Page 12 of Lawsuit and Leather

“He’s harmless.” I assured, knowing the ability of my own strength, along with the things I’d seen and experienced in my lifetime. How bad could he be?

“He’s violent.” Parker furrowed his brow, thumbing the sterling fork in his hand, “He’s already spent plenty of time in court, I’ve read the files. Did you know he can’t even return to The Pierre Hotel? Not after what happened, the damages that occurred. Some fucking party he threw got way out of hand, and it’s not just the hotel that’s coming after him anymore. It’s bad, Gemma, you have no idea what a world of shit this guy’s in, especially after I’m done with him.” Parker stole the bacon back, taking a definitive bite from its length. “He has no regard for being professional, always late when his lawyers request him and leaves when the tough questions get asked. As soon as it gets heated, he’s gone. He has no control, for himself or his women. You understand?” He arched a brow, “Don’t get involved.”

“He’s unprofessional? I thought you weren’t a true crime podcast? Yet, here you are now, judging him.” I reminded, “Code of conduct?” I could tell this bothered him; his lip twitched as if to say more.

“This is different, I know too much.” He retorted, “Outside of this case, he’s been charged with assault. The man acts like he fights for a living. I don’t want you around that.”

“And what about me? Can’t I be professional?” I challenged, assessing his perception.

“Of course, but he’s different. He’s cunning.”

“And… what? I’m naive?”

“Fuck, Gemma no…” He sighed, slightly frustrated.

“He can’t be that dangerous, has anyone died?” I asked, tilting my head as if that was some convincing argument. It wasn’t.

“People have been hurt, that’s all I can say at the moment.”

The truth was, this scared me, but the assertive tone Parker used rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't even sure if Alex would call, but the idea of Parker already shooting it down felt disappointing. I wanted that choice, not Parker, who lived his life without being told what to do.

“I need to decide what’s best for me,” I said plainly. “That includes the opportunities I’m given.”

He sighed with frustration. “Why can’t you just trust me on this one?”

“And why can’t you? There’s a lot I’ve been through and I’m stronger than you realize. I can handle myself around some celebrity.”

“It’s not about being strong or not, it's about…” It pained him to even say, the words failing to come out, replaced with a breath. “I just… want you to be safe.”

“And I just don’t want to be a burden. Parker, I don’t really have many choices. I’m not having any luck, and even if he called, what would I say? Oh, sorry, my roommate doesn’t approve? I’m trying to get out of your hair.”

“I’ve told you before, you're not in my hair.” His voice mellowed softly.

“But those are my feelings, and that is what I'm entitled to. I just don’t feel comfortable staying rent free. I know it’ll somehow prevent you from living a normal life, even if you won’t admit it.”

“Like what?”

“Like I’ve said before, what if you brought a girl home? How would you even act, knowing your third wheel best friend is close by? I won’t do that, not to you.” I stated, wanting him to live his life while avoiding my feelings from getting hurt.

“Fuck that,” he snipped. “No opportunity is worth your safety, I won’t hear that. Anyway, why are you obsessed with me finding a girl and being normal?” He shook his head.

“Why are you obsessed with my safety? You can’t tell me who I can and cannot work with, Park. We’re not dating…”

Parker’s soft lips parted, my words caught on his tongue. He fell silent as I turned my attention to the runny yolk of my split egg. I didn’t want him to feel as if I were holding a grudge from that awful college night, and I was afraid that felt apparent with my last remark. Wasn't he just being honest when he said I was only like a sister to him? He didn’t owe me anything, in fact, he gave me so much, and all I could do was keep him in a box in my head, guarded like a secret fantasy.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” I apologized.

“I know…” he sighed, “we’re not dating, but…” He adjusted the knot of his tie, scrambling with a thought before coming to some conclusion. “There’s something I want to talk to you about. Let me take you out somewhere special tomorrow night.” He caught my attention, the annunciation of his words deliberate and cautious. It appeared he was still pondering what to say but leaned forward with confident poise.

“Special?” I asked, the idea almost forbidden.

“Yes, somewhere we can discuss more, and maybe I can put you at ease.” He checked his watch, annoyed at the time. “I have to go, but promise me you won’t be mad at me?” He asked, refusing to leave until I responded.

“I promise.” I replied, unable to resist the adorable way his cheek creased and how a loose strand of hair swooped over his face. He was cute, and when he wasn't, he was handsome, but more so than that, sexy. The most powerful lawyer by my side, eager to defend, even against Alex Rivers, a man who’d probably never call. He slipped on his jacket, folding a hundred dollar bill by the coffee mug.

“Be sure to eat lunch, Butterfly.” He winked, turning away, slipping passed the seated crowd.

Somethingspecial?The way his face dropped when I said,we’re not dating, made me feel as though I had struck a chord. Was this my imagination, or was the vague request ofwantingto talk about something else somehow related? I wasn't nervous about Alex, or even upset at Parker’s persistence, instead, in this moment, all I felt was a strange glimpse of hope. What else would he want to talk about, if not the possibility of us?

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