I ended up spending some more time with Hakeem that evening, but had to head home before my parents got there. I spent most of that night and yesterday trying to come up with a plan that would keep both me and Hakeem safe. It wasn't going to be easy, but I had something in mind.

Yesterday was Friday, so I didn't have to go to the law firm, but I do today. My alarm went off five minutes ago, but I haven't found the will to pull myself out of my bed. Every morning, it feels more and more like a cloud. I sink in deeper, promising to get up in five more minutes.

The sound of my door opening is even worse than the sound of my alarm.

"Roxanne!" My mother yells. "Get up. Now."

I wish she came with a snooze button. There's no way to ignore her loud voice in the morning.

I groan. "I'm up, mom."

"Go get ready." She adds.

I let out another groan and force myself out of bed. She doesn't leave until I walk into my bathroom and close the door behind me.

—————

About forty-five minutes later, I'm dressed and ready to go. I grab everything I need for the day and walk down to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. I find my parents sitting at the island having coffee.

"Good morning," I greet them both.

"Good morning, Roxie." My father responds. "I left you some food on the stove." He adds, gesturing to a pan of warm eggs and homemade hash browns.

I thank him with an excited grin. I place the food on a plate and join my parents at the island to eat in the fifteen minutes I have before I have to leave.

"Sweetie," My mom starts, looking at me with concern. "I know these past few days have been a bit hard for you; but, I say this out of love."

I stop shoveling food into my mouth. I look over at my father for a hint, but he doesn't meet my eyes.

"With everything that's going on, we just don't think it's safe for you to continue hanging out with Hakeem." She says.

My jaw drops in shock. Are these the same parents that shipped us together before we even knew we liked each other?

"Mom, he's the victim in all this. You know he's nothing like his father." I say, trying to keep my tone and volume under control.

"Look, sweetie. Your father and I discussed this already. There is nothing more to be said. Just stay away from him." She says, firmly holding her ground.

I look at my father in disbelief. He doesn't usually play into her paranoia. But, he simply shrugs.

I can tell that I won't win this argument with them any time soon, and I only have a few minutes to leave, so I get up from the table.

"Okay." I say, pulling on my coat.

"There are plenty handsome young men with good families out there, Roxie." She adds as I walk out the door.

I roll my eyes. I know.

I don't even let her statements bother me much because how is she really going to stop me from seeing him. I'll just let her think it over and be more careful about seeing him.

I turn the radio on, letting music drown out my thoughts for the ride to work.

About twenty-five minutes later, I'm stepping out of the elevator into the receptionist's area.

Debbie greets me with a kind smile. She let's me know that my work in on my desk in the office I share with Zaria. I thank her and walk to the office.

I'm pleasantly surprised when I see that Zaria is not in the office. I take in a deep breath, appreciating the moment of peace I can have to myself.

I hang up my coat before sitting down and getting a head start on my work for the day. On the first page of the file folder I open is his name boldly printed at the top.

"Client: Rodney Rashford"

I sigh, feeling my sense of peace slip away. There's a sticky note over the section labeled "Case Details" with instructions.

I rest my head in my hands. I can't believe these people want me to actually do work. I thought this would be a cool learning experience, but here I am on a Saturday morning reading case files.

The note also mentions that annotated and sorted files for Rashford's case are due at twelve, so I grab a few highlighters and get started.

Just from reading the first couple of lines, I learn why this case has earned the title of "high-profile." My stomach turns as I read through the charges against him. The dots continue to connect as I read through the additional information.

I'm a few pages in when my phone buzzes twice from within my purse. I mindlessly pull it out, finding two messages from Hakeem on my lock screen.

Hakeem: Good morning, beautiful
Hakeem: I'm finally out of the hospital. I'm going home to shower and rest, but I want to see you later.

A warm blush heats up my cheeks, but after reading as much as I did, I hesitate to respond. I thought he trusted me after the snow day, but he never mentioned that his dad is a gang member. A high ranking one, too.

I choose to text back, anyway. Maybe he'll tell me today.

Me: I'm a working woman, now. But, I could squeeze you in at 3 😌

My eyes glance between the case file and my phone screen as I wait for a response.

Hakeem: Funny how I used to have to squeeze you in for tutoring. See you at 3, baby.

My face warms up again and my mind goes back to when he called me baby for the first time.

My phone buzzes with another message. It's the address of the restaurant he wants to meet at.

The office door swings open before I have the chance to come up with a response. I quickly slide my phone away from me and
try to look busy. Zaria marches straight to my desk and looks me up and down.

"I'm surprised you came back." She smirks.

"Of course I did. I can't miss the next time your dad kicks you out of the office for being unnecessary." I smile, watching her smirk fall.

"Don't hold your breath," she scowls. "Today we are going to be busy. Let's see if you can keep up."

——————-

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Gaëlle