Chapter 7: The Law Firm Lead
273 Words
I was at "Iron & Sweat" gym, my arms feeling like lead as I scrubbed the base of a squat rack. Jax, the head trainer, tossed me a fresh towel and a protein bar.
"El, you’re wasting your time here," he said, leaning against the equipment. "My cousin manages the night crew at Vance & Sterling. It’s a top-tier law firm downtown. They need a lead cleaner. It’s double what you’re making here, plus benefits. You want me to put in a word?"
"A law firm?" I wiped the sweat from my eyes. "They’d hire me?"
"They just want someone reliable who won't steal the silver," Jax shrugged. "You’re overqualified for this grease-pit anyway."
Two days later, I was in a crisp navy jumpsuit, buffing the marble floors on the 40th floor. The office was beautiful—all glass, steel, and views that cost more than my life. I thought I was safe. I thought I was invisible.
Then the elevator dinged.
Silas stepped out, looking exhausted but still dangerously sharp. He stopped dead when he saw me. I immediately turned the floor buffer to high, trying to drown him out.
"Elena?" he said, his voice cutting through the noise.
I ignored him, pushing the machine harder.
"Elena, stop. I’m not here for... whatever happened at the party." He stepped right in front of the buffer. I had to kill the power.
"I’m working, Silas. Get out of my way," I snapped.
"Meet me at the cafe downstairs in five minutes," he said. "Or I’ll tell your boss you were 'disrespectful' to a partner. It’s not a joke, Elena. It’s about your future."
- Writer
