Leather & Lace

Chapter 12

The following month has been busy. Lacey was working her normal cases on top trying to settle Brett’s divorce case. He sent her everything regarding the business deal he made with his father to his actual marriage license. Seeing that made her heart drop. She managed to put it in a case file. Brett was supposed to meet her at a bar after work to discuss his case. She sat there holding a glass of red wine occasionally flicking her wrist to check the time. He was already an hour late. She was about to get up and leave when she heard his voice.

“You bailing on me?” He smirked.

Lacey gave him a side eye. “I waited an hour for you.”

He sat down and she joined him. “I know and I apologize. I just had to take care of some things at work.”

“That’s fine, just call if you’re running late.”

“Got it.” Brett ordered more drinks for them as Lacey pulled out the case notes. Brett examined every part of her. Her blue skirt fit perfectly against her hips. She had her legs crossed which only made the skirt rise up. She wore a fuschia blouse that was made of silk. All of her was pushed to one side exposing her neck. Brett growled. He wanted to nibble on her neck, but he was trying to be respectful of her wishes. Eric knew she was meeting with Brett to discuss the case but he doesn’t know about their history.

“According to Shondra’s lawyer, she wants to be half owner of Newman Inc. and she wants the house you guys shared,” Lacey read.

“I told her she can have the house, but that company has been in my family for years. My dad built that from scratch and since then I've contributed over a million dollars to the company. She only reaped the rewards.” Lacey huffed as she looked over some more notes. There was infidelity but she didn’t think it was smart to bring that up since he technically cheated on his wife as well.

“Okay, so she can have the house but not the company. Do you have the original agreement between you,your father, and Shondra?”

“No, my dad has it.”

Lacey frowned. “Why? It’s no longer his business since you took over.”

“He never gave me a copy and I never questioned it.”

“Because he’s your father?” She sat back and looked at him.

“Yeah.”

“You need to get the contract and send it to me. Maybe I could find something that is contradicting. Just to make you aware, the judge may order you both to marriage counseling.” That made Lacey’s heart sink. She knew she had no right to be mad, but the thought of him and Shondra reconciling didn’t sit right with her. She straightened her back, trying to not think about it. She was pretty much dating his friend. She had no right to feel jealous, but here she was ready to turn into the green-eyed monster.

“I don’t want any counseling. Our marriage is over. It’s been over for a while now.” She was happy to hear those words but she didn’t show it to him. Being with him in the way she wants can’t happen. At least not yet. Besides, she doesn’t want to hurt Eric. He’s been really sweet and patient with her, but they’ve been at a stand still. She still haven’t even kissed him yet.

“Okay, I can put in a request, but you may have to give up something for it.” Brett smiled.

“Not to me, but the judge,” Lacey quickly corrected herself. “Overall, I believe you have a valid case. Just get me the damn contract and then I can go over everything before we get the official court date. Brett was turned on, but not because she was beautiful, but she was so smart and demanding. It made him want to oblige her every need. Working this case meant he gets to spend more time with her.

“Shit.” She looked at her phone.

“What’s wrong?” Brett asked.

“I’m late for dinner.” She scrambled, still managing to get all of the papers in her briefcase neatly. “Let me know when you have that contract.” She rushed from the table.

When she got into her truck, she connected her phone to the radio and made a phone call.

“Hello,” a gentle sweet voice answered.

“Hey mom, I’m so sorry I’m running late, but I’m on the way now.”

“Oh sweetie, it’s fine, dinner will be done in twenty minutes.” Lacey and her mother are close. That was another reason she wanted to please them. She feared that her mother would be disappointed if she didn’t do what they expected.

“Okay I’ll be there by then. Love you, see you soon.”

“Love you too.”

She drove through traffic, trying to make it in time so she wouldn’t be scolded by her father. Larry was really strict about attendance. She remembered one time her sister, Sharice and her wife arrived late to dinner. Oh he was so upset. Or maybe he was upset because Sharice was married to a woman. But she was happy, Lacey saw how her sister’s eyes lit up, with Autumn. They were made for each other and Lacey was a little envious of that. Her mom, on the other hand, loved Autumn. Lacey did too, Autumn took Sharice out of her comfort zone. She made her realize what it was that she wanted and Sharice went after it. They’ve been married for over a year. This family dinner was set up because they have an announcement to make.

Lacey finally arrived and jumped out of the car. She used her key to unlock the door and when she entered, Sharice practically tackled her.

“Damn, can I get in through the door first?” Lacey playfully yelled.

“Nope because I miss my sister. I feel like I hardly ever see you.”

“We both have been busy. Me with work and you with your beautiful wife. Where is my sister in law anyway?” Lacey searched the room until Autumn popped out with a huge belly.

“Surprise!”

“No f*****g way!” Lacey squealed. Her mouth dropped as she saw a very pregnant Autumn.

“Falls, you’re pregnant?” That was the nickname she gave Autumn.

“Sure is, we’re about five months in now.”

“Wow, I can’t believe I'm going to be an aunt. Congratulations you guys.” Lacey went to hug them both.

“Look at my girls,” Lacey’s mom, Carolyn, beamed. “Dinner is ready so now let’s make these plates. Your father should be here any minute now.”

“Yay,” Sharice exclaimed falsely.

“Reese, that's still your father.” Carolyn gave her a look.

“Yes mom, I know. I’m sorry.”

They set the table and Larry walked in. Carolyn got up and greeted her husband.

“Hi baby, how was work?” He leaned down and kissed her.

“It was fine, my love.” He looked at Lacey and then at Sharice and Autumn. Lacey was mad because he couldn’t even speak. They were his kids for goodness sake.

“Hello dad,” she spoke first, although it had a ring of irritation in it.

“Hey Lacey…Sharice, Autumn.” They spoke back and then nothing but silence. Lacey knew that this dinner was going to be awkward especially once he found out why. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t get out of hand.

Larry changed his clothes and joined everyone at the table. Carolyn had the table set with beautiful fall themed colors of burgundy, burnt orange, ivory, and pastel green. Lacey always appreciated when her mother set the tables for dinner. It was her favorite thing to watch as a kid. The themes would change every season, but her favorite theme was the Christmas theme. She would watch her mom go over the top with the decorations and each year the colors would change. What makes it even better is the food that is surrounded by those decorations.

“Lacey, I heard you’re working on a divorce case.” Larry inquired. Of course he would hear. She wouldn’t be surprised if he was tracking every single case she’s had.

“I am.”

“That’s good, I ran a background check on the couple, and it seems like they're both toxic. But if you want my opinion,-“

“I don’t want your opinion, father. I’ve been practicing law for a while now and don’t need your input.” Larry was shocked by Lacey’s outburst. Sharice, Carolyn, and Autumn mouths were hanging.

“You need to watch your tone, I’m still your father! And for the record, my opinion is what won you those cases.”

“Well this time, I’m going to win it on my own. And why would you run a background check on them. That’s an invasion of privacy! Has being the DA taught you anything?” She didn’t mean for it to be as harsh as it sounded but she was tired of walking on eggshells around him.

“Lacey!” Carolyn shrieked.

“No mom! Let her talk,” Sharice chimed in. “I’ve watched as she’s done everything you both wanted. Mom, while you were kind and more considerate than our sperm donor of a father, but have you ever considered how Lacey feels in all of this?”

Larry frowned. “Sharice, why can’t you just be normal? You had to go off and marry a woman.” Lacey gasped as she saw her sister’s face fall. Before she knew what was happening, Sharice threw her plate full of food across the table.

“You hate me for that, don’t you,” she hissed with tears in her eyes. “I come here every time because I’m still a part of this family, but you treat me as if I’m s**t on the bottom of your shoe. You call yourself a father, but you’re not. You’re a miserable man.” She sniffed and Lacey was frozen to the spot as she saw how the family dinner turned chaotic. “You don’t care about the fact that I’m happy. I have a beautiful wife and a baby on the way.”

His eyes bulged. “That’s right, Autumn is pregnant. It’s just too bad that this kid will only have three grandparents because I will not let you spread that toxic behavior or that negative energy to my child.” She helped Autumn up who gave Lacey a pity look.

Sharice looked at them and scoffed. “Some family dinner.” She and Autumn walked out of the door leaving Lacey alone with her parents.

Carolyn went to pick up the broken plate and Lacey helped her. They both stood in the kitchen lost in their own thoughts.

“Where did I go wrong raising you girls?” She asked out of the blue.

“Oh, mom, you did everything you could, but you and dad have been very selfish. Sharice is right. You say you’re okay with sexuality, but you didn’t back her up when dad tried to tear her apart. As far as for me, I meant every word I said to dad.”

“Lacey, you and your sister are my world, besides your father. I’ve welcomed Autumn with open arms.”

“Yeah, but what good is that, if you’ll only let dad get away with the things he says. Love is love and she didn’t choose to be a lesbian. But you can see that she’s happy and all she wanted was to have her family accept her.”

Carolyn's eyes glossed. She knew Lacey points were valid. She has not spoken up for either of them. She felt guilty because she knew her husband’s words can cut as sharp as a knife. Larry always wanted to be in control of everything. She knew she needed to talk with her husband about his actions.

“You’re right, my dear. You’re absolutely right. We have been sheltering you for such a long time.” Carolyn grabbed Lacey’s hands. “I’m so sorry, Lacey.”

“Mom, I appreciate you and everything you’ve done, but it’s Sharice and Autumn you and dad need to apologize to. We’re adults, we’ve been for some years, but you both treat us as if we are still little girls. All I’m asking is that you and dad respect our decisions.” She pulled her mom in for a hug.

“I’m going to head home. Tell dad I’ll call him when I’m ready. I love you.”

Carolyn sniffled, “I love you, too.”

Meanwhile….

Brett made it home. His condo is so cold that he had to turn on the heat. Lacey rushed and left the bar for dinner. Probably with Eric, he rolled his eyes. They've been talking for over a month and he knew that it would be a matter of time until Eric asks for her to make it official. His phone rang and he frowned when he saw Eric’s name.

“Hey, how’s the dinner?” He answered.

“What?” Eric questioned.

“The dinner? Lacey rushed out because she was running late for a dinner. I assumed it was with you.” Eric laughed, making Brett feel like an i***t. A part of him was happy about that.

“She is having dinner with her family. Not me. And even if she was, why does that concern you?”

“It doesn't,” he lied again. There was a pause between them before Eric spoke up.

“Anyway, wanna watch the game at the bar?”

“I just left the bar. That’s where I met up with Lacey.”

Eric sighed, “Fine, but I need some advice.”

“On what?” Brett asked. His gut clenched, telling him that he knew what it was about.

“About taking things to the next level with Lacey. I really like her, man. I haven’t even kissed her yet.” Brett felt his lips pulling as he smiled at that thought.

“I don’t know, but I feel like she’s holding back from me. I want to be able to make her mine, officially.”

“And how am I supposed to help with that?” Brett asked.

“Well she’s handling your divorce case, so I figured you would’ve gotten to know her better.” Oh Brett knew her in ways he couldn’t even tell Eric about. “What do you think of her, honestly?”

“I don’t think she’s the one for you,” he answered truthfully.”

“How could you be so sure?” Oh he was sure because she was his and he was hers. He had no doubt about that. He knows he doesn’t own her, but she owns him even if she doesn’t know it. He knew she was unique when he first met her. What shocked him more was that she took initiative that night. She gave herself a part of him. A part of him that he will never let go.

“Lacey is different from all of the other women you’ve been with. She’s smart, beautiful, and she’s not throwing herself at you. She’s rare.”

“Damn, did you fall in love with my girl,” Eric half joked.

“She’s not your girl,” Brett answered a little too harsh. He was starting to lose control of himself. He inhaled and then exhaled.

“Not yet.” The way Eric said that made Brett angry. It was too smug, too confident. Brett knew he had to step his game up. But what if Lacey decided to be Eric’s girlfriend? He didn’t like the thought of that. He definitely wouldn’t like seeing them together. Whatever she decides, he would have to respect it. Eric was his friend, his very good friend, but Lacey, she has all the qualities of a real woman. She knew how to be submissive, but she was even sexier when she was in control. From her sexy smirks to her pleasurable facial expression, she was a siren.

“Eric, if she’s really into you, then she will make the next move when she’s ready, not when you want her too.” Brett remembered when Lacey told him that she felt she always had to meet everyone’s expectations and he wasn’t going to let Eric take her freedom away.