The Love Cube

Chapter 19

Derrick had been previously informed that his boss would be announcing that he was the one appointed to represent the Torez family in court. Finally, the day it would take place had reached. His boss as well as the client had showed up for the highly anticipated announcement. Reporters had already crowded at the building's reception even though the event was hours away.

Everyone was curious as to who was going against Heather. He was not nervous, most of his mind preoccupied on when he would see the other lawyer. After speaking to Estella, they had started texting, not frequently as they were still getting their bearing, but she had updated him that Heather had not taken the news of both of them seeing each other well and the other had not spoken to her in days, ignoring her calls and messages.

He hoped that with the day's announcement no one would put two and two together, especially their previous relationship.

" The man of the hour,'' one of his workmates slapped his back while joining him at his desk. He liked most of his colleagues enough but had not made any close friends as of yet.

" Nervous?'' the other asked, concerned. Beginner jitters were common but he felt comfortable .

" A bit,'' he replied. Saying he was not would come off as cocky and overconfident and he was not sure if the rest of the office were rooting for him to do well or fail.

" Something tells me you will do well. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask,'' the other replied and Derrick felt relieved . This man could end up being a close friend at one point.

'" What was the name again?'' Derrick asked.

"Alex,'' the other replied, grinning while getting up to go back to his desk. An ally could be important, especially someone to bounce off ideas. He remembered how, at one point, that had been Heather for him. He had never met anyone who was as intelligent as she was.

He recalled his offer to cross check reports that had been coldly turned down and he itched to ask again.

He felt like a glutton for punishment. He knew Heather would shoot him down, not respond or block him, but he had nothing to lose anymore. His pride was the last thing he cared about. Taking out his phone, he sent her a text.

Hello.I know I said I would give you space, but as a force of habit I feel the need to share this with you.

My public appointment is happening today. When you see them tearing me up online later, I give you permission to laugh.

He sent it and pocketed his phone. Through high school he had always texted her before the start of his games, debates and science competitions and she had always watched, taking part in trolling him at times. Maybe the small gesture would remind her of old times and maybe would encourage her to speak to him.

Grace's full concentration was on the live stream before her as she was as curious as the other five hundred thousand people who were also watching.Her boss had not come into work, giving her free reign of her time. Heather had been working overtime and she deduced the other lawyer must have been just as good as her. She had not forgotten how Heather had come from the court hearing stressed and her reluctance to mention anything on the other lawyer.

The reporters had gone on to relay the known specifics of the case, the history of the firm and the Torez company with little to no mention of her boss, which was good. Such things always tended to turn to the ugly side with personal attacks from biased reporters and journalists.

A ruckus on the stream with everyone running to the small podium that was set up in the middle of the big reception captured her full attention. It was time. Behind the familiar face of the owner and the billionaire she could see Derrick looking all sharp in his 6 6-piece suit even wearing a tie for the first time she had seen him. He was a rookie. There was no way he was in charge of that case, right?

The crowd had grown way bigger than what Derrick had left when he had gotten into the building that morning. Cameras flashed while journalists called out to everyone around him while others gazed at him, realising he was the new face.

His boss advanced to the set mics and made a short speech inviting Torez and finally he was introduced.

Behind the mic he looked at everyone, his speech having been rehearsed short and concise.

He had earlier said that he did not want to be asked questions before immediately leaving. If he got asked if he knew Heather, he would not have the courage to deny he knew her. It was better to answer questions about them when they both stood in a better position.

Grace could not believe her eyes. The man she had set her eyes on was none other than the one who she had taken an interest in. How would she hide her friendship with him, especially when her boss would go on her rants about the other, whether insulting them or saying how they were getting on her nerves? Coming clean would be better, she thought.

At the same time, she felt suspicious. Had he approached her knowing who she was and was playing with her?He was quite new in the city though. She had looked him up, seeing he had been away abroad till the previous two months, so it was impossible.

Very few people knew who she worked for and now her cousin, who had visited her boss, had been surprised to see her . In all the cases that Heather had handled, they had never crossed till this time exposing her secret.

All the announcement had confirmed was that Derrick was pretty good and she was already looking forward to spending time with both her boss and Derrick and if Heather was receptive to him maybe she could even tell her about the crush she was harboring for him.

Maybe it was time to let her secret out of the bag.

Or probably setting a meeting up outside of the office for them to get to know each other better before they went tearing at each others throats was an even better idea.

It would be fun, she thought.

A nice prank . Quickly, she texted Derrick.

Congratulations on the appointment.Don't know if I should keep rooting for the rookie.

She clicked send while waiting for a response.

" Thanks. I hope that was a great surprise. Please do. At least I get to know I have at least one cheerleader. D

" It was. Wanna celebrate?'' . G

" Exactly what I need.'' . D

He replied and she grinned at the response. All she had needed was his confirmation.

Next, she texted Heather.

I really want you to meet someone tonight. Meet me at "Penal'' at 7?

Knowing her boss and her previous curiosity about who she had been texting, she would take the bait.

Seconds later, she got her answer.

Sure thing.

The night was set and she felt excited.The night would mark the beginning of many interesting nights and new relationships.