The sole female partner steps in and plops into the chair, dressed in fuchsia high-waisted dress pants and a cute black top. The late thirty-something crosses her legs, her long black hair falling in delicate waves. Katrina Dunn is striking. She’s tall, poised, and has a badass edge that tells you she’ll back you into a corner.
“You scared me.” I twist in my chair to face her with my hand over my heart, waiting for it to return to normal pace.
She smiles apologetically. “Did you get everything unpacked?” She inspects her perfectly manicured nails.
This woman is all fun and sass, but research shows she morphs into a barracuda when you get her in a courtroom. I can tell the men in this firm don’t quite know how to handle her, and she loves every minute of it.
“It’s coming along. Most of it is put away.”
One of the best parts of this move is being out from underneath the frat boys and the constant scent of weed. Our six months in an apartment back home only made me more grateful for the house and this opportunity.
She pushes her lips to the side. “Now that the rosy glasses have been removed and you’re settling in, you’ll see how completely dull this city really is.”
“I have a feeling nothing is ever dull with you around.” I smile, resting back in my chair. “What about you? Do anything fun this weekend?”
She groans, her head falling back toward the ceiling. “I was preparing for the Ingram case. Reading through the notes, I contemplated shoving my head in a toilet and flushing it about a dozen times.”
Kat is also a divorce attorney. Behind Griffin, she’s making a name for herself as one of the best. Most of her clients are on the wealthier end of the spectrum, which she says rarely leads to an amicable separation.
“I had to read about Dr. Ingram’s porn addiction and picture all of the ways in which . . .” She doesn’t finish but shivers, her whole body reacting to the mental images.
“You should have called me. I would’ve helped.”
She peeks at me under her long, thick eyelashes. “I like you way too much ever to do that. Plus, you have sweet babies that need time with their mama.”
I glance at the picture of Ollie and Frankie. I miss slow mornings and all the snuggles. I halt the memories, remembering why I’m here.
“Morning, ladies.” Griffin stops in the doorway. He’s a tall, distinguished-looking man with salt-and-pepper hair and bright blueeyes. I’ve seen him in nothing but expensive suits and the occasional sweater on days he’s not expected in court.
“How are the Connor assets coming along?” He rests his shoulder against the doorjamb.
“I’ve been working on the investments, and then I’ll dig into the real estate. I can email you what I have so far.”
He nods. “Very good.” He smiles, displaying his straight, white teeth. “Did you have a good weekend?”
“Yes. It was quiet.” I keep it short and sweet, steering clear of all personal matters.
He nods again. “Great. I’ll let you ladies get back to it.” He offers a small smile and winks, leaving us.
Kat’s eyes roll to the ceiling. “Brilliant and charming is dangerous inside the courtroom and out.” Something in her tone tells me she’s witnessed both. “Just watch out when Junior strolls in.”
“Junior?” I raise an eyebrow.
She raises an eyebrow right back and adds a smirk. “Griffin’s son. He’ll like you, so it’s best if you set him straight from the beginning.”
I stare at her, wondering if she gives this advice to everyone or just me.
“Have you met any of your neighbors? I don’t know what I’d do without the old guy who lives next to me. He mows my lawn, scoops the snow, and brings me vegetables from his garden all summer long.”
I take a sip of coffee, thinking how nice it would be to have someone rake the layers of leaves in my front yard that are turning soft and will eventually smell. “An older couple lives next door, but my nanny says they travel a lot. Ollie made friends with the cute, bubbly librarian.”
Her shoulders roll forward. “That used to be me until this job sucked all the cute, sweet innocence from me.”
Me too, although it wasn’t a job.
She checks her watch and stands, straightening her pants and blouse. “I’ve got to gather my stuff and head to the courthouse to battle the porn-addicted slob.”
“Hey, do you have a recommendation for a mechanic? My car is making a noise, and I should probably get it looked at.” The possible expense makes my empty stomach roll into a hard ball.
