“That’s the beauty of music.It’s always there, waiting for you to discover it.”
“I like that.It’s a really nice thought.”
He handed her a new document.
“What’s this one?”
“It’s a new retainer that names my brother Jackson as your counsel in the divorce case.”
“Oh.”Stunned and strangely hurt, she glanced up at him.“Why?”
“I… I have a huge trial starting next week, and I’m afraid of dropping balls.I want to make sure you get the attention you need.Jackson is a great attorney.He’ll keep things moving forward and arrange service of the divorce papers to Gabriel as soon as he’s released from custody.”
Julian put the printed form on the counter.
Feeling unreasonably sad to learn he wouldn’t be handling her case after all, she sat on one of the barstools to look at the form that he’d already signed to be rid of her.That he seemed exquisitely uncomfortable only made it worse.What happened to the easy groove they’d had the night before?How was it possible to miss something she’d never really had?
These were the questions running through her mind as she signed the form that released him from his obligation to her.
She pushed it across the island to him.
He reached for it, folded it and tucked it into the envelope with the other documents she’d completed.“Jackson made some calls to the LAPD.Gabriel’s public defender has requested a medical evaluation for him.That could take a few days to complete, so he’ll be held until then.”
“I’m surprised he agreed to that.”
“Since he violated the restraining order by going to the apartment, I’m sure his attorney suggested he allow it, to possibly avoid additional charges.”
“This is all so surreal, but I’m not as surprised as I should be.It’s been more than two years of total chaos, and every time I’ve suggested he seek medical care, he’s told me to mind my own goddamned business.”
“I’m sorry for all you’ve been through, but I’m glad you and the kids are safe.”
“It’s a relief to be free of him and the fear of what might happen next.”
“I hope you can find some peace in your life.”
She forced a smile as she understood he was saying goodbye to her.“That’s the goal.”
“I’ve got to get to band practice.Take care of yourself, Isla.”
“You, too.Good luck with the trial.”
“Thanks.I’ll, ah… I’ll let myself out.”
For a long time after she heard the front door click shut behind him, she stared straight ahead, trying to make sense of what’d just happened.The night before, he’d been relaxed, engaged in their conversation about the house and its musical pedigree.He’d sent her playlists to listen to and had started to feel like a friend as well as her attorney.
Tonight, he couldn’t get away from her fast enough.
Had she done something to annoy him?
“How could I have done anything annoying when I’ve been with him for less than two hours total?”She poured another glass of wine and took it to the living room to curl up on the sofa with a soft fleece blanket over her lap to ward off the chill that’d overtaken her as Julian had beaten a hasty retreat.“Anyway, who cares if I annoyed him in some way?That’s his problem, not mine.”
It’d been nice to feel something other than terrified, demoralized and outraged.For a brief shining moment, she’d felt excited again, hopeful and grateful to know she could still enjoy the company of a man after the tumultuous final years with Gabriel.
Before she’d met Julian, she would’ve said no way, no how to being interested in anyone else, possibly ever again.She’d wanted to hunker down with her kids and build a new life for the three of them separate from Gabriel.The last thing in the world she’d wanted was another man.
But then she’d crossed paths with her brother’s sexy lawyer friend, and the spark of interest had reawakened a part of her that’d been sealed off for so long she’d forgotten it existed.While she was glad to know it was still there, she was flattened by the way he’d exited as quickly as he’d entered the picture.
Granted, he probably couldn’t be “friends” with her while representing her in the divorce.
