Page 1 of Knocked Up by Mr. Grump Lawyer

Chapter 1

KAYLA

Thisisit.Thisis Dad’s office… I mean… my office.A Cheshire cat grin spread across my lips.

“I belong here now,” I whispered, the excitement surging in my chest as the realization hit me.

I stood in front of the tall contemporary building wrapped with reflective glass on the corner of the street. I have been here on several occasions when I was younger. But that was way different. This time, I was here as a lawyer, as the newest partner of Lee and Emery Law Firm.

Catching a glimpse of myself on the glass-covered exterior wall by the entrance, I stopped to cast an eye over my reflection. I had painstakingly chosen my outfit — a stylish unostentatious white dress with a long pencil-cut skirt that reached all the way to my ankles, matched with a pair of plain red heels. I carried my favorite red handbag too to go with my shoes. My makeup was subtle and fresh, and my long auburn hair cascaded past my shoulders in beach waves that I’d proudly accomplished early this morning. My bright blue eyes were hidden behind oversized black sunglasses, making me feel like a star.

Okay… So maybe it wasn’t solawyer-ish. But I wanted to make a magnificent entrance, to show them that I wasn’t just an average woman who can be bossed around or take advantage of in a male-dominated industry.

A low whistle caught my attention. I turned around and saw a teenage skater guy passing by and eyeing me. I ignored him and went on to enter the building.

The lobby was massive and impressive. I couldn’t help admiring the sleek and elegant interior before heading to the elevators.

I was surprised when a young lady caught up to me. She seemed quite breathless and had a look of admiration on her face.

“Aren’t you that actress on…?” the lady asked with a wide, expectant smile. She had her camera phone ready to take a snap with me.

She mentioned a movie I don’t think I’ve ever heard of. I smiled and shook my head. I took off my sunglasses, and the glow on her face suddenly dimmed.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not that actress,” I said. Nonetheless, I was flattered.

“Oh, sorry,” she muttered before moving away.

I chuckled and thought of all the times before that I had been mistaken as a celebrity. Being born and growing up in Hollywood had its perks, if you could call that a fringe benefit. Well, at least I’ve been so exposed to the entertainment and movie world that I’d gotten accustomed to dressing up as if I was going to walk down the red carpet.

My father, who was a senior partner at Lee and Emery, often dealt with cases involving the film industry and Hollywood celebrities. In high school, I had friends who were sons and daughters of famous personalities. And in university, even while taking up my pre-law course, I dabbled in the theater club and film club.

The elevator was empty except for an older man whom you would never mistake for anything but a lawyer. He was wearing an expensive suit and carrying a briefcase.

As soon as I stepped in, he immediately recognized me.

“Is this the famous Kayla Brown?” he asked, grinning. I didn’t know him at all, and I had no idea how he knew my name.

“Yes, and you are?” I said with a bright smile.

“Drew Anderson,” he introduced himself, extending his hand. His eyes were twinkling with delight and adoration. “I’m sorry. It’s just that Arthur has been telling us so many stories about you all this time, and everyone’s looking forward to meeting you.”

My father is something of a legend in this firm. That I knew. But it never occurred to me that he has been talking about me with his colleagues.

When I shook hands with Drew, I noticed he made the touch linger longer than necessary. I didn’t mind, though. I was going to work with this guy from now on, so I will have to make a good impression.

“Wow, I didn’t know that,” I said candidly.

“I’ve worked with your dad for a long time,” Drew mentioned. He was certainly friendly and handsome, though he looked to be in his late thirties, and I considered that a lot older than me.

“That’s nice,” I answered politely. “This has been my dream — to be part of Lee and Emery, the biggest and most prestigious law firm in Hollywood.”

“Yes, it is!” he agreed in a cheerful voice. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” I said.

The elevator door opened. He was gentleman enough to let me get out first.

The law firm occupied the entire top floor of the building. The moment we stepped into the reception area, I noticed the curious looks and whispers. All the divisions were made of glass except for a few offices and conference rooms with actual walls and drawn curtains. Basically, almost everyone could see us from where they were.

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