The office is more traditional than mine. Sure, he also has large windows that look out into the city, but where my space is minimalistic, his screams of vanity. Awards. Plaques. A constant reminder of why he should be charging the big bucks.
Seth Williams sits behind a large wooden desk that almost takes up the whole room. Gold plated, it’s over the top, but I guess if you are trying to convince clients like me to give you a million-dollar retainer to secure your services, this is the look you go for.
I already fucking hate this idiot, but he’s a means to an end.
He’s my way in.
“Mr. Kosta.” He stands, crosses the space between us, and raises his hand to shake mine. Once that’s taken care of, he gestures for me to have a seat. “What can I do for you?” Making his way to his chair, he pulls it out and takes a seat. I follow suit.
Leaning back, I cross my arms in front of my chest. “I’m interested in some help with a few legal matters,” I lead, dropping the bait and letting him eat that shit up.
He nods. “Luckily for you, that’s our expertise.”
Hook, line, and sinker.
I lean forward, cock my head, and stare at the man. “I’m particular on who works with me.”
“Of course. I will make sure—” he starts to say, but I stop him in his tracks.
“I want Skye Matthews.”
That’s a Freudian slip if I ever heard one.
“With all due respect to Skye, who is an absolute rising star in the firm, she’s a newer associate. I can find someone better suited for your needs and the scope of the work.” His condescending voice has my teeth gritting together.
“Ms. Matthews. Or I walk right out that door, hire her directly, and you don’t get a fucking cut.”
“Mr. Kosta—”
Shaking my head, I look at him the way a parent would scold their child. Right before they sent them to their room with no dinner or, in his case, with a belt to the ass.
“Price? What’s your price to get you to shut the fuck up?”
His mouth opens and closes. Good, I shocked the idiot into silence. He rights himself quickly, straightening his back and puffing out his chest. He cut the theatrics, so I still know he’s scared of me. “I need to check her billable—”
“Double it.”
“Tobias.” He lifts his hand up. “May I call you Tobias?”
“No,” I say in a deadpan. “Though if your answer is yes, I may tolerate it.” Normally, I don’t smile, but this time, I allow my lip to tilt up. A sardonic grin. One that tells him not to fuck with me. Not to object and just give me what I want.
“I’m sure we can work out a fair share for her to work with you. She does have other clients, so I would need to check her schedule and availability.”
“I think you misunderstood me, Seth.” His name drips off my lips with scorn. I reach over to his desk, pick up the pen, and scribble a number down on it, then I slide that scrap of paper that holds an ungodly dollar amount across the large wooden desk. “I want her at my disposal. Only my disposal.”
His eyes widen. “Very well.”
“Good, now that settles that.” I push back the chair from the desk, then stand and head over to the far side of the room. The area of the office is perfect for what I have in mind. It’s tucked away in an alcove behind the entrance. It’s only partially in view, but mainly, it’s strategically hidden, which works well for me. Taking a seat on the couch, I lean forward so my head is visible to Skye’s prick boss.
“Call her in, and tell her the news.”
6
Skye
My office is uptown in a beautiful high-rise building on Park Avenue. It is pretentious and a far cry from my father's house. I grew up in a small town filled with old-world charm. Now my only view is that of the hustle and bustle of the city. Tall buildings and no trees.
I live ten blocks from where I work, and because of that fact, I never leave the Upper East Side unless it’s to go to court.
All day and night, the only thing that holds my attention is work. No social life. You don’t get the things you want in life unless you push. My determination, my strength, and my pigheadedness are all weaknesses and strengths, depending on who you ask. My clients only see strengths. For my soul, it’s all a weakness.
Once I stand outside and the warm air slaps at my face, I lift my arm to hail a cab.
For some reason, this part of the city is busy today. I should fish out my phone and call an Uber, but I have time. It only takes a few minutes before the sea of cars has one pulling up beside me. I should have walked, but my heels are too high, and I forgot to change into flats before I left my apartment this morning.
I step inside and sit down. As soon as I do, I’m assaulted by the smell. It’s thick with a combination of smoke and a rancid odor of what I can only describe as dirty gym socks. I really should have walked. The good news is the windows are cracked, so as soon as we start to drive, clean and fresh air pours into the small space. It doesn’t completely remove the lingering fragrance, but it’s better than nothing.
Pulling out my phone, I begin to scroll through my emails. It seems like a good way to keep my mind off throwing up in the back seat.
One hundred emails are unread.
This should be fun.
Right off the bat, nothing screams important.
Typical annoying clients pestering me about follow ups and questions.
Lots of crap about things I have no interest in, but then an email comes through from my boss. He wants to meet today as soon as I get into the office. He probably wants to discuss the big win for Felix. Maybe I’ll get a promotion. It doesn’t matter since I don’t do this for the money. Well, not only for the money. I do need to eat.
With no more emails to go through, I turn my head to face the window. The city swishes by in a sea of colors.
Yellow cabs.
Gray buildings.
The tourist with their numerous shopping bags.
On the far-right side of the street, a mother walks with her child, pink balloons in the small girl’s hands.
I count them.
One, two, three, four, five.
Presumably her age.
I wonder where they are off to today to celebrate. A museum, maybe the natural history one. Or maybe they are off to Chelsea Piers. They could also be going to see the sights. Something I don’t do enough and really should be better at.
I may not have grown up here, and the views are undoubtedly different from what I’m used to, but something about the chaos of New York is almost relaxing.
You can get lost in this city.
I certainly have. But at the same time, there are endless opportunities. Endless ways to figure out your goals and objectives and meet them head-on. It’s cliché, but the world is my oyster here.
Lost in thought, I don’t realize how fast the ride goes, and before long, we’re pulling up to the familiar building. I pay on my app and head up to the top floor of the law firm via the glass elevators. I’m not a fan of enclosed spaces. Have hated it since I was a little girl, but being able to see out into the lobby while I ride up keeps me from getting in my head.
As I walk past the receptionist, she smiles at me. Head held high and shoulders pulled back, I make my way through the set of glass doors and head straight to talk to my boss.