Page 3 of This Moment

“I need you to come to my office when you arrive.”

“Sorry, Mom, no can do. I’ve got a conference call with Parker Construction and their lawyers to see if we can settle.”

“You’re settling? Do the families know?”

I rolled my eyes. After years of proving to my mother and fatherthat I had what it takes to be a good lawyer, they still questioned my every move. There was a reason my sister only lasted two years and decided to return to school to get a different degree. And when my younger brother chose not to follow in the footsteps of his parents, older sister, and brother, my father practically told him not to bother coming home for the holidays. He had taken it literally. I wasn’t sure when was the last time I saw my baby brother. He had gotten a degree in structural engineering and worked for a company that sent him all over the place. Last I heard from him, he was in England.

“Of course, they know; they’re the ones who asked to settle. They’re tired of the gamesandjust want this to end.”

“But if we go to court, we could potentially get millions of dollars for them. That’s more money for everyone.”

“That still doesn’t bring back their loved ones.”

“That’s true, but the money will improve their lives, not to mention the payout for the firm. You’re one of our top billers, Kian. Don’t start going soft on me now.”

Clearing my throat, I replied, “It was more about holding the company accountable, Mom.”

She tsked. “When will you be in the office?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Be sure to stop by my office. That isn’t a request.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The call ended, and I closed my eyes and dropped my head against the subway’s seat.

“Hate your job?”

The voice startled me, and I turned to see an older man sitting beside me.

“Something like that. Doesn’t help my parents are my boss.”

He laughed. “Let me guess, you’re a lawyer.”

I raised a brow. “The only way you would know was if you were one as well.”

“Thirty years, corporate law. My first few years I was driven and on my way to becoming a partner.”

“I feel like a but is coming.”

“One day, I woke up and decided I was tired of getting up, grabbing a muffin and coffee on the way to the office, eating at my desk, and getting home around ten at night. Rinse and repeat. Day after day.”

Nodding, I said, “I feel that in the depths of my soul.”

“Trust me, son, it won’t get any better. If you feel like you’re getting burned out, you’re already burned out.”

“Being a lawyer is the only thing I know how to do.”

He smiled. “I thought the same thing. Then I learned to appreciate this moment.”

“This very moment?” I asked.

Laughing, he said, “No, you’ll know the moments you want to remember. It’s when you’re experiencing utterhappiness. Those are the moments you want to cherish, not stressing out and doing more harm to your mind and body than you should be.”

“Do you mind if I ask what you do now?”

“Not at all. I’m a writer.”

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