Ask Me Why(33)

He smooths the wrinkles from his shirt. “My schedule leaves no time for deviations. I have a full calendar every day. This indiscretion cost me several hours. I’ll be working late to catch up.”

“Was that a dig at me?”

“Does it matter?”

“Really, Brance? Just like that?”

“Were you expecting something else?”

I open my mouth, then close it. Was I? How could I? Brance smirks at my extended silence.

“That’s what I thought.” He tops it off with a wink for good measure.

“You’re such an—”

“Asshole. Yeah, got it. I don’t have time to rehash the details.”

Any traces of euphoria left trickling through my system vanish. I bolt upright and cross my arms. “Glad you’re being open and honest.”

Brance takes a bow. “My pleasure.”

“Feel free to show yourself out.” I motion toward the entrance.

He takes a few backward steps. “Already on my way. And don’t worry, you’ll be hearing from me.”

In the next beat, only five short minutes after flipping my world upside down, Brance turns and walks out.





Brance



Deal



I tuck several signed contracts into a folder, add it to the pile, and slide everything across my desk. Another case wrapped up in record time. I shift in my chair, the gears protesting with a creak. It’s barely noticeable over the deafening hoot from my client sitting in front of me.

A shit-eating grin spreads across Doug Thompson’s face. He’s liable to crack a cheekbone with that gleeful expression. Not that I blame the guy. We just finalized his divorce. As of today, he’s a free agent.

He whips open the file and chuckles. “Damn, thanks again, Brance. I can’t say it enough. You’re a shark.”

“Just doing my job.”

“And you’re damn good at it. You definitely followed the correct path in life.”

I offer a half smile, chewing on the compliment. Ripping couples apart isn’t glamorous. Most can’t handle the conflict and confrontation on a daily basis. That’s never been a problem for me. Considering the hostile environment I was raised in, it’s a miracle there’s an ounce of compassion left inside of me. But I accept his praise with a nod.

“Never considered another career,” I tell him honestly. If my father had a decent lawyer, our lives would be drastically different for the better. I’d probably be a fucking preschool teacher. But I was destined to save sorry saps like Doug Thompson.

“Sure am glad my neighbor held onto your card. He couldn’t sing your praises any louder. And he’s not one to toss shit around lightly.”

I scratch the back of my neck. Jovial bullshitting isn’t my favorite. “I’m really happy to hear that. Recommendations are much appreciated.”

Doug settles deeper in his chair, making no move to leave. “Hell, I’ll tell all my buddies if their marriages take a nosedive.”

“That’s all I ask.” I drum my fingers on the armrest.

He scrubs over his salt-and pepper-whiskers. “You can’t plan for that shit, but it’s good to be locked and loaded just in case. Having you in my arsenal before those damn vows would have been handy. I learned my lesson the hard way.”

“But you’re all fixed up now. Get out there and enjoy yourself.” I almost stand to walk him out, but hold off a moment longer.

Doug leans forward. “Can I take you out for a drink? We’ve got reason to celebrate.”

“I appreciate the offer, but there’re some loose ends that still need tying up. I’ll be stuck here finishing up for a bit.” I give the stack of files next to me a harsh pat.

“Well, shit. I guess that gumption is what makes you so successful.”

“No rest for this attorney.” I rock in my seat.

“Glad I went into real estate.”

I grunt. “Smart man.”

He rises to his feet. “I’ll get outta your hair. Thanks again for everything, Brance.”

“My pleasure. Let me know if you’re ever in need of my services again.”

“You’ve got a deal.” He extends a hand, and we shake on it. After a salute, he spins on a heel and heads out.

Fucking finally.

Once the door closes behind him, I allow my shoulders to sag. Doug was the final name on my long list for the day, but the night is young. I still have a load of work ahead of me, courtesy of Braelyn and her enticing allure. That woman is guaranteed to cause trouble. Hell, she already has. But I’m not done with her yet.

I grab a file off the towering stack, flip it open, and separate the packets. There’re custody claims, a default judgement, child support orders, addendums to original agreements, and a slew of sloppy mediation records. Of course I had to choose the most complicated case to start with. What a fucking mess. After sorting through this disaster, I attempt to make sense of it all. Ten minutes later, I’ve read the same paragraph twenty times. I can’t concentrate, and all the letters are merging together. The office is too damn quiet. Everyone already tucked tail and ran home.

Usually I’d be following close behind. It’s getting late, and Ollie is probably eating dinner. A swift slice of guilt stabs at me in the gut. I should be the one preparing his meal, not stuck in the office until it’s pitch-black outside. I groan into the cradle of my palms. Once I’m partner, things will be different. That’s the promise I rely on. I’m almost there. I just have to push a bit harder.