“But she didn’t take your advice, obviously.”
If she would’ve, maybe none of this would’ve happened, or maybe she’d be dead. There’s no way to predict what could’ve happened. “No.” It’s all I can say as I temporarily get lost in my thoughts, but Serena quickly pulls me out of my head.
“So what happened tonight?”
I think back to the evening’s events, and everything seems like a weird blur. Maybe it’s because I’m somewhat in shock. There was a point when my friends and I could’ve died. Being held at gunpoint is scary as fuck, and nothing could’ve prepared us for that. I try to replay it all, from the confrontation to the parking lot fight when he pulled out the gun. Serena listens carefully, and I know she’ll probably remember this conversation word for word because that’s just how she is. Her memory is impeccable.
“Well, considering there’s no open carry in the state of California, we’ll have that on our side. Not to mention, he pulled it out with intention to threaten and kill. That’s essentially assault with a deadly weapon. Doubt it was even registered to him, considering he had a record. Either way, you acted in self-defense since he pulled it out and threatened you and your two friends with it. Hopefully between the witness statements and him breaking the law, this’ll be an open and shut case without contest. Of course, we’ll see what we’re up against at your plea hearing on Monday.”
“You think it’ll be easy to prove self-defense?”
She grins as she takes the exit toward my house. “Absolutely. Considering who your daddy is, I’m sure it will be no issue.”
“Oh, shut the hell up,” I snap, and I’m only half-joking, but I know she isn’t. “It’s gross when you call him my daddy.”
She snorts. “Your father is probably going to be there. He already mentioned as much when we were waiting for you to get released. Lay low for the rest of the weekend. Considering who you are, people will be talking. The rumors are going to go wild if they aren’t already. I’m surprised the news station wasn’t waiting for you when you were released, considering how high profile your father is.”
“Anything for a scandal.” I groan, rolling my eyes.
Serena turns on my street, then pulls into the driveway. After she puts the car in park, she turns and looks at me.
“You okay?” Her voice softens.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m exhausted and need to decompress.”
A small smile touches her lips. “Also, I know how you feel about your dad being in your business, but you may want to thank him. He literally saved your ass quicker than I could’ve. No one cares about an attorney, but when the DA walks in, shit moves a little faster. It’s kinda magical.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a fan. You in line to be the third Mrs. Holt?” I tease, and she makes a gagging sound. Sometimes, it’s too easy to give her shit.
“You know it’s complicated. I don’t want to owe him anything because he holds it over me. I promise you, the only reason he was there was to beat the reporters. Any longer and he’d have a fire to put out, and he’s worried about appearances. Always has been. That much hasn’t changed and never will.”
She leans her head against the seat. “He’s a hard-ass, but I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I do believe he cares about you, but I’ll stop now. I’m not a therapist, just a lawyer.”
I chuckle. “Thanks. So how’ve you been?”
“Good, Mason. Real good. Working a lot, living that lawyer hustle life. How about you? Landed that dream job yet?”
A lump the size of a golf ball forms in my throat. “Depending on how all this goes will ultimately determine that. There’s a guy retiring in forensics in the fall, and I’ve pretty much been guaranteed his position, but I don’t know anymore.”
Serena grabs my hand and squeezes but then immediately pulls away. “It’s all going to work out; it always does.”
“Yeah, I hope.”
We sit, listening to the hum of the engine, both lost in our thoughts. So much has happened over the past few years. I’ve worked so damn hard to earn that promotion, and this one night could ruin my entire career. But if that’s what it ultimately took to make sure Sophie was okay, then I’d sacrifice it all a hundred times over.
Serena breaks the silence. “I’ll pick you up on Monday at seven thirty. That way I know your ass will be on time,” she says, snickering. “Also, I might need to chat with Sophie. If the case isn’t thrown out, we may need her to testify as a character witness.”
“I’m sure she’ll do whatever you need.” Talking about Sophie with Serena is awkward, and I’m glad she hasn’t asked me anything personal.