Page 81 of Trials of a One Night Stand
“No, I’m not.” Jason’s voice drops to DEF-CON level of seriousness. “Your unethical behavior regarding the Sugar Valley Drugs versus Zentello case has put this firm in a precarious position.”
“Unethical?” My voice pitches higher than I intend.
Jason leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. “You’re pregnant with Nate Lowe’s child and didn’t disclose it to the court.”
The words hit me like a bucket of iced water. I feel the color drain from my face, which is impressive, considering how pale I’ve been lately thanks to my new friends, nausea and fatigue. A part of me wants to deny it. I want to laugh it off and say, “Pregnant? Me? Good one, Jason! What’s next? You’ll tell me the earth is flat and pineapple belongs on pizza?” But the words stick in my throat. Instead, I just nod, feeling like I’m watching myself from outside my body.
Jason sits back, a look of triumph on his face. It’s the same look Dodge gets when he successfully steals something off Lottie’s plate. “So you admit it?”
I wish I could answer otherwise, but I can’t. “Yes.”
“Do you have any idea how serious this is?” His voice is a mix of disappointment and frustration. “You’re the lead attorney on the case. This is a massive conflict of interest!”
I nod again, feeling like one of those bobblehead dolls. “You have my word I didn’t let it influence my job. I kept things separate.”
“It doesn’t matter how you handled the situation. Lucas Matthews is livid.”
Most likely because he wanted to be the one fucking me, but it’s probably best to keep that to myself. I press my lips together.
“This kind of information could significantly impact the proceedings,” Jason continues. “That’s why you’re required to disclose relationships to the court. Something you failed to do, which is so unlike you. Why would you not follow the rules?”
“I wanted to win so I could get a permanent job here in Seattle.” Saying the words aloud makes them sound so silly—that my needs were greater than the law I’m supposed to abide by. But having a permanent place here, a promotion to show Colton he hadn’t won everything, and being near Lottie seemed so important to me. Worth it?
Honestly, I’m not sure now.
Jason pinches the bridge of his nose, looking like he’s fighting off a migraine. Join the club, buddy. I’ve had one for weeks now.
“Do you have any idea what kind of position this puts the firm in? The potential legal ramifications?” he asks. “Lucas Matthews wants to sue you.”
I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’m sorry. I really am. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“It doesn’t matter. This isn’t just unprofessional.” His voice hardens. “You’re a representative of this firm. Your actions reflect on all of us.”
Tears prickle the corners of my eyes. Damn hormones. Although I’d likely be crying even if I wasn’t pregnant too. “What happens now?”
“We’ll have to disclose this to the court. And you’re no longer employed by the firm, effective immediately.”
My heart sinks to somewhere around my ankles. “You’re firing me.” It’s not a question.
“I have no choice, given the position you’ve put us in.”
I nod, feeling numb. “I understand.”
“I know this is difficult for you—”
“Difficult? Try impossible. I’m pregnant and now unemployed. I don’t even have a place to live that’s mine.” I’m on a roll now, all the pent-up emotions of the past few weeks pouring out. “And you know what the worst part is? I like my job. I’m good at it. But now, because of one stupid mistake, it’s all going up in flames. So yeah, it’s a little more than ‘difficult.’ But there is one bright side. I won’t have to put up with Sugar Valley Drugs lying about their formula being stolen. Yesterday was a complete shit show during their lead scientist’s cross-examination, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the case is thrown out for that despite my ‘unprofessional’ behavior.”
Jason stares at me, looking like he’s seeing me for the first time. I don’t think he’s impressed based on his sigh. “Clean out your desk. HR will take your badge, key card, and laptop.”
Fired. That means no severance. Will my benefits be canceled as of today? If so, will I be offered the opportunity to extend my medical insurance with COBRA?
If not… My legs turn to jelly.
“Jayne?” Jason’s voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “Are you okay?”
I blink, realizing I’ve been staring blankly at the wall for who knows how long. “Yes. I don’t have much to pack, so I’ll be out of here shortly.”
Jason shifts uncomfortably in his chair. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. Join the club, buddy.
