open starter ➝ @providencepeakstarters { capping @ 3 replies }
location ➝ mall café, skyline center, downtown area
“Why are you not at work?”
Mei sighed, balancing her phone between her shoulder and ear as she swiped her card, “It’s a Friday, mother.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?”
She resisted the urge to snip back at the chiding tone, turning apologetic eyes towards the barista behind the counter. The girl waved her off with a smile and followed the warm gesture with two cups of fresh coffee.
What an angel.
“My clients are smart enough to stay out of trouble until Monday.”
Her mother had been working in law since before Mei was born, but while she worked in criminal defense, her mother specialized in family law. One would be hard-pressed to deny the irony if one were to consider their relationship. Within different fields, Mei was aware that most thrill-seekers, gamblers, and locals understood that weeknights were the ideal days to stir up the pot if they wanted to avoid the weekend sitting in lock-up. The absolute cutoff time is Thursday afternoons to bring anything before a judge. Which usually meant Mei had Fridays free to review paperwork and wander into the mall, like today, for a caffeine refuel.
“Are you coming to lunch on Sunday?”
"I have to check my schedule. Is ther-”
Mei turned sharply, too quickly, and lost her phone on the floor. She somehow managed to hold onto the coffee, tilting both cups towards her chest instead of all over the person before her. It wasn't until that moment she realized how crowded the mall café had gotten since she walked in, with several individuals picking up to go orders or perusing the menu boards while taking a lunch break.
“I'm sorry, I wasn't quite paying attention. You weren't splashed, were you?”
