Page 4 of Stuck With You
I close my eyes and breathe, shoring myself up for whatever is ahead because I have a feeling it’s gonna be one hell of a shitty day.
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I climb into my BMW, switching on the seat heater to help ward off the chill of bare legs and lack of coat.
Despite setbacks, I’m still extra early. Two weeks into the job, it might be a tad lame, but I don’t care. I’ve worked since I was fifteen, when I’d had enough and decided to make something of myself regardless of whether anyone believed I could.
Fifteen-year-old me didn’t have a clue what it would take to become something, but I knew what it meant. It equaled independence, freedom, and never having to depend on anyone. It meant escaping a small world and becoming part of one where I could be seen for more than my circumstances.
My young plan evolved, and I succeeded until I foolishly let myself be led astray. Now, it’s up to me to regain all I lost.
I turn the corner, my car sounding like a garbage disposal as I accelerate. I’m pretty sure it’s the same odd noise I heard when I went to the grocery store on Saturday. I lower the radio and listen.
As I ease into the parking lot, I hear it again and accept that I’ll have to research mechanic shops to get it checked out. A broken washing machine is one thing. A broken car is entirely different.
I pull open the glass door that reads Macavoy, Dunn, & Chambers. The pristine waiting area resembles a living room with leather furniture and a fireplace. Two desks are tucked behind a short wall where Robyn and Marcie greet clients.
I head down the hall to my small office, knowing at least one of the partners seems to be here at all times. Their workdays begin before sunrise and run long into the night after a full day in court.
I log in to my computer and check my phone while it starts up.
ROXIE: Remind me to never drink again.
ROXIE: But you should be proud. I didn’t punch any assholes in the face this time.
ROXIE: I kneed him in the balls! *Smiley face emoji*
I cover my mouth, trying not to laugh out loud. Roxie has been my best friend since sixth grade. Just two girls from opposite sides of the tracks that run through our small town.
It all started when a girl shoved my lunch tray and said mutts weren’t allowed at her table. Roxie stood, announcing she was allergic to bitches, and moved to the other side of the cafeteria. She motioned for me to follow. We ate together every day after, except when she skipped.
I set my phone aside and flick open the lid on my travel mug.
Pop.
The released pressure shoots droplets of coffee all over my papers.
I exhale.Of course.
I mop them up with a Kleenex and peer down to be sure it didn’t spray all over my shirt, then open my email to twenty-four unread messages. I click on the most recent one.
Hi, Sarah. I won’t be in today. I did hot yoga and now I’m like so hot and have a headache. It could be from the wine I had last night, but I don’t know. Plus, I think my cat’s seasonaldepression is already kicking in and needs some extra attention. Anyway, could you tell Cory? Pretty please.
Thanks!!!
Robyn
The law firm has three partners who share two assistants: Robyn and Marcie. I was hired by Griffin Macavoy, the head partner and one of the leading family law attorneys, as a paralegal. The other paralegal, Cory, has worked with Griffin for years. From what I can tell, Cory is smart and knows it. It’s yet to be determined, but it’s also possible he has a giant stick wedged up his ass.
On my first day, he ran through the computer systems and office protocol, then tossed a binder at me with instructions for each program, wishing me luck as if delivering a challenge.
My first legitimate assignment is asset valuation for a large case, a tedious process that requires significant time and extensive research. Cory has been monitoring my progress and workload as if he has authority.
I’ve helped Kat with a few small things, but the third partner, Seth Chambers, handles estate planning and wills. So far, we haven’t interacted outside of staff meetings.
I draft a brief email to Cory, informing him that Robyn may not be in, and proceed through my inbox.
“Sooo . . .” I jump at Kat’s sly voice.
