Driven to Date (Better Date than Never)

by Susan Hatler

  Ryan shook his head. “According to what Frank told Stan this morning, this negotiation should’ve taken place years ago.”

  “You’re the number two person in this department, Jill.” Stan gawked at me like a child who’d misbehaved. “Your behavior is appalling.”

  “Appalling?” My fists balled tightly. I’d had enough. “Look, Stan, I’ve had this case for two years, and I know it inside and out. In addition to court hearings and mediation, I’ve talked to Frank on the phone at least fifty times.”

  Stan leaned forward in his chair, and looked at me like he didn’t believe a word I’d said. “Frank Wilson’s a well-respected man in San Francisco, known for his honesty and integrity.”

  Yeah, and your friend. Way to have a neutral opinion. Not.

  Stan gave me an incredulous look. “What evidence do you have that would make me take your word over his?”

  Tingles shot up my spine, down my arms, and zipped through my fingertips as I recalled the tedious phone calls that Ryan had forced me to document in the file. How had he known I’d need those? I leveled Stan with a stare, holding my head high. “I have memos.”

  The silence was audible.

  Stan Corbett’s forehead wrinkled. “Memos? What are you talking about?”

  I kept my gaze directed on Stan’s, though I wanted to fall at Ryan’s feet and ask his forgiveness for all the trouble I’d given him for making me write those notes. “I drafted memorandums of my phone conversations with defense attorney. You’ll find them throughout the file.” I cleared my throat, watching Stan vigorously flip through the legal-sized manila folders. “I could dig up phone records, too, if you’d like.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Ryan’s smooth voice felt like velvet on my ears. “Jill, I believe we owe you an apology.”

  I turned to Ryan, and gazed into those sexy hazel eyes. He winked at me. My lips curved upward. Of course he wouldn’t ever betray me.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I paced my office like a boxer going into the ring. Mentally, I’d just told Stan to eat crow, and that had been putting it nicely. But how had I acted any better after the way I’d treated Ryan over the past weeks? Lady Justice stood on my desk, and I swear she was laughing at me in that serves-you-right kind of way.

  Dropping to my knees, I clasped my hands behind my neck, and buried my head between my elbows. How could I have doubted Ryan’s loyalty when he’d been watching my back from the beginning? Stupid, stupid, me.

  I’d blown it with him. Yeah, I knew Ryan had broken hearts. Aidan would probably say I’d broken a few myself. But if Ryan was a bad boy, he was my bad boy. My heart had succumbed to him somewhere along the way, and it had just taken awhile for my head to realize the truth. That he and I belonged together. And that he would never let me down.

  First, I picked up the phone, and called Madison back. I thanked her for her generous offer, but graciously turned the position down. Although I liked her and respected her work, I would never be content working for, and eventually partnering with, someone like Ed Haugan. I needed business partners I could trust, not who would stab me in the back—I’d had enough of that to last me a lifetime.

  Next, I emailed my resignation to Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. I didn’t want there to be any tension between Ryan and me. It had taken me twenty-nine years to find love, and I was determined to make it last a lifetime—just like Ryan had said. I gave the partners two weeks notice, and I had plenty in savings to last until I found a new position. One that balanced my life in a healthy way, not in a way that tipped the scales in a too worn out and too tired for anything or anyone special in my life.

  I stared at the eight-inch statue on my desk, studying the beautiful, robed Lady who was blindfolded. She held a sword in one hand and two scales in the other. I saw myself when I looked at her. A sword in one hand, showing my strength and power doesn’t come from other people. It came from believing in myself, and trusting my instincts. Not listening to hearsay, but forming my own opinions.

  The scales showed my life. I pulled out my desk drawer, removed some paperclips, and onto the right scale dropped, One, Turned Down Madison. Clank. Two, Resigned from Corbett, Gray, & Shaw. Clank. Three, Started Founding Friendships. Clank. I watched the scales teeter until they stopped—so close to balanced, but not quite. . . .

  I needed to reclaim my man. And I would. Because when I set my mind to something, I achieved it. Right now, I was driven to date and nothing would stand in my way.

  I opened the door, marching past a couple early arrivers, and vacant cubicles. My heels stomped into the carpet as I made a right after the last desk, heading toward Charlie’s former office.

  The room was lit, the door open, and I heard movement inside. Ryan’s back was to me when I entered. He was bent over a bookshelf behind his desk, lifting various volumes as if reading their bindings. I pushed the door shut behind me.

  His gaze flipped toward me, and he straightened. “Well, this is a first.”

  Frowning, I gestured toward the conference room. “You had that planned from the beginning.”

  He crossed his arms. “You get upset by the strangest things.”

  My eyes widened. “You acted like you didn’t know anything about those memos, and you completely lied in there.”

  “I didn’t lie.” Holding his elbow, he rubbed his chin. “Although I said we should take you off the Somerset file, and that wasn’t true. You would’ve gone ballistic on me if I tried to that.”

  He knew me so well.

  My eyes narrowed. “Why did you do it?”

  “Frank Wilson demanded we take you off the case, and I had a bad feeling about him from the start. Stan believed him, and I knew Stan wasn’t going take a new attorney’s opinion over his friend’s word.” He edged around to the front of his desk, and leaned back against it. “You did the work. All I had you do is document your file.”

  I stepped closer to him. “You set me up.”

  Ryan shook his head. “Frank set you up. I just didn’t let you fall.”

  Overwhelmed with emotion, I inhaled deeply, preparing myself for what I needed to say. “I’m sorry for what I said in my office Friday. When we first met, your friend had made that comment about your short attention span with women, then I heard some rumors . . . but you never gave me a reason to doubt you, and I shouldn’t have. All I can plea is temporary insanity.”

  His brows drew together. “You think that’s enough to get you off without a sentence?”

  “Wait, I have more evidence to present to the jury.” I paced in front of him. “It is true that my lapse in judgment had painful consequences, but I believe the defendant should receive a favorable outcome, and I’d like to submit testimony for your consideration.”

  The corners of his mouth twitched. “Proceed, counselor.”

  I stopped pacing, turned, and faced him square on. “One, less than an hour ago I found myself in dire circumstances where you could’ve destroyed me. I swear that I never once, not even for a second, doubted your loyalty. Two, I emailed my resignation to the partners twenty minutes ago, proving that you are way more valuable to me as a lifelong partner, than a business partner position could ever be.”

  Emotion flickered across his face. . . .

  Not knowing what his look meant, I licked my lips, determined to finish what I needed to get out. “And lastly, I know I have difficulty relying on anyone to take care of me. But since I am completely in love with you, I’m hoping you’ll be patient while I work through all of that. If it helps at all, I’m a fast learner.”

  He ran a hand through his hair, then chuckled. “Before I give you my verdict, I believe it’s only fair to let you know that I’m currently jobless.”

  I froze. “You’re what?”

  “I told Stan I quit.” He shook his head, smiling. “I didn’t want anything standing between us, and I thought the position should be available to you if you want it. I was preparing to type up my résumé when you came in.”

/>   “You quit for me?” I moved forward, so I was only inches away. “That’s awfully chivalrous of you.”

  He gazed into my eyes. “I’d do anything to protect those I love.”

  My eyes narrowed, and I thrust my hands on my hips. “Anything?”

  “That’s right.” He slipped his arms around my waist, pulled me to him, and gazed into my eyes. “Are you going to scowl at me on our wedding day? Because that’s not going to look good in photos.”

  Tingles ran down my spine, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, weaving my hand into the back of his hair. “From the shocked look on your face when Bud asked you about proposing, I never thought I’d hear the word marriage brought up by you.”

  He paused, as if remembering the conversation at the dance club, then he tightened his arms around me. “You’re right that I was shocked, but not for the reason you thought. When he mentioned a ring on your finger, I immediately pictured myself down on one knee, and that’s not something I’d ever considered before you. But picturing you in a white dress, for me, feels right.”

  My stomach fluttered, and I bit my lip. “Does that mean you’re dropping all charges against me?”

  In response, he brushed his mouth across mine. “You were never on the hook for anything, my love. I was always here for you. From that very first kiss, and even when you burned my mouth with hot wasabi.”

  Touching my forehead to his, waves of tingles flowed through me, all the way down to my toes. “And here I thought I’d have to put more in the next time.”

  I laughed from pure happiness, then kissed him, embracing a connection I’d never known before—consuming, enveloping, amazing. And when he deepened the kiss, we moved in a rhythm that was our own, and I melted even more.

  ****

  Lunchtime arrived and my head was still in a happy cloud. I met Ethan and Charlie at a Chinese restaurant in Old Sacramento called Wok N’ Roll. We’d eaten here once before when Ethan told me his wife considered holding their wedding here. Personally, I’d rather just elope.

  We were seated at a table in the back, and I ran my fingers through my hair before I sat down. “So, Ethan, how was Italy?” I asked.

  His dark features brightened. “Incredible. We’re already planning our return trip.”

  Charlie opened his menu, chuckling. “You must have one understanding partner to let you get away that much.”

  I laughed, knowing Charlie was only kidding. Both attorneys were hard working and fair, so I couldn’t imagine either of them not pulling their own weight. “That just means you need to plan a vacation, too,” I joked.

  “Now there’s a great idea.” He smiled, then his expression turned serious. “How are things at the office?”

  I’d forgotten how quickly he could get down to business. No beating around the bush with him. “Honestly, work’s the best it’s ever been. I gave notice today.”

  Charlie and Ethan exchanged a look.

  Charlie’s brows pinched, like they did when he was thinking hard. “Were you offered a job at another firm?”

  I set the menu down, then folded my hands. “Yes, I was offered a position on the partner track at McKenzie, Atkins, Haugan, & Hall.”

  For some reason, he looked disappointed. “I hadn’t heard.”

  I reached for my water, the lemon slice riding the ice cubes. “It’s actually old news since I turned down the offer this morning.”

  Ethan flashed an odd expression. “They’re an amazing firm. May I ask why you didn’t take the position?”

  Remembering Ryan’s lingering kiss in his office, I smiled. “Let’s just say I don’t think they’re the kind of firm who would be happy with frequent traveling.”

  Charlie grinned. “Since when have you wanted to travel anywhere further than your office? I was waiting for you to install a Murphy bed in there.”

  Ethan laughed, covering it with a cough.

  “That’s very amusing.” I shook my head, missing the camaraderie of when we’d worked together. “You’re looking at a changed woman. I’m still going to excel in my career, but I have learned to relax in my downtime.”

  Charlie nodded, seeming to understand. “Does this have anything to do with Stan giving the Managing Attorney position to Ryan?”

  The server stopped by and took our orders, then I placed a napkin in my lap and fiddled with the corner. “It’s definitely what sparked reassessing my life.”

  Hard to believe I used to think of that as a bad thing.

  “You’re not going to like this, but I feel I should be honest with you.” Charlie cleared his throat. “Ryan Shaw aside, I don’t think Stan would’ve promoted you.”

  I was stunned a moment, but then the pieces fell into place. How he’d allowed Jim to put Ryan in his department. How easily he’d believed Frank’s word over mine. How he hadn’t seemed to want to give me a raise. I sighed. “I’m sure you’re right.”

  “I believe in the back of his mind, Stan knows what an incredible asset you are to his firm. Or, were.” Charlie’s lips thinned. “But, unfortunately for him and you, I don’t think he would’ve been comfortable treating a woman as his equal.”

  Thinking about Stan’s actions and who he chose to be friends with, that certainly fit. Whatever. “Well, that’s his loss.”

  “It certainly is.” Ethan chimed in. “And possibly our gain.”

  I froze. “How do you mean?”

  Charlie reached into his briefcase, pulled out a set of papers that were clipped together, then pushed them toward me. “We’d like to offer you a position at our firm.”

  “You seem surprised.” Ethan lifted his hands as the server placed our plates in front of us. “Why do you think we asked you to lunch?”

  I blinked, unable to fathom what they had just said. “For the pleasure of my company, I assumed.”

  “There is always that.” Charlie smiled, then gestured toward the papers in front of me. “You’re too talented to be working for somebody else. We’d like you to be a full partner.”

  Stunned speechless, my gaze flipped back and forth between them as I mentally considered their offer. I already knew that Charlie and I worked famously together. He was honest, hard-working, and one of the best people I’d ever met. Although I’d never worked with him, Ethan appeared to be cut from the same legal pad.

  The only thing to consider was if this was really happening. Me? Partner? At 29? That would be even earlier than I’d planned.

  Charlie leaned forward. “Not to put too much pressure on you, but we’d like you to start as soon as possible.”

  Ethan raised a finger. “And you already know how flexible we’ll be with vacation time.”

  “True,” I said, unable to believe this turn of events. “Do you have enough clients lined up to take on a third partner?”

  Charlie nodded. “Business has really taken off. Especially with that client you referred to us.”

  My forehead wrinkled. “Which client?”

  “Mary Ann Nielsen.” Charlie folded his hands in front of his untouched meal. “She works in the corporate office of NGN Properties, who own an onslaught of apartment buildings. Thanks to you, they’ve hired us to manage their claims as they have a half-a-million dollar deductible before their insurance kicks in.”

  I browsed the contract quickly. It all seemed in order, which of course it would be straight forward and fair, knowing what my partners were like. . . .

  Chills vibrated through me. My partners.

  I’d be able to enjoy time with Ryan, while thriving at a firm who appreciated me—who respected me as an equal. I couldn’t have dreamt up a better opportunity.

  Ethan and Charlie seemed tense as they watched me, waiting to see if I’d made a decision.

  “One more question before I give you my answer.” I raised a finger. “Are we talking Mansfield, Harrison, & Parnell, or the other way around?”

  Both men grinned, but it was Charlie who said, “Whichever way gets you to come onboard.”

&nbs
p; Completely elated, a brilliant smile formed as I held out my hand. “Then it looks like you’ve got yourselves another partner.”

  ****

  When my two weeks notice were up, Roger Gray took me out to lunch at the restaurant of my choice. I automatically chose Takeshi. As we chatted over sushi, at my favorite restaurant, he told me how much he’d appreciated all of my hard work over the years, and that he wished things would’ve worked out differently.

  Thinking of Madison, I realized not everyone had the ideal partners, and I counted myself very lucky to have the best of the best. Corbett, Gray, & Shaw had thrown a going away party, but I guessed Stan only offered it due to procedure. But, whatever. I was just happy to be continuing my career in a place where I was valued and respected.

  At the end of my party, Valerie gave me an overly dramatic good-bye. Many others, including Scott, said they’d miss working with me. I took it as a big compliment, glad for the positive aspects of my five years at Corbett, Gray, & Shaw.

  ****

  After enjoying my birthday lunch at Cherie’s Cafe with Sarah, Ginger, and Patti—I’d embraced thirty and where I was in my life, so definitely no PML here—I walked back to the offices of Mansfield, Harrison, & Parnell and found a dozen red roses waiting for me on my desk.

  Lifting the card, I read: Happy Birthday, buttercup! Rez for 6pm at The Melting Pot. Love, Ryan

  I plucked a flower from the vase, brought it to my nose, and breathed in the floral scent. I hoped Ryan was still enjoying the new firm he’d started working for on Monday, and I was glad his uncle Jim had been understanding about his reasons for leaving. Definitely didn’t want to upset him, since I had the strong feeling I’d be part of Ryan’s family down the road.

  My cell phone rang. I glanced at the number, Mom, and immediately tapped ANSWER. “Hello?”

  “Happy birthday, honey!” Mom rambled, sounding relaxed and happy. “Thirty years ago today, your dad bought me a chicken burrito on the way to the hospital, because they never let you eat in there, and I was starving.”