Page 33 of Contentious

“You’re gonna be ninety-four.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. What year were you born?”

“Thirty-two.”

“Plus ninety-four, equals twenty-six.”

“Look at you doing math in your head.”

“Someone’s gotta do the math around here. You just added a whole year to your life.”

“I was making sure you’re paying attention. I know how old I am.” He put down two more books of four cards on the table and then took Carson’s three jacks for another book.

“Damn you.”

“Pay attention, sonny boy.”

“I am! You’re smoking me.”

“It’s like taking candy from a baby.”

Their Wednesday night card game was the highlight of Carson’s week, no matter how badly he got beat every time. Spence took great pleasure in rubbing their running score in his face every chance he got. At this rate, Carson would have to live to be ninety-four to climb out of the hole he was in.

“What’s going on with that gorgeous Cresley Dane?”

“Spent some time online today, didja?”

“Everyone is talking about my family. I wanted to hear what they’re saying. In addition to the nonstop chirping about your parents, they also want to know who Julian was holding hands with and who was Cresley Dane’s date.” He showed Carson one of the photos that was taken of him and Cresley. “There you are at the premiere with a freaking superstar. Swinging way out of your league with that one, pal.”

“Gee, thanks. Like I didn’t already know that.”

“What’s the story with her?”

“She’s a client who’s become a friend. We were both going to the Valiant premiere, so I offered her a ride. Nothing to see here.”

“And why is that, exactly?”

“What do you mean?”

“I remember what it was like to be young and single, and from what I could see, that young lady likes you. What’s wrong with you that you don’t see that?”

So many things… “She’s a client.”

“You’re not a lawyer. That’s not a problem.”

“You forget that I’m a certified legal investigator, bound to the same code of ethics as the lawyers.”

“Eh, how would they know if you crossed the line?”

“I’d know, and since when are you encouraging fraternizing with clients? She’s still counting on me and us to give her professional representation and quality investigative services. I’m not crossing that line.”

“’Quality investigative services,’” Spencer said in a mocking tone. “You sound like a prissy bitch.”

“I do not!”

“Yeah, you do. What do you think of her?”