“This may sound unusual, but I can’t ever be in a position where I need something from you and find out you’ve signed off for the evening. So even after you’re dismissed from the conference room, I will expect you to let me know before you go to bed.”
She sipped the smoothie and glanced at her phone.
“You’ll be expected here at eight a.m. sharp every day, and I doubt any of us will be out of here before two a.m., probably later. That includes Saturdays and Sundays.”
The other first-year selected to work on the investigation was a kind and introverted associate named Angela. The firm was in the final stages of clearing conflicts, and Elinor expected we would becleared to formally start the following Monday. “So get in your doctor appointments, waxes, last spin class,whatever, over the next few days. Otherwise, your lives are on hold for at least the next month.”
It was like stepping into a badAlly McBealepisode.
The only generous thing she said was a begrudging acknowledgment that it was the holiday season, and she’d preapprove one night off (“different nights for everyone, obviously”) for each of us to “shop for presents, see your family, whatever.” I emailed Elinor to request blocking off the night of Emilie’s holiday party and held my breath until she approved it.
Charlie was finally back in the office on Thursday. Since Monday, our texts had mostly consisted of face mask emojis and Seamless tirades, or me paraphrasing the crazy shit Elinor said and explaining how women can be sexist toward each other.
“How in the world did you end up defending that guy? Isn’t he notoriously pro-life?” Charlie asked as I tried getting through an inbox full of emails from Elinor.
We were back in our office like nothing ever happened.
“Um, because the top partner in the firm personallycalledme and said he’d heard good things from Eddie and Leo and assumed I was free for a nine a.m. meeting.”
Charlie shook his head. “That senator is an embarrassment.”
“He’s a politician. They’re all bad.”
“And now, you’re like, his defense counsel.”
“One of . . . five.”
“That’s a pretty elite number.”
I sighed. “Anyway, you haven’t even given me a chance to ask how you’re feeling. You disappeared for two days.”
“Better. Didn’t realize I’d come back to you switching political parties on me though.”
I rolled my eyes. “Weworkfor this firm. Which means we work for the clients of this firm. What was I supposed to do? Would you have taken the liberal high ground in my shoes?”
“I like to think so.”
“Then I guess we’re different people.” I smirked. “But don’t forget, you’re working for the same firm as me. Not exactly stumping for Bernie right now.”
His face softened. “I missed this.”
“Missed what?”
“You. The banter.”
“To be fair, you’ve been MIA since Monday.”
“I know. Maybe I was just worried things would change.”
I nervously clicked the closest pen within reach. “Things have kind of already changed, don’t you think?”
“I know. I’m notworried, worried. I’m just ... aware.”
“Okay.”
He came around and sat down on the edge of my desk.
“Want to grab a bite with me tonight?”
