I tell him how I dated Freddy—which there is no company HR policy against because we were not in the same departments or in chain of command to each other—and my family’s relationship to his. And I tell him how Freddy showed up and lied to Tom.
When I finish that, Arthur lets out an aggravated groan. “I need to fire him, don’t I? I don’t need to tell you that you’re not the first to express concerns about his professional conduct. He’s becoming an increasing liability to this firm.”
“I would say yes. Which leads me to point number two.” I hitsendon the second e-mail. “Effective next Friday, I’m resigning from the firm. I will come in next Friday to clean out my office. If you want me to handle this sale for the client, I will, as long as they’re looking at one of the other properties. But the Barnes’ property is no longer available, and the owner is retracting their verbal agreement to sell. He will not entertain any counteroffers. I will hand over my remaining cases to other attorneys in the firm and get them up to speed.”
Arthur goes quiet for a minute and I know he’s reading my e-mail, which is my resignation letter.
Including my statements about Freddy’s unprofessional behavior.
He sighs. “I hate to lose you. You’re a damned good attorney, but I understand. I would probably make the same choice if I were you.”
Relief fills me. “Thank you. It’s nothing personal, but I’m returning to Maudlin Falls for good, and I’m not willing to commute home only on the weekends.”
“Would you be open to taking cases as an associate if you can work from home there?”
I think about it for a moment. “I’d need to talk to Tom about that. If he’s not comfortable with me traveling for work, I’m going to respect that.”
“Well, talk to him, please. Yes, I want you to complete this deal. I’ll call the client after we’re done here and let them see the alternatives. I’ll also instruct them to deal exclusively with you for the duration of this. I appreciate you handling this professionally and coming back with options.”
I slump back in my chair. “It’s nothing personal. I’m not looking to burn any bridges with you or the firm.”
“I understand.”
Once I’m off that call, I sit there and just…breathe. It feels like a chunk of weight has lifted from my shoulders. I don’t delay for long. Now armed with a business license, I order myself business cards and change out of my suit and back into jeans so I can head to the office.
My office.
I receive a few strange looks from customers and employees alike when I park in back next to Tom’s truck and head inside. He’s in his office on the phone when I stand in the doorway, but he waves me in, indicating for me to close the door behind me.
I do, sitting there while he wraps up his call.
“Well?” he asks.
“I talked to Arthur and it’s done. Everything. He’s going to have the client get back to me about the alternate properties.” I tell Tom everything and sit back to wait for his response.
I can’t read his expression, at first. Eventually, he slowly nods. “I wouldn’t mind if you have to traveloccasionally,” he says. “Not every week. Maybe every couple of months. If you can work for them remotely, I’m not going to forbid that.IfFreddy’s not at the firm anymore. Oh.” He returns my credit card. “Hope you like the color.”
I smile as I tuck it back into my wallet. “I’m sure they’re great.”
He rises, pausing to wait for me and kissing me. “Let’s go look at your office.”
Not only did he hang the new blinds, but he cleared out the conference table, found me an old desk and two bookcases, an office chair, and two wooden chairs for in front of my desk.
“This is great, really. Thank you.”
He shrugs. “No excuses about not having an office now, right?”
I smile. “Right.”
“I know you’ll upgrade the furniture eventually, but this can get you started.”
I pull him into my arms and with this kiss, I take my time. “I love you so much. Thank you for giving me a chance.”
He smirks. “You thank me now, but Edith, Ellinor, Carole Lee, and their friends are ready to string you up by your toenails if you so much as step one millimeter out of line.”
I grin. “They’re giving me a whole millimeter? Wow, I’m shocked.”
Later that night, after we’ve had dinner and made love, Tom falls asleep in my arms as I lie there, smiling about my luck and blessings.
