“So then you’re good,” he said, smiling. “I couldn’t have picked a better man for her.”
“Thank you,” I said, because I didn’t know what else to say and fuck me, I was feeling emotional. “I’ll always do right by her, Will.” I took a deep, relieved breath. “Does this mean I’m not getting demoted?”
Will laughed. “Yes, but you will need to take time off until Nicole’s papers come in.”
“And not work?”
“And not work.”
My jaw dropped. “What the fuck am I supposed to do?”
“You’ll figure something out.”
I sighed. I guess I would have to.
On my way out, I took a pit stop to Corinne’s office to let her know. She looked at me like she wasn’t sure what to do with the information.
“You’re serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious. Why would I joke about that?”
“But you never take days off.”
“Maybe I was waiting for my vacation to accumulate so I could take a longer break.”
She frowned. “Six years later?”
“Corrine,” I said, sighing. She closed her mouth when she realized she was pushing my buttons.
“Sorry. I just . . . I’m shocked. Does that mean we’ll be on vacation at the same time? Does that mean I won’t be able to take my vacation?”
Why did she have to get so shrilly? I let her have her moment, but instead of getting over it, she continued to look at me like I had some kind of answer written on my face. Finally, I cleared my throat.
“You put in your vacation and you’ll take it. There are five other attorneys in this office, Corinne. Go get engaged, or married, or whatever,” I said.
“What will you do?”
I made a face. How was that her business? “Not go get engaged or married or whatever,” I responded. She smiled.
“I heard,” she whispered, leaning into the desk as if she were sharing a great secret with me, “that you’re in a very serious relationship.”
I opened my mouth and closed it immediately. Whatever I said would be used against me for life around the office, and taking time off for what I’d done was the most lenient form of punishment for most people. Even though being without work for more than a couple days was like walking through the pits of hell, I had to be grateful it was all I got. That said, being out in the open with Nicole right now wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do for either of us, and I knew that. Instead of answering her question the way I wanted—which was: I am in a very serious relationship—I just shrugged.
“If you need anything, call my cell phone,” I said as I walked off. “Good luck on your vacation.”
“You too.”
I knew Nicole wouldn’t be at my place when I got home, but it didn’t keep me from missing her as I walked through the house, looking for any sign that she’d been there. The only sign was a navy blue blanket on the living room floor where the dog had slept. I’d never cared to have a dog, but I’d definitely have to get used to it being around. I looked at the blanket for a long time, debating whether or not I should pick it up. Itching to pick it up, really. In the end, I took a breath and made myself walk away. I went upstairs, changed into something comfortable, and smiled at the sight of my shower still being wet with her handwriting on the foggy mirror that read, I love you. I took my phone out and snapped a picture of it before I decided to call Quinn to ask him for a huge favor before heading to her house. I only hoped what I had planned would work and that she’d be able and want to go with me.
I WAS SITTING outside with Bonnie, enjoying a cup of cereal, when Brent jogged by. As much as I appreciated the eye candy, I was seriously starting to wonder if he had a job.
“Hey, you want to grab lunch today?” he asked, stopping to catch his breath in front of my porch. I put my hand up to shield my face from the sun as I looked at him.
“Nah. I kind of—”
“Have a boyfriend,” Victor said, his sudden presence making me jump an inch out of my seat.
Brent’s and my head whipped toward him. My heart leaped at the sight of him, standing there in a pair of jeans and a polo. The fact he wasn’t at work and had changed from his suit to this was not a good sign.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, blinking rapidly.
“Aren’t you her lawyer?” Brent asked, frowning.
“Was.”
My stomach dropped. Was?
“Yes. Was. Do you have any more questions for me or are you going to finish that run now?” Victor asked. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
“Maybe another time,” I said to Brent, who nodded slowly.
“I’ll catch you later,” he said as he ran off.
“That was so mean,” I said as soon as he was far enough away. I took a handful of cereal and began to chew.
Victor eyed the cup in my hand as he sat down in the chair beside me and patted Bonnie on the head. “Fuck that guy.”
My eyes widened. “He’s a nice guy.”
“A nice guy who wants to fuck you.”
I smiled, shaking my head. “Can you blame him?”