I knew Pam worked with Ethan and had been mentally preparing for a conversation like this.
“Ethan talked about how great you were all the time. He enjoyed working with you.” It’s the only thing I can think to say. She looks back up at me, her features softening at my words.
“I enjoyed working with him, too. I’m sorry about your loss.”
“Thanks.” I shrug.
“Well, I wanted you to know—I’ve worked here the longest, out of all the paralegals. Whenever a new attorney joins, the partners offer me the opportunity to assist them. When I heard you were coming in, it was an easy choice.” Her hands are linked together in her lap. She sits so still. “I want you to know that I asked to work with you because Ethan talked about you all the time. I feel like I know you already.”
I’m not sure what to say. I never expected Pam to ask to work with me. And all because of Ethan. I swear he’s helping me out when he isn’t even here anymore.
I can’t resist looking away from her as I feel the tears prickle at the corners of my eyes.
I stare through the windows overlooking the city beyond and take a moment to compose myself. The last thing I want to do is cry at work.
Finally, I look back at her and appreciate that she doesn’t seem affected by my moment of despair; she just lets me work through the emotions. “Thank you,” I finally say to her. “This means a lot to me.”
We continue chatting about working together. We cover Pam’s preferences and mine, and I’m glad to know that most of our work styles seem to overlap. I’m grateful to have her.
***
By the time five rolls around, I can’t believe how quickly the day went and how little I feel like I accomplished. With nothingkeeping me in the office past five, I clean up my workspace and head home.
While I'm walking to my car, I receive a text from Sam.
I can't wait to hear how your first day went. Call me when you get home?
It was nice. I think I made a friend. I'll call you in about 30?
That's great! Drive safe.
I call Liv on my way home and tell her about my new lunch friend.
“Fuck off right to hell for replacing me so quickly after leaving me!”
“Damn right I replaced you quickly! You know I can’t have lunchby myself.”
“Whatever. I hate you. I’m just sad you have a new lunch friend, and here I am forced to eat lunch by myself.”
“You could make a frieeeend.” My voice comes out sing-songy.
“Pfff, making friends is overrated. Only you and Talia appreciate my spicy ass.”
“You know I love you, but I don’t want anything to do with your ass, babe.”
“I know. You only want Sam’s ass.”Yes. Yes, I do. But I’m not giving her fuel for her sass right now. “On a serious note. Do you think you’ll be happy there?”
“Yeah. I think so. I mean, it’s a bit weird being there with my dad, but everyone is friendly.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, Kat. As much as it pains me to say this, I’m glad you’re back home. I know you were kind of miserable here.”
I thought I hid my feelings well, but as always, I can’t hide anything from her. She sees it all. “Thanks, Liv. My only regret is not making you move with me.”
I finish telling her about my workday and my conversation with Pam. Liv tells me about the family dinner she had the night before with Talia’s family. Things seem to be slowly getting better, but there’s still tension.
I wait to call Sam until after I’ve changed out of my work clothes and made myself dinner—a cheese quesadilla.
“Hey, Kitty Kat. Did you get dinner yet?” Sam says by way of greeting when he answers my call.
