“Have you met him?”
“I’ve actually been consulting for him here and there,” I said cautiously. “Well, before the investigation started.”
His eyes widened. “Thatis incredible. I hope you’ll remember me when.”
I laughed. “It’s been a lot of fun. He mostly asks questions I already know the answer to, so it’s worked out well for me.”
“I hope you know this isn’t the typical first-year experience. But I knew there was something different the second I met you.”
I looked down and ran my finger along the frosted mug. “I really appreciate that.”
He grinned. “Now the pressure’s on for me to find some way to steal you back from Eddie and Andre. I can’t be sharing you too often.”
My phone buzzed again. The altitude and vodka were like rapid waves conspiring against me. I wanted to see if Charlie had reached out, but it felt like I was under a microscope.
He pointed to the drinks. “So this is where the night starts off. I hope you know where it ends.”
I looked at him nervously and shook my head. “Where?”
I followed his eyes in the direction of a hot tub.
“Every year, a group of us close down the night inthathot tub. You’re part of that group now.”
I didn’t feel like it was the right time to share that I really hated hot tubs.
“Shoot. I packed in such a rush, I didn’t even bring a swimsuit.”
“Doesn’t matter. This place sells whatever you need. You can pick one up before dinner.” He checked his watch. “I should give you some time to do that. Firm cocktails start in thirty minutes.”
“Hey, Sam.”
My whole body felt the sound of his voice saying my name.
I turned to see Charlie a few feet behind Leo’s right shoulder.
I jumped up, feeling an immediate head rush. There was steam pouring from the space heater next to us. One side of Charlie’s glasses was fogged over.
“Leo, this is Charlie Bronstein. My officemate.”
Leo extended his hand. “Great to meet you, man. We don’t make the LA associates share an office, but as busy as this one is, I imagine you have it to yourself a fair amount anyway.”
“The officemate jackpot, as we first-years say,” he responded with a polite handshake. I noticed he was about four inches taller than Leo.
Charlie feigned a hammer curl with his luggage. “Apologies—my flight was delayed, so I just got here. Saw you on the way up and figured I’d say hello,” he said, looking directly at me.
“Hope they didn’t give your room away,” Leo said cheerfully.
“See you later, then,” he said to me.
Leo watched Charlie walk away as he finished his drink.
“Seems like you two get along at least.” He winked as he grabbed his sport coat. “Don’t forget to pick up a swimsuit.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Charlie had sent two text messages while I was at drinks with Leo, one letting me know his flight was delayed, and another asking if I could let the front desk know he was checking in late, because his cell reception was bad.
Hey, so sorry—just seeing these now,I hurriedly responded on my way back to the room.
