Page 91 of A Legal Affair
Caleb knew what was coming. Braced himself for it.
“Shara thinks you’re sleeping with one of your students. A first-year named Daniela Moreau. I told her she’s mistaken, that you’re the last brotha on earth who would do something so crazy and reckless. I told her she’s letting her jealousy get the best of her, but she insists her suspicions are legit.” Evander paused meaningfully. “Are they?”
Caleb returned his probing gaze for a long moment. “Yes.”
“Holy shit.” Evander stared at him in disbelief. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
Caleb nodded tightly.
“Damn.” Evander whistled through his teeth and shook his head in stunned amazement. “I didnotsee that coming. I mean, I knew it had to be a woman on your mind—I called it the other night at the gym. But astudent, bro? Really?”
Caleb leaned back in his chair. He hadn’t told anyone but his father about his relationship with Daniela. Not because he didn’t trust Evander, or because he feared being judged or condemned. He’d always been fiercely private, and he’d never lost a night’s sleep worrying about what others thought of him. But it was different this time. The stakes were much higher, and not just because his name and reputation were on the line. The stakes were higher because Daniela was involved. She brought out his most protective instincts, and he’d do anything to shelter her from salacious gossip and slander.
As if he was reading his mind, Evander said quietly, “She must be quite a woman.”
Caleb swallowed hard. Nodded. “She is.”
“Wow.” Evander shook his head again, then offered a grim smile. “No wonder Shara’s having a meltdown. You’re killing her hopes and dreams of becoming Mrs. Caleb Thorne.”
Caleb scowled at the reminder.
Evander chuckled, stroking his chin. “Remember that time you and Shara spent spring break together at her house in Saint Kitts? Devon was spending the week with his father, and she claimed she’d be lonely without him, so she asked you to keep her company. Remember?”
“Of course,” Caleb muttered.
“When you guys got back from the trip, I took one look at y’all and knew things had changed. And I remember thinking tomyself, ‘Oh, boy. This won’t end well.’ I knew she had feelings for you, and she clearly wanted to be more than just friends and colleagues. I warned you that sleeping with her was a mistake you’d probably come to regret someday. But I didn’t give you a hard time because you had a lot of shit going on with your dad, and Shara helped take your mind off your troubles. Plus you swore it was a one-time thing, that what happened in Saint Kitts would stay in Saint Kitts, and to your credit, you kept your word.”
Caleb glared at his best friend. “Is this your long-winded way of saying ‘I told you so’? Because if it is?—”
“Nah, man, that’s not the point I’m trying to make.”
“Whatisyour point?” Caleb gritted out.
Evander chuckled at his warning tone. “Look, you’ve made it clear you’re not interested in going out with Karina. I get it. Nette doesn’t; she was hella disappointed when you backed out on the double date. But I told her we have to respect your decision.”
“Thanks,” Caleb muttered.
Evander looked amused. “Shara pointed Daniela out to me yesterday, and I can definitely see why shorty got you shook. She’s beautiful, straight up. She’s got a banging body and the face of an angel, and you already know what that brown skin does to me. Exhibit A: my wife.”
Caleb frowned. “It’s more than just?—”
“—her looks. I believe you, bruh. You’ve never been a shallow asshole like our boy Stuart. You’ve always prized substance over beauty. Hell, even Shara grudgingly admitted that Daniela seems smarter than average. That’s how I knew there might be some truth to her allegations about your secret relationship. My boy ain’t risking it all for no birdbrain. Heavy on the ‘risking it all’ part,” Evander added pointedly.
Caleb was miserably silent, staring out the window.
“Look, man, all I’m saying is that I don’t want to see you make another mistake. You survived hooking up with Shara—so far, anyway. But this thing with Daniela could really blow up in your face, and I don’t just mean professionally. Because let’s be real, even if the university found out and fired you, you wouldn’t be unemployed for very long. Before you took this job, all the ivies were breaking down your door. Even if your phone suddenly stopped ringing, we both know your old man would welcome you back to the firm like the prodigal son. He’d alert the media, throw you a ticker-tape parade and give you the keys to the fucking kingdom,” Evander predicted, wry humor in his tone.
He wasn’t too far off the mark. It was no secret to anyone that Caleb would always have a place at his father’s firm. While he freely acknowledged his privilege, he knew returning to criminal law would feel like selling his soul to the devil. Getting his heart broken, however, was a far worse fate.
As if he’d intercepted his thoughts, Evander warned gravely, “If you’re really into this woman and shit goes sideways, you’re gonna be in for a world of hurt.” When Caleb glowered at him, he held up his hands. “There, I’ve said my piece. My objections are now on record.”
“Duly noted, counselor.” Caleb put his head back against the chair, scrubbed a hand down his face and blew out a heavy breath.
Evander eyed him almost sympathetically. “You look like you need to blow off some steam.”
“Probably,” Caleb muttered.
Evander pushed off the desk. “It’s the Friday before Labor Day weekend. What do you say we call it quits and hit the gym? No sparring,” he clarified with a chuckle. “Nette and I have plans tonight so I can’t be going home with sore ribs. But we can get ina good workout, then I’ll buy you a drink afterward and let you unburden your soul.”
