“I’ll shop for your family, but I’m not shopping for your bimbos,” Trish said sternly.
Teddy laughed. “I’m just kidding. I’m not seeing anyone that would warrant buying a gift for.”
Trish relaxed, if Darlene thought Teddy was interested in another woman right now it would kill her. “Oh, sorry.”
“Not a problem. Here is my credit card,” he said and handed it to her.
Trish slowly took it. “You’re giving me your credit card,” she said with amazement.
“I trust you. No ties. I get my dad and David ties every year. Get them something different. I don’t care what it is, just something different.”
“All right. I’m actually leaving to do some Christmas shopping today. Do you want me to use this credit card to redecorate your office?”
“Yes.”
“Budget?”
“For what?”
“For Christmas gifts and redecorating.”
“Oh, don’t spend more than fifteen hundred on gifts, and redecorating… well, I’ll let you look at the office first then we’ll discuss it.”
“All right. You got a deal.”
“Terrific,” Teddy said happily.
*******
Trish and Darlene sat at the island in Trish’s kitchen as they drank white wine and ate cheese.
“I thought you would be happy that I will be working for Teddy,” Trish said as she looked at Darlene’s perplexed expression.
“Why?”
“So, you’ll have an excuse to come by his office. You know, meet me for lunch- see Teddy, drop off my sweater- see Teddy. Get what I mean?”
“Yes. I guess it’s a good idea.”
“What’s wrong? I thought you’d be jumping for joy.”
“I would if I thought he was attracted to me,” Darlene said with a pout.
“He is. You told me he was about to kiss you before the power went out the other week.”
“Yes, or I thought, but he must have changed his mind because after you and David went into the bedroom, he just wanted to talk.”
“Maybe, he wanted to get to know you better. He knows you’re not like those bimbos he usually dates,” Trish said and sipped her wine.
“Perhaps. Talking about the night of the snowstorm-,” Darlene started with a mischievous look.
“Why rehash that again? I already admitted that David and I kissed in my bedroom,” Trish said and took another sip of her wine.
“Yes, but that wasn’t the end of it. What’s been going on at the office?” Darlene said and popped a cheese cube in her mouth.
“I told you. He’s been… incorrigible. I spend most of my time fighting him off.”
“Does that count for today as well?”
“Why do you ask?”
“You seemed distracted when you came home. You gave in, didn’t you?”
Trish exhaled. “I let him take certain… liberties, but I shouldn’t have. I don’t think I can resist him much longer. Thank God Mrs. Hinkle called in today. I got the perfect out.”
“What I can’t understand is why you want to resist him. It’s not like he’s a bum. He’s a smart version of a Baldwin, an attorney; he’s in good shape-.”
“We have nothing in common and we hate each other.”
“That’s not true, you do like each other. And have you ever heard of opposites attract?”
“Yes, and it always ends badly. What’s your point?”
“My point is that you could be running away from the perfect guy…for you, and opposite personalities sometimes balance a couple out. Wait a minute, was David right to ask?” she trailed off.
“Right to ask what?”
“You don’t want to be with him because he’s white.”
“Of course not. You know better than that.”
“Well, there’s only one thing left. You’re afraid.”
Trish looked at the shimmering liquid in her wine glass. She exhaled. “I…well. My divorce isn’t final, yet. I was married for so long, and then I got traded in for a bag of dried bones. That’s a real blow to a woman’s confidence. And today, I find out that half the town - including my best friend, her dad, and my father - thought Robert was a no-good weasel, and nobody bothered to say anything to me about it all those years ago.”
“Now, honey, no one wanted to destroy your happiness. You hadn’t smiled since your mother died, and when Robert came into the picture-.”
“I know. You’ve explained. I’m not mad at anyone. I understand. It’s just, I have nothing to offer David. I don’t have a college degree, I don’t have a career, and I hardly have any money.”
“The money thing is temporary.”
“The point is, I think he just wants to sleep with me. As far as the race thing goes, let’s face it – interracial couples still have a hard time. It won’t bother me, but it could affect him and possibly his business.”
“You shouldn’t let other people’s ignorance affect your future or happiness. And I don’t think David cares what people think. As far as him just wanting you for your body- he’s not that kind of man. I believe he is drawn to you in every way.”
“Hopeless romantic,” Trish said and shook her head.
“Just give him a chance. Talk to him. Have a serious conversation with him about how you’re feeling and what you want.”
“What if it isn’t what he wants? I’ll make a fool of myself.”
“Tomorrow is your last day, so what do you have to lose?”
“I don’t even know what I want. I haven’t thought about love or dating again. My plan was to make the divorce final, then think about my future.”
Darlene laughed. “Plans change. Looks like your future is now.”
Chapter 18
The next day, Trish was preparing checks for David to sign when a tall blonde woman walked in. She wore a long white fur coat, and her thick curls cascaded around her shoulders.
“Good morning. How may I help you?” Trish greeted with a smile.
The woman glided to Trish like she was walking on air. “Good morning, dear,” she said with a deep southern drawl. “I have to say you are very pretty. What’s your name, hon?”
“Thank you. My name is Trish.”
The woman smiled. “How cute, but surely that’s not your real name.”
“My full name is Patricia, but everyone calls me Trish.”
“I think Patricia suits a pretty thing like you a lot better. I realize I just walked in off the street, but I was hoping Mr. Shaw was available.”
“I’m sorry he is in court, but he will be back this afternoon. Would you like to make an appointment?”
“Normally, I would, hon, but I don’t want to leave my name. I want to surprise him.”
Trish’s curiosity was peaked. “Oh, I see. Did you two go to school together?”
“No, but David and I go way back. I tell you what,” she said and reached into her Luis Vuitton purse. “This is the hotel I am staying at and…,” she trailed off and picked up a pen from Trish’s desk and wrote on the card. “This is the room number. Ask him to come by when it’s convenient for him.”
Trish’s skin tingled with rage, hurt, and the feeling of inadequacy. She slowly took the card from the Southerner. “I can tell him, but I can’t guarantee he’ll come since I can’t give him a name.”
“Hmmm. You may be right. Tell him I’m a desperate wife who is frightened and will only speak with him… in person.”
Trish had the sudden urge to tell her to get the hell out and stay away from David. Then, she realized that this was a sign. A sign for her not to get involved with David. She straightened in her chair. “I don’t like to lie to Mr. Shaw.”
“If he gets mad it won’t be with you, darlin’. It will be directed at me. So, don’t worry.”
“What will you do if he gets mad at you?” She regretted asking as soon as it came out of her mouth, but she couldn’t help it.
The woman laughed. “I have my ways to calm a man
down. I’m sure you have that talent as well.”
Trish couldn’t believe she said that. “What makes you say that about me?”
The woman continued to smile. “Pretty women like us can get out of any jam when we put our minds to it.”
Trish forced a smile on her face. “Right.”
“Can I ask you one more favor, Patricia?”
Trish wanted to tell her to go directly to hell. She swallowed. “Sure.”
“Would you stand up and walk around the desk. I must have a good look at you,” she asked sweetly.
Trish was taken aback. “Why?”
“I realize it’s a strange request, but I am a slave to fashion. Would you indulge me, please?”
Trish had an eye for clothes too, but she never asked complete strangers to model for her. Trish decided to play along to see what this woman was up, too. She stood up and walked around the desk. Trish stood in front of the woman. She looked up to meet her stare.
The woman took in Trish’s form. Trish realized that this woman was sizing her up. The woman circled around Trish- examining her black business suit with the white cuffs and collar. “You have a sharp sense of style. Nothing cheap. The shoes - Chanel?”
Trish turned around to face her. “Yes. Good eye. I noticed your ring. It looks to be about two carats.”
The woman’s blue eyes brightened with amused surprise. “Very good. It appears that I’m not the only one with a good eye.” The woman lifted her hand for Trish to get a better view of her ring. The two carat round diamond was surrounded with smaller diamonds. You could barely see the wedding band behind it, but Trish did see it.
Trish smiled. “It’s lovely. Your husband is a generous man.”
“Yes and it seems like yours is as well. It’s obvious he wants you to be well dressed.”
“Yes, it seems like we’re both lucky.”
The woman smiled. “It has been a pleasure, Patricia, but I should go. Don’t forget to give David my message now.”
“Oh, I won’t,” Trish said – thinking she’d give it to him all right.
“Thank you. I hope to see you again, dear. Au revoir,” the woman said and glided out of the office.
*******
Around noon, Trish was catching Mrs. Hinkle up on current cases and appointments - since she was starting back full time on Monday.
Teddy and David walked in.
“It warms my heart to see two beauties as soon as I walk through the door,” Teddy said as they approached the reception desk.
Trish smiled and rolled her eyes.
Mrs. Hinkle laughed. “You’re a devil.”
David sat down a white plastic bag in front of Trish. It smelled like hot oriental food. “I brought you Chinese food from Wong’s.”
Trish’s eyes grew wide. She opened the bag. It was true; it was from Wong’s because they were the only Chinese place in Clary that put takeout food in round cartons that looked like wood and tied it up with string. “That is all the way across town.”
“It’s not far from the courthouse. Ted and I had lunch there. I got you pork fried rice and chicken with that red sauce you like.”
“How did you know that was my favorite dish from Wong’s?” Trish asked.
“I pay attention when you order takeout from the office,” David said with a smile.
Trish returned his smile. “Thank you.”
“You look great, Mrs. Hinkle.” David said happily.
“Thank you, dear. I feel great especially since I’ll be coming back to work Monday,” Mrs. Hinkle replied.
David’s eyebrow shot up. “Come again?” he said.
“Yes, I didn’t get a chance to tell you this morning. Mrs. Hinkle recovered quicker than expected and she was bored sitting at home. I was just catching her up on what’s been going on.
“I…I see, but won’t you get bored sitting at home?” David asked.
“She won’t be sitting at home. Trish is going to work for me- starting Monday afternoon,” Teddy chimed in.
David’s head snapped towards his brother. “Like hell she is.”
Everyone’s eyes grew wide.
“What do you need with a secretary?” David asked in a stern tone.
“I’ve got paperwork that needs to be done, too. I hate paperwork. Worse thing about my job. Besides, I’m tired of my clients having to talk to my answering service when I’m not in during the day,” Teddy explained with a cool look.
David glared at his brother.
Teddy’s lips curved up. “She’s going to redecorate, too.”
“Trish, I’d like to see you in private,” David said and walked into his office. He stood in the doorway waiting for her.
Mrs. Hinkle and Teddy slowly turned their heads in Trish’s direction. Trish picked up a blue folder and quietly entered David’s office. He closed the door behind her and turned around to face her. “So, today is your last day, and you didn’t see fit to tell me.”
“I was going to tell you,” she stated coolly.
“When? At five o’clock today?” he asked with cold sarcasm.
“No,” she said in a defensive tone. “This morning, but you rushed out the door so fast when I was coming in that I didn’t have a chance.”
David took a deep breath and walked away from the door. “You’re not working for my brother.”
“I beg your pardon? I work for who I like. You have no say in my work life or my life period.” Her tone was indignant.
“My brother is too….personal as an employer,” David said as he stared down in her dark brown eyes.
“Personal? Is that your way of saying he’s a flirt?”
“Well, yes,” David said and folded his arms across his chest.
“He may be a flirt, but it doesn’t make him dangerous.”
“Not dangerous like me,” he stated.
“What?”
“You’ve been denying our attraction for almost two weeks. I got too close yesterday, didn’t I? Too close to breaking down your walls. I got back to the office, and you were gone. I come in this afternoon, and you’ve plotted a quick escape.”
“No. Mrs. Hinkle is ready to come back. This was not a permanent arrangement, David,” she said coolly.
“Just an excuse. What are you afraid of?”
“Nothing,” Trish said and turned her back on him. She placed her hands on her hips willing her body not to tremble.
“Yes, you are,” he walked up behind her. “Are you afraid I will hurt you?”
She remained silent.
“I know my interest in you is sudden. It surprised me, too. But please know that I have grown to care for you a lot. Actually, I’ve always found you attractive, but we seemed to be like oil and water. But now…” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I would rather cut off my hands than hurt you, sweetheart.”
She swallowed, but remained silent and still like an ice sculpture. It took all her strength to not respond to his touch.
“I want to start seeing you- socially. I don’t care where you work. But, I can’t go without seeing you, talking to you every day.” He leaned his head down into her hair. “Let me take you to dinner tonight. Where do you want to go?”
She cleared her throat. He started to massage her shoulders. “Please, answer me, sweetheart,” he said into her hair.
The memory of the blonde beauty flashed in her mind, and Trish’s temper simmered. She slowly pulled away and turned around to face him. “You won’t be able to take me out tonight. You need to meet a client.” Trish took a few steps back.
“No, I don’t.”
“Yes, you do.” She opened the blue folder she was holding and pulled out the hotel business card. “A blonde came by asking for you. She’s staying at The Wingate, suite 720. She said come by anytime.”
David took the card and stared at it like he had never seen a business card before.
“The folder has checks you need to sign and letters you need to proof before they go out. Oh, and there are
three messages from clients you need to call back,” she finished. Trish walked over to David’s desk and dropped the folder on top of the desk calendar.
“Is this why you won’t accept my dinner invitation? Because of this?” David asked as he held the business card up.
“No. I just don’t want to have dinner with you,” she answered with no emotion.
David dropped his arms to his side. “Right. What was her name?”
“She wouldn’t tell me. She said she wanted to surprise you. That you two went way back,” she said, putting an infuses on the word, way. Trish folded her arms across her chest.
“I don’t know who this could be. What did she look like?”
“Like I said, she was blonde. She’s only a few inches shorter than you- taller than me obviously. Pouty lips, she had a bit of a southern accent, and she wore a white fur coat,” she answered with annoyance.
David furrowed his eyebrows. “Did she use endearments at the end of her sentences, like, hon, sugar, darling, or dear?”
“As a matter of fact, she did,” Trish answered and watched him intently.
David’s face went pale and looked down at the business card again. “It can’t be,” he mumbled.
“So, you do know her. She wouldn’t tell me what she wanted. She wanted me to tell you a crock of bull story about being a desperate wife in need of your-.” Trish cleared her throat. “Services. She would only talk to you alone.”
David shoved the business card in his black trench coat pocket and walked over to Trish. He pulled her arms away from her. David picked her up and sat her on the desk.
“David!” she exclaimed.
He met her eye to eye. “Listen, to me very carefully. I want to be with you. But, I have to find out what this is about. I’ll explain everything to you when I get back. Do you understand?”
“David, I don’t care who-.”
“Yes, you do. Your body language is screaming of jealousy, but you have no reason to be. Please, believe me,” he urged.
Trish glanced down to his lips.
“Kiss me goodbye,” he said.
“No,” she pouted stubbornly.
“Kiss me goodbye, please. Let me borrow some of that famous strength of yours.”
The Lawyer Page 9