Five Minutes to Love

by Jennifer Wilck

  After spending the rest of the day tracking down the invitation samples and doing a last review of the guest list with Meryl, Aviva raced out of the office at five to get to her class. Hannah met her at the door to the classroom with a soda and a muffin.

  “Here, I thought you might be hungry. You didn’t leave your desk all day.”

  “Han, you’re a lifesaver. Thank you. I didn’t have time to stop for anything on my way. My stomach is growling.”

  “I figured as much. Take it. We’ve got five minutes before class starts.”

  They found a bench outside the classroom. Aviva pulled apart the muffin, stuffed small pieces into her mouth and washed them down with sips of soda.

  “You look very happy,” Hannah said.

  “I am.” Briefly, she filled Hannah in on yesterday’s study date and today’s work successes. As she finished the overview, their professor walked past them into the classroom.

  “Do you have time after class?” Aviva asked.

  “Even if I didn’t, we can’t leave it like this,” Hannah said.

  An hour and a half later, they handed in their papers and left the building. “Come to my apartment for a little while?” Aviva asked, as they stepped onto the sidewalk.

  “Are your evil roommates home?”

  Aviva swung around, her bag banging against her leg. “I don’t know why you don’t like them. They’re harmless.”

  She shrugged. “They just bug me with their superficiality. And how they set you up with the dregs of society.”

  “Han, some would call their attempts a mitzvah, you know. They can’t help it if they don’t understand my aversion to the very guys they’re attracted to. Besides, I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

  “I know. Spill. I want all the details from yesterday.”

  Aviva went into further detail about her conversation with Jacob.

  “I can’t believe I don’t find his jealousy creepy,” Hannah said. “That’s not usually my thing, but somehow, it sounds sweet the way you described it.”

  “It really was,” she said. They turned into her building and headed for the elevator. “It’s like he stood outside of himself and judged his feelings as he described them. He didn’t want to be jealous.”

  “Is this Adam jealous-worthy?”

  “I don’t really know him well enough to say. Why, are you interested?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. Is he single?”

  “I really know nothing about him.” They walked into her apartment and turned on the lights. “I guess no one’s home. I’ll talk to Jacob and find out. I think he was with him on the speed dating disaster, but I don’t know if he met anyone he liked.”

  “Get some more information about him. You know, I’d like to meet Jacob one of these days.”

  They sank onto the sofa, and Aviva kicked off her shoes. “Ahhh.” She wriggled her toes. “So good to get out of those things. Heels look great, but after an entire day, my feet kill me. I’d like you to meet him too. I want your opinion about him.”

  “Okay, let’s set something up.”

  They pulled out their calendars and compared dates.

  “I have to check with Jacob, because his time is crazy, but maybe we can get together this weekend sometime.”

  “I’m free, just let me know.”

  Hannah grabbed her bag. “I really should go. I’ve got a big day tomorrow. Client meeting all day.”

  “Yuck. Text me when you get to your apartment.”

  “Okay, ‘Mom.’ ”

  She shut the door behind Hannah, and thought about their upcoming plans. Would Jacob want to meet her friend? Would Hannah like her boyfriend? There was only one way to find out.

  Chapter Nine

  Jacob’s phone rang as he stepped out of the shower the next morning. “Hey, sweetheart, I was just thinking of you.”

  A voice cleared on the other end. “Is this Jacob Black?”

  Jacob froze at the sound of the male voice. He wrapped a towel around his waist. “Yes, who is this?”

  “Jacob, I’m Stuart Rose from The Croft Firm.”

  He cleared his throat. He’d called a lawyer “sweetheart.” He walked into his bedroom and shut the door. “Uh, hi, sorry about that. What can I do for you?”

  “Well, we wondered if you’d be interested in interviewing for a position in our firm for after you pass the Bar exam.”

  Jacob groped for his desk chair. He sank into it. “That’s very nice of you, but I already have a job offer.”

  The man on the other end chuckled. “Yes, I know. But we’ve heard good things about you from your professors. We’re interested in meeting you.”

  “Is that even ethical? I mean I’ve interned with my firm for two years. They’re counting on my working for them. I’m not sure it would be right to meet with someone else. Not to mention, it would be a waste of your time, too.”

  “Well, Jacob, your work ethic is one of the things that makes me want to talk to you even more than just your grades or recommendations from professors. Look, you don’t have to do anything except meet me for a drink. Let me tell you about my firm. If, after we meet, you still aren’t interested, fine. But I’d like the chance to at least meet you. If not for now, than for the future. You never know what will come down the line.”

  They made plans for the next evening. Jacob remained seated for several minutes after he hung up the phone. Another law firm was recruiting him even though he had a job offer from one of the most prestigious firms in New York. They’d heard about him. How did that happen? He’d have to remember to ask Stuart tomorrow night. Why was he going? It wasn’t like he had any spare time these days. He was going to make plans with Aviva tomorrow night. Maybe he could still see her after drinks with Stuart. How long could it take to listen and say a polite no?

  ****

  “So this guy called you, out of the blue, and wants to interview you for a job you haven’t applied for?” Aviva sat in the break room, taking a few last bites of her sandwich. She adjusted the phone against her ear.

  “Pretty much. Weird, huh?”

  “Very. But flattering too. I mean, he must have heard some pretty good things about you to offer the interview.”

  “Yeah, I guess. But I need to find out more. I don’t want it to be one of those ‘too-good-to-be-true’ things, you know. Plus, it will affect you.”

  “Why?” She pushed away from the table and leaned against the heater to look out the small window. There wasn’t much to see, but it offered a glimpse of sky and light.

  “Because I’d intended to see if you wanted to come over tomorrow night. Now I have to cancel.”

  “Well, technically, you can’t cancel something you didn’t ask, so…” His deep chuckle made warmth flow in her belly. She gripped the phone closer. “Besides,” she continued, “I was actually about to call you and suggest something.”

  “What?”

  She took a deep breath. “Well, I told my best friend, Hannah, about you. She’d like to meet you. Adam wanted to get to know me better, too. So, I wondered if maybe the four of us could do something…” She clasped her necklace. Adam made Jacob tense. Although they’d talked it out, she wasn’t sure if he’d be amenable to the idea.

  “I think it’s a great idea,” he said after a moment.

  “You do?” Her skin tingled. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she held.

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “Oh, phew! I wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with it.”

  “This week is tight, but do you want to try for Thursday? There’s a garage band coming to a coffeehouse near you guys. They might be fun to listen to.”

  “Sure. I’ll check with Hannah and let you know. If they’re busy, maybe you and I can still get together?”

  “I hoped you’d say that.”

  “Good luck with the interview. Let me know what happens.”

  ****

  Jacob walked into the sushi bar. He paused to let his vision adjust to t
he light. Located in the Newport section of Jersey City, the restaurant offered spectacular views of the waterfront. It was easily accessed by the PATH train station, something Jacob appreciated. As he stood there feeling a little nauseated, a man in his forties—thinning hair slicked back, and wearing a suit minus a tie—approached.

  “Jacob?”

  Jacob nodded.

  The man stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Stuart. Come join me.”

  He followed Stuart to a table by the window and sat in a red leather chair. A waiter appeared. Jacob looked at Stuart.

  “Please, order whatever you’d like. I’m having a beer. I’ve ordered us a sushi sampling platter.”

  “I’ll have a beer as well, thanks.” He sat with his hands clenched in his lap, trying not to fidget.

  “So, let me get right to the point. The Croft Firm is a boutique law firm here in Jersey City, which specializes in Environmental Law. Every few years, we look to add one or two fresh-out-of-law-school lawyers to our firm. Usually, we pull from interns we’ve worked with, but occasionally, we go to other sources. Our firm has three partners and five junior lawyers. You’d be our sixth. We only take environmental clients. Our lawyers do everything and work with a client from the beginning through the end of the case, or, if we’re on retainer, continue to work with them on non-court matters.”

  The waiter returned with Jacob’s beer and the sushi.

  “How did you hear about me?”

  Stuart leaned back and smiled, his hands folded on his stomach. “Your professor is a friend of mine. Periodically, he feeds me names of students he thinks are promising. Yours was just given to me.”

  He leaned forward. “I’m flattered, but I’m not sure I can help you. Like I said, I already have a job offer.”

  “I know, but I think if you check us out and give my offer some thought, you might find you could be happy with us. I know you’ve accepted an offer from a big New York firm, but at our law firm, you’ll jump right in on important issues. You won’t just do grunt work. What you’ve studied in law school will be able to be directly applied as soon as you start. You’ll do research, but also much more.”

  Jacob looked out the window at the water below. What Stuart said piqued his interest. “I have to admit I’m intrigued.”

  “Good. I’d like you to come to our office and meet the rest of the staff. We’re like a family. We like to make sure the chemistry is right. At that point, we can discuss particulars, like salary, benefits, etc.”

  Jacob’s eyes widened. “I haven’t said yes.”

  “I know, but you haven’t said no either. Give it some thought. Call me to set up the appointment.” He slid his business card across the table.

  Jacob rotated it through his fingers. “I’m still not sure how I feel about this. I like to honor my promises.”

  Stuart leaned forward. “Did you sign an employment contract with them yet?”

  “No.”

  “Then you still have freedom to make your own decision. Do you have a girlfriend? Boyfriend?”

  Jacob smiled. “Girlfriend.”

  “Okay, talk it over with her. Talk to your professor. Think about it for a while. Call me next week. We’ll talk some more.”

  The two men shook hands. Jacob left the restaurant gripping the business card. It was a lot to think about.

  Chapter Ten

  Hannah and Aviva walked into the coffeehouse. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Hannah asked.

  Aviva stopped scanning the crowd. She faced her best friend. “What do you mean? I thought you wanted to do this?”

  Hannah fidgeted. She curled a lock of auburn hair around her finger. “I did…I do…I don’t know. I’m nervous.”

  Aviva stepped forward. She gave her a hug. “Relax. You’re meeting my boyfriend. Adam is just a bonus.” She craned her neck and finally spotted Jacob in a seat toward the back of the dim room. When they reached the table, the men rose. Jacob leaned over and gave Aviva a quick kiss on the lips. Her cheeks heated. She was grateful for the indirect lighting.

  “Hey,” she said, her voice breathless.

  “Hey,” he replied. He angled toward Adam. “You remember Adam, right?”

  With a smile, she nodded. “Hello again.”

  “What, no kiss for me?”

  Jacob stiffened.

  She arched a brow. “You haven’t earned it yet.” Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Jacob relax.

  Adam laughed. “Okay, what do I have to do to earn one?”

  “How about not be an ass?” Jacob butted in. All four of them laughed.

  “This is my friend Hannah. Hannah, this is Jacob and Adam.”

  “Hi, Hannah, I’m glad to finally meet you.” Jacob leaned forward to shake her hand. “Aviva talks about you all the time. Don’t worry about Adam. He’s obnoxious but harmless.”

  “I’m also able to speak for myself, Jake. Hi, Hannah, hope you didn’t mind before. I’m all talk.”

  “I don’t mind at all,” she said with a smile. “I’m really here to check out Jacob, so you’re good.”

  Adam winked. He pulled out her chair. “Come sit next to me. I’ll give you all the dirt you need.”

  “What do you think you’re doing, Adam?” Jacob settled Aviva next to him. He crossed his arms.

  “Just doing my best-friend duties.”

  “Yeah, don’t worry about us.” Hannah winked.

  Aviva stroked Jacob’s arm. He turned to her. His forehead was creased, his jaw clenched.

  “Relax,” she whispered.

  The muscles in his forearm were rock hard. The skin-on-skin contact seemed to distract him. Slowly, the tendons loosened.

  “You’re right. What can I get you to drink?” He flagged down a waitress, who raised an eyebrow, pencil poised, at Aviva.

  “I’ll have a mocha latte,” she said with a quick glance at her watch, “but make it decaf.”

  Everyone else ordered. Adam and Hannah returned to their conversation.

  “Tell me about yesterday’s interview,” Aviva said.

  As Jacob told her about the conversation, the coffeehouse filled with people—students, professors and young professionals—all gathered to hear the band. The stage was located in the center of the coffeehouse, with tables scattered around it. Brown walls, beige and brown brick, brass wall sconces and leather chairs made the place feel warm and homey.

  “So what do you think about his offer? Are you going to go meet the rest of the firm?” Aviva asked.

  Jacob leaned in his chair. He fiddled with his coffee mug. “I have an appointment to talk with my professor tomorrow. I want to know why he recommended me and what he thinks of the firm.”

  “He recommended you because he thinks you’re effing awesome,” Adam interrupted.

  Jacob smiled. “Well, besides that. I haven’t made a decision yet.”

  “I think it’s great they want you,” Aviva said. “It’s always good to have options.”

  “Hannah, you’ve been quiet,” Jacob said. “What do you think?”

  She turned to Jacob and played with her hair again. “Well, Aviva told me a little about it. I think it’s worth checking out. It’s better to pursue all your options than to have regrets later for not trying something.”

  “Oh, an adventurous woman,” Adam said. “So, does that mean you’re up for anything?”

  She glanced sideways at him. “Depends on who asks and what they offer.”

  Jacob and Adam burst out laughing, while Aviva high-fived her friend. Hannah was an enigma. She could be shy and subdued one moment, flirty the next. It was one of the things Aviva liked about her. Not to mention, it was always a surprise to those who met her for the first time. Aviva loved to witness those moments.

  “Adam, my friend, I think you’ve just met your match.” Jacob shook his head. He reached for Aviva’s hand. It was the first time he’d truly relaxed in Adam’s presence. Aviva sighed with relief.

  The four of them chatted while the b
and warmed up. They listened to a few tunes. The musicians were talented. Everyone nodded and tapped along with the guitar players. When they took an intermission, the foursome turned to each other once again.

  “So, Adam, where are you going to work after the Bar exam?” Aviva asked.

  “My father’s law firm in Morristown. I offered this guy here a spot, but he’s all ‘I want a high-powered firm,’ so I’ll be on my own.”

  Aviva’s stomach tightened. She focused on easing her tension. Adam was Adam. Jacob wasn’t into the high-powered law firm lifestyle. He wanted it as a temporary means to an end. She refused to rise to the bait, even if Adam didn’t realize he was baiting her.

  “Come on, Adam, you guys don’t have an Environmental Law practice. It doesn’t make sense for me to work there.”

  She smiled at him as he straightened Adam out. She was learning to trust him. It felt good.

  Once again, when he wasn’t able to get a rise out of Jacob, Adam changed the subject. “So, Hannah, do you work with Aviva?”

  “Yes, we went to college together. Now we’re at the same PR firm. My current client makes technology products for chefs and culinary schools.”

  Jacob choked on his drink. He had a funny expression on his face.

  “Are you okay?” Aviva asked.

  He cleared his throat, pushing his coffee away. “Yeah, sorry, it just went down wrong.”

  She wondered if there was something else. But he turned his focus to Hannah. With a last glance, so did she.

  “That’s interesting. What kinds of products do they make?”

  “A lot of the computer components in high-grade ovens. You know, so your cookies don’t burn.”

  “I love cookies,” Adam declared. Everyone laughed.

  “Yeah, keeping him fed is a full-time job,” Jacob added. “Now if only he’d learn to do dishes.”

  “But why would I do that when I know you’ll take care of it? Aviva, did you know your boyfriend is somewhat of a neat freak?”

  “Yeah, he told me early on.”

  “It didn’t scare you away?”

  “Nope.”