Page 44 of A Trial of the Heart
The day had been stressful like most days, and it wasn’t because of the job itself. It was the people I worked with. I could say a million times I loved being a lawyer, which I did most days, but where I worked had me second guessing a lot. Arthur and William made sure I knew I was the underdog daily, and I had to prove myself each time. I knew staying for a company I really wasn’t wanted at was stupid, but being a young, black lawyer, it was hard in the justice system. I wanted out but couldn’t get out.
My phone vibrated on the couch beside me, prompting me to look down and answer almost instantly.
“Hey, girl.” It was LeeAnn.
She sucked her teeth. “Girl, I thought that man would have your ankles tossed over his shoulder and his necklace dangling in your face, while you screamed his name by now,” she said all in one breath.
I couldn’t help but laugh. We’d already spoken earlier about Rashad coming over. She’d given me her advice, but what she said was going to happen wasn’t. I wanted Rashad there for closure. I just couldn’t explain the closure I needed.
“You didn’t let him come over?” Her tone was laced with disappointment.
It took a few seconds, but my laughter finally slowed, and I spoke.
“Something is seriously wrong with your ass. Why is shit always sex with you?” I paused for a second but spoke again before she could. “It’s not even time for him to be here, but if I am being honest, I really think it’s a bad idea, LeeAnn.”
I spoke my truth. Rashad had always been irresistible, but me representing the office that had his case could only end badly for me. He was everything a girl could want, but not at the cost of my career.
“I mean, I only always mention sex when mentioning you both cause that man had you screaming down the cruise every chance y’all got.” She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. I imagined her shrugging her shoulders at the same time. “Also, girl, fuck Mr. Racist Number One and Mr. Racist Number Two with their ugly asses. You don’t like them anyway. I seriously don’t understand how you can sit up in front of them daily anyway, faking that shit you do.”
Rashad had done everything LeeAnn said he had, and though I enjoyed every minute, I just didn’t want to keep being reminded of it.
“LeeAnn, you know like I know William and Arthur are number one in this area. They have made it clear. No matter how much they dislike me, they’re not letting me move up in my career or move on. It’s like I’ve signed a deal with Death Row.”
LeeAnn sighed. “I know, friend. I hate this so much for you because you’re a phenomenal lawyer. I’m not just saying that because you’re my best friend. I watched you in action, and you’re dead ass the epitome of a pit bull in a skirt. You don’t belong there. In due time, you’re going to shine bright like the diamond you are.”
I couldn’t prevent the growing smile. LeeAnn and I always joked and talked shit, but when it came down to it, she never failed to be that friend that I always needed. I loved her more than she would ever know or even my words could express.
“You gonna let that man blow ya back out?” She quickly changed gears.
“LeeAnn!”
She giggled. “Just saying, girl. I know you miss what he was slanging your way. Plus, friend, I just don’t see him being that person the documents paint him to be. Something’s not right.”
I’d already found a few discrepancies in the case. Paired with the person I met, things didn’t sit well with me. However, charges like the ones he had didn’t just come for fun. Two plus two wasn’t making four in this situation. Conflict consumed me, which had been a career first. The heavy sigh slipped through my full lips without realization.
“Listen, girl. You know I joke a bunch and talk cash money shit. We both know that will never change.” Her timbre was seasoned with seriousness and love.
“Okay…” I drawled, anticipating her words.
“I won’t sit on the phone pretending you haven’t attracted some ain’t shit dudes in the past, including Daniel. Even with what you have attracted, I genuinely don’t see Rashad, Kyan, or whatever his name is to be that type of person. We both see through some bullshit, even if we play a little delusional about the situation.” She giggled, causing me to do the same.
LeeAnn was right. I could spot rubbish a mile away with my eyes closed. The only reason Daniel had remained as long as he had was because he was familiar, and I was afraid of starting over.
“That man does not give off any hidden agenda vibes.” LeeAnn was straightforward in her response.
I sighed with a shrug of the shoulder like she could see me. “Maybe he just knew how to play his role well. Deception is real, and it’s obvious he has it mastered.” I’d already thought about what LeeAnn said, but facts were facts.
“You don’t even believe that shit yourself.” She laughed louder than needed.
“Well…” I dragged out, not having anything else to say.
“Dead ass could just be a situation where someone is framing a successful black man to bring down his character and destroy him as a person.”
“Why would someone go to great lengths just to ruin someone? His charges aren’t for stealing gum from the corner store, LeeAnn. This man has a bunch of charges that indicate some corrupt things were done. He presented me with Rashad. It’s obvious Kyan is someone else. I have to accept it, and the sooner you do too, the easier our conversations about him will be.” I wanted to get the what if, could be, and just might from my mind. People pretended to be someone they weren’t often. Rashad had played me.
“Girl!” She exhaled heavily. “You’re so damn wishy washy even I don’t know what to do with you. If you think that man is guilty, stop all communication. Hell, what’s the reason for you allowing him to come over tonight if you’re still going to prosecute him? Let’s be real. Continuing any type of relationship with him could cost your reputation. Hell, you could lose your license. So, I’m going to ask you one time.”
“Okay?” I spoke. Not that I needed to, because she would ask her question one way or another.
