Chapter 14 – Car Service
The next morning was crystal clear. There was not a cloud in the sky as I drove to the new office. I felt refreshed, recharged, and for some strange reason, prepared. These feelings stemmed from a growth in my personal confidence and appreciation for how we, collectively, had handled the Sienna dilemma. I was proud of all of us and impressed with myself. In the back of my mind, I knew this couldn't last long.
My arrival at the office brought another pleasant surprise. Apparently, while Penny and I were given the afternoon off the day before, work had not stopped. Brooke had found the new office and it made my morning to see her smiling face when I walked through the door. She was organizing a few documents at the circular workstation in the center of the office when I noticed her.
"What are you doing here," I asked pleasantly.
"I moved into my new office yesterday," she informed me as I continued walking towards her. "I figured it would be a good time to do it while you all were off dealing with Sienna."
"That's wonderful," I exclaimed as I reached the workstation. "Having you here will be fantastic."
Brooke leaned over and gently kissed me on the cheek before turning and heading back to her office. I was very excited. Our new office was taking complete shape. I set down my laptop bag at the workstation when the office door flew open and a tall, overweight man in a dirty, grey jumpsuit barreled towards me across the floor.
"I got some furniture to drop off," he growled. "Need you to sign."
He shoved a clipboard and pen in my face as he reached me. I accepted it and read the yellow packing slip thoroughly before signing. He was delivering the rest of the furniture we had ordered, which included Emma's office, my office, the guest office and the reception area we were going to setup. These guys were going to be here for a while.
As the men began bringing in the furniture, I directed them as to which office each piece belonged to. While they were moving Emma's desk into her office, Penny arrived for her workday. She looked fantastic with her briefcase in her hand and her navy pinstripe suit on. As she walked towards me I filled with delight as I realized that I was in the same building with both of the women that I was in love with. On top of that, I was actually happy about it instead of being intimidated or afraid. Today was a good day. This was a good moment.
"What is that silly smile for," Penny asked as she reached where I was standing.
"I am always happy to see you, gorgeous," I replied, not wanting to reveal the truth but always wanting to be playful with her.
She leaned forward onto the tiptoes of her black, flat ballet slippers and kissed me on the lips lightly.
"Leslie will be in court for most of the day," Penny informed me as she pulled her lips away from mine. "Wait for her to get here later before you call it a day. Ok?"
"Anything for you," I teased her.
"God damn right," she confirmed as she walked away, headed to her office.
The rest of my entire day was spent managing the furniture delivery guys. When all was said and done, all the furniture was where it was supposed to be and I was exhausted. They finally left well after 4pm and I was able to sit at my new desk and think. I immediately picked up the phone and called Nikki.
"Law Offices of Adams and Cartwright," Nikki answered the phone is her best professional voice.
"Nik, it's me," I announced. "What does Emma's calendar look like on Friday?"
"Hey you," she responded. "Looks like she is open for the entire day. Why?"
"Friday is your last day at that office," I informed her. "Everything is ready here. So set it up that as of Monday morning, we are 100% operating from our new home."
"You got it," Nikki confirmed. "Anything else?"
"Not that I can think of," I admitted. "See you soon."
I hung up, knowing that Nikki would handle everything on her end. As of Monday, the new offices of Adams and Cartwright would be complete. This was great. I sat back in my new chair and exhaled, enjoying what I had accomplished for just a moment. That moment ended when Leslie appeared in my doorway.
"Got a minute for me," she asked simply.
"Always," I stated. "How was court?"
"It was productive," she admitted as she entered my office and closed the door behind her.
She sat in one of the two new guest chairs directly in front of my desk, setting her attaché case alongside the leg of the chair.
"You have done a great job getting this office ready," Leslie complimented.
"Thanks, I am glad to contribute something tangible," I acknowledged. "Are you ok?"
"Yes, I am fine," she established. "But I need a favor from you."
"Ok, what can I do for you," I inquired.
"I need work done on my car and I was hoping you could take it in tomorrow," she revealed.
"Sure, that shouldn't be a problem," I said. "I will have Nikki make the appointment with Bob first thing in the morning."
"I already had Nikki make the appointment," Leslie disclosed. "And it won't be with Bob."
"Oh really," I exclaimed. "Why not? We give Bob all our car business. He's Bill's brother-in-law. What exactly is going on here?"
"Well, my sister Lisa is now managing a car dealership," Leslie informed me. "So I need you to take it there just this once."
"Why does my gut tell me that this is not about the car," I pressed her.
"Not entirely," she answered gingerly.
She reached down below her chair and grabbed her attaché case. She opened the front flap and slid her hand inside the pouch. She withdrew her hand and placed the case at the foot of her chair once again. She then stood from her chair and placed an unmarked disk on my desk in front of me. I looked down at it and then looked up at her. Her expression gave nothing away.
"Sienna's message to us," I assumed, trying to piece this together in my mind.
"I don't think Lisa has actually seen this," she said. "Nor do I think she knows that Brad was dating her daughter prior to joining Sienna's game."
"And you were hoping I would share this disk and that information with her tomorrow," I further interpreted.
"Yes, please," she agreed politely.
My mind was racing and my head was spinning. What was Leslie playing at here? She knew I did not like her sister Lisa, who was already entrenched in Sienna's game. Whether or not Lisa knew that Brad used to be Mindy's boyfriend was irrelevant, in my opinion. I was not clear on what purpose this served but when I looked at Leslie again, her face was solemn. She appeared to be quite sincere in wanting this to be done. I could not say no. I stood from my chair and walked around my desk. I opened the door to my office before turning back to Leslie.
"I will see you in the morning," I stated before leaving the doorway on my way out of the office.
My head hurt for the entire evening. I commuted to the office with Penny the next morning. I dropped my laptop on my desk and collected Leslie's car keys from her. I got in her car and headed directly to the dealership where Lisa worked. I pulled into the lot and proceeded inside quickly. The showroom was empty aside from a young sales guy and Lisa.
She was seated at her desk towards the rear of the showroom. I quickly made my way towards her just as the young sales guy tried his best pitch.
"Is there anything I can help you with today, sir," he asked as I crossed the floor with a purpose.
I didn't even acknowledge him with a look, I just continued walking.
"I have an appointment for my vehicle," I stated as I reached Lisa's desk.
She had on a nice blue blazer and skirt with a black blouse. She looked terrific, as much as I was not a fan of her, I had to admit it. She did not look up at me.
"Last name," she asked coldly.
"It's your sister's car," I announced.
That got her attention. She looked up at me with shock in her eyes.
"So she sent her gopher," Lisa grimaced. "Well, we are full right now, you will have to reschedule."
