Starting Now (Blossom Street #9)(85)
“You want me to apply?” Libby hardly knew how to respond.
“Having worked in trusts and estates you have access to several wealthy families who might consider making a contribution to the hospital. We need someone like you to reach out to the business community as well.”
Instinctively Libby felt it wasn’t the right position for her, but she was highly flattered.
“Give it some thought,” Abby urged. “You’d be perfect.”
“I will think about it,” Libby had promised. More than anything Abby’s encouragement told Libby that her people skills had vastly improved.
Not wanting to drive to the function, Libby caught a cab. If not for her high heels she could easily have walked. The hotel ballroom where the fund-raiser was being held was fewer than eight blocks from her condo. Libby was anxious to see Robin and Roy, and of course Phillip, too. Apparently the other couple had decided to give their relationship a go after all. Libby was pleased for them.
The area outside the dining room was crowded for the cocktail hour. When Libby arrived, the first thing she did was look for Phillip, but she didn’t find him right away. Robin found her, looking stunning in her own slinky black dress. Roy smiled and offered to stand in line to get their drink order.
“So how’s it going?” Libby asked.
“So far it’s been wonderful. We’ve been together every night this week. He doesn’t need to work nearly this hard to sweep me off my feet, but I’m not about to tell him that.”
They both giggled like teenagers at a senior prom.
Phillip found her just before the doors opened for the dinner. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. With his hand on the small of her back, he guided her into the dining room and to his table. Robin and Roy were seated close by.
As the tables were being cleared after the meal, Abby approached her with one of the staff doctors. “Libby, I’d like you to meet Dr. James Buckley.”
“Hello,” Libby said, looking up at the physician. She knew his face from the hospital but they’d never formally met.
“If you have a moment I’d like to introduce you to my parents,” Dr. Buckley said. “They might want your help in some estate planning.”
“Of course.” Libby stood.
Phillip gave her hand a gentle squeeze and off she went. Dr. Buckley led her to the far side of the room. His parents, an elegant older couple, smiled as she approached. His father was in a wheelchair next to his mother.
“Mom and Dad, this is Libby Morgan, the attorney I mentioned earlier,” Dr. Buckley said. “Libby, my parents, John and Wilma Buckley.”
“I’m so pleased to meet you.”
James held out a chair for her. “Please, sit down.”
Libby did and the elderly couple leaned toward her. John spoke first. “I realize this isn’t a night to conduct business, but Wilma and I would like to discuss some estate planning at a time convenient for you.”
“I’d enjoy that very much.”
“We’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from our friend Martha Reed.”
“I’m honored to have worked with Mrs. Reed in the past,” Libby said.
“Our estate isn’t nearly as complicated as Martha’s,” Wilma went on to say, “but we haven’t been happy with what’s been done so far. We realize you’ve only recently started your firm but we’re comfortable with that.”
“Can I phone you tomorrow and set up an appointment?” Libby asked. “I’d be willing to come to your house if that’s easier for you.”
John nodded and patted the side of his wheelchair. “That would be helpful. Thank you for your consideration.”
He made it sound as if she were making a huge concession on his behalf, when in actuality Libby preferred it that way. If the Buckleys were to come to her office with the shared receptionist, they might have a change of heart. At this point her entire office setup was extremely low budget, though in time that would change, especially if she was able to attract other clients such as the Buckleys.
“We have another family friend who might also be interested,” John went on to tell her. “Would you mind if I gave him your contact information?”
“Not in the least.”
When Libby returned to Phillip’s table, it felt as though she was walking on air. The speeches that followed were filled with tidbits of hospital humor and good-natured joking. Although Libby laughed at the appropriate times her mind churned at the speed of light. One of the reasons Hershel gave as to why she was being let go was her inability to bring in new clients. Well, here was the potential for her to pick up one wealthy client, and if she worked hard she might be able to snag the Buckleys’ friend, too.
When the event was over, Libby saw that Robin and her judge were sitting close together. The judge’s arm was around Robin’s shoulders. Phillip’s gaze followed hers and he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. His grip was firm and tight, as though he couldn’t bear the thought of letting her go. For her own part she wanted to hold on to him for the rest of her life. They hadn’t discussed the future. For now it was simply one day at a time. Phillip was everything she looked for in a man, and he understood her and her drive to succeed. He’d helped her broaden her horizons and take hold of life in new and unexpected ways; the sailing, the trip to Paradise Lodge, the long talks they’d had gave her a feeling of expectancy and hope that they might, at some future point, build a life together.