Page 11 of Unbalanced

I found the cafe while working for my predecessors. After graduating from Harvard two years early—it would’ve been three if it weren’t for the ego of a professor who didn’t like me correcting his work—I made junior partner at twenty-seven. In the fastest climb that I’ve heard of, my senior partner title came two years later. Now at the ripe old age of thirty-three, I’m in charge. Why? Because I’m ruthless and the best at what I do.

I’m ruthless, unforgiving, and willing to do what others won’t. If you want to get ahead as a lawyer, if you want to make it in The Big Apple, then you must be up for the battle. Go for the jugular and crush anyone who stands in your way. I am all those things and more. I lurk in the darkness, a monster no one sees or suspects.

Students are hunched over their laptops in the corner. Studying, or maybe doing what I used to do, working hard to make a good impression.

Something about the exposed brick walls, cream and black tones, and industrial windows that allow for natural light makes the corner cafe feel like a warm hug. Not that I’m big on hugs, but it’s perfect, nonetheless.

The menu has three dozen options I’ve never tried. Maybe I’ll surprise the barista and order something new.

The woman in front of me grabs her order, spins around, and squeals as she stops just shy of dumping the tray of drinks down the front of my suit.

“Emily?”

The gray-blue eyes of my brother’s girlfriend flick up to me.

“Oh my god, Alden. I’m so sorry. I was so in my head, I didn’t even hear anyone come in behind me.”

She smiles wide, and I can’t help noticing how the sunlight reflects off her platinum hair, making her skin luminous.

“Really, it’s fine, no harm done.”

She’s holding two iced drinks and two extra-large hot coffees.

“Thirsty?”

Emily looks down at her order and then blushes.

“No. I mean, yes. They are for me and my employees. I like to treat them a few times a week. They work really hard, and I think it’s good to show them the appreciation they deserve.”

“That’s very kind of you and smart. It breeds loyalty. You can never have too much of that.”

I like how her eyes crinkle at the corners when she smiles.

“Thanks, I thought so too.”

“Mr. Mitchell, would you like your usual?” The barista interrupts us, which is irritating considering we are the only people in line.

“Sure, and um…” I point at the iced concoction in Emily’s hand and smile. “One of those.”

“Coming right up.”

I turn my attention back to Emily. She’s been dating my brother for three months, and I’ve met her a few times, but I still don’t understand what she sees in Rob. Emily is beautiful, sweet, and treats my brother well. Rob has a dark streak that worries me for her sake.

“I didn’t expect to see you in a place like this,” Emily says, looking around.

“Oh yeah? Why is that?”

She bites her lip.

“Don’t take this the wrong way or anything, but you just don’t strike me as a Soho kind of guy.”

I chuckle. “And what kind of guy do I strike you as?”

She opens her mouth, but closes it again as she turns a violent shade of red.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. What a presumptuous thing to say. It’s going to make my question so much more awkward.”

Smiling, I hand my card to the barista when she sets my drinks on the counter.