Page 13 of Inadmissible

Taj

T his morning, I was a bundle of excited yet nervous energy.

Attorney Gregory Adams appointed me as the lead attorney for one of the firm’s biggest clients.

Martin Stevens was a multi-millionaire who was about to shift into land development.

He wanted research and representation for a multi-million dollar development deal.

I didn’t know all the details of the deal, but I was sure I’d be able to help him with it, especially since Gregory was going to allow me to choose a three person team to work with as well.

As I drove to the office, I took that time to update Tyler on what happened at the gala. I didn’t really want to tell him, but I knew if word spread that I’d been in the same room as Destin and I didn’t tell him, he’d be ready to act a fool.

I waited patiently as he answered Mama’s questions about what he wanted for dinner when he got back home from work.

I thought it was so cute that they were living together again.

There was no telling how long it would actually last though.

Mama was like me in the sense that she was already wanting more solitude and freedom now that she was away from Daddy.

“Aight, Sis, I’m back,” Tyler said as I exited the interstate. “Now what were you saying happened Sunday?”

“You know I told you about that gala Emilia wanted me to go to, right?”

“Right.”

“Well I went, and guess who was there?”

“Who?” he asked, damn near sounding just like a skeptical owl.

I laughed. “Destin and Trenae. They’re engaged.”

Tyler released a round of boisterous laughter. “Ain’t that some shit? Well, worst wishes and coldest regards. And a big fuck them too. He didn’t bother you, did he?”

“He tried but he wasn’t really able to. You remember the guy I told you helped me out at the bar a year ago?”

Tyler scoffed, and I could imagine the frown that covered his face. “I do, and I’m still pretty peeved that you didn’t call me?—”

“Big brother, please. I’m almost at the office.

Anyway, he was there. Apparently, he’s one of the partners at the firm Emilia works with.

He knew Destin and Trenae and made it almost impossible for him to bother me.

At one point, he threatened to kill him and bury his body where it couldn’t be found.

He also told Destin he knows how to get away with murder since he’s an attorney as well. ”

“Oh shit. I like this guy already.”

“Of course you would, crazy.”

We continued to talk until I pulled into the office parking lot. Before I could end the call Tyler asked, “So wassup with you and How to Get Away with Murder? Any man that’s on his Annalise Keating behind you is quite alright with me.”

A sputtered laugh escaped me as I parked. “Boy, if you don’t get off my phone with this foolishness.”

“I’m serious, Sis. I’ma call ’im AK.”

“Goodbye, Tyler,” I almost yelled through my laughter.

“Aight, baby sis. I love you. Have a good day.”

“I love you too. I’ll see you for dinner in a couple of days.”

I sat in my car for a few minutes after ending the call to settle my nerves.

I wasn’t sure if Martin was already at the office or not, and I didn’t want to seem overly excited.

Working on his behalf was a big fucking deal, and it would open me up to a different caliber of clients and opportunities, but I didn’t want to seem overly eager.

If I was completely honest, I still wasn’t sure why I was even chosen to work with him.

This wasn’t my area of expertise. Regardless, I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity.

Once I was composed, I made my way into the office and spoke to the receptionist before grabbing a cup of coffee out of the breakroom and heading to my office. I took a few sips of coffee, checked my emails, then made my way to the conference room.

My smile was genuine as I entered the conference room. I recognized Gregory and his assistant, of course. My gaze locked on an older man whom I assumed to be Martin . . . and then there was Tristan. What the hell was he doing here?

As he stood, the action gained the attention of everyone else.

“Good morning, Taj.” Tristan spoke, and the sound of his raspy, deep voice had flashbacks of our night together replaying in my mind. I could feel my nipples hardening as I stepped further into the room, and I prayed no one else noticed them or the chills that covered my arms.

“Good morning, everyone. Tristan.”

“Glad you could join us,” Gregory said. “Martin, this is Taj Sanders, the lead on your project. I have to tell you, I still can’t believe she’s who you wanted. Taj is a great defense attorney, but this isn’t her usual lane.”

Martin stood and extended his hand for me to shake as he said, “Well, I wanted Tristan, and his stipulation was that Taj be on board too.” Martin returned his eyes to me and gripped my hand a little tighter to keep me from pulling away as he said, “I hope you are flattered by that and not offended. I’m not familiar with you, but I’m very familiar with Tristan and his firm.

He would not work with me unless I brought you on as well, and that gives me confidence in you too. ”

For a while, I was speechless. So what? Since I said I didn’t want a relationship, Tristan planned to get close to me professionally? With a smile, I removed my hand from Martin’s.

“The honor is mine, and I can guarantee you what I lack in land development experience I make up for in knowledge and common sense. I have also already picked my team. One attorney is proficient in land development deals. The paralegal I selected is great with research. And my strategist?—”

“Will be replaced with Tristan,” Gregory said quickly. “That was Martin’s non-negotiable and the only way we were able to even get in on this deal. Tristan’s the best strategist in Rose Valley Hills. You’ll work well with him.”

It was usually easy for me to maintain my professionalism and not get emotional, especially when I was in a room of men.

This felt different. This felt like I was a pawn in Tristan’s game.

It felt like I was put on this case just because Gregory wanted our firm attached to it.

I understood his strategy of partnering with MPWG attorneys because of their prowess and demand in the South but still.

I wanted to actually feel like a valued member of the legal team.

Now, I felt like I was here just because Tristan wanted me.

On the bright side, Martin seemed kind and genuine.

I don’t know. My excitement definitely took a hit.

With a huff, I sat down so we could begin the meeting.

I tried to pay attention and be present, but I was over it.

It felt like I wasn’t the real lead attorney and that Gregory or Tristan could usurp whatever decisions or suggestions I made, and that wasn’t how I operated.

I was so excited for this opportunity, this meeting, and now . . . I couldn’t wait for it to be over.