“Miranda Holt. You two a thing?”
I put up my hands. “Nope. No. Is that what she’s saying?”
“No, I just think she’s hot as fuck, and I want to ask her out, but wouldn’t if you two were dating.”
“Go for it.”
He studied me, and I could see the wheels turning. “You have someone else?”
“No. And yes, she’s beautiful and brainy. I just don’t date other lawyers, especially in the same firm. I know others have made it work, but I’ve heard horror stories about how messy it can get. Even if we are in different divisions, it’s best to steer clear.”
“Good thing I’m not a partner, then.”
That was something I’d always wondered about. “How come? I’m sure Daniel would snap you up in a second.”
A twinkle lit Grady’s eyes. “Maybe that’s about to change as well.” He got to his feet. “Gotta go.”
“Wait.” I sprang out of my seat. “What’re you saying? Are they asking you as well?”
“As well as who?”
I made a face. “Brenner Fleming. Daniel’s really high on him joining. Do you know him?”
“Yeah, sure. His firm is small but high quality.” Grady shrugged. “He’s a good attorney. I could work with Fleming—why, you’ve got an issue with him? He’s always seemed like a pretty solid guy. Knowledgeable and levelheaded. Plus, he’s excellent in child custody cases.”
“No, no issues. We knew each other in law school.” I grimaced, and Grady laughed.
“So it was like that? Listen, law school isn’t the real world. Besides, that was fifteen years ago—a lifetime. You’re not the same person you were then, and I’ll bet he isn’t either. I’m sure if he comes over, you’ll be able to work with him.”
Once Grady left, I sent the file to my paralegal to be updated, and yawned. I hadn’t had a moment to myself this past month. I sat in my chair, listening to blessed silence.
So of course the phone rang, and my secretary buzzed me.
“It’s Daniel.”
“Thanks.” I waited for theclick. “Hello? Daniel?”
“Weston. I’m heading back to the office. Are you going to be there in the next hour?”
I checked my calendar. “Yes. I have a phone conference on the Fuentes-Sterner case, but other than that, I’m free.”
“Okay. See you then.”
“Uh, can—”
But the phone went dead, and I had little time to ruminate, as my paralegal entered with the file for my phone conference and I had to prep. Luckily, it was a mediation, and both sides agreed to be…agreeable. Cases like this put me in a better mood, and afterward I strolled into Daniel’s office. He pointed to the chair in front of his desk.
“Sit, sit.”
I could tell something was up, but I kept my thoughts to myself.
“We’ve made some decisions, and Brenner Fleming and Grady Allen will be coming on board as partners. You and Brenner have each indicated that there’s a bit of a historybetween you, but Brenner has assured me that it’s all in the past and will have no bearing on your ability to work together.” Stern-faced, he removed his glasses. “I’m certain you can give me the same guarantee?”
“Of course.” Recalling my earlier conversation with Grady, I realized he was right. “Too many years have passed to keep up a silly rivalry that has no meaning in the real world. We’re adults, and our main concern is serving our clients.”
I could play nice in the sandbox.
Daniel chuckled. “Good to hear that my words have had the desired effect on you. As I mentioned, we’re also beefing up our real-estate and estates-and-trust divisions. We’re looking to increase our billings significantly with all these additions.”
