Abruptly, Simon rose and touched Kate’s shoulder, sending a current of warming energy down her arm and across her ribs, steadying her racing pulse. His face had shuttered, become grave. His shaggy brows bristled, shadowing his steely eyes and his voice was dangerously calm, taut and quiet, like the whisper of steel on whetstone. He took hold of Eli’s arm with a firm grip, ushering him toward the door. “Please excuse us, ladies. We’ll be back in just a moment.”
~*~
Kate was grateful the kerfuffle was over, but she felt an unexpected surge of resentment toward Simon for taking control. It wasn’t like she hadn’t dealt with unruly or distraught clients before. It was her job, after all, what she was trained to do. Does he think I can’t handle it? She scowled. But she knew Eli respected and admired Simon and would listen to him, and tried to damp down her irritation.
While they waited, she took the opportunity to work with D'arcy. It was, actually— she was loath to admit to herself— a good time for a spontaneous breakout session. With Eli out of the way, the atmosphere calmed and Kate was able to get D'arcy to see how Eli’s tendency to be expressive, openly affectionate and careless of etiquette, though he wasn’t intentionally insensitive, fed her fears that he was flirting and having affairs. She admitted that one of the things she loved about him was his ability to completely lose himself in the moment, the person, the idea. When his fancy was caught, his passion was immediate and engrossing, and he was completely unselfconscious in his devotion to it.
“That can be a dangerous tendency, if you ask me,” offered Sharon. “Everyone needs to exercise control over their emotions.”
“Sometimes that’s true, Sharon. But if everyone did all the time, there would be no artists, no musicians, no lovers in the world,” Kate said, meeting D’arcy’s eye with a knowing smile.
D'arcy admitted that in the past she had felt jealous of the way he became absorbed in conversations with people, to the exclusion of her or anyone else in the room. But she understood it and accepted it. “Lately, though, I’ve had a harder time with it.” She admitted it was her own needs that perhaps had changed.
Ever vigilant, Sharon chose the opportunity to raise the alleged infidelity again, asking how she could trust him after catching him in such a compromising situation. “What kind of man would do that? It isn’t right.”
“Well, D'arcy? How are you feeling about that now?” asked Kate. “Do you still believe Eli slept with one of those women?”
D'arcy was pensive, her voice wistful when she spoke. “I don’t know, Kate. Maybe I–”
“But you were certain,” exclaimed Sharon. “That’s what drove you to file for divorce, wasn’t it?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Sharon … the evidence was damning, yes, I admit, but pretty circumstantial. I really wouldn’t put it past Eli to pass out at his own party,” D'arcy lowered her face into her hands and ground at her temples with her carmine-tipped fingers. She looked dog-tired.
“I’m telling you, a word to the wise is enough,” Sharon shook her head, tight-lipped.
“Meaning… ?”
“Meaning… he’s already shown you his colors. If he didn’t sleep with those girls, how long until he’s tempted again?” Sharon’s hands sliced down onto the table like small square guillotines, unforgiving. D’arcee’s eyes widened in distress, and she inserted her little finger between her teeth, nibbling.
Kate grimaced and, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, said, “Sharon, I’m sorry, but I have to ask you point blank. What exactly is your objective here?” She opened her hands, remembering the phone-call from Darcy’s mother. “Have you been retained to ensure D'arcy and Eli are divorced despite their wishes?” It was difficult to keep the sarcasm out of her tone; Sharon’s motives were so obvious. “You’re doing a great job of helping them along, if that’s the case.”
Sharon huffed, her nostrils flaring like a small dragon, but there was no opportunity to further the topic, as the door opened. Simon and Eli returned, Eli shuffling. Simon glanced at him significantly, eyebrow cocked.
“Er.” Eli angled toward his chair, gripping its back. “I… uh… I’m sorry. I kinda lost my cool, there.” Kate met his eye cautiously, not smiling. “M’sorry Kate. I didn’t mean what I said, honest. I just get worked up into a lather.” Eli dared a peek at D'arcy, who offered him a shy, tentative smile of acceptance.
Kate reluctantly acknowledged that Simon had done a very effective job of turning Eli around. “Good. Alright then. Please sit down and we’ll resume.” They did sit, and Kate tried not to scowl at Simon. He answered with a bemused expression, filled with unaffected warmth, empathy and confidence, and a little shrug. Somehow it annoyed her even more.
“Right. I’m sorry we lost the momentum we gained earlier this morning, but, perhaps we learned something valuable in the process,” Kate opened her hands, palm up. “D'arcy, why don’t you tell Eli what you discovered this morning?”
Tentatively, D'arcy admitted she had been too willing to leap to the wrong conclusions lately about his behavior, especially toward other women. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, to trust him. “I guess I need reassurance, instead of resentment.”
Eli glanced at Simon. Simon sat forward, his hands clasped together against his chin, as though he sheltered the most precious, tiny treasure trapped between them, his blue eyes bright with expectation, like a summer sky. Kate could almost hear him cheering Eli on. Eli squared his shoulders. “I know, D'arcy.” He swallowed, his prominent Adam’s apple sliding up and down his tanned neck. “I think… no, I’m pretty sure a lot of… of my flying off the handle is just my old insecurities.”
“I think I know that,” said D'arcy. She laid a hand lightly over his on the table.
“I mean, it’s not even you. I’m still pretty blown away by what’s happening. Maybe I’m afraid it won’t last. That I’ll be found out, knocked down a peg, y’know?” Eli’s eyebrows tilted like brackets in his creased brow, and the earnest, anxious expression in his dark chocolate eyes melted Kate’s heart.
Gosh, she wanted so much for these two to work it out. It was so obvious to her that they loved each other very much. Kate stood straighter, pulling in a deep breath, filling her lungs. I’m good at this. I really am able to help them. We’re making progress.
“Oh, I should know that about you.” D’arcy’s smoky hazel eyes were glazed with unshed tears. “But I also know, I’ve been pretty hard on you, babe. I can see how my demands are responsible for pushing you away.” She offered a quavering smile.
“Brilliant. I’m so excited. We’re getting to the heart of the matter, here, you two. I think it’s plain to see what we need to work on is trust. Are you with me?” She queried them with her eyes, searching for consensus. She recapped her observations. Closing her folder, Kate sat up straight and rummaged in her bag for a moment, giving her clients a moment to gather themselves together.
“Okay. We’re done for today. Do you think you’re prepared to begin next week with a plan of action? I think we’re ready to move on to talking about the future.” When they both tore their eyes away from each other and looked up at her, blinking their confusion, she answered their implicit question. Sharon was scowling again. Simon, in contrast, leaned back with his face open and amused. She wondered, not for the first time, what he found so damn humorous about the whole process. At least now she understood how skeptical he was about her work. “In mediation, we collectively draft an agreement that lays out each party’s wants and commits to actions in the future. It’s an important step on the road to reconciliation.” Her smile of reassurance was met with blank stares. “I’m assuming that’s what you want out of this?”
“Don’t you think moving to an agreement without more discussion would be a bit hasty, considering the morning?” asked Simon, his eyes skeptical.
“I agree. It seems a rather tenuous leap of faith,” said Sharon.
Stay calm. They didn’t understand her methods. “Not at all. Trust
me, I’ve been through this a hundred times.” Or fifty, anyway. “This is all part of how this process should unfold,” she said. “I’ll explain in detail next week, but suffice it to say, I want to send you away with very specific goals. It won’t be so easy to slip back into troubled waters if you have an action plan made up of wants, needs, and a commitment to changes in behavior that you can then go home and apply. The work’s not over yet.” She laughed softly at their bewilderment. “Last thing,” she stood up, and passed around cards. “Next week, we’ll try out a new meeting space. Here’s the address. It’s a bit unconventional, but I think we’ll be more comfortable there. I hope that’s not too inconvenient for you Sharon.” She smiled tightly, but there was venom in her heart. She’d be only too pleased if Sharon couldn’t attend.
Now the conflict was diffused, the atmosphere was lighthearted as everyone stood to leave. Eli offered to take D'arcy for a ride on his bike around Stanley Park in the sunshine. When she hesitated, he picked up his helmet and said, “I’ve got a spare. C’m’on, cher.” He pulled on her arm, a most alluring smile in his sparkling, dark eyes. How could D'arcy resist? He plucked a cigarette out of the pack in his pocket and tucked it between his lips, grinning. D'arcy smiled back, shook her head, and yanked the cigarette out again, tossing it aside.
“Hey!” he complained.
Before they left the boardroom, Kate pulled D'arcy to one side, and said under her breath, “Get some sleep this week, hey?” giving her arm an affectionate squeeze. Simon, Sharon and Kate stood and watched as Eli and D'arcy left, and there were smirks of approval as they saw Eli twine his fingers between D’arcy’s.
“Hmmph. I never would have guessed it,” said Sharon. “Well, good day you two. Until next week, then,” and she followed them out. At the last minute, she turned back. “Oh, Simon. Will we see you on Saturday night, then?”
“Erm. I … probably, yes.”
“Good. Good. I’ll see you there.”
Kate felt a twinge of annoyance. What could Simon and Sharon could be doing together on the weekend. They seemed an unlikely pairing. But then she recalled that Sharon was a friend of Simon’s wife. Undoubtedly, they moved in the same social circle. It was nothing to her, in any case. His private life was none of her business. Certainly she wasn’t envious. Not a bit.
As usual, Kate sat down again to make her case notes after everyone else left. Simon caught her eye on his way out. She couldn’t help herself. “By the way, Simon. Although I’m certain your actions were well-intentioned, in future I’d appreciate if you’d check with me if you want a break-out session with your client instead of dashing from the room. I’m quite accustomed to dealing with my clients outbursts, you know.”
He stared silently, his face passive. If he was angry she couldn’t tell. “Alright.” After a moment, he nodded slowly and left, leaving her with the memory of his perplexed expression.
CHAPTER SIX
Dazzling afternoon sun blinded Kate as she stepped out onto the street and, squinting, stopped to fish her sunglasses out of her bag. Remembering her tea with Simon, she smiled to herself and thought how pleasant it would be to sit outside again. This was likely the last bit of sunshine she would see before next spring. She would treat herself to a nice restaurant lunch and take her mind off of both her temperamental clients and their interfering, exasperating barristers. I know just the spot.
Two blocks over, she approached Luigi’s, but was dismayed to find a cluster of people in the doorway with similar intentions. She’d have a long wait for a table. She paused on the sidewalk, glancing at her watch and surveying the crowd. A flash of movement caught her eye, and glancing over, she was amazed to see Simon sitting alone at a small table outside, waving a menu in the air. She strolled over, her stomach tightening, feeling awkward after their parting words.
“Hey, this isn’t an Asian restaurant. What are you doing here?” She forced a laugh.
He smirked, a knowing light shining in his blue eyes. “Were you trying to avoid me by choosing Italian?” He twirled a glass of red wine, the only ornament on the plastic covered red and white checked tablecloth.
She feared her hot face exposed her distress. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been here before, the food’s excellent.”
“Join me,” he invited. “You’ll have quite a wait otherwise. It seems I got here just in time.”
What? She hesitated, biting her lip. “Sure.” She shrugged, stepping around the barrier. “You’re not expecting anyone?”
“Only you,” he smiled, as she pulled out a chair and perched across from him. “Here,” he handed the menu to her, “I’ve already decided.”
“Oh, I think I know what I’ll order already, unless there are specials to tempt me,” she replied, flipping open the menu to glance at the fresh sheet. “Hmm. I’ll stick with the pesto.”
“Good choice. You know he grows his own organic basil… ” A young waiter sidled through the crowded patio smiling at them.
“Buon giorno, signore. You have company.” He took their orders, Simon ordering the pesto too. The young man grinned at Simon. “Signorina,” he bowed his head slightly and met her eye with a mischievous grin.
“That looks awfully good,” said Kate, eyeing Simon’s wine, “I think I’ll have one, too,” she told the waiter before he turned away. “I don’t know where they find young Italians to wait tables here in Vancouver, but it sure helps the ambiance.”
Simon chuckled. “Octavio was born here, over near the Drive, though his parents and grandparents immigrated. I think he gets better tips with the accent.”
She laughed. Waiting for the food, they reviewed the morning. “Sorry if I didn’t follow protocol,” he said, his sincerity unmistakable. “I just reacted when I saw Eli losing it. I didn’t want him to say something he couldn’t take back. I was trying to help.”
Kate dropped her eyes, acknowledging his apology. “What did you say to him, anyway?”
Simon’s mouth twisted to the side, and his eyes dropped. “Er. Guy stuff. Confidential.”
Whatever it was, he seemed to have a way with Eli and she said so, her resentment evaporating in response to his bashful smile.
“I’m a lot more comfortable one-on-one with my clients than in the public arena of a courtroom,” Simon explained. “Too introverted, I guess.”
“That reminds, me,” Kate sipped her wine, “Is that what happened to criminal law? You used to be so fervent about that. I figured by now you’d be…” she hesitated. Perhaps this was not a diplomatic line of questioning. “I don’t know… ” She waved a hand in the air, tossing the question away, and reached for a piece of bread instead.
He laughed. “It’s okay. Some days I wonder what happened to my dreams, too.” He pulled apart some bread and nibbled at it thoughtfully. “It’s complicated I guess. I did work in criminal law for a while, until I passed the bar and then a bit longer.” He hesitated, and added softly. “I was still with Rachel then, before Maddie was born. We were both very driven.”
She glanced up quickly. “Sharon mentioned. You’re divorced?” She knew it was none of her business, but some part of her couldn’t help digging for details.
“No, not yet. Separated two years. My wife’s a lawyer, too, and a very good one. She didn’t slow down when our daughter was born, so I had to.” He shrugged and offered a skewed smile to Kate, and she saw that it was full of sadness. “I made the shift to business law first. But I really didn’t fit in, anyway. Sometimes… ” he looked up at the canopy of trees that cast filigreed shadows across the table, ruffling in the gentle breeze, “ …sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expect them to.”
Kate nodded. You can say that again. But she didn’t want to interrupt his wistful rambling. She urged him to continue with her eyes alone, sipping her wine.
Simon sighed. “Then I found corporate law just too tedious to bear. I don’t really have a mind for business, so I shifted into divorce and personal services a couple years ago. It
may not have the panache or the upside potential, but it’s easier, that’s certain, with more regular hours. But that’s not the only reason I made the changes. Just being around all those ruthless, greedy people made me feel sick. Someone was always trying to take advantage of someone else. I couldn’t bury myself in that world day after day. Not… ” he added, “…that I don’t see ruthlessness and greed in divorce law.” He laughed. “It wasn’t the thrill I expected it to be in my idealistic youth,” he threw a lopsided grin at her, making light of it.
“So, do you see much of your daughter?” Kate asked.
Simon tossed his head back and exploded with laughter. “Every day.” In response to her puzzled expression, he chortled, reaching out to pat the back of her hand. Rather than feeling reassurance, his touch sent a frisson of excitement though her. He sobered and said, “When Rachel and I separated two years ago, Maddie stayed with me. Though we haven’t moved forward on the divorce settlement much,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “I want full custody of Madison. Rachel never had time for her in the first place, so she isn’t involved much these days. But she’s holding out for shared custody anyway, just to aggravate me. I think.”
It took Kate a moment to process what he was saying. As the realization dawned, she opened her mouth, hesitated and then said, “Are you telling me your daughter lives with you full time?”
“I am. Rachel travels a lot. She just plain works more than I do. It makes sense. That’s why I bought the house.” He smiled and shrugged. “I always did most of the parenting anyhow. Maddie’s my little girl, so I couldn’t have parted with her, even part time.” He studied his glass, twirling it around and around.
Kate’s heart swelled with compassion. She could hardly imagine Simon as a father, let alone a single parent. What a disconcerting notion to try to integrate into her image of him. She really had no idea who he was, but she liked this new Simon too much, far too much for her own good.
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