When it finally feels like I’m not gasping for air anymore, I smile and reply, “That’s great, Frankie baby. You know I appreciate the opportunity and everything you’ve done for me.”
He sits himself forward in his chair, almost like he’s going to tell me a juicy bit of gossip, and for an older man, he sure does love a bit of gossip. I mirror his posture, waiting.
“You didn’t hear it from me, but…” The corner of his mouth turns up as he pauses for dramatic effect, ever the grandstanding lawyer even in the privacy of my office. “Michael wants to promote you to partner.”
Holy freaking shit balls.
Michael Lowell and Frank Sampson formed this company fresh out of law school in a shitty downtown office. They won case after case, making a name for themselves, and eventually becoming the most prominent law firm in America. From day one as a college grad, I’d had my sights set on this company. On being a partner here and proving to everyone who said I couldn’t do it that I could.
I went to college and studied communications, which led to attending Harvard Law School. I still remember getting my acceptance letter and squealing like a girl. James wasn’t happy—well, he was; he just wasn’t happy that I’d be so far away—but being a lawyer was the only thing I couldsee myself doing. It was like it was engraved in every part of me.
Heading there for my first day had been so nerve-wracking, especially for a guy who’d never gone without seeing or speaking tohis friends on a daily basis, but I managed it, and three years later, I graduated with honors.
It’s been nine years of grit, growth, and game-changing wins for the company, so I fucking deserve this.
“When?” I ask, trying to play it cool and not act like I’m about to jump in the air and do a fist pump, cause your boy is desperately holding it in.
Frank gives me a knowing look. He sits back in his chair as he says, “Soon. You already have my approval. I don’t know the technicalities, but I do know he wants to see how you do with a junior associate.”
I groan. I’ve always point-blank refused to work with another team member. I’d been given weird looks, but they never questioned it. I’ve proven time and time again that I don’t need anyone to win a case. Besides, what if they’re an asshole and I hate them? What if they hateme?
“Frank—”
“I know,” he interrupts. “But you’re gonna need to do this, son. Michael wants to see how you work as part of a team. He won’t accept my proposal to make you partner without it.” He gives me a somber look, and I know I’m fucked.
I run a hand through my hair, weighing the pros and cons. If I do this, I get the promotion of my dreams. If I don’t, I’m destined to stay a senior associate for the rest of my career.
Abso-fucking-lutely not.
“Who?”
Frank shrugs, his jacket wrinkling with the movement. “I don’t know yet. All I know is that she transferred here from Chicago, and she’s one of the best junior associates they have.”
“Fuck,” I murmur.
He chuckles. “They weren’t happy I’d poached her, but I couldn’t give a shit. She’s one of the best. Therefore, I want her on my team and working for my firm.”
I lean back in my chair, gazing out of my office window. “When do you need my answer?”
“As soon as possible.”
I nod. I guess I’m going to have to put my big boy pants on. What’s the worst that can happen?
Chapter Two
THEO
Thump.
“You’re a piece of shit.”
Thump.
“No one will ever love you.”
Thump.
“I wish you’d never been born.”
