See ya then.
Chapter Seven
I spotted Charlie in Grand Central leaning against the wall next to Joe’s, reading a book.
“Hey, early bird,” I said lamely.
He looked up and grinned. “Got here early. You’re never going to believe what I have for you. I literally couldn’t sleep.”
I laughed as I turned to order, pulling out the Amex that was creeping closer to my credit limit every day. “I’m almost scared to ask.”
He held up his wallet. “My treat. When you get on that case and save the movies and every celebrity from here to LA, I can say I bought you a latte when.”
“I should be buying you a latte for masterminding Thank You Thursdays.”
“That was all Lena. I just brought you into the fold. Anyway, save your money for celebratory cocktails.”
“You’re really keeping me in suspense.”
“The film gods are feeling surprisingly generous right now. Did you know the New York Film Festival just happens to be at the end of the month?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“Nerd. Guess what’s happening Thursday night.”
“I have no idea.”
“The firm bought a table at the Film at Lincoln Center gala. It’s a fundraiser for this retrospective they’re doing on first-time filmmakers.”
“The firm ‘bought a table’? What does that mean?”
“One of the biggest perks of the job. Thebigpart of Big Law.” He handed me a latte. “Seat fillers.”
“As in we get to go to these fundraisers?”
“If the firm needs to fill seats. Can’t have empty tables.”
“Will Eddie be there?”
“Probably not, but it’s a hell of a boondoggle way to mastermind your way into working with him on the pro bono stuff.”
“Wow. How do I get on the list to be a seat filler?”
He grinned. “We’re already in.”
On Sunday afternoon, I met Caroline for brunch at Buvette on Grove Street. I told her everything between bites of tomato and whipped goat cheese tartine, from the meeting with Eddie to the cocktail dress I’d found at Bloomingdale’s.
“Where does Lincoln Center do their galas?” Caroline asked.
“This one’s at Cipriani’s downtown.”
She smiled. “It’s pronouncedChip-riani’s.”
“Very glad I figured that out before Thursday.”
The waiter brought over a second French press.
“Do you have any idea what the pro bono case would be about?” Caroline asked, refilling my coffee mug.
