Emerald Eyes

She didn’t respond.



"Jenna, talk to me. What's wrong?" I persisted.



"She-she-she found something." She muttered.


"Who found what?" Unsure to what was going on, I tried to play the role of a comforter.


"Jenna, I need you to slow down and talk to me."


She looked up at me. I could barely see her pupils through her flushed eyes. My heart


poured out for her. For the first time I was speechless.



"That was Dallas. She said that she has information regarding Lucas."


"She did...?"



My heart started pounding heavily. I didn't know what Dallas may have told her. I felt

like the walls were closing in.



"Jenna, this can’t be. Bradford would never do anything to hurt you. I wouldn’t either."



"What do you mean you wouldn’t?"



Jenna's tears dried up quickly. She looked even more concerned.


"I mean... I would have never knowingly put your heart in harm’s way. If I knew he


would have done such a thing to you..."


I tried to gather my composure. I did not want to reveal any more emotion than what I


have already. I took a breath before I spoke.



"Jenna, we need to take a moment to think. It may not be as bad as you think."


200

I felt like I was constantly putting my foot in my mouth. But something inside of me felt

as if I had to defend Bradford. I had known him all my life. I did not want one girl to ruin his


reputation.



"We are all supposed to be meeting up."



Jenna interrupted my inner turmoil.


"Who's meeting up?" I asked.



"All of the ladies." She answered.



I was not too keen to this idea. So, I treaded lightly when I asked her the next question.


"Are you sure that you want everyone in your personal business?"



"I need my support group. I don't think I can make it without them. Besides we share

everything."



I knew I needed to be there for Jenna. She has been there for me in the past. But this

time Bradford had me stuck between a rock and a hard place. It was time for allegiances to form


and I had some choices to make.



Jenna started dialing numbers on her phone. I assumed it was the other girls. After

getting off the phone Jenna looked to be worn out.



“Are you okay?”



I wrapped my arms around her. We walked out of Bottega Veneta and sat down on the

bench adjacent to the boutique.





201

“I’m not sure?”



“Jenna it’s going to be okay. I promised. Whatever Dallas says there is always two sides

to every story.”



“I guess you’re right.”



A glimmer of light seemed to invade her eyes. There lying in rest was an inkling of hope.

I squeezed Jenna’s shoulder.



“What did the other ladies say?”



“They didn’t say much. I didn’t really give them any information. I just told them that

Dallas had something she wanted to share with all of us.”



“So where are we to meet?”


“Kyler suggested that we meet at Nusta.”



“Nusta? Are you talking about the spa?”



“Yes.”


“Is that what you want?”



“What do you mean?”



“Do you want to turn a very difficult moment in your marriage into a spectacle?”


Jenna repositioned herself on the bench. Although she was in front of me her expression


leaded me to believe that mentally she was miles away. It saddened me to see her like this.






202

“I just think it would be better like this. This is what I need right now. I want to be

surrounded by my support group. I don’t think I can make it without all of you. Besides we


share everything.”



“If you say so,” I mumbled.


Even though, I still was not convinced that this was a go idea, I decided to go to Dallas’s


reveal. I was not looking forward to a Bradford Bash Party. But I knew at this Jenna was not

trying to hear of that.



See Victoria, sometimes you should just keep your mouth shut. Yes, I partly blamed

myself for this. I was the one who brought this idea to Jenna. I thought by entertaining the idea


she would see how ridiculous following Bradford sound. It was just a joke gone too far. I didn’t

think Dallas would have taken my seriously.



“Victoria, are you okay? You look like you are taking this information as hard as I am.”



Jenna must have observed some of the emotions and anxieties that I was trying to

conceal. Victoria you really need to pull it together. You are falling apart. I managed to


harness my composure to answer Jenna.


“This is hard for me too.” I was unsure to how to explain my feelings. I played a role in


orchestrating all of this. “Jenna you know I-I,” I was unable to get the words out. Our roles

reversed. Jenna was now comforting me.



“Let it out Victoria.”



She stroked my back. This made me feel even guiltier.





203

“I’m sorry.” These were the only words that I could assemble into a complete sentence.



Jenna grabbed my face and then my shoulders. She began to shake me out of my sobbing

hysteria.



“Victoria it is not your fault. I don’t blame you for this.”



Feeling us relieved surrounded me wrapping my body in a blanket of serenity. It

provided me with just enough emotional stability to muzzle my feelings.



“What time are we supposed to meet? I ask.



“Around seven o’clock.”


“Don’t you think Nusta is going to be a little crowed?”



“No, Kyler said she is going to rent out the spa for the afternoon.”



“She’s going to rent out Nusta?”


“Yea. She said she wanted us to have a serene environment for Dallas’s reveal.



“Wow. Kyler always knows how to fancy up a situation.” I wanted to be there for Jenna,

but I think she was handling this the wrong way. “Don’t you think that she might be going a


little too far? I mean she is turning this into an event.



“I know right. But it’s Kyler. How can I turn her down? I see it like this, after hearing

what Dallas has to say, I am probably going to need spa treatment.”



I kept my thoughts to myself. I didn’t want to say more than what I already had.



“So, are you coming? Jenna asked unsure of my answer.


204

“Of course, I’m coming.”



“You just seem a little out of it.”


“Well this does hit me on two fronts. You two are my best friends. So, to see either one


of you hurt is devastating. I mean he purposely hurt you.”



Jenna was taking back by my comment. My friends didn’t know me to be sentimental.

She stood up. She still looked like she was in a dazed.



“Come on Toria it’s getting late.”



“Yea we are probably cutting it close as it is.” I looked at my watch. “Ooh, it is already

five thirty.” I stood up. “Nusta at seven, right?”



“Yea, seven. You know how to Nusta?” Jenna asked.


“But of course. I have a standing appointment every Thursday.”



“Well then I will see you there.”



Jenna and I went our separate ways. During the walked to my car, I began to think about

what Dallas told Jenna. If Bradford cheated, he had more than just Jenna to answer to. My heart


began to race. Cool down girl. I tried to give myself a little pep talk. I decided to reserve my

judgments and hold back my anger until I heard Dallas’s full story. I still didn’t like the fact that


I was left with more questions than answers,











205

Chapter Thirteen









“the bradford bashing party”





The lavishness of Nusta was not beyond Kyler’s reach. As usual she transformed what

one would be considered an intimate moment into a night of pleasure. Upon walking into the


spa, I was served a glass of champagne. I was not sure if Kyler received the memo. Dallas’s


message was not one of bliss.


“Victoria, welcome.” Kyler greeted me.



“Do you think that you may have went a little overboard this time?” I glared at Kyler. I

didn’t believe she had Jenna’s best interest in mind.


206

“Nonsense.” Kyler responded immediately. “What you need to understand Victoria is

that I know Jenna. I am providing her with the support she needs to handle this blow she is


about to receive. Don’t expect you to understand.”



“I beg your pardon?”


“Seriously Victoria, when was the last time you were in a relationship?” Kyler said


passive aggressively.



“What’s that supposed to mean?”


“When was the last time you were in a relationship?” She repeated.



“That’s none of your business!” I snapped.



“Exactly, and that’s why you wouldn’t understand. Get a relationship, get dumped, and

then come talk to me when your heart is broken. I will provide you with the same luxury.”



“Kyler, whatever.”


I dismissed myself from Kyler presence and found an isolated corner. I needed someone


who I knew would understand me. I picked up my phone and dialed Bradford’s number. Even

though I was upset about his alleged actions he was the only one I wanted to talk to.



After several rings, the call went to voicemail and just for a brief moment I felt alone. I


reached for my purse to put my phone away. Before I had a chance to put it in its designated

pocket it began to ring. My eyes lit up when I saw Bradford’s number. I immediately answered

it.



“Hello.”



207

“Hi, how are you?” Bradford responded.



“I’m doing pretty well.”


“You don’t sound too good.”



It was amazing to me how Bradford could easily gage my feeling in a matter of seconds.


I was a tidbit jealous. The road did not run both ways. Bradford had always been a hard read.

So, if he did cheat, no one would have been able to discover this unless they were actually there.



“No really, I’m fine.” I lied. “I just called you to give you the heads up.”



“Give me the heads up about what?”


“She knows Bradford.”



“Who knows?”



“Jenna knows.”


“Jenna knows what?”



“I am not sure of all the details. I’ll call you back when I find out more. Right now, all I

know is that she had you followed.”



“Followed by who?”



“Dallas.”


The phone line went completely silent. I waited impatiently. I was hoping for clarity. At


this moment, the concept was farfetched.






208

“Toria, this cannot get out. I have too much at stake.”



“I know but I think it may be too late.”


“I really don’t like the sound of this. Victoria, make sure you call me back as soon as


you know more.”



“I will,” I assured him.


Bradford hung up the phone. My comforter only made me more uneasy. I peeked


around the corner of my isolated area. I saw Kyler. She was now joined by Jenna and Heather. I

walked back to the group. Luckily the tension between Kyler and I was no longer. This was


mainly due to the fact that Kyler had a way of compartmentalizing her feelings and I did not

need any more added stress.



“Hi ladies,” I greeted everyone.


“Victoria, I didn’t see you walk in here.”



Heather walked towards me. We hugged me and kissed cheek to cheek.



“No, you would not have. I have been here for the last twenty minutes on a work-related

call. You know my job never ends.” I lied again.



“Well I am glad to see you. It’s been a while.” Heather smiled.



“Yea you’re right. The last time we spoke was at the villa.”



“That definitely means we have to do better.”


“I would agree.”




209

After Heather, Jenna, and I exchanged pleasantries, Dallas walked through the door

carrying a black briefcase.



“Ladies the guest of honor has arrived.” Kyler joked.



Dallas on the other hand didn’t appear to be in such a jovial mo0d. It had to be hard for

her to deliver whatever information she had to Jenna.



“Ladies let’s all gather in the body wrap room.”



As usually, Kyler morph into the “Drill Sergeant” as Jenna coined her and started her

hosting duties.



“Kyler I’m sorry, I will not be able to stay. So, is there someplace we can go that is less

activity focus?”



Dallas seemed to share my same sentiments regarding the extravagance of this set up.



“Actually, there is a small conference room down the hall. I believe we all should be

able to fit in there.” Kyler informed the group.



We all followed Kyler into the conference room. As we entered the room, Dallas pulled

Jenna to the side. I could barely make out the conversation.



“Jenna, are you sure you want me to discuss this in front of everyone?” Dallas asked.



“Dallas it is fine. More than likely, I was probably going to tell all the girls eventually.

So, I might as well tell everyone at once.”



“Aright Jenna,” Dallas surrender.





210

Jenna was a lot more open and willing to share her personal life then I believe that Dallas

and I were. When the two finally entered the room, we were all seated at the only room table in


the conference room. It was a tight fit. However, the room was a lot more suitable for this

conversation instead of the body wrap room.



“What is this, The Knights of the Round Table?” Dallas sarcastically joked, ending her


stern demeanor.


It was the only relaxed thing that she so far that night. We all chuckled. She sat down. I


was sitting to the right of her and Jenna sat across from us next to Kyler and Heather.


“Now Jenna I am going to be straight forward with you. What I am about to show and


tell you will not be good.



Dallas sat her brief case on the table. I couldn’t help but feel anxious. My palms started

to sweat.



“Is the heat on in here? I’m getting hot.”


I looked around from my chair in search of a thermostat. My search was unsuccessful.



No one responded. Everyone was hanging on Dallas’s words waiting to her what she had


to say it next. Dallas continued, as she was talking, she began to pull out photos of Bradford.


“At first I thought that this was just a casual conversation”



She showed us two close-up pictures of Bradford with a brunette girl. From the picture

you could see that she had the beautiful emerald eyes. My blood began to boil. How could he?


I laid in wait not knowing what the next pictures had to show.




211

“Jenna, this happened on the day I called you.



Jenna looked confused as she tried to recall the day. Dallas tried to refresh her memory.


“It was the day that I asked you if Lucas had any late meetings.”



Dallas statement seemed to register with her.



“You’re talking about the convention at the Four Season?”



“Yes, that would be the day,” Dallas answered.


As Dallas and Jenna were talking, I was able to recall that day. I actually remember


seeing Dallas and we never discussed the reasons for her being at the Four Seasons. However,

she seemed very suspicious of me being there. My heart started to pound adding to my anxiety.


I hoped Dallas did not think to tell Jenna I was the one. Would she have ambushed me like that?

She was very standoffish to me lately.



I was now probably more on edge then Jenna. Dallas’s interpretation of what she thought

she seen would not only ruin my relationship with Jenna, but it could also affect my career. I


looked at Jenna. She was sitting next to Heather. Her face filled with fury.


“Oh my god! Jenna!” Heather blurted out.



Jenna glared at Heather and she immediately shut her mouth. However, her facial


expression spoke a thousand words. Dallas looked at Heather and then at Jenna.


“Is this someone you know?



“No of course not,” Jenna frowned.





212

“Okay…”






“Okay…” There was an awkward silence before Dallas continued. “Jenna, these are the


pictures I took at the gym right before I called you. After we spoke on the phone, I followed

Lucas just to make sure that what he told you was legit. What I found out was more than I


expected.”



Dallas went over the details of her espionage and how she heard everything firsthand

from the hotel closet. She even offered to show Jenna a video recording of the incident, but

Jenna refuse to see it. I believe it was because she didn’t want to actually see Bradford and the


other girl together. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to see that either.



Jenna’s fury turned into pain. When she heard about Bradford’s plot to divorce her, that

same fury came back and took over her emotions. All the ladies were in angst.



“Dallas, he said what?!” Something took over me. My voice was possessed by anger

and confusion.



“He said that he was moving some funds around before he filed for divorce.” Dallas

reiterated.



“No!” Jenna was crushed. “Over my dead body,” she bellowed. “This woman…”

Jenna began.



“Woman is loosely putting it.” I interrupted.









213

“Right,” Jenna agreed. “Who does this whore think she is?” She corrected herself. She

thinks she’s going to take my husband from me. She will die first!”



Everyone fell silent. The tenseness of the moment was felt by all of us. I personally did


not know how to comfort her. I knew everyone else was feeling the same way.


“I will find her and witness her taking her last breath. Dallas what’s the bitch name?


Was she in my house? If that bitch was in my house…”



“Jenna calm down!” Heather tried to comfort her


“Calm down! Calm down! How in the hell am I going to calm down when my husband


is laid up in our bed doing only god knows what with –with – a whore! What if she was in my

house?! What if I found her there? I would have killed the bitch!”



Although justified, Jenna’s rampage began to make everyone a little uncomfortable,

mainly because you couldn’t tell if she was just ranting or actually serious. What you could see


is a malicious look in her eyes.


Dallas paused before answering her. Jenna seemed to be in a trance. From what I could


observe, Dallas seemed to be holding back information.



“Jenna you have to calm down! This happens to women every day.” Dallas words were

cold but true. “I don’t know if she has been in your house. But if you want me to give you any

more information you have to relax.”



“Okay.” Jenna said reluctantly.



Dallas pulled put a picture of the girl’s driver license. She handed it to Jenna.




214

“Her name is Adalena. If you decide to take this to court, you can use these pictures as

evidence of his infidelity.”



Jenna looked at the photo. Dallas handed her the rest of the pictures.



“I just don’t know how to feel or act. Someone has invaded my marriage and I have to

do something about it!”



“Jenna before you seek this woman out why don’t you start by talking to Lucas.” As


usual Kyler became the voice of reason.


“Oh, I will have to talk with him alright!”



Jenna grabbed her things and the photos and stormed out the conference room. All the

ladies stood up as to follow her. But I motioned for them to stop.



“Ladies let me talk to her.”



“Why should you?” Kyler questioned.


“Because I feel partly responsible, I mean I did connect Bradford and Jenna together.”



“Yea you do play a major role in this debacle.” Kyler laughed and the mood was


lightened. “Alright you win. Go after her.”


The other girls agreed.



“I am not sure if I can get her to come back so just continue without us.”












215

I turned and left the room. Not only did I want to comfort Jenna, I also needed some

fresh air. I couldn’t handle any more of the Bradford Bashing Party. Dallas’s reveal was hard


enough to swallow.



I stepped outside into the warm night’s air. Not surprising enough, the moon was full.

How’s that for irony? I thought to myself. I scanned the parking lot to find Jenna car. Hoping


she didn’t leave. After a few minutes I located her car. I started walking towards it. Before

getting there my phone rang. It was Bradford.



“Hello.” I answered the phone. He was the last person I wanted to talk to.


“Toria, what’s going on?” He asked.



“Nothing,” I tried to conceal the emotion in my answer, but I was not sure of my success.



“You sound weird. Are you okay?”


I could hear the concern in his voice. But I ignored it. I didn’t need him to worry or be


concern about me.



“I’m fine,” I answered. This time my tone was more certain.


“So, did you find anything?”



Bradford’s question struck a nerve. I shook those thought out of my head. It was now


my moment of truth. I wasn’t sure if telling Bradford was the right thing. Besides, why was he

acting like he didn’t know? Bradford had a mistress and as close as we were, he did not feel the

need to tell me. His loyalty did not lie with me. The line was now drawn in the sand. I knew


exactly what needed to do.




216

“Toria, did you hear me?” Bradford derailed my train of thought.



“Oh, it was nothing.” The lies were never ended this night.


“What do you mean it was nothing?” Bradford pressed the issue.



“I think I may have been overacting. Jenna thought you were messing around with


another woman and after hearing what she had to say I realized it was all assumptions. She

didn’t have any tangible evidence.”



“Are you sure everything’s fine?”



“Should it not be? You seem to be a little worried.”


“I’m not worried.”



“Were you cheating?” I had to ask



“Victoria you know me better than that.”


“Bradford you didn’t answer the question and if I am basing this off of what I know


about you than I would have to say yes. I mean, you were not monogamous before you were

with Jenna.” I paused. Bradford didn’t answer. “You know what, this is your life and I am


staying out of it. I’ll talk to you later.”


“Victoria, wait.”



“No Bradford I do not have time for this.”



I didn’t wait for him to utter another word before I hung up the phone. I had other

business to tend to. The conversation between Bradford and I was longer than I anticipated. I




217

needed to make one more call before talking to Jenna. I remove the phone from my ear to dial

the number. My call was picked up on the first ring.



“Toria, what’s up?”



“Hi Ryan, you sound surprise to hear from me.”



“I am. We haven’t spoken since… what college?”


“Yea college is right,” I confirmed. “Ryan, I called because I really need you.”



“You need me, for what?”



“I really can’t say right now. But I really need to see you.”


“You need to see me?”



“Uh yea, besides you owe me a favor.”



“Victoria, that was so long ago.”



“Ryan, it doesn’t matter. I need you. So, when I call you be ready.”


“Toria relaxed. I will return your favor. When and where do you want to meet?”



“It may just be tonight. But please make sure you keep Heather in the dark about us. I

think it would be best if she didn’t know that I knew you prior to her introduction.”



“Your secret is safe with me Toria.”



“Ryan?” I said sweetly.


“Yes.”




218

“I miss you.” I admitted.



“Toria, as quiet as its kept, I miss you to.”


“I’ll talk to you late Ryan.”



“Alright, catch you later.”



“Ryan…”



“Yes Toria.”


“Make sure you answer your phone.” I joked.



“Bye Toria,” Ryan chuckled and hung up the phone.



I looked at my phone to see if he was still on the line. Once I realized that he wasn’t a

slight smile form on my face. Our conversation reminded me of the past. As I was lost in my


thoughts, I heard a car cut on in the distance. This brought me back to my harsh reality. I

spotted Jenna’s white Mercedes pulling off. Waived her down and jumped into the car’s path.

She stopped the car short of hitting me.



“Jenna, what the…!” I couldn’t any finish my statement due to such a close call.



“Victoria I am sorry.”



“You’re driving like a bat out of hell. Where are you going?”


“I’m going to have a talk with her.”



“Who are you talking about?” I asked.






219

“Are you serious? I’m talking about my husband’s mistress.”



The look in Jenna’s eyes indicated that she was serious. I decide to indulge her.


“And just where do you think she will be? You don’t even know her.”



This brought Jenna back to reality. She had no clue where to find the girl. She was on a


pointless mission with no end game in place.


“Put the car in park. I’m getting in.”



Jenna did what she was told. I open the door to the car. She began to drive. After a


moment of silence, Jenna freaked out.


“I cannot believe he would do this to me. I have done everything to make this man


happy. Everything and this is how he repays me!”


Jenna began to pick up speed. The city lights, buildings, and cars whizzed by us.



“Jenna, please slow down.” I pleaded.



“She came into my world to destroy it. This will not happen. Victoria lets go find her. “


“Find her and do what?” I asked.



“I haven’t thought that far ahead. But at minimum she needs to be confronted.”



“How about you settle down at first? This is not the Fast and the Furious. Why don’t we

go out somewhere for a drink? We can talk this through there. Right now, you are angry, and


you do not have to make a decision that can ruin your life.”







220

I could tell that Jenna was receptive to my suggestion. However, she wasn’t officially off

the ledge just yet.



“Toria, I’m not saying I’m going to kill her. But she at least needs her tires fatten or


maybe her car spray painted. How does, ‘I’m a whore’ sound? I think I will be doing the world

a favor. People will be able to see her coming.”



I didn’t know if this moment called for it, but I began to laugh. Jenna’s mood must have

changed because she was laughing to.



“Jen, let’s go to the bar and see where the night takes up.”



“I don’t know Toria. I should probably go home and deal with Lucas.”


“No Jenna you have to play this right.”



“What do you mean?”



“I mean don’t show him your hand until you have aligned yourself in the best position.”


Jenna was still confused. I grabbed her face and looked directly into her eyes.



“Play this right okay.”



“Okay but what should I do?”



“We will talk about that later. Right now, let’s go to the bar and get wasted.”


Jenna agreed and pulled off in the direction of Adams Morgan.










221

Chapter Fourteen






“with the slamming of the gavel”




I walked back into the courtroom to check on Jenna. I sat down next to her at the


defendant’s table. She immediately began to speak.




“Victoria, how much longer is this going to take?” Jenna was anxious



“It should not be much longer.” I answered her. “How are you holding up?”



“I’m hanging in there. I have a good feeling about this.”


I wasn’t one who paid any mind to the feelings of my clients, but Jenna seemed convince


that the judge was going to rule in her favor. Honestly, I really had no clue which way the judge

was leaning.



“Toria, I got to get out of her today.” Jenna continued.


222

Jenna was over enthusiastic about something that was so detrimental to her life. I knew

that if the ruling was not in her favor she would be devastated. Her expectations were


unrealistic. I wanted to remind her again of the other possibilities. Before I had a chance to talk

to Jenna about her expectations the bailiff walked back into the courtroom and called for the


court’s attention.



“All rise the honorable Judge Gregory Harper is presiding.”


Judge Harper walked into the court room. He adjusted his robe. He looked disheveled.


But in an instance, he pulled himself together and looked ready to continue.


“You may be seated.” Judge Harper took his seat as well. He continued. “Ladies and


gentlemen, I would like to address the court before we continue. I had an emergency to take care

of so I would like to offer my apologies. With that being said, I am ready to rule in the case of


the District of Columbia vs. Lucas. After viewing all aspects of the trial and whether or not the

law was followed without prejudice. I have determined that the motion to set-aside the guilty


verdict is denied.”


“No!!” Jenna shrieked. “I’m innocent!”



With the slamming of the gavel Jenna’s complete lost it. To my surprise she fell out on

the floor. I tried to help her.



“Jenna, snap out of it! Get off the floor what is wrong with you. Stop it his instance.” I


tried to manage the madness.


The judge banged his gavel several times, but Jenna was beyond control.







223

“Order in the court,” Judge Harper banged his gavel again. Ms. Logan if you don’t

contain your client’s outburst, I will hold you and her in contempt.”



“Okay your Honor.” I turned to Jenna and grab her by her shoulders. “Jenna!” I said as


sternly as possible. You have to control yourself. The judge is about to throw you out of the

courtroom. We have a second motion before the court. You do not want him to hold you in


contempt.”


The other girls came over to help me calm down Jenna. She began to settle down. I was


relieved. The Judge Harper continued.


“Mrs. Lucas, I have already held this courtroom hostage to your case longer than I would


have wanted to. I need for you to contain your outburst so I can finish with my ruling. Do I

make myself clear Mrs. Lucas?”



“Yes your Honor.” Jenna was now calm and able to comply with Judge Harper’s request.



“In regards to the second motion brought before the court, my ruling is as follows due to

the erroneous entry into the defendant’s home I rule in favor of the defendant and declare a


mistrial.”


The courtroom was shocked you could hear cheers, jeers, and tears throughout the room.


No one on the prosecution expected for this trail’s ruling to be overturned based upon an illegal

search. This changed the whole dynamic of Jenna’s case. Judge Harper banged the gavel to


dismiss the court. Soon after, he exited the courtroom. I was blown away by the ruling. It was

better than I expected. To my surprise I heard Jenna softly crying to herself.








224

“Jenna.” I softy called to her. She looked up. You could tell she was still not satisfied.

“Jenna,” I repeated. ‘We may not have received what we wanted but we did get a second


chance.”



Jenna was not thrilled. She ran her fingers through her hair. Her silence was nerve

racking. There was nothing else for me to say. So, I just waited. Finally, she spoked.”



“Victoria, from what I gathered we have to start this whole process over.”



“Yes, that is true, but it’s a good thing.”


“No Victoria, being acquitted is a good thing.” She sharply interjected. “Having to go


through this whole process again is a headache. And for the judge to overturn the verdict,

doesn’t that mean there was an error on your behalf?”



Jenna’s last statement was bold. I was partially offended. But I realized and understood

the circumstances surrounding her remark.



“No, Jenna not in this case. The ruling was not against the way I presented my case. It

was based upon what the judge allowed into evidence.”



“Victoria, I’m not trying to point fingers. I am just tried.”



“I understand.”



“Victoria,” Jenna paused. “Do you really?”


“What that’s supposed to mean?”










225

Now I was starting to get offended. It was amazing to me how Jenna’s attitude made a

complete 360 turnaround from this morning.



“It’s simple. You are not the one doing the time. I am. I expected to get out of here. I


didn’t expect to hear that we have to hit the reset button.”


“Jenna what are you trying to say? Are you not satisfied with my service?”



She didn’t answer right away.



“I am not saying that exactly.” She finally answered.



“Then what exactly are you trying to say. Don’t hold back now.”


In the middle of the conversation the bailiff came to take Jenna back to her cell.



“Mrs. Lucas. It’s time.”



Jenna raised her arms to be cuffed.


“Officer, can you give us a second?” I asked.



The bailiff gave me an unpleasant stare.



“Please?” This time I soften my tone and the bailiff obliged my request. I turned my

attention back to her. “Jenna, are we good? I need to know where we stand before you go.”



“We’re fine. This is just a little overwhelming for me. I mean the next trial there can be

no errors no matter who’s at fault.” Jenna stood up and motioned for the bailiff.



“I’m ready.”






226

I bit my tongue. Her last comment hit me below the belt. As much as I enjoyed being

right, some battles were not worth fighting. To be quite honest, a part of me felt that I did a


noteworthy job today and to continue with this case may not be in Jenna’s or my best interest.

Jenna turned to me before she exited the courtroom.



“Victoria, I know I have probably been a little agitated, but this is my life. If I am


coming off a little too strong, I’m sorry.”


“No apologies necessary.” I was trying my best to be cordial. “I will contact you when


they set the date for the next trial.”


“Alright,” Jenna replied.



She turned back around, and the bailiff guided her out of the courtroom. I gathered my


items and prepared myself to deal with Ryan’s case.


“Victoria.”



I turned around it was Dallas calling me. I was not ready for anymore drama.



“We have to stop meeting like this.” She laughed. “So, what’s next?” Dallas asked.


“I now have to wait for the court to send me a new trial date.”



“What about what I told you today?”



“I have to find some way to surpass that information. It cannot get to the prosecutor. We

don’t need to add fuel to the fire.”



Dallas looked worried.





227

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.



“I – I – feel…” Dallas couldn’t complete her sentence.


“You shouldn’t feel anything”. I butted in before she could finish. I’m assuming that


Heather was not Mirandize before she poured her heart out to you.”



“No, she wasn’t.”


“Then what she said is inadmissible and you do not have a legal obligation to report this


information. Furthermore, you advise against her having an attorney, right?”



“Right,” Dallas confirmed.


“Then Dallas you are in the clear.”



“Actually, Victoria that really was not my main concern.”



“Then what’s the problem?”


“Do you think she had anything to do with that girl’s death? She did know the girl and


didn’t tell any of us. Not even you.”


“Dallas, I try not to determine whether or not a client is innocent. It makes my job a lot


easier.”



“Victoria, take off your lawyer’s hat for one minute. I want you to speak from a friend’s

point of view.”



“Dallas, I am actually trying not to. In my position, I cannot blur the two lines.



“Hey Dallas,” Heather called interrupting out conversation.


228

“Yes Ms. Lady.”



I could tell that Dallas was trying her best not to reveal any parts of the conversation we

were having.



“Are you ready?”



“Yes, we can get ready to go.” Heather turned around.


“Heather.” I called out to her.



I felt the need to clear up the air between us. When she turned around, I could tell she


had forced a smile on her face. I felt just the same.


“Yes Victoria,” it pained her to talk to me.



“I am not exactly sure what happen out there. But whatever the hostility you have

directed towards me I uncalled for.”



“Guilty parties always feel like they should be blame free.”



“Heather, I am not sure where you are going with this, but I would like for us to sit down

and talk about it. We have been friends for several years. You can at least give me that.



The conversation was getting so intense that Dallas felt the need to step in.



“Heather, Victoria is right. You two need to sit down and work things out.”


“Okay, I guess we could sit down.” Heather was a little more receptive to Dallas request.



“Great, then I will give you a call so we can set something up. Bye ladies.” Before


Heather could respond I walked away. “I have to check on another case.”


229

I needed to hurry up and bolt out of that courtroom. I did not want to be seen with Ryan.

As soon as I entered the hall, I saw Ryan standing by the restrooms. I managed to get his


attention. I directed for him to follow me to one of the mediation rooms.



I checked my phone to see if I received any messages from the clerk. I had two miss

calls and one text message from the clerk. The clerk texted that the case would be postpone until


tomorrow. Great I was ready to get out of here.


I saw Ryan walk into the mediation room. I looked around before I entered. I wanted to


make sure Heather didn’t spot us.


“Hey Toria,” Ryan greeted me. “Did you hear anything?’



“Actually, I did. The clerk texted me and said that the case was postpone until


tomorrow.”


“That’s great. That will give you more time to prepare.” He added.



“Just for an extra precaution I have already filed a continuance.”



“Look at you,” Ryan was impressed. I guess law school really paid off.” Ryan looked at

me in the same way he used to, years ago. “You have changed so much. You’re not the same


girl I use to know.” He admired.


“You are right I’m not.” I teased.



“I appreciate you hold me down like you use to back in college. That’s why I was there

for you when you needed me. You are working for me pro-bono would probably call us even.”








230

I looked at Ryan. I remembered exactly why Heather was so protective over him. I use

to be the same way.



“I guess we can call us even.” I agreed.



“That’s once this case is over.”



“Ryan, I understand that.”


“That is from start to finish, Victoria.”



“I am well aware of how this works Ryan.”



My phone began to ring. I looked at the caller id and silenced the call.


“Ryan, call my office tomorrow to set appointment for us to discuss your case.”



“Alright Toria I will.”



We both stood up. Ryan went in for a hug. His embrace was amazing. It took

everything in me to hold back. Victoria, this man does not belong to you. He is Heather’s now.


Back off! I had to talk myself off the ledge. Sometimes my body controlled every fiber in me.

That was not always a good thing. Ryan and I had old history. I needed to leave it at that. My


phone rang again. It was the same person.


“Ryan, I have to go.” I manage to say breaking through my naughty thoughts. This time


I answered the phone. “I’ll be there in a minute.” I ended the call.



“Victoria you are go – go- go – non-stop.”








231

“I know Ryan. Well I will talk to you later. I have to run.” I looked at Ryan one more

time. “We need to do this more often and under different circumstances.” I found myself falling


back into the forbidden place.



“I agree. Well Victoria, I will see talk to you later.”


“Goodbye Ryan.”



He motioned for me to leave the room first. I declined his suggestion.



“You first, I need to make a phone call.”



Ryan smiled and left the room. I waited for a few minutes before he left. I began to

reflect. The events of today were in my favor, but I was worn from all the emotional drama and

chaos. This case has definitely taking a toll on our friendship, which seemed to be unraveling. I


began to wonder was it really worth it?


Ironically, I left the mediation room without a resolution. The only thing concrete was


that I was glad that this day was over. My phone began to ring again. I picked it up on the first

ring.



“I know. I am sorry. I’m coming outside now. The walk from the mediation room to the


exit doors seemed like an eternity.


“I just needed to get out of here.” I said out loud.



I was ready for this chapter to end. I had my heart set on a new life, and I was ready to

live it. My career was flourishing, my social standing was rising, and I had a new man in my


life. What more could I ask for?




232

I walked down the courthouse steps and just like in a fairytale my prince had awaited.

But instead of steering a horse drawn carriage he was driving a white Escalade. I opened the


door and before he could speak, I had to apologize.



“Bradford, I am so sorry for keeping you waiting.”


“Don’t worry about it Toria. I kept you waiting even longer.” He smiled. His smart


remark was followed by a hardy laugh.



I hated how he threw my feelings in my face. I grab him by his ears, kissed his lips, and

whispered.



“It was worth the wait.”












To Be Continued...


































233