“Hey, enough!”I call out, cutting their feud.“What is your problem?Yesterday you two were cooperating and caring about each other.Today you’re back to being like dogs and cats.”I scoff and laugh in disbelief.Golden is almost fifty, and Laird is half his age, yet they argue nonstop.
“Yesterday is history.”They say it at the exact same time.
Laird blinks, while Golden’s face twists in irritation.Before they start again, I pick up the only glass jar of cookies on the table.
“Can we have some of this, please?”I interrupt with a big, forced laugh.
“I can get you some tea.”Golden’s assistant stands up with a nervous look.
“Oh, yeah, tea would be nice.Thank you,” I tell him.He rushes to the table near the hot water dispenser.
Golden and Laird fall silent.The old man taps his fingers on the table, while Laird rubs his just-shaven jaw.My interruption works just enough to remind them the world doesn’t revolve around them.
“Hey, wait a minute.”I frown as I inspect the jar in my hand.“I know this jar and these cookies.”The lid is decorated with a red ribbon.“Are these the cookies my mom made?Why are they heart-shaped?”I narrow my eyes at Golden.
“Ah.Are you flirting with her mom?”Laird spreads a wicked grin.
“I’m not.It’s her way of saying thanks to everybody.She said she gave cookies to Jessy and Matthew too,” Golden stammers defensively.
“But yours is different from Jessy’s.His cookies are round and normal.Yours are heart-shaped with different colors of chocolate chips.”I set the jar back on the table.
“I’m sure Matthew has the same as mine.”He scowls.
I study the man’s face closely.There’s definitely redness on both cheeks.His pale skin doesn’t hide the blush at all.
“Shit,” Laird mutters.
“It’s nothing.Come on, let’s start with the testimony.Whether you like it or not, you’re testifying in court on my side.Period.”
“You’re in denial.”Laird snorts.
“Are you done with the tea yet?Let’s finish their testimony.”Golden turns to his assistant, dodging the accusation.The assistant hurries back with a tray of three hot teas.
“I’m on it.”He sets the cups down, returns the tray, then brings a laptop to our table.
“Now, answer my questions, take home a printed copy, and memorize it before the trial.”Golden’s voice turns serious again.
* * *
“Alright, so what should we consider?”
I tuck a few strands of hair behind my ear.My pen moves as I write down every point we’ve been discussing all day.I make a checklist to keep myself on track with everything we need.
“Ready?First, you gotta legally register the company.”
Laird says it while his emerald green eyes move between me and Jessy.He’s on the couch this time, letting me handle the scribbling, which is the opposite of the usual.
“What do we need to prepare to apply?”I ask.
“I think the first thing is to decide on a company name,” Jessy says.
“Well, if you wanna get that detailed, then yeah, pick a name first.”Laird nods.
“Gene?”I suggest.
“No.Gene’s company still belongs to Alan.You can’t use the same name,” Laird says.His tone is gentle, but the rejection hits immediately.
“What about New Gene?Like the whole New Normal thing?”I try again.
