A/N: Happy Weekend! Thanks for reading, following and reviewing! It's truly appreciated and keeps the creative fires burning. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
With the exception of a secretary, Marissa's team was in place later that day when Brandon accepted her offer. It had definitely come together quicker than she had expected which was pretty good in her opinion. Since she had most of the team assembled, she decided to have a quick meeting with them the next morning. After checking their schedules, she reserved a small conference room and sent a quick meeting invite to everyone with the details. It would be another early day for her, but she really felt it was necessary. Her team was as anxious to get started as she was. Plus, there were a few things Marissa wanted to discuss with them. The redhead was well aware of some of the rumors that were out there about her, and she felt it was important to put them to rest by providing her team the true story. The meeting with them had to be early because her schedule was rapidly filling up with interviews for the secretarial position. She had to admit that she was a little surprised that there were already several people that had applied for it. Marissa sighed. She supposed that was a good thing. It was certainly better than the reverse of not having anyone apply. No matter, she would deal with it and make sure that she picked the best applicant, the one that fit the best for her and the rest of the family law department. Marissa checked the time and smiled. That could all wait until tomorrow. Now, it was time to go home and be with her family.
/
Opal squealed loudly early the next morning when she saw Marissa walk into Krystal's. The older woman sprinted around the counter and pulled the redhead into an almost bone-crushing hug which she quickly broke it off when she realized what she was doing.
"Congratulations, Marissa! Erica told me you were expecting. This is just wonderful news. I couldn't be happier for you and Bianca. There's nothing better than a new little bundle of joy."
Marissa laughed. She had been braced for Opal's reaction after Bianca had told her about her greeting from the woman yesterday. The redhead noticed the handful of patrons in the restaurant watching them and picking up on the news of her pregnancy. It's not going to take long before all of Pine Valley knows. "Thank you, Opal! We're very, very happy. So, Erica told you, huh?"
"Yes, she did. I have to tell you that she was pretty darn happy about it too. Who knows, maybe this little tyke of yours will be the one to get her to accept the title of grandma." Opal added with a wink.
"I won't hold my breath on that one. If the others haven't cracked her by now, I don't know that this little one will be able to."
"Yeah, I don't blame you. I guess I won't either. So, what brings you in here so early?"
"Oh, I have an early meeting and wanted to pick up some coffee and muffins for it."
"That's right. You had some more good news. I heard you were made partner at the firm. Congratulations on that too! Your wife told me that one yesterday when she stopped by to pick up lunch for you. She was bragging just a bit mind you and rightfully so I would say."
"Thanks, again. I was surprised when Caleb and Jack made me the offer. I think I'm still a little in shock by it all."
"Well, I'm not surprised by it in the least little bit. You're very good, and if you ask me, they were smart to do it. They probably knew they better do it before someone else swooped right on in and made you an offer and took you away from them."
Marissa rolled her eyes. "If you say so."
"I do, and your wife would agree with me."
"You're right. Bianca's pretty much said the same thing."
"That's a very smart woman you've got there."
"Oh, I know, that trust me."
"So, how much coffee do you need?"
"There's going to be nine people in total at the meeting."
"Alright, I'll get working on that while you figure out which muffins you want."
"Will do."
/
Marissa made it to the office before the others on her team but not before Ellie. The receptionist was just getting settled when she saw the redhead make her way into the office. She hurried over to get the door for her.
"Thanks, Ellie."
"You're welcome. Let me help you. You look like you have your hands pretty full." Ellie took the shopping bag with the muffins and coffee and various supplies for it from Marissa.
"Yeah, I do a little bit. I appreciate it."
"Not a problem. Where does this need to go?"
"Conference Room C. I'll be right there. I just want to drop my laptop off in my office."
"Take your time. I've got it."
"You're a lifesaver. Thank you!"
/
By the time the others arrived for the meeting, Marissa had eaten her blueberry muffin and was reviewing her notes on what she wanted to say. She had gone over them with Bianca last night after the kids were in bed.
"Good morning. Please help yourself to some coffee and breakfast."
"Oh wow, thanks, Marissa." Brandon smiled.
"This is great, Marissa, but you didn't have to do this." Sofia added.
"I know, but I figured why not for our first meeting." Once everyone was settled, Marissa took a sip of her coffee before beginning. "First of all, thank you for coming in a little earlier than normal. Because this was last minute, this was unfortunately the only time that I could find for us to get together. I promise that our future meetings will be later. Second, I want to thank you all again for agreeing to join this team. When Claudia and I were talking, she asked who I wanted on it, and when I told her, she thought it was a killer team. I couldn't agree with her more. Before we get started, I wanted to take a few minutes and tell you a little bit more about myself. I'm fully aware of some of the rumors floating around out there about me. Since we will be working closely, I thought I would address some of them and dispel the ones that are false. That being said, I would appreciate your discretion on what I'm going to say."
/
Bianca stopped at Jan's desk on the way to her office as was part of her usual daily routine. "Good morning, Jan. What's on the schedule for today?"
"Good morning, Bianca. Most of it is the usual stuff. You do have the board meeting in a couple of hours."
Bianca knew what that meant and she did remember the meeting. Marissa served on the Center's board which meant she would be there, and the brunette couldn't help but smile at the prospect of seeing her wife. The family's morning routine had been interrupted somewhat the last few days with Marissa needing to go into the office earlier than usual. The kids missed seeing her in the morning before heading off to school, and Marissa missed them too. The redhead had promised to take them to school tomorrow which would help Bianca out because she had an early meeting at Fusion with Kendall and Greenlee, but more importantly, it would give the kids and Marissa some one on one time. As for today, Marissa said she would try to get to the Center a little earlier so they could have a few minutes alone before the meeting started. Bianca was also looking forward to this time today because it would be a late night for her. The brunette had class that evening and would get home after the kids were in bed and not long before they both went to sleep.
"What else do I have?"
"You have a meeting with Mrs. Holmes when the one with the board is over."
Bianca raised an eyebrow. "This is what her third visit here?
Jan nodded. "Yes, it is. She stopped by while you were off."
"You said that meeting went pretty well."
"It did. She has some other questions though and only wants to speak with you. I tried, but it's you she wants to talk to and nobody else will do."
"Hmm, I got the sense from her that there's something extremely personal behind her questions and visits."
"I did too. She hasn't said anything specific though, hasn't given anything away."
"Maybe she will today. Alright, I better get to work. Oh, Marissa is going to bring another lawyer with her today to observe. She's going to have her cover these meetings for her when she goes on maternity leave. Her name is Sofia Jackson. I was hoping either you or Aya could give her the fifty cent tour."
"No problem. We'll take good care of her, and heck with it, we'll give her the dollar tour." Jan smiled.
"Thanks. I appreciate it and know you will take good care of her."
/
Bianca walked into her office and immediately noticed a box from the florist on her desk. Jan hadn't said a word about her having something in here. She'd have to remember not to play poker with her assistant. Bianca quickly deposited her purse and laptop on her desk. The brunette grinned as she found a rose inside and pulled out the card.
B,
Blessed. That is what I am to have you in my life, to have you as my wife and to be yours as well. I never knew I could be this blessed to have someone as special as you in my life. I'm not sure what I did to deserve you, but it must have been something really good. I believe somebody up there must really like me.
All my love,
M
Bianca's breath hitched as she read her wife's words. I know exactly what you mean, Rissa. Somebody up there really likes me to have given me you.
/
Marissa paused before continuing. This was the portion that Bianca had helped her with the most, the part that had concerned her. The redhead knew there were some rumors floating around about her, things that had been made public during her divorce from JR and the fight for custody of AJ. It was for this reason that she felt the need to be upfront with her team, honest with them so they knew what was true and what wasn't. This wasn't to say that she would tell them everything. They didn't need to know the more sordid details of her life nor was she inclined to share them. Only those closest to her knew some of them and only Bianca knew all of them and her feelings on them.
Brian gave Marissa an encouraging smile. He knew, understood and fully backed her reasoning for sharing this information about herself. Out of those present, including Lisa, he was the closest to and knew the most about Marissa. Despite their protests, which were half-hearted at best, Brian and Marissa really were work husband and wife. They had shared a great deal about themselves with each other, and there wasn't much they would do for the other. That was why when it was time to pick a godmother for Jamie, Marissa was the first and only one to come to mind for him. He trusted her completely and knew she would protect his son should the need ever arise. Brian was also a realist. He knew there were things about her past that Marissa hadn't shared with him but also knew she had her reasons. He knew there was a lot in her past that was painful for her, and Brian had a suspicion that most of it had to do with her biological parents. Marissa had told him a little and he knew her relationship with them was complicated to say the least, but she was trying to build some sort of relationship with them, particularly Krystal. She had let him in on the fact that Bianca was the main reason for it. Brian could relate. While he didn't quite know how it compared to Marissa's, he had a complicated relationship with his parents, and there were hard feelings there. Stef knew everything that had happened between them and why, but she was a little like Bianca in that she was extremely forgiving and had convinced him to try and get along with them. And like Marissa did for Bianca, he agreed to try for Stef.
Seeing Brian's smile gave Marissa a little extra boost of confidence, and she began. "I guess the best place to start is at the beginning. You may or may not know some of this. I am originally from Devon which, if you don't know, is smaller and not nearly as interesting or colorful as Pine Valley."
The comment drew a few chuckles. Pine Valley was nothing if not interesting and colorful.
"My parents are Roy and Lydia Tasker. Judging from a few of your expressions, you're wondering about the truthfulness of that statement. Well, it's 100% true. I'm adopted. Yes, the rumors are true there. My biological parents are Krystal Carey and David Hayward. With that said, the Taskers are my parents. They raised me when Krystal and David were unable to. My Mom and Dad were there for the bad dreams, the broken hearts, skinned knees, homework, all of it. They gave me everything that they possibly could and were the best parents that I could've asked for. My values, morals and beliefs, I learned from my Mom and Dad. I'm who I am in large part because of them and the example they set for me. I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was a little girl. I wanted to help people, and to me, I could best do that by studying the law and help fight for their rights. My parents wholeheartedly supported that dream. When they died in a car accident, I committed myself to that goal even more. To do that, I needed to get a job to pay for school."
Marissa chuckled seeing the change in expressions around the room. "I see you've heard about that job. I hate to disappoint any of you, but it's actually a boring story. Yes, I worked at a massage parlor but contrary to the rumors, I was not involved in any illegal activities, nothing hands on. This has been corroborated by everyone that worked there as well as the police and district attorney. I was a little naïve and needed the money, but kept my hands clean, in more ways than one. Again, it's boring I know, but that's the real story. Around this time, Krystal found me and convinced me to come to Pine Valley where I finished law school. I also met my biological father. And judging by your expressions again, you're familiar with many of his exploits. I do not condone any of them. He's knows in no uncertain terms exactly where I stand on them. When I moved here, I met someone else, JR Chandler. Yes, I was married to him for a little while. Obviously, it didn't work out. There were a lot of differences and they led to the decision to end the marriage. And yes, the divorce itself did get ugly as I know you've all heard. While the marriage itself left a lot to be desired, there was definitely something wonderful that resulted from it. Before JR and I met, I met someone else who stole my heart and has never given it back. I can't say I'm sorry about it either, and well, I don't want it back from them. During that marriage, that person became even more special to me and became my son. AJ is one of the best things that ever happened to me. So, I can't really regret that marriage because it gave me him." Marissa finished with a smile as she thought of her son.
"I'm sure you've figured out there were reasons why I've told you this. I know there are lots of stories out there about my past, and I wanted you to know the truth since we'll be working together. There's another reason that's even more important to me. Since I've been here, there have been people that I've run into that like to think that they're above the law. I believe what my Dad taught me. No one is above the law, especially those with money, connections or power. It doesn't matter where you come from or who you know or how much you're worth. The law should apply equally to everyone. That's a position I want to make clear to all of you. Yes, we will fight for our clients and their best interests as hard as we can and use all of our available resources for them, but we will not go above or around the law for them. I don't care who the client is. We will not break the law. I believe you all feel the same way. That's why I asked you to join me."
Sofia spoke first. "I couldn't agree with you more on that, and I appreciate you telling us everything that you did." She looked at her paralegal Robin who nodded. "You don't need to worry about us saying anything. What you told us in here stays in here unless you say otherwise."
The others nodded and voiced their agreement which confirmed Marissa's opinions of them.
"Thank you. Any questions on those rumors?"
Brandon smiled. "Not on those, but there is one out there I'm curious about."
Marissa sighed. She could see a hint of humor in the man's eyes and could only guess what he was going to say. He was an excellent lawyer as well as a bit of a character with a great sense of humor. "Alright, what is it?"
"Well, it has to deal with Tim and Vicki. Word is you decked them in New York which I'm perfectly fine with. They deserved that and more. If it's true, I'm really disappointed that I missed seeing it."
Marissa chuckled. "Ah, those two. Well as much as I was tempted to, and trust me when I say I really was, no, I didn't. So you didn't miss anything, Brandon. I know I've told you all this before, but I really do appreciate the support you gave me back then."
"If I could speak freely?" Claudia asked. She continued upon seeing Marissa nod. "They were asses, and this firm is a whole helluva lot better off without them."
Sofia nodded. "I couldn't agree more. My mom would say good riddance to bad rubbish. They definitely were bad."
"You're telling me." Lisa shuddered recalling the pair. She resented the hell out of them for what they had put Marissa through as well as herself. Tim had started making her feel extremely uncomfortable with how he looked at her and some of the things he said to her, and Vicki treated her like she was something found on the bottom of a shoe. Lisa hadn't wanted to make any waves or cause any problems but just couldn't handle either of them any longer and finally went to Marissa. She didn't think she had ever seen the redhead as fired up as she was that day. Marissa was immediately on the phone to Human Resources to discuss the situation and even went with Lisa to meet with them. While Lisa documented every interaction with the pair as instructed, Marissa watched them like a hawk around the younger woman. There was a few years difference between Lisa and the redhead with Marissa being older, and Lisa saw the redhead as not only a mentor but as a big sister of sorts. It seemed Marissa felt the same way. When Marissa and Brian went to New York for the conference and had to travel with Tim and Vicki, Lisa couldn't help but feel something was going to happen and happen it did. Marissa lowered the boom on them for the stunt they pulled on her all while keeping Lisa out of their line of fire. The redhead didn't want to do anything that might jeopardize the complaint the younger lawyer was getting ready to file. Lisa remembered being both thrilled and relieved when Marissa gave her the news of the duo being let go.
"There's another rumor out there that your now mother-in-law slapped them." Brandon supplied.
Marissa raised an eyebrow as she imagined that scene and couldn't help but laugh at the visual. "Erica never said anything to me about doing that although that definitely would've been a sight to see if that happened. I seriously doubt it happened though. She might have slapped them down verbally, but I don't see her getting physical with them because they wouldn't have been worth that effort. Besides if Erica had done that, you'd know for sure, trust me. My mother-in-law doesn't do anything halfway, and she certainly wouldn't run and hide."
Brian suppressed a grin remembering the day Erica confronted the pair all too well. The only one at work he had told about it was Marissa, and there was no way the redhead would twist the truth like that and spread it around. Both he and Marissa knew that that particular rumor was courtesy of Tim and Vicki, a parting shot they were too cowardly to deliver themselves.
Brandon nodded. "Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought. Plus, I considered the source behind it."
"This does bring up something I wanted to tell you. If any of you experience any situation like the ones they were responsible for, I want you to know that you can come to me. We will talk about it and deal with it appropriately. I don't want any of you to through anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Alright?"
The others nodded and knew that Marissa meant every word she said.
"Good and thank you. Now all of that, with the exception of AJ, is part of my history. All of you know my present story. I got it right this time in the marriage department with Bianca. She's amazing, and together we are raising three wonderful children. And yeah, I know I'm completely biased when I say that. There is some other news that I want to share with you which deals with my future and will affect you somewhat. Bianca and I are adding to our family. I'm pregnant."
Congratulations were offered by the others and accepted gratefully. Marissa was ready for the usual barrage of questions that accompanied that announcement.
"I'm due in early Spring, and we're not going to find the baby's sex out early. We want to be surprised."
Claudia smiled. "I waited to find out, and it was the best surprise when Rob and I welcomed our daughter."
"You were really good about keeping this a secret." Sofia noted.
"That's because we went to a clinic in New York."
"Ah, that's very smart. There's no chance in it hitting the Pine Valley rumor mill until you're ready."
"I do have a question for you, Boss." Lisa grinned. "Are you going to be like Brian and show us thousands of baby pictures every day?"
Brian sighed and rolled his eyes while the others laughed. "Hey, it wasn't thousands."
"Oh, sorry. I meant hundreds."
Marissa grinned. "I don't know if I'll be quite that bad." The redhead laughed seeing Brian's scowl. "Sorry, but she's only slightly exaggerating, Brian. Like I was saying though, I don't know if I'll be quite that bad, but I can't guarantee anything. There's a possibility I could be worse."
When the others stopped laughing, Marissa continued. "I know that we've got a few months to plan, but we will need to make some preparations for when I go on maternity leave. I'd like to get started on one of those things now though. Sofia, I'd like you to handle the firm's interactions with the Miranda Center while I'm out."
"You've got it. I look forward to it."
"Great. There is a board meeting in two hours that I'd like you to attend with me. How's your schedule?"
"It's clear of meetings until this afternoon."
"Good, we'll head over there in an hour. They are arranging a tour of the Center for you beforehand. It will let you see some of the operations there and you'll meet some of the staff. Claudia, I'd like you to back up Sofia on this."
"I'll be happy to."
"Thank you. I'll arrange a tour for you as well a little later. Now that we've got that taken care of, let's move on." The group talked and followed Marissa's example by sharing some things about themselves with the others. While they did know each other somewhat, this session helped them learn more about their coworkers, and they all agreed that it was good to do. After they had done that, they handled a couple of business items. Before breaking for the day, it was decided to have weekly team meetings, and they found a day and time that worked with everyone's schedule. Marissa would reserve a conference and send meeting invitations out as soon as she got back to her office. The redhead checked the time and gave Sofia the heads up that they would be leaving for the Miranda Center in half an hour.