Awa
Chapter forty-one
It took everything in me not to grab Noah, kiss him in front of everyone, and then drag him to the nearest trailer to pick up where we left off in my apartment that night.
The night I wish both of our phones had been on silent, even though it might've meant the end of Yong-rae's career if we hadn't acted quickly.
In his perfectly tailored navy suit, white teeth dazzling and eyes dancing with the promise of pleasure, he was almost too beautiful to look at directly. Oh, but I looked. I looked, and I lusted, and then I went home and got tangled in my sheets to the memory.
No, we still haven't said the words. Yes, the thought of him backing out whenever I actually do say the words is terrifying.
It's hard to ignore what's been a pattern with the men in my life, him included.
But something in his eyes says this time is different.
Noah has grown, he's changed, and now, for the first time, my feelings are reciprocated.
But regardless of what every cell in my body was yelling at me to do, the temporary retainer agreement is still in place. That means Yong-rae is still on my client roster, and Noah is ethically off-limits.
I pick up my pace, practically jogging through the lobby of Jill's office building. One more signature, and my one and only case for Yong-rae Kim is closed. Would I look too desperate if I called Noah right after?
"I had a feeling you'd be here first thing," Jill says once I'm escorted to her office. I drop into the chair opposite hers.
"What do you mean?" I ask, feigning nonchalance. Jill's way too perceptive to fall for it.
"I mean," she says with a knowing grin, "that you would only call me for something really important.
Or someone really important. I didn't catch a vibe when you brought in Yong-rae for his deposition, but you sure were jumpy whenever his agent came up.
" Her grin turns into a wicked smile. "The hot one?
With the smile that could get a woman in trouble? "
"I still have no idea what you're talking about," I lie. She laughs, but thankfully doesn't press me further.
"Well, whatever's got you here so early," she continues, "you're in luck.
The court officially recorded the dismissal of charges two days ago and provided our copy yesterday afternoon.
I had my paralegal, Wanda, get right on it, and all that's missing is your signature on the formal letter of termination. "
She taps the paper in front of her, a single page dissolving my role as his attorney. I let out a breath when I sign.
It's done.
"So what's next?" she asks. I see the twinkle in her eye and know my poker face has failed me once again.
"I've been thinking about leaving Gehrig it's been three years since my last promotion. If there are no opportunities for advancement, it's time for me to move on to my next opportunity."
"Next opportunity?!" Conrad sneers. I smile; he's starting to sound like my echo.
"Do you really think we're going to let you just walk out of here with your clients? That there's anywhere you can go that we won't call and ruin your reputation first?"
Emmitt's smile is cruel, as if he can't wait to crush me. God, they're both so predictable.
"No, I don't. I think you'll do your best to blackball me. But it doesn't matter. I'm not going to work for another firm; I'm opening up my own practice."
Emmitt is almost purple with rage.
"And while I won't violate the non-solicitation clause in my employment contract, I have a feeling I won't have to once my clients hear I'm leaving.
I don't just make them a lot of money; I protect them.
I care about them. Believe it or not, treating clients like people instead of ATMs engenders loyalty. "
That last part was a bluff, but one I don't think is a long shot.
I'm certain Tabitha will come with me—I just helped her boyfriend, after all—and I suspect several other clients will follow her lead.
I figured it out in the car: I can't just leave this hellhole to get the same treatment across town.
The only person I trust to know my worth is taking a stand against her asshole bosses right now.
I rise, leaving them at a loss for words.
"I'll go clear out my desk, gentlemen. Have a lovely day."
I speed past Elle's questioning gaze, straight into my office. The door's barely closed before I'm slumping against it.
Did I really just do that? Did I really just walk into the office and blow up my life? What is Maman going to think?
Thoughts circle my head like sharks, and my heart races.
You are damn impressive, a sight to behold.
My breathing slows as Noah's words settle over me. I'm damn impressive. I've spent years working for this. My clients will stand behind me. Maman and Papa will stand behind me. And they will all see what Awa Faye can do when no one is holding her back!