He explained they were finishing up paperwork from their last successful case, and they’d meet with me in one week, the day before Thanksgiving. I thanked him for the fast work, wrote down the details for the office, and then called Todd about the party.
The call went to voicemail, so I tried texting.
Ellie: Todd, I need you! My oh-my-god neighbor…
Todd: WHAT DID HE DO?
The phone started ringing before I could reply. “Took you long enough,” I said with relief.
“Wear This, Not Thatis on a marathon. I can’t be bothered when I’m watching my show.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know, I know, but you know what a big day this was for me.”
“I was never worried, the bitch has no case. Your dad left you the company. End of story.”
I sighed. “It’s not that simple.”
“Why the hell not?” His voice was indignant.
“She implied the judge has statements from members of the board saying she’s more fit to run the company and still keep it in the family.” I grimaced but made my response non-committal. “Hopefully, they decide she can’t be considered a real Asche.”
“Did you tell the judge she’s a fake whore who wanted your dad for his money?”
I laughed at his bold attitude. “The opportunity didn’t present itself.”
“Did you do your hair today?” I could picture him pursing his lips.
“I left it down.” He didn’t respond for a full five seconds. “Hello? Earth to Todd.”
“I’ll be right over. You’re hopeless. I know you’ve already ripped off half of what you wore. Don’t take off any more, I want to see you.”
I sighed and hung the phone up. I knew better than to argue. I plopped down onto my couch and waited. Within five minutes, a key rattled in the doorknob. I didn’t bother changing positions. I’d known Todd since elementary school; he’d seen me in far more embarrassing situations, including the first time I tried alcohol and every breakup since Chad Tuttle said I had girl germs in the second grade.
Todd entered the room in a flourish of gardenia perfume and a silk house robe. “Nice of you to dress for me,” I said.
“Oh, please. You interrupted my show, and I came up anyway. I love you, and you damn well know it. Rick and I were snuggling.” Todd lived two floors down with his husband. They’d only dated about a month before getting married, but that was two years ago. Their love was sweet and a little gag-worthy, even if they did get some flack from their parents for getting married freshman year of college. I adored them together.
I sat up a little. “I know. Now, give it to me so I can tell you about the unbelievable afternoon I’ve had.”
He eyed me critically. “You wore a seven hundred dollar suit and three hundred dollar shoes.” He eyeballed my heels lying on the floor beside my suit jacket. “You wore all these nice things I painstakingly picked out for you, but you didn’t even wear makeup or blow out your hair?” His voice rose in pitch with his irritation.
“Todd! That isn’t me! I’m a bookworm! I’m a pudgy, bespectacled nerd! I don’t wear makeup.” He plopped down beside me with a sigh.
“You’re beautiful. What do I have to do to convince you? Raquel spent so much time and attention on how gorgeous her kids were, it made you feel invisible.” He pulled me into his side. “You’re not invisible, and there’s nothing wrong with gussying up every once in a while.”
“I know. I do. I’m not invisible. I’m smart and fully capable of running the publishing company I grew up in. The board will teach me whatever I don’t already know.” I wanted to change the subject and needed him to understand.
“Of course they’ll teach you. So tell me what all happened today, and don’t think I’ve forgotten about the mysterious something your neighbor did.” He began brushing his fingers through my hair.
“Raquel got to the board, that’s what happened.” Todd stiffened. “Not all of them.” I reassured him. “But, enough of them that the judge wants me to prove I can handle the company. She could take this company from me.” I fought the tears gathering in my eyes. I didn’t want to let my father down by allowing our legacy to go to the most horrible woman I knew.
“Well, we won’t let that happen.” He squeezed me.
“I have to get a new lawyer.” I stuck my lip out. “Charles said it would be best. He says he’s been out of the game a little too long.”
“Is he handling the choosing of the new lawyer?”
“Yeah. He’s already lined someone up.” I threw my head back, suddenly exhausted.
