I look up to find Jasmyn leaning against my doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. She surveys the empty office with a wistful smile.
“It feels smaller without all your intimidating legal pads and plaques,” she says.
“Less threatening to opposing counsel, you mean.”
She laughs. “The next associate will probably put up inspirational quotes and succulents. Completely ruin your legacy of terror.”
“Good. Let them make it their own.” I slide my visitor’s badge into my purse. I’m not an employee anymore, just here to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind. “Did you need something?”
“Just wanted to walk you out.” She hesitates. “And to tell you William’s already complaining about the Seoul office. Apparently, they sent him out last week to start bringing in clients, and he’s pissed the coffee machine is ‘subpar,’ and no one appreciates his bow ties.”
“Tragic,” I deadpan, but there’s no bite to it anymore. William feels like a problem from someone else’s life.
We walk together toward the elevator, past cubicles where paralegals pretend not to watch. Some nod, others whisper. I catch fragments—“own firm” and “poaching clients”—but none of it touches me now.
“Caleb’s still pissed, you know,” Jasmyn murmurs as we wait for the elevator. “I heard him tell Catherine you’d regret turning down Sheridan.”
“I doubt it.” The elevator arrives with a soft ding. “I already have three clients who followed me, and Demi’s cousin found us office space in Chelsea.”
Jasmyn grins. “Lee & Associates, huh?”
“Yeah, even though it’s me right now.” I step into the elevator and turn to face her. “Speaking of which, when you’re ready to jump ship…”
“You’ll be my first call,” she promises, holding the door. “Though I expect a corner office and no working on the weekends.”
“We’ll negotiate.” I smile as the doors begin to close. “Lunch next week?”
“You’re buying, Boss Lady!”
Then I’m alone in the elevator, riding down forty-seven floors for the last time as an associate at Parras Law.
By the time I reach the lobby, I’m practically floating.
Outside, October sunshine covers the city in golden light, but it’s fucking cold. I check my phone again and grin at Aaron’s message.
Aaron
I’m double-parked by a hydrant.
Me
I swear you love getting tickets.
Aaron
You’re worth every one.
I see him right away, leaning against his car like he’s stepped out of one of his own book covers. His charcoal peacoat makes his shoulders look broader, and the wind has messed up his curls in a way I love. As soon as he sees me, his whole face lights up.
“There she is,” he says, opening his arms. “The newest legal powerhouse of Manhattan.”
I fall into his embrace, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood and coffee. “Look at you, all dressed up to celebrate my unemployment.”
“Not unemployment. Independence.” He corrects me.
I pull back to look at him, still amazed that this wonderful, talented man, who could be with anyone, chose me. Even with my rough edges and trust issues, he stayed and fought for us.
“What?” he asks, noticing my stare.
