The Secret Millionaire

I quickly grab a drink from the server that was passing by and without thinking I put the glass straight to my head drinking all its content. I turn to look at my friend, Iris as she surveys the room with her eyes.

I sigh. "Why am I here again?"

Iris turns on her stool and looks me straight in the eye. "To support me," and she pauses then smile. "And to see if you can find yourself a good-looking man to bring home tonight."

I shrug. "I'm not in the mood to be bothered by a man tonight."

"Remind me, when was the last time you had sex again? Oh yea, sometime last year." I roll my eyes at her. "Girl, you need to get back on the train. You have been so miserable without a sex life."

Iris is wearing an off-the-shoulder ballroom grown. Her blonde hair full of curls bounced on her shoulders. Iris is the type of woman that a man didn't need to look twice on. Her beauty had them at Hello. She is a beautiful woman but along with her beauty she was also caring, loving and a real sweetheart.

"I think I'm happy."

I am happy.

I was just made Partner at one of the biggest law firms in New York City, Shepard and Gills. My dog just gave birth to four beautiful puppies. I have everything I woman could ever dream of. Well, at least everything.

She shakes her head and smile. "You think you're happy, but I think you're lonely. Ever since you broke up with Richard, it's like you lost all your fun."

I smile. "That's because that loser took my fun away but that doesn't mean I'm not happy."

She looks at me with raised brows, "You're not having sex."

I laughed at her. "Sex isn't everything Iris."

"Don't let Brandon hear you say those words because as far as we are concerned, Sex is everything." Brandon has been Iris boyfriend for four years now. They were the ideal couple. They lived together, share a cat and fish, they share bills, they had date nights. It was like they were already married, after all, they were doing all the things a married couple usually do.

"When you have a wonderful man like Brandon who has not only a fine ass body but good brains, of course, Sex is everything and plus you guys love each other. It's different when you're in love. It's not sex anymore."

She takes a sip of her tequila. "You're right, it's not just sex. It's hardcore fucking." She grinned.

I rolled my eyes. "That's not what I was implying. I was talking about making love. Isn't that what you people call it?"

"Yup, that's what we call it." I sigh.

A server stopped in front of me to offer me another champagne. I smile and take the champagne from the tray. "Thanks."

This time I decide to sip the drink instead.

"That's your fourth drink since you walked in here. Are you planning on getting drunk tonight?"

"No, that wasn't my intention but come to think of it, I might as well get drunk tonight because tomorrow is going to be one hell of a day."

"Big case?"

"Huge case, Senator Reid."

She laughed. "I'm sorry but I think you might just need five more drinks."

I agreed with by my nodding my head. Senator Morgan Reid was convicted of stealing five million dollars from charity to fund his mistress's plastic surgery. As his lawyer, it was my job to get him off the hook even though all the evidence were showing that he did indeed steal five million dollars.

The noise started settling down a bit when the speaker came on the microphone trying to get everyone's' attention.

Iris turned to me, her cheeks pink. "It's my time."

"Go out there and shine." I pat her on her shoulder as she stands up from her chair.

The crowd started cheering when the speaker said, "Let's welcome on stage Ms. Iris Francis, who was voted last year for being the most successful female entrepreneur. Please clap your hands as this beautiful woman take her stand on the stage."

When Iris reached on the stage, everyone calms down and starts listening to her. With a smile on her face, she begins her speech. "I thank everyone for coming here tonight to celebrate the opening of this new enterprise..."

I laugh and clap while she made her way off the stage. As she walks down many people stopped her to engage her in conversations. I smile and place my attention elsewhere. I start looking around the room to see if I could spot anyone I knew, and It did, but they weren't people I liked so I continued sipping my drink.

"Hey,"

I turned my head to the direction of the voice. "Hi,"

"My name is Mark. I see that you're a friend of Ms. Francis. Are you in the business world as well?"

I wasn't liking the direction in which this conversation was heading. In fact, I didn't like this conversation at all.

"No, I am not. I'm just a regular woman."

He smirked. "There is nothing regular about you" he was trying to sound seductive, but it wasn't working. I have now gotten used to men like that, they have no ability to phase me. If I don't like a person when I just meet them then there is no way in hell I'm going to like them after.

"Yea, You're right. I can only see out of one eye and I had to donate one of my kidneys to my grandmother who was dying, she still died, so I lost a good kidney." I made a sad face as if I was going to cry. "I really loved my grandma, she was such a great woman," I sniff. "You're right, there is nothing regular about me."

He forced a smile. "Have a good night." Then he was gone.

I laugh, "What a jerk!"

Even though I was lying through my teeth about all that he couldn't even offer me some sympathy.

"Now what did you do to the poor guy?" Brandon voiced from behind me.

Without turning I replied. "Nothing."

"It's the grandma story, isn't it?"

I laugh. "Yup, it gets them all the time."

"Thanks for letting me know in advance so It won't get me." A strange voice said. I immediately turn around, so I could put a face to the voice.

"This is my friend..." before Brandon could finish I spoke up.

"Seth Parker."

"Karishma Jones"

"Wait...you guys know each other, how?"

"High school." We both spoke. Still, haven't broken eye contact.

Seth Parker, how can a girl forget Seth Parker? Especially if that girl made out with him on the last day of high school.

I still remembered that day like It was yesterday. I had gone to a party that was keeping at Andrew Harvey's house, Harvey was the most popular guy at Westville High and he also happened to be the older and less smart cousin of Seth. At the party around 10 pm everyone starts playing 'Spin the bottle' and because I wanted to be apart of the fun, I decided to join them. When it was my turn to spin the bottle guess who it fell on?

Seth Freaking Parker. I wasn't too happy that it was Seth because I wanted it to Ethan Dove. But I followed through with the rules and I had way too much to drink. The roles of the game were that you had to spend fifteen minutes in the closet with your partner. When you exit the closet there must be some sign that showed that the partners were getting it on. Since Seth had a room at the house for himself we went in there inside and trust me, that was one of the most memorable experience of my teenage years. It was that experience with Seth that gave me the confidence to lose my virginity. After that night, I saw him at graduation and never again.

"Hey," It was the pat on my back that broke my eye contact with Seth.

Iris went straight to her boyfriend's arms, "I wish you were here for the whole speech."

"I'm sorry babe. But at least I made it and I bought Parky boy here with me." He gestures to Seth. "You know the best part? Seth and Kari went to high school together? Isn't that great?"

I watch as Iris looks at me and Seth and smile. "Yes. It is. I've been trying to set Kari up with one of these men, but she is just so stubborn."

"Yup, I know. I just caught her in the act." Brandon nods his head agreeing with his girlfriend.

"Well that act won't fool me, and it definitely won't work on me," Seth spoke up. I turn to look at him. He hasn't changed much, he still had the same haircut and face structure. The only thing that was different was the way he dressed. My heels make me a little taller than my regular 5'3 height but he was still taller nonetheless.

Iris smirks. "I like him already. He doesn't give up easily."

"No, I don't." Seth was wearing a tuxedo just like most of the men in the room, but his bow tie was black and not very colourful like the others.

"Hello, I'm right here." I waved my hands in the air. They were talking as if I wasn't there.

"We can see quite clearly. In that shocking Red dress and that matching lipstick, I think a bat can see you clearly." It was Seth who spoke. I rolled my eyes at his words, extra much.

Iris turns to look at her boyfriend with approval.

"He's feisty, I think they'll get along just fine."

I ignore her comment. "You weren't so talkative in high school, what changed?" I recalled.

Seth smirked. "I was this talkative in High school you just didn't know me well enough."

"I obviously didn't." I murmured.

"But your lips do know me quite well." His words brought flames to my cheeks. I quickly shift my eyes to the far end side of the room. My face was burning up.

"Wait! What!" Brandon said.

I turn pale and force a smile. "Iris, congrats again on this project. I know you will succeed." I climb down off my stool. I looked at the two gentlemen in front of me. "Gentlemen, have a great night." I turn and walk to the closest exit.

How dare he bring up something that happened eight years ago?

I can't believe he remembers that night.

The night I became exposed to chemistry.

The night I became rebellious!

I smile at Mr. Gills as he congratulates me.

"Karishma, I knew that you could pull this off. I'm so happy that we made you partner, you're going to bring in a lot of money in this company." Gideon raised his glass.

"Cheers to that." I toast and laugh. "I won't disappoint you, Uncle Gideon." Gideon Gills is like a second father to me, he was my father's best friend. When I was young he told me and my brother, Kyle about his cases and he used to talk about all the money he made with his cases and how he exciting his job was and it got to me. I didn't want to be a surgeon like my father or a doctor like my mother. I wanted the life of a lawyer, lots of money and long vacations. That was what attracted me to the career at first but when I went to college I realize that law was more about helping people than the money and I fell in love with that.

"I know you won't." he agrees. "As a matter of fact, why don't you take the rest of the day off."

"No, I can't. I have Jeff's case Tuesday and I need to get working on it." I reasoned.

Gideon pats my shoulders, "No, dearie. Tomorrow is a next day. Take the day off, It's on me. Go enjoy yourself."

"There is not much to enjoy at 11:00 am in the morning."

"Go home to your pups. By the way, Macy and I are still going to adopt one when they get a little older." Macy is Gideon's wife of thirty years. Macy is as sweet as her husband.

I laugh then nod. "Okay, I will go home."

"Perfect! Enjoy the rest of your day." He wishes as he walks to my office door.

"You too, Uncle Gideon. Tell Auntie Macy Hi for me."

"I will." He said before he exits.

I smile and take a sip of the champagne that Gideon brought to my office. I didn't think I would win the case especially since I knew he did steal the money but I just the jury believed my witness and evidence. The job of an attorney wouldn't be easy for a person who lived their life morally right, there were too much at stake. As the saying goes, "As lie as a lawyer." I'm proud to say that I do lie in court but what else can I do; my goal was to win a case. Help my client get out of the situation. When I just started out It bothered my conscience but as the years pass I get used to it. If I don't do it, then someone will.

I take up my keys and my bag and exit my office. "Clear my schedule for today. Email the information that you got on Mr. Jeff to me." I smile to my paralegal, Claire. "Enjoy the rest of your day, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Kari. I hope you enjoy day as well."

"I'll try my best." I wink then walk to the elevator.

When I open my door my Beagle, Rojo was there waiting for me. She jumps on me, I smile. I place my keys on the stand and bend to pick her up.

"How did you know I was coming home early today?" she growls.

I pat her head, "It's okay. I know, I know. How are my pups?" she barks, and I laugh.

I love animals, ever since my dad bought me a Golden Retriever when I was eight, there was nothing that brought me more happiness.

I placed Rojo on the ground and she run to her bed where the puppies were. They attack their mother as she lays down.

I smile, I walk over to my couch and take a seat. I reach for my home phone, I dial Iris's number.

"Hey, Kari. What's up?"

"I'm okay, bored. I was thinking we could go out tonight."

She didn't respond immediately. "Oh, honey. I can't, Date night."

I sigh and laugh. "I should have known. Every night is date night with you two."

"No, it's just because last night he came late, and he wanted to make up by bringing me out."

"Brandon is so sweet."

"Yes, he is. You need to find yourself a Brandon." She pauses, "Not a Brandon, you need a Seth."

I laugh. "No, I don't need a Seth."

"You need to stop denying the chemistry that's there."

"More like tension."

"No, no. There is only tension on your part. Didn't you see the way he was looking at you?"

"No, I was too busy congratulating you to realize."

"What happened when you guys were in High School?"

I hesitated before telling her. "On the last day of school, his cousin kept a party and I went, long story short, I ended up in his room for fifteen minutes making out with him, after that, I saw him at graduation and never again until yesterday."

"Wow, I hear wedding bells."

"Really? Did Brandon propose?" I joked.

"Girl, you know I'm not talking about me. I want you to give Seth a chance, he's a nice guy."

"We're not from the same crowd."

"Opposites attract."

"Yeah and that also causes heartbreaks."

"Not again with that. Richard is an asshole. You didn't deserve him anyway."

"It's not even just about Richard." I have been over Richard the same time I broke up with him. I could never love a man after he cheated on me right in front of my nose. I didn't even love him. I just liked him a lot and to be honest, I knew the relationship wasn't going to last.

"Then what is it about?" she reasoned.

"I guess, I'm just not cut out for all that love thing. I've never been in love. I love but have never been in love, if you get what I'm saying."

"You're twenty-five and you've already met the love for your life."

"Yea, well love come with time."

"Maybe my soul mate is riding on a turtle or a snail or maybe got lost."

Iris laughs, "Yea, but while he takes forever to come, have some fun."

"Have some fun" I reiterated. I really need to have some fun.

"Yes, and you can start with Seth."

I laugh, "No, I'm not going there."

"You might just like what you get."

"Or I might not." I crackle.

"Nothing tried, nothing done."

I shrug, "Anyways, I'm going to leave you back to your work. Enjoy your date night, love you, Bye."

"Love you too, bye."

I hang up the phone and look up at my ceiling.

Boredom.

That was the only thing I didn't like about being single, I didn't have anyone around. I always by myself or with my dog.

I turn my head to the dog bed, Rojo was sleeping while her puppies were sucking on her nipples. I might just take her out for a walk later. But for now, I'll just get some sleep.

................

"Hey, beautiful." I turn around ready to make a smart comment but the face I saw stopped me.

"So, you're stalking me now?" annoyed, I roll my eyes at him.

Seth placed his hand on the counter, "Me, never. I just happen to like this club."

"Or so you come to clubs on Thursday nights."

"Well, the last time I checked the club is open every night and not limited to you." Great comeback asshole.

I smile, "Have a great night." I turn on my stool to face the opposite direction with my back facing him.

I took a sip of my drink and then felt a presence beside me and I turn to look. "You don't give up do you," I stated.

"No, I don't. You look like you need some company" He mocked.

"Well, I don't." I reach for my purse in my bag and took out $35 dollars. "Hey, Steve, here's my bill. Keep the change." I smile as I place the money on the counter of the bartender to take it up. I turn back to my unwanted stalker. "I'm going home."

"To an empty bed?"

"No to my dog and her puppies."

"So much better company than talking to me, I guess."

"Oh, yeah. So much better."

He shakes his head.

"You have a great night," I said standing up from the stool.

"How can I when you're not coming home with me?" he smirks.

"If you look around there are many single, desperate woman ready to take your offer." This club was one of the local clubs were single persons meet other single persons, or even married persons to hook up with. I don't come to this club to get hooked up with someone, I just really liked the customer service and it was safe.

"I don't want a single, desperate woman."

"Well lucky for you, they are married women here as well."

He laughs, "You're funny. I like you."

"That's sad cause I don't like you.'

He stood up from his stool and touch my shoulder. "Oh, but you will."

I laugh cynically, "Oh yeah right."

"Enjoy your night, sweetheart." He says as he walks away.

I shake my head and pick up my bag. I quickly walk to the exit.

But you will

I laugh as I remember his words. How egotistical of him to say!

In High School we were never friends, in fact, we never spoke to each other. He was too popular for my crowd and the two paths just never met until the last night. I remember that day like it yesterday.

"Kari, it's your turn to spin the bottle," Mitch said.

All eyes were on me as I took the bottle for Anna, the girl who was sitting next to me. I lift my head and looked around the circle, I spot Ethan and I started to smile in my mind. Ethan Dove was the guy that I wanted, the guy I had a huge crush on. Ethan was the captain of the Math's team and the editor of the school newspaper. He was the smart, handsome nerd and I liked him. I had like him ever since we became Bio labs partners. He never picked up all my signs, but I didn't expect better for a nerd.

I point the end of the bottle on Ethan then quickly spin it before anyone would notice.

While the bottle spin everyone was shouting, "Kari, Kari, Kari." But all I could think about was Ethan.

In my mind I was praying for the bottle to land on him, even had my fingers crossed.

When the bottle started to slow down everyone quite up so the could focus their full attention on the bottle.

At first, I taught it stopped on Harvey, but I put a sigh of relief when it continued to spin. I spin around a few time until it stops in the direction of Ethan. I started jumping in my mind but then everyone started shouting Seth's name. I look up in the direction of the bottle. It did stop in the direction of Ethan, but I didn't stop on him, it stopped on the person beside up. Seth freaking Parker.

Fuck you Gods, I said in my mind.

It would take was a little more breeze and bomb I'm kissing Ethan but no, I had to just had to get the person next to him.

I look up at Seth as I see him standing, it was also my cue to stand. I got up and flash a fake smile to the persons that were watching.

"So, you know the rule, fifteen minutes in the closet. Must have evidence of makeout."

I nod my head and look at Seth. He reached out his hands for me to take and I accept.

"I have a room here, so we can go in there instead, the closet is not too comfortable."

Next thing I know, I'm following him up the stairs.

"Come in." My door opens, and I lift my head to see Gary Shepard, my second boss. "Good afternoon, how can I help you Mr. Shepard?" Gary was wearing his usual suit and tie and fancy shoes.

"Good day, Kari." He spoke with his thick British accent. "I just got a call from the South-Central Police Department, have you ever heard of Matthew Benjamin?" I knew where this was going before it even started. Mr. Shepard only ever comes knocking on my door when he needs a favour or needs me on a case.

"Yes, I know him. He owns Benjamin's shipping."

"Yes, that's him. This morning he was arrested for the murder of Harrison Samuel who was his partner. I'm asking you to take over this case."

"Well, I am very busy right now, Mr. Shepard." I hesitate.

"I know that you are but this case is going to be a big one and I know you can manage it, you'll just have to work a little more extra hours but then, in the end, you'll see that you did the right thing I bought taking it." I heard this speech a hundred times, Mr. Shepard was always throwing these types of cases on me. He knew I was single so to him, I'll always time for an extra case. Now, my desk is full. I have six different cases working on at the moment and this will just make the seventh one.

"Okay, Mr. Shepard. I'll go bail him out now."

"Good girl, I knew I could count on you." He said with a bring grin on his face.

"Of course, you can Mr. Shepard." I return the smile but mine was fake.

"Now, you run down to the station now and get our man out of there." He exits my office and close the door behind him.

I quickly got up from my desk and grab my red Kate Spade bag which happens to be matching with my red heels.

.......

I push the door open. "Stop right there, detective."

This man of mid-forties stands from his chair frowning. "Who are you?"

"Karishma Jones, Mr. Benjamin's attorney at law."

"Your client is a murderer. We find the murder weapon in his house." He spat.

I rolled my eyes.

"Detective, you have no right to be making acquisitions or even questioning my client." Looking over my client I said. "Someone could have easily planted that, what gun there."

"The murder weapon was a knife. The victim was stabbed five times in the chest." I shrug I wasn't told what happens just to get down here as soon as possible.

"Well, someone could plant the knife there as well. I'll be leaving with my client."

"Your client is a murderer." He repeated. I could see all the angry in his face, he was convinced that Mr. Benjamin killed Harrison Samuels.

"Until the court of law finds him guilty, he's nothing but a suspect, detective," I announced.

"A guilty suspect." The detective raged.

"We'll see about that, detective."

"My name is Detective Murdock." the dective was wearing an old suit and old shoes. His beard was unkept and tacky. He was probably divorced. Why else would he be so angry?

"I don't care." I gesture to Mr. Benjamin to stand.

"Little girl, you don't know who you're playing with." He chides.

When Mr. Benjamin stand and walk over to me at the door, I smile at the old detective. "See you in court, detective Murdock. Enjoy the rest of your day."

He rolled his eyes and spat.

I shake my head as I exist the office with my client following closely behind me.

These detectives always think they can intimidate me with their size and age, but It never work. I wasn't afraid of them. And to prove that I wasn't afraid of them I took them on in court on a regular basis and when I win they realize I'm not the Lawyer they want to mess with.

If I had a job, I got it done. There was no way, I'm letting my client go behind bars and even if they do it won't be for long.

I turn Mr. Benjamin who was now sitting in the passenger seat of my Honda Civic, "I don't want to bombard you since you must have had one hell of a night in that nasty cell so I'm going to drop you off, anywhere you choose, and we continue this conversation tomorrow." Mr. Benjamin's red hair was a mess and he had bags under his eyes, it was clear he was exhausted.

He smiles, "Thank you, you handled Old Man Murdock really good" he pulled out his hands for me to shake, "What did you say your name was again?"

I took his hands shake it. "Karishma Jones."

"Nice to meet you and thank you for back there." He said with a smile.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Benjamin and I was just doing my job."

"I didn't kill Harrison, he was like a brother to me." As I looked into green eyes, I knew he was telling the truth, now it's just for the jury to believe him. "I was framed."

"Let's leave that for tomorrow. I'll drop you home now and you come to the office tomorrow and we talk about it."

"Okay, I live at 65 Maiden Road."

......

I lifted up the orange juice to check its expiry date, after all, there must be a catch to why they're selling it for only 99 cents. I turn the box upside-down, but the expiry date wasn't at the bottom, so I start turning the box around in my hand until I spot the little black imprints.

"June 9, 2018" I whispered to myself. "Fair enough" then I placed it in my cart. Without looking ahead, I pushed my cart down the hall.

"Ow, my foot" someone yelped as my cart crashed into them.

My eyes moved from the shelves down to the person's feet. "Oh, my god, I'm so sorry..." but I didn't finish my sentence. "Oh, It's you. Now, I know you're definitely stalking me." I rolled my eyes looking at him.

He was starting to annoy me.

He laughs, "Wow, you're one gal. I live 4 minutes away from this Walmart. This is where I shop for groceries." He shakes. "Why am even explaining myself?"

"Well, Well, I live 3 minutes away and I shop here all the time." I defended myself.

"Where do you live?" he asked.

"I'm not telling you where I live."

"I live on James Street in an apartment, you can see the building from here."

"Why are you telling me that, I don't care where you live."

He smiled showing his perfect set of teeth, "For future reference. Now tell me, where do you live?"

Before I could answer someone behind me spoke. "Excuse me."

I quickly turn and look the person then moved my cart out of the way. After which I continued behind her.

"Are you going to answer me?" Seth shouted after me.

I turn to look at him. "No, Goodbye, Seth."

He laughs then turned in his direction and continued shopping.

I turn my head looking at lines but there were all packed. I sighed and went to the nearest one. I was going be here for a while.

"So, we meet again." A voice came from over my shoulder. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. He just doesn't give him.

"I like your perfume." Ignoring him, I continued to look forward at the line that wasn't moving.

"Nah, we'll be here for a good ten minutes, have you seen what's in that old woman's bag?" I looked up at the older woman that was three persons ahead in the line. Seth was right, her cart was full.

I sigh of frustration and looked over to other lines, which were no better than the one I'm in.

"You're stuck with me."

I shrug. I can't believe I left my phone in the car.

"I don't bite, Karishma." He paused and bent to my ears. "Only if you want me to."

Ignoring I looked at the snack shelf behind me. I took up one of the skittles off the rack, admiring it.

"You know in the dollar store a skittle is only $2 while in here it's $2.65." I place the skittles in my cart just to annoy him.

"Wow, you're a rich girl. I guess that's why you don't want to talk to a poor guy like me." I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to talk to him because he's annoying and the fact that he's seen me half naked eight years ago. No way.

I took up the Trident that on the shelf, not to buy it but to read the instructions just make time go away.

"I don't like Trident, all the favour leaves after three sucks, I prefer tick-tock. Maybe you should get tick-tock." He was really getting on my nerves.

I can honestly say I prefer the high school, Seth. He wasn't this annoying in fact he wouldn't have given me a second look.

I turned and looked into his green eyes. "You're intent on annoying me, aren't you?"

He shrugged, "Well after seeing you three time since the week started I think I deserve your number."

"Why do you want my number?"

"What do people do with other numbers?" answering my question with his own, annoyed me. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Give me one reason why I should give you my number." I lifted my pointing finger up.

"We're both single people who sometimes have nothing to do at home. We can hang out."

"Why would you want to hang out with me?"

He shrugs his shoulder and smirk. "Why not?"

I raised my brows at him. "Okay, I'll give you my number, but we can only be friends."

He smiled, "That's all I want to be," he hands his iPhone over to me. "At least for now." Ignoring his last statement, I add my number to his phone. At first, I was going to add a false number, but I decided not to. Seth was right, I need a little company at times.

What harm could giving him my number cause?