Page 56 of Verdict

Things hadn’t gotten much better with Cohen, but thankfully, the last week had kept me distracted while I prepared for my interview with the Aviators. And let’s just say—your girl nailed it.

I’d met with the team’s head of counsel, Lane Wesson, along with the rest of their legal department, and immediately felt at ease. Sixty percent of the team were women. Most of them were mothers. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen—not just as a lawyer, but as a working mom. It was a relief and an inspiration all at once, proof that I didn’t have to choose between my daughter and my career. I could have both.

It had been a couple of days since the interview, and I was obsessively checking my phone and email at a truly unhealthy rate. I still hadn’t mentioned any of it to Cohen. It didn’t feel necessary—not until I knew whether this was real or just something I’d built up in my head.

I was staring at my phone, silently willing it to ring.

And then it did.

I nearly dropped it trying to answer in time. “Hello, this is Ava,” I said, attempting—and failing—not to sound breathless.

“Hello, Ms. James. This is Tabitha York, Duke Preston’s assistant. He’d like you to come into the office today, if you’re available.”

My gaze flicked to the baby monitor on the counter; Ellie was sound asleep. Farrah’s words about Duke echoed in my head. I cleared my throat. “I can come by today, the only issue is that I have my daughter with me.” I paused, waiting.

Without hesitation, Tabitha replied, “That won’t be a problem. Bring her with you. Be here at three.”

The line went dead.

I stared at my phone for a moment before lowering it slowly. “Well,” I murmured to the empty kitchen, “okay then.” A smile tugged at my lips as I exhaled. This had to be good news…I needed it to be good news.

By the time three o’clock rolled around, I was a bundle of nerves. I sat in a chair just outside Duke’s office, my knee bouncing uncontrollably as I glanced at his door for the tenth time. Ellie, meanwhile, was happily gnawing on her fist, none the wiser that this might be her mom’s big break.

Tabitha typed furiously at her computer like it had personally offended her. The woman was intimidating in the best way—mid-fifties, silver bob, designer everything, and an undeniable badass. I loved her immediately. Her phone rang, the sharp sound slicing through the quiet.

“Yes, sir,” she said curtly before hanging up. Her eyes flicked toward me. “Mr. Preston is ready for you.”

I smiled and nodded, pushing myself to my feet on shaky legs. I rolled Ellie’s stroller toward the door, and before I could even reach for the handle, it swung open.

“Ava! Is this little Ellie?” Duke Preston asked warmly, already crouching down to tickle Ellie’s belly. She rewarded him with a toothless grin. He straightened, beaming. “Please, come in. Make yourself comfortable.”

I stepped into his office and couldn’t help but pause. The space was stunning—larger than my old apartment, easily. Farrah’s renovation was everywhere: modern but inviting, dark wood balanced with lighter accents, the sweeping view of the Austin skyline and the baseball field framed perfectly rather than competing for attention.

“Your sister-in-law did an incredible job, didn’t she?” Duke said proudly.

“She really did,” I said as I settled into a plush chair, parking Ellie’s stroller beside me. “But I’m not surprised. She’s incredibly talented.”

Duke nodded as he took his seat behind the desk. “So. Talent and ambition must run in your family, because Lane and the rest of the legal team were very impressed with you. They believe you’d be a valuable addition to the Aviators, and after hearing everything they had to say, I couldn’t agree more.”

He let the words settle, and I hadn’t realized how badly I needed to hear them until that moment.

“Normally Lane would extend the offer,” he continued, “but he’s home with a sick kid today and didn't want to make you wait any longer.” Duke slid a folder across the desk toward me.

My hands trembled as I opened it.

Is this really happening?

The offer letter stared back at me, the salary number making my breath catch. It was far beyond anything I’d expected to see for another five years. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure Duke could hear it.

I looked up, meeting his gaze. Duke smiled broadly. “Take all the time you need to consider it—but we’d love to have you join the Aviators, Ava.”

I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief. “This is a dream job, Mr. Preston. I accept. Without hesitation.” I sucked in a breath. “I know that’s probably wildly unprofessional.”

He chuckled. “Not at all. It just tells me you know what you want. I admire that.”

I spent the next hour reviewing the contract, touring the facilities, and asking questions. By the time I left the Aviators’ offices, my cheeks ached from smiling.

I deserved this. I’d worked my ass off for years. Graduated at the top of my class in law school. I’d sacrificed. I’d hustled.