"THE SECRETS UNFOLD"

It was a bright, sunny day in Los Angeles, but despite the burning sun up above, the cool breeze licked at Naomi's skin, calming her nerves.

She wasn't sure why, but she liked the warmth it radiated, so much that she stood in her night gown on her lawn, totally pretending that she was on the beach.

Her imagination was far gone that she could hear the drifting of the waves, feel her body on the silky sands, and see the-

OH NO!!!!

Naomi jumped out of her thoughts, suddenly remembering that she had a meeting with a client at 10am.

She was conscious of it last night before bed, but the beauty of the morning had caught her mind, hauling it away from what was important.

With a sigh of disappointment -in herself- she lumbered through the front door, heading directly for her room.

Should she just postpone the meeting?

After all, she was already late; she hadn't yet showered or combed her hair either and her breath was just a second away from killing her. But then again, if she postponed the meeting, when will she be able to arrange another?

Running her fingers through her messy black locks, she quickly got in the shower, brushed her teeth, bun her hair, then grabbed something elegant to wear.

And in less than an hour, her Black Maybach S-Class Mercedes was ready to take off.

She reversed out of her driveway and drove speedily down the street, only slowing down when her phone that sat in the passenger seat beside her started to ring.

She stretched out her hand reaching towards the phone, accepting the call despite not knowing the number. "Hello, good morning." She answered. "Naomi speaking, who is this?"

The person on the other end of the line cleared their throat. "It's Daniel from JM Brokers Limited, I'm supposed to meet with you at 10am. Just informing you that I'm late, I'll probably arrive within the next 15 minutes if that's okay."

"No problem." Naomi replied.

It seems, she wasn't the only one late...good.

****

Naomi's vehicle stopped, the tires squeaking as she parked it by the many others in the parking lot. She pushed open the car door, her clingy drip-dry suit catching everyone's attention.

Heading to the office, her evocative scent rolls down to memory lane.

"Good morning," Grace the Secretary greeted her boss. "I wouldn't have thought you'd be coming here."

Naomi frowned, sadly shaking her head. "I know right."

"But since you're surprisingly here, can I get you a cup of coffee?" Grace asked her boss in a soft, tender voice.

"Yes please," Naomi replied.

Entering the door at the end of the hallway, a tall body-built man presented himself to her, already looking straight into her eyes. He was handsome, skin tone shades darker than hers. His lips were as red as cherries, the color complimenting his tannest, and as he smiled, his teeth glistened beautifully. Naomi wondered who he was until he bowed his head in greeting then decided to speak.

"Hi ladies, I'm here to meet with J.S.D. Naomi Burray from Stubbs Alderton & Markle's, LLP."

It was only a matter of time before Grace inquisitively reached out for his hand as if she were the Naomi he came to meet. "We did this already, but let's just do it again. Nice to meet you, I'm Grace and you are?"

"Are you Mr. Daniel?" Naomi butted in.

"Yes, indeed I am." Daniel replied.

"Come with me please."

Mr. Daniel Ferguson stared at Naomi from her head, straight down to her toes. Her beauty truly intrigued him. He couldn't resist her captivating tone, her soft, pink lips, glossy with the finest lipstick. Even the way she smelled was irresistible, her dark, blue eyes, her strengthened, blond curls and the suit on her voluptuous body. It seems she had dressed in the aid of seducing him, if so, then she had succeeded because he couldn't stop looking.

"Did you get the chance to bring all the supportive documents for your case?"

Even her voice riled him up. "Ha!!! Ye------s..."

"Is everything ok with you Mr. Daniel?"

Daniel smiled distractedly. "Oh, just call me Daniel."

"And you won't consider it disrespectful?"

"Not in the slightest bit."

"Okay, Mr. Daniel."

"Didn't I just tell you to call me Daniel?"

Naomi looked back at him with a short, humorless chuckle. "Sorry, my bad, I'm just not use to informality, especially when I'm dealing with a client."

As Naomi stepped towards the stairs, her hips shifting from side to side, Daniel couldn't resist the temptation. "Hey, Can I ask?"

"Yes?"

"Are you available to have coffee after we finish discussing everything?" He pocketed his hands, eyes fixated on her back. "It would pain my heart to see such an alluring lady go to waste."

"What did you say?" Naomi turned to look at him, pretending to not understand, or rather hear his words.

"I'm just wondering... how long will my case take?" Daniel asked, changing the subject.

"Oh...as long as you provide all the documents and evidence to me, no more than a month."

'Wow! So fast...?' Daniel thought, watching as Naomi twisted the knob, the door to her office flying right open. "You can have a seat. I'm just going to get your files, so we can discuss all that is needed."

While Daniel acceded to his seat, Naomi went over to her cabinet, skimming through it for the specific file she wanted. She ended up tossing and turning and tilling, but yet still didn't find it.

With frustration she dialed her secretary Grace, "Where the hell did you put the files I asked you to prepare for me from Friday Morning?"

"Look at the top of the white and black cabinet where you always secure your Macallan 'M' Scotch Whisky."

"Okay, thanks." She got back to her search, but then... "I have a question..." Daniel interrupted.

"Yes? Go ahead."

"What if you get involved with the person defending your case?"

"What are you suggesting, Mr. Daniel?"

"Didn't I make it clear enough that I prefer it if you called me Daniel...just Daniel..."

"Okay Daniel, can we go through the documents now? The more time we waste, the longer it'll take."

"Sure, Ms. Prepossessing."

Naomi walked over with a folder in hand, leaning back against her desk. "In your file, you had the proof of a video showing that Mr. Williams really did go into your office and removed your money from your safe, right?"

"Yes, didn't I send you the thumb drive?"

"Yes, I did receive it. I get the understanding that you and the defendant was having an affair with the same lady. Mr. Williams claimed that you tried to seduce his wife, is that true?"

Daniel looked up at her, a spec of irritation in his eyes at how judgmental her tone was. "Not because I'm here wholly interested in what I see means that the bastard is right. I love a woman with class, astuteness, dignity, and one with a calm composure...much like yours. I have never touched his wife, after all, she's nothing but a ruthless di...." a mean "Delilah" grabbing and go.

Naomi nodded with a sigh, wishing she could sink right back into the sunrise she had this morning, or rather, she wished, she was at a beach instead of dealing with this shoot from the lips. "With the video evidence, I guarantee that he will be spending twelve months in prison for stealing or more."

Shoveling up the papers, she looked over all the files as Daniel's mellifluous voice drifted towards her ears. "I'm sorry if I may have sounded a little rude, it's just that my mom taught me that there's no harm in speaking the truth, it causes no sin, and she also taught me to go after whatever it is that I want. Again, I am penitent."

Naomi suddenly stopped moving the papers and just stared straight into his dark, brown eyes. She really didn't care about what he had to say, this meeting was solely about his case, and she'd like to keep it that way. "Can I meet with you briefly on Friday? I need to discuss the court date if that's okay with you."

"I'll adjust my schedule, so that I can have a drink of coffee with you after the meeting." He smiled cheekily, shuffling to comfort on the office chair. "I'm trying to make up for the chip on your shoulder."

"I'm going to be a bit busy. I have some unfinished papers I need to sort out for a friend of mine after our session, his name is Steve...it so happens that I'll be meeting with him on Friday"

In suddenness, Naomi's office door opened, Grace peeking inside. "Boss just to inform you that the office will be closed on Friday, so please don't accept or book any appointments for Friday, okay?"

If Naomi could shove her shoe in her secretary's mouth, she would.

"Are you sure because remember we have Steve's file to sort out?" Her words were drawled deliberately as she tried to give Grace signals with her eyes.

"Who's Steve?"

"Her friend apparently." Daniel popped in.

"Is he new? Because I have never heard you talk about a friend named Steve before. Am I missing something Boss?"

Naomi's face twisted into disappointment as she gave up. "Never mind Steve Grace, don't you have a job to do?"

"No, boss, I'm through with everything you assigned me." Replied Grace. "As a matter of fact, I'm about to take my lunch break. Mr. Ferguson, before I take my leave, would you like a cup of coffee?"

"I have someone to meet in the next thirty minutes, so no." He adjusted the tie around his neck, eyes wandering over to the lady in front of him. "But I'm wondering if Naomi has anything else to say to me."

"No appointments can be booked on Friday, so I'll try to book another date when we are both free." She murmured.

"You already have my number just text me whenever you're ready. Enjoy the rest of your day ladies, bye for now." He rose to his feet, but before leaving, he squinted at Naomi. "And please don't have me waiting, okay?"

"You might have to wait, I'm a busy woman. But I will see how my day goes if anything is possible."

"Alright, but don't try to make up another friend."

"Bye Daniel." Naomi waved, wanting him to go straight through the door.

Grace looked at her boss, thinking: Does Mr. Ferguson have an idea what he's getting himself into? It was obvious he was going after her boss, and knowing the type of person her boss was, she'd advise him not to. But was it all any of her business?

Moving aside as Mr. Ferguson passed through the door, she rose an eyebrow at Naomi. "I'm about to have lunch, is there anything I could get you before leaving?"

"No thanks, but I would like all the files for the next case to be on the desk by 3pm sharp."

"Okay Boss."

Bam! The door closed behind Grace, and Naomi was left alone in her office wholeheartedly wondering who Mr. Ferguson really thought he was...

Thinking back to his previous words...

'And please don't have me waiting.'

She couldn't help but think he was too brazen, He was obviously a man more free than the sea and wilder than an animal. He flirted a lot, and it could be that he had done the same thing with Mr. William's wife.

Naomi grabbed at the cup of coffee her secretary made for her, the harsh drag spilling the dark liquid on the papers she had on her desk.

Oh Damn! Why now?

She was already bothered by the man and now even his papers were bothering her...

What a God awful da-!

Naomi's thoughts froze when 'Frenz' ; her ringtone blared at the entrance of her ears and her eyes drifted down to the phone on her desk. She analyzed the caller ID, no doubt recognizing the fact that it was the same unsaved number that had called her earlier this morning; Mr. Ferguson.

She swiped the phone, declining the call.

Why was he calling her? He just left...

Her office phone rings and this time, Naomi had no other choice but to pick up.

"Hello...good morning, this is Naomi Burray from Stubb-"

"Boss it's Grace, Mr. Ferguson is asking if you're in the office."

"Please tell him I'm not."

"But I already told him you are."

"Tell him I'm in a meeting with another client."

Her eyes flickered to the door, attentively glaring at it. What a tormented man...

"Okay Boss."

Grace sighed breathlessly, taking Mr. Ferguson's call off of hold. "Mr. Ferguson I-I'm sorry to say but she's already in a meeting with another client."

The man huffed, obviously not believing her lie. "With surety? Or is that what she told you to say?"

"W-With surety..."

"Okay, inform her that I'll be giving her a call later on in the evening and tell her to pick up this time too."

"Alright sir, enjoy the rest of your day."

"Thanks, and same to you."

Grace hung up the phone, exhaling a breath of relief as she continued on her way up the stairs, only to realize that Naomi was standing at the very top of it, staring down inside of her poignant eyes.

"To tell him I was in a meeting took you that long?

What does he even want?"

"He didn't say much, just that he will be giving you a call later this evening."

Without even waiting until she was finished, Naomi walked her way back down the hall and Grace couldn't help but wonder when she'd change and loosen up.

Naomi slammed her office door behind her,

All sorts of negative thoughts running through her head.

Does he know she can sue him....?

Does he even realize she's working on his case?

What was he really up to?

Trying to relax her mind, she sat down in her chair, stretching her legs. She wished she could place it on top of the desk, but she was a lady and on top of that, she was wearing a dress.

Going through the files on her desk, she tried to recollect information about the case she had next week. It was frustrating, especially since she was having a slight headache, wouldn't it be best to just take the day off?

Her handbag all packed, desk spick and span, down the stairs she went. "Grace I'm heading home, whenever you're finish, just close up for me please."

Grace turned to her Boss, "Is everything ok?"

"Just having a headache."

"Okay, I will call when I'm leaving. Hope you feel much better when you're home."

"Thanks." Wanting to leave, Naomi replied.

As she slightly turned the key inside the car, her phone rings...

Mr. Ferguson again...

Sighing, she picked up. "Hello."

Her voice was harsh, it was obvious she didn't want to talk and yet Daniel replied with a bubbly. "Hi, Ms. Burray. Ready to talk now?"

"What can I do for you Mr. Daniel?"

"It's concerning the case...I just remembered, I have a video, I would like you to see. Is it possible to meet for coffee tomorrow?"

Naomi ignored her moodiness and responded to him in her business tone. "Okay, what time?"

"What about 1pm or probably 2?"

"I'll be there."

"I'll text you the name of the place as well as the address."

He hung up, and not a moment after the phone beeped with a text message from him.

"'Beauty and Essex

1615 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Please don't be late and remember you will get to see who's telling the truth. Me or Mr. Williams...

I speak facts, not bavardage. But then again, you're my lawyer, you're inclined to believe me."

Naomi rolled her eyes...this man really wanted her to lose it, didn't he?

Knowing on a day like this she had to meet with the one person she didn't want to see right now,

Naomi twisted, turned and pull the sheets over her head wishing for him to cancel.

He wouldn't, she knew, but at least she could hope, right?

Slowly, Naomi rolled out of bed and did her regular morning routine; she brushed her teeth, took a shower, combed her hair then searched for the ugliest suit she had in her closet.

She drew her curtains, examining the weather outside. As she looked, she noticed that the climate looked as though it was going to rain. Could this be her get away?

Could this be God granting her wish?

Naomi shook her head, suddenly remembering the hefty amount of money Mr. Ferguson was paying to solve his case. That money would benefit her wallet, her bank account, and her cupboards in the kitchen.

She couldn't lose him or the case for that matter...

Thinking positively at this moment, Naomi looked up at her clock, noticing that it was almost time to get ready.

She fitted her suit and her shoe and threw her Louis Vuitton bag over her shoulder as she headed for the door. Just before she could step through it, her ringtone blared through her ears.

She didn't have to look at the caller ID to know who it was. It was Mr. Ferguson, but unfortunately his contact was saved as 'Don't answer'.

But she'd pick up just for today. Naomi waited until the phone rang three times before picking up, not wanting to look desperate or anxious. "Hello Mr. Ferguson, how may I be of help to you?"

"Daniel, Naomi...just Daniel."

Same difference. "Hello 'Daniel', how may I be of help to you?"

"Hi lovely lady, how are you doing? I'm waiting in a great deal of anticipation to see that gorgeous face of yours." He clicked his tongue, the sound almost blurred out by the wind that chased his voice. "Are you ready? Because I'm close to where you live."

Where she lived...?

How did he know where she lived?

Naomi took a few deep breaths before answering, "I'm good, no need to pick me up. I'm already on my way."

It was a lie, but so what?

"Okay, looking forward to seeing you."

Naomi hung up the phone after that and got into her car. She placed the address in her GPS map and then sped off into the distance.

****

****

It only took her fifteen minutes to reach the location Daniel gave her.

She searched for a comfortable spot to park and cautiously did so.

While she looked into her mirror to adjust properly in the parking lot, she noticed a tall, handsome young man dressed in a fashionable style from the bottom of his toes to the shoulder.

It was of course Daniel and upon seeing her, he moved his eyes in a charming way, not at all noticing that Naomi wasn't giving him the attention he needed.

He walked over to her car, offering her his hand as soon as she opened up the door. Naomi took it, stepping out of the car like the ball of perfection she was. She issued to him an ambivalent smile, then proceeded to ask. "Where is the video you wanted to show me?"

Daniel sighed at her question, unable to believe that she went straight to business rather than asking how he's doing... "Can we just go inside and have a cup of coffee or anything of your choice, before discussing the video?"

Even though Naomi didn't want that she softly answers with an... "okay, fine, but remember I do not have all day."

Daniel gave her a look of disappointment. "Are you always like this?"

With a little anger in her tone, she replies. "Like what?"

"Professional...Are you always like this? Distant to everyone you meet, or is it just me?" Daniel wondered.

Naomi glared at him, not wanting to respond to his question.

She stepped pass him, walking into the building where a tall, slim body waitress greeted her and Daniel who walked in behind her. Her eyes lingered on Daniel for a long time before she walked over to him. "Hi, I'm Stacy, your waitress for today...your suit is fabulous."

Naomi looked back at them; her usual expression printed all over her face. "Which table will it be?" She asked.

"Follow me please." Stacy ordered. "It's table number four."

As Stacy walked towards the table; Naomi couldn't stop looking at her because her behaviour was noticeable... her hips moved as though it was a rocking chair and her smile although fake was extremely distracting, either way, she ignored it and took a seat opposite to Mr. Ferguson's by the table.

"Is there anything I can get for you?"

Daniel looked towards Naomi. "You can go first?"

"Can I have a cup of black tea, with a cup of milk?" Naomi asked.

Stacy looks at Naomi. "Is there anything else you would like?"

Naomi stared into her big, bold eyes. "No, that's it for now, thanks."

Stacy turned back to Daniel, that look of seduction once again showing up on her face. Does this woman not know that she had a job to do? And that it also included providing good customer service to the man she was painting herself bad in front?

"And what for you, Mr. Handsome?"

Daniel ignored her way of describing him and started his order. "Do you have Macallan 'M' Scotch Whisky?"

Naomi stopped looking at the menu she had distractedly picked up and started staring at Daniel. "I thought we were having coffee...."

Knitting his eyebrows at her, Daniel smirked. "Coffee at this hour of the day, no."

Stacy liked the way he responded, not only that, but she also liked how expensive his suit looked and how handsome he looked in it. "Would you prefer a glass or would the bottle suit you more?"

"A bottle and a glass please." Daniel replied.

"Coming right up." Stacy answered and as she walked off, only the thought of having her new customer's number popped up into her head. He didn't seem uptight; he'd probably have no problem giving it to me despite the fact that a woman was sitting in front of h-

Stacy gasped, her eyes drifting towards the other waitress who had bumped into her. "Watch it, stupid."

"You're the one who should pay more attention to where you're going, maybe you would've seen me coming if you were."

"Were my eyes not open?" Stacy argued.

"Perhaps not..." the other waitress responded....

Stacy hissed, rolling her eyes before walking pass her co-worker...

Naomi couldn't help but notices as the commotion took place, she wondered why a little bump on the shoulder was such a big deal to both girls...immature.

"Daniel, can I see the video you have to show me?"

"Gimme a second please, let me get it from my bag?" Daniel slipped his bag opened and started searching for the thumb drive.

Seconds later, he came back up with a blank look on his face. "It seems I had forgotten to put the thumb drive inside my bag."

Naomi glared at him, not believing what she just heard him say. "What...?"

"Let me look again before jumping to conclusion."

He shoved his hand inside his bag again, shifting and turning to see if he could find it.

Naomi pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration slowly captivating her emotions. "I don't have time for this, you're just wasting my tim-"

"I found it!" Daniel suddenly spoke up, cutting her off.

He hauled it out of the bag, handing it over to her, and as Naomi took it, Stacy showed up with the orders yet instead of on the table, the open bottle of whiskey ended up in Naomi's lap.

Already sour from a bad mood, Naomi glowered up at her. "You're really no good, do you want someone to teach you how to do your job?"

Stacy's lips slipped open in surprise, then softly she apologized. "I'm so sorry Madam."

"Please don't call me Madam, I am just 20+ and a J.S.D in lawyer." She pointed to her suit which was wet all over. "Are you planning to give me your paycheck tonight to pay for the damage you've done to my suit?"

Stacy wanted to respond in a fiery tone, but she didn't want her boss firing her. "Can I get you a clean rag to get it out instead?"

"Are you going to dry clean it afterwards?"

"There isn't a dry cleaner here" Stacy responded in a soft and vulnerable tone.

"And that's why next time you should focus on your job instead of on men because next time you'll be losing it."