Page 18 of Be My Valentine

“I’m not saying you’ve slept on your laurels; I know what you’re worth, but you can’t hide the fact that Dad would have left you his position as a partner; you didn’t knock on dozens of law firm doors for an internship and neither did I after I graduated from architecture school. We’re privileged, Mark. There are a lot more people like Kate, struggling to find their place.”

“I punched Patrick Hanks,” her brother confessed, “for hitting on her.”

“Well!” Emma’s voice was cheerful “Certainly more effective than a little speech.”

“She hasn’t finished work yet. Do you think it’s maniacal behavior if she found me here?” Mark couldn’t make up his mind.

“For heaven’s sake! Wait for that girl and take her home!”

“Okay, sis, thanks.” Mark hung up and pointed his eyes at the club again, comforted that someone else had told him to follow his instincts.

Chapter 9 / Kate

The divine state is silence and stillness

because every word and every gesture

is limited and transient.

(Henri-Frédéric Amiel)

It was almost three in the morning and Kate was polishing the tables with the last of her remaining energy. She was going to shine them up, it was the least she owed Mr. Campbell after making him kick out too many people who would probably never return.

“We’re done, Leannan, no one needs to be mirrored on those tables.”

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Campbell.”

“It’s not your fault, Kate. I knew right away there was going to be trouble. I saw how they kept their eyes glued to you. I don’t like you working there.”

“It’s not that bad… they’re not lawyers from my firm anyway, they were just here to celebrate. I don’t know what deal they finally closed but they’re going back to Philadelphia on Monday.”

“Who was the man who threw that big punch?”

“My boss… I’m afraid I’m going to lose my job. He told me to turn up on Monday, but I’m not convinced. My manager is the chick who’s been all over him all night.” in saying this Kate, with great regret, felt the subtle bite of jealousy “That woman hates me, I try to make myself invisible, with poor results, it’s obvious.”

“It doesn’t take much to see why she can’t stand you.” Mr. Campbell told her.

“Really? I swear I didn’t do anything to her!”

“Ah, Leannan,” the big man shook his head, “she was clinging to that man, but he was looking at you.”

“He was probably hoping to see me fall over, soaked in beer.”

“Who knows,” commented Mr. Campbell, “now let’s turn off the lights and go home. It’s really late, Kate, you should call a cab.” then he realized the nonsense, he knew the girl needed to work and save every penny “In fact, I’ll drive you home.”

“Oh, no sir. After what I did tonight!”

They were now on the sidewalk after lowering the portcullis.

“If you want to leave the firm, I can hire you from six o’clock in the afternoon, the basic pay wouldn’t increase much, but the tips would.”

“Miss Donovan.” Mark Arrow’s voice caught them both by surprise.

“What on earth are you doing here, young man?” questioned Mr. Campbell. “Are you going to sue me for throwing you out with your friends? I have cameras in there. You started it!”

“I’d just like to drive my employee home, if that’s all right with you.” And he looked at Kate.

“That’s not necessary.” She spoke.