Page 100 of Beyond Expectations

“Sorry, I have another important matter I need to get started on.”

With that, I said my goodbyes, made my way back to the car, and as Russell started the drive back to my apartment, I scrolled through my contacts, making the next and most important call to hopefully begin putting the plan I had come up with into place.

Chapter 29

Serena

It was Thursday the 18th, and the office was closed the next day for Juneteenth, and everyone there was hesitant to approach me. I’d tried to hide my feelings, but it was as if a black cloud had been following me, and no one wanted to risk coming too close. Finishing off the last paperwork on a case, I called in Sarah.

“What’s next on the agenda?” I asked as she took a seat in front of my desk.

“We are currently up to date on everything, simply waiting on the rulings for Drummonds, Hartley Ltd, and Mr Price. We are still waiting to hear back the counter offers from Blackthorne & Associates and the reps from the malpractice suit.”

Slumping in my chair, I checked the time on my laptop.

“I’ll send a memo and tell everyone they can head out early. We’re clearly on top of everything.”

Looking up, I noticed Sarah hesitate as she approached the door. Tentatively, she asked, “Is everything okay?”

Not wanting to talk about it, I paste on a smile.

“Yes, everything’s fine. Go on. I promise everything’s okay. Go and enjoy your weekend.”

Clicking through my emails, I signed off on the last one before logging out, and my phone rang. The sound was shrill and loud, making me realize how quiet the office was, as everyone else had gone home. A warm smile spread when I saw my dad’s picture light up the screen.

“Hey, Daddy.”

“Hey baby girl, I was just calling to remind you about tomorrow.”

Suppressing a sigh, I wished there was some excuse I could come up with to get me out of going to Dad’s BBQ. Not because I didn’t want to see my family but because I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep it together the minute I did.

“Yeah, I’m leaving work now and heading straight home to make the macaroni salad. Are you sure there’s nothing else you need me to bring?”

“No, sweetie, all the meats are already seasoning in the fridge, and Olivia will drop off some stuff in the morning. The twins have been working hard this week and have put together a production for us. It’s called Cinderella’s Not the Best.

I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped past my lips. God, when was the last time I laughed?

“I’ve got to say for once, I’m intrigued. Let me get going, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Drive safe, and I’ll see you then. Love you, baby girl.”

“Love you, Dad.”

***

Cleaning the kitchen, I forwent the wine and treated myself to hot chocolate and popcorn instead. I plopped down on the sofa and made myself comfortable. I’d got the TV on in the background as I scrolled through Instagram. As I was about to force myself to pay attention to the movie instead of continuously scrolling TikTok, my phone rang, and Ruby’s name flashed. Knowing I needed to stop being such a shitty friend, I picked up.

“Hey, Rubs, how are you?”

“I’m good. You know me, busy, busy, busy.”

Putting her on speaker, I notice the time. It was already 9:45 p.m.

“Anyway, I just wanted to check in and see how my girl is doing. You know, speak to her, and make sure she hasn’t actually been abducted, and some AI thing is simply responding to my text.”

Despite my awkward laugh snort, guilt washed over me.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy with work,” I respond meekly.

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