And maybe she had one final idea to do just that.
Knock knock knock.
“We having company?” Lucille bounded down the stairs in Perdie’s Spring Breakers T-shirt and a pair of holey leggings. Perdie’s heart sank a little. Bananas wasn’t trotting behind her.
“Not quite.” Perdie had changed her outfit for this meeting, wearing her black cigarette pants with a white button-up. Professional-ish. Not a sock in the hair to be found.
She cracked her knuckles as she walked to the door and swung it open. “Hello, Jennifer.”
Before responding, Jennifer ducked her head to the side to peer behind Perdie. “Oh my goodness, Lucy?” she squealed.
“Oh my god, Jenny!” Lucille squealed back.
“Lucy?” Perdie murmured as Jennifer breezed in past her.
“Where’s Bananas? I thought you had a lovely little dog.”
Lucille shook her head, a frown on her face. “He didn’t make it.”
Jennifer pulled Lucille in for a hug. “Tragic news.”
“Sorry, but are you two friends?” Perdie asked.
Jennifer released Lucille. “Lucy did the flowers for the baby shower. I know I told you, but you never listen.” She straightened her periwinkle silk blouse. “Anyway, I’m here at your request, Perdita. After storming out of the office like a tornado...people are still talking about the stir you caused.”
Perdie stiffened. “Well, that’s comforting.”
“Awwwkward. On that note I’m outta here,” Lucille called as she disappeared up the stairs.
Perdie gestured towards the kitchen table. “Welcome to my home, Jennifer. I’ve missed you. Have a seat.”
Jennifer sat, primly crossing her legs. “Well?”
Perdie took a big breath. “I want to start a firm. With you and Sophia as partners.”
Jennifer blinked. “Excuse me? But you don’t even like us. We couldn’t even pin you down for a simple meeting at Joy and Schulz.”
“I know, I was avoiding you. I—I thought you wanted to scold me about dating a partner. But look, I get it now, I deserved it anyway.”
Jennifer gave an incredulous look. “Who? Leplan? Who cares?”
Perdie scrunched her face. “But you made comments...and you jumped in on that patent case as soon as he agreed to take it on with me.”
Jennifer pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. “Yes, I did. I wanted to have your back in case the firm tried to give Carter credit for all your hard work. We were trying to work with you.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize.”
“Yeah, oh. I think there are many things you don’t realize. Do you think you’re the only overlooked person at that office? Do you think the rest of us sail on through to partnership? Sophia and I have been at that firm nearly as long as you, and we haven’t made partner yet either. I went to Duke. Heck, Sophia brought on a client last year. Not to mention she’s one of only five Black lawyers in the entire firm. Out of two hundred and fifty! Did you ever think about that? Especially now that she’s pregnant. They’ll roll right past her once she’s on maternity leave.”
“Sophia’s pregnant?”
Jennifer’s eyebrows shot up. “Who do you think the baby shower was for? Oh my god, Perdita, you really are the most selfish bitch.”
Perdie’s eyes went wide, but then she bit back a laugh because Jennifer was right. She really was. She’d misjudged them by a league. “Can’t argue facts. And speaking of facts, I have a case with no home. I’m sure you’re aware they dropped my case at Joy and Schulz.”
“Of course I know! I was one of the lawyers helping you.” Jennifer paused before she spoke again, her words measured. “Look, I’m going to level with you. Sophia is staying with me and Owen. She’s divorcing that awful husband of hers right now, and after that she’ll be on maternity leave. It’s a stressful time, she’s going through some nasty stuff, and as her best friend, I’m trying to get through it with her. This isn’t a great time for huge changes.”
Jennifer and Sophia were best friends. Like Perdie and Lucille. She and Lucille had been going through a lot...but wow. Still, all the more reason to push forward with her argument.
“You said so yourself, nobody’s getting promoted over at Joy and Schulz, they pass people like us up until we’re shriveled and old. Now’s the chance for all of us to work together. You wanted a meeting with me, and you got it. I’m ready to talk to Sophia too.” Perdie pulled a business card from her pocket and plopped it in front of Jennifer. “Here. I had these made. Look pretty good together, don’t they?”
Jennifer picked up the card in the middle of the table with the partner names Stone, Stein, and Steele. She glanced up at Perdie. “It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Aw, don’t flatter me. Now c’mon, Jenny. What do you say? Partners?”
Jacqueline applauded Perdie at her next therapy session.
“Keep your momentum. It’s hard work to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about yourself, but you can do it.”
Perdie nodded. “Aye, aye, captain.”
Chapter Thirty
“As you know from the links I sent, this is the only available duplex option, and I think it’s perfect for two modern gals like y’all,” Aubrey chirped. “Kitchens and bathrooms are newly renovated, and appliances are all up-to-date. And would you check out these beautiful marble countertops.” She slicked a hand over the smooth surface. “To die for. Hard to tell with this rainy weather, but the skylights in the foyer offer great natural lighting. Of course, if you really want an upgrade, I’ve got a four-thousand-square-foot colonial with a marsh view that’s new on the market.”
“Sounds a little out of our price range, Aubrey,” Perdie mused as she strolled around the kitchen island.
Aubrey adjusted the pendant on her delicate gold necklace. She wore a bright red cardigan. The correct shade. “You know the owner. Carter Leplan?”
