthday. These big parties are getting played out. I feel like I spend my whole birthday talking to and seeing to the needs of others.”

“Yeah. Your birthday is supposed to be all about you, so I get it. If you wanna do a trip, do it.”

Navy scoffed. “My parents would have a fit. They love throwing these parties for me.”

“Well you are an only child, Nae. They love to spoil you and keep the spotlight on you . . . as they should.”

Realization settled within her as she thought back to Zander’s birthdays over the years. “Have you ever had a birthday party, Z?”

His head tilted as he considered her question. “As an adult? Nah. The last party anyone gave me was when I turned sixteen. That was the last time anyone ever got me a birthday cake too.”

“Aww that sucks! Birthday cakes and cards are the best part. That’s why cards were all I asked for, and that’s also why I don’t want whatever else you got.”

He sucked his teeth and she smiled. She also tucked that information into her memory about him not having a birthday party as an adult or a birthday cake.

“You’re gonna take the gift, and you’re gonna love it.”

“Zander.” She sighed and turned slightly to face him. “I told you that you didn’t have to—” Her words halted and grin spread at the sight of the key in his palm. “That’s not what I think it is.”

“Go outside and see.”

A squeal escaped her lips as she snatched the key and scurried out of the shed.

Dashing toward the front of her home, Navy muttered her excitement.

Her eyes watered and feet stopped moving when her eyes landed on a replica of the car they saw together, and she mentioned to Zander that she loved.

It was a customized, yellow and black, 2025 Mustang.

The black rims, tint, and trimming fit her style perfectly, and it was even sexier than the one they’d seen on the highway.

“Zander!” she cheered, hopping into his arms. Zander held her close as he chuckled and walked toward the car. “I love it! Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome, sweet girl. You know there’s nothing I won’t give or do for you. Happy birthday, Nae.”

He placed Navy on her feet, then opened the door for her as her parents, family, and friends looked on and took videos.

“Let’s go for a ride,” she suggested.

“Now?”

“Uh, yeah!”

“How you gon’ leave ya party, Navy?” Ian asked, causing Navy to release a long, slow exhale.

“It’s almost over anyway. I want to go for a ride,” Navy whined, trying to get in the car, but Ian’s grip on her arm stopped her.

“Aye, nigga,” her father, Luke, called. “Getcha hands off my daughter.”

“Luke,” her mom warned, running a soothing hand down his chest.

Luke sucked his teeth, nodding when Zander said, “It’s cool, Pops. I’m standing right here. You know I ain’t gon’ let nothing happen to Navy.”

“Wait.” Ian chuckled and lifted his hands in surrender. “Y’all are acting like I smacked her or some shit. I was just trying to get her to talk to me before she got in the car.”

“You can do that without putting your hands on her,” Zander replied.

“Okay, guys,” Navy said, using her hands on both of their chests to calm them down. “Let’s not ruin a good day. I got excited and wanted to drive the car now, but I can wait. It’s not that big of a deal.”

The men’s eyes remained locked until Zander lowered his to look at her. “Are you sure? It’s your birthday. You can do whatever the fuck you want.”

Navy released a shaky breath as Ian grabbed her hand and pulled her into his side.

“Yeah. It’s fine. Thank you, Zander. I love it. I can’t wait to drive it later.”

“You’re welcome, sweet girl. I’ma head on out though. I’ll talk to you later, aight?”

“Okay. I love you. Be safe.” When she tried to remove herself from Ian’s grip to give Zander a hug, Ian wrapped his arm around her waist and kept her in place.

Chuckling, Zander shook his head and closed the distance between them.

He tilted her head and stared in her eyes until they softened, then planted a kiss to the center of her forehead.

For some reason, sadness consumed her as she watched Zander walk away.

Now, she was even more ready for her party to be over.