Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Really?” Harper asks. “And you’re okay with that?”
“Of course.” I grab another slice of pizza. “I’ll be able to keep an eye on her if she’s living with me.”
“I wish I had an older brother,” Easton says. “It sucks being an only child.”
“You can have my siblings,” Harper chuckles. “Growing up in a house with six brothers and sisters, there was always a fight about the most random shit.”
There’s a smug smile on my face as I say, “Ellie and I get along. We’ve never had a fight.”
Harper playfully narrows her eyes at me. “Not everyone has a perfect life like you.”
My grin widens. “I’m pretty lucky, aren’t I?”
“Shut up,” she grumbles.
My phone beeps on my desk, and it has me saying, “Time to get back to work. Don’t leave the leftover pizza here.”
Easton gathers the boxes, and while he leaves the office, Harper comes to grab her laptop from my desk.
I pick up my phone, and seeing a message from Lillian, a smile makes my lips curve up.
“What’s the smile for?” Harper asks.
“Lillian just sent me a text.”
“Oh? For another appointment?”
“I’ll let you know.” I gesture to my open office door. “Shut it on your way out.”
Taking a seat behind my desk, I open the message.
Lillian: How much do you charge for a whole day?
Still smiling, I type a quick reply.
Callan: I charge double. What do you have in mind that will take a whole day?
The message is immediately read, and I watch as she types.
Lillian: How do you feel about the New Jersey State Fair?
My eyebrows lift. I haven’t been to a fair in ages. Before I can respond, another message comes through.
Lillian: I really want to go and would like some company. If it’s not your thing, I’ll understand.
Callan: The client gets to choose. When would you like to go?
Lillian: This Saturday?
I check my schedule and see I have a dinner date with Eloise.
Callan: I'm available as long as we’re back by five p.m.
Lillian: Is that a yes?
Callan: Yes. What time should I pick you up?
I watch as she types, and it takes a minute before her reply comes through.
Lillian: Eight a.m. Wear jeans and a T-shirt. A fair is no place for a three-piece suit.
With the smile still firmly on my face, I send my reply.
Callan: Yes, ma’am. I’ll have Harper send you the invoice. See you Saturday morning at eight.
Lillian: Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Callan: You’re welcome.
I set the device down, and pulling Lillian’s profile up on my computer screen, I stare at the photo of her.
I’m not going to lie. The woman’s been on my mind since we had dinner, and knowing I’ll see her on Saturday makes me feel excited.
Usually, I don’t get excited about appointments, but the attraction I feel for her has steadily been growing.
She’s a beautiful, talented woman. It’s only normal that I find her attractive.
But nothing will come of it. I’ll accompany Lillian on dates and remain professional.
Chapter 12
Lillian
Feeling positive and excited about my date with Callan, I have a huge smile on my face.
The carnival and farmers market are always my favorite attractions. Getting out of the city will do me a world of good.
And I get to spend time with Callan.
Even if I have to pay him for his time.
During my lunch break, I dial my mother’s number for our weekly call.
Mom answers after a couple of rings. “Hey, sweetie. How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you?”
“Good. Why didn’t you come over on Sunday? We missed you.”
“Sunday?” I frown forms on my forehead. “I didn’t know anything was happening. What did I miss?”
“We had lunch to celebrate Mark and Sadie getting a huge case.”
With my smile gone, a heavy feeling creeps into my heart. “No one told me.”
This has been happening more and more.
“I’m sure I told you when we spoke last week,” Mom argues.
Feeling down, I mutter, “You must’ve forgotten.”
“Shoot. Sorry, sweetie. It probably slipped my mind. Your dad and I have been busy with social events. And with Mark and Sadie opening the law firm, I’ve been spread thin.”
“I understand.” Wanting to end the call, I say, “I have to get back to work.”
“Come over for dinner tonight. Mark and Sadie will be here to discuss a legal case with your father.”
Really?
Intense hurt fills my heart.
So they would’ve gotten together again without thinking to invite me?
“It’s okay,” I murmur. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense. Dinner will be ready at seven-thirty,” she says, not picking up on the hurt in my tone. “See you later, sweetie.”
The call ends, and my hand slumps to my lap, the device’s screen going black.
Anger slithers through the heartache.
It’s always the same excuses.
It must’ve slipped my mind. I didn’t think of it that way. I’m sure I told you.
Did I really commit such a big crime by not going into law that my parents don’t treat me the same as Mark and Sadie?