“So is our condo,” Hailey whispered.
Darrin shook his head. “It’s not what you’re used to.”
My heart thumped for both kids. “Do you, or do you not, want a divorce, Darrin?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“Good enough. You two come with me.” I walked them out of my office and down the hallway to another office that housed Wanda Versaccio’s psychology practice, where we moved inside. A young woman sat behind the receptionist desk. She had wiry black hair, even darker eyes, and a stunning smile. She was new.
“Hi. I’m Anna,” I said.
“I’m Bess.” She held out a hand.
“Wanda is my cousin,” I said, shaking hands. My cousin a zillion times removed, but family was family in my life. “Is she around, by any chance?” Wanda was a shrink who was really good at her job.
“Yep.” Bess pressed a button on the phone. “Wanda? Your cousin Anna is here with friends.” She clicked off.
A minute later, Wanda opened the door set into the wood paneling and walked into the area. Today she wore dark jeans with a light yellow sweater and gorgeous turquoise jewelry. Wanda was in her early forties and had recently streaked her brown hair with pink, giving her a somewhat wild look. “What’s up?”
“This is Hailey and Darrin Jennings, and they’re having relationship problems. They might want a divorce, or they might not, and I figured it might be nice to talk with you and figure things out.” I turned to Hailey. “Wanda also takes payments, and if it ends up you do want a divorce, just come on back down the hall, and I’ll start the proceedings.” I smiled at Darrin. “I hope you guys figure out what’s best for you, and if it is divorce, you’ll need to get your own attorney, so you’re both fairly represented.”
With that, I squished my way out the door and almost made it.
“Anna?” Wanda called out.
I steeled my shoulders and partially turned. “Yes?”
“I haven’t seen you in a couple of weeks, and according to the family grapevine, a lot is going on.” She looked at Bess. “Do I have any openings today?”
Bess typed into the computer. “No, but you do have Tuesday at noon open.”
“Excellent,” Wanda said. “Take the weekend and tweak your schedule so you can meet with me on Tuesday, Anna. I’ll order in lunch.” She smiled. “Don’t make me call your mother.”
Oh, the ultimate threat.
However, considering both Hailey and Darrin smiled, at least I was helping somebody at the moment. “Fine. This time, order something good, will you?” Last time we’d met, she’d ordered from a new Vegan restaurant. I liked some Vegan food, but the stuff she’d ordered last time might as well have been grass. Even she’d agreed.
“Sure. How about something from Smiley’s Diner? You like their food.” Her eyes twinkled.
I kept my composure. The gossip about the disaster at the diner had already reached Cousin Wanda? That was a record, even for my family. “Sure. I’ll take a turkey sandwich,” I said, shutting the door and heading back down the hallway to my office. The building was at least fifty years old and still had the original wood floor, high ceilings, and decorated trim work. There was something comforting about the entire place.
Our reception area was empty of clients when I opened the door, and I exhaled slowly. “You’re doing a great job, Oliver,” I said.
He grinned from behind his wide desk. “Thanks.”
“You don’t have to decide now, but Clark and I were wondering if maybe you wanted to take some paralegal classes at the college. We’d pay for it.” Although someday Oliver was going to be a millionaire, which was a fact I couldn’t tell him. Also, McLerrison could always change his mind and his will, so who knew?
Oliver sat back. “Really? You guys think I could be a paralegal?”
Sometimes I forgot that not everybody had a family who built them up when given a chance. Hadn’t anybody ever just told Oliver he could do it? “Yeah. I think you can do anything you want, Oliver. You’re smart, capable, organized, and very good with people.”
He blushed so red his cheeks must’ve hurt. “I, um, thanks.”
“Sure.” Frosting curdled between my toes. “Just think about it. No pressure.” I opened the door to the hallway, saw a couple men meeting with Clark in his office, and headed back to my office to once again wipe the frosting out of my shoes. Apparently I hadn’t gotten all of it last time.
Chapter 18
Iwoke up on Saturday morning after having spent the night alone. Aiden had called and said he had crap to deal with and wouldn’t make it. The call was quick, and he didn’t go into detail with his plans. After a long shower, I relaxed, ate crackers for dinner, and then went to bed early.
