With the First Goodbye (Thirty-Eight Book 5)

by Len Webster

  “Maxwell Sheridan, will you please tutor me in contracts?” Josie asked sweetly.

  Max nodded. “Josephine Falkner, I thought you’d never ask.”

  “And was he mentally capable of comprehending right from wrong?” Jason Silverman, Josie’s Legal Practice and Ethics tutor, asked. Jason was not only Josie’s favourite tutor at Deakin University, but he was also working on his PhD between lectures and tutorials. Soon enough, he’d have the title of ‘Doctor’ before Josie could even say she had graduated from law school. Jason’s dark brown eyes scanned the room and caused Josie to sink lower in her seat. When his eyes landed on her, he let out a sigh and trained his focus on another student. “Matt, what do you think?”

  Josie let out a relieved sigh and picked up her pen to write Matt’s answer and Jason’s upcoming explanation in her notebook.

  “From all the evidence, Jas, it sounds like he was completely sane when he killed his wife,” Matt stated as Josie began to write.

  Jason’s lips pursed as he nodded. Then he pushed off the table he leant on and made his way to Matt’s. Upon reaching it, he set his palms on the edge and looked down at Matt. “And what makes you think he was sane?”

  “He planned the murder of his wife the moment he found out she was cheating on him. Hell, the guy even googled ‘how to get away with murder’ for tips.”

  The entire class laughed with Matt.

  Josie only smiled as she flipped the page of her notebook over. Then she set pen to paper and craned her neck to find Jason looking her way.

  “And what do you think, Josie?” her tutor asked.

  It had been weeks since she had even answered in class, when she used to challenge Matt and his answers all the time. But now, now Josie wrote what she heard and counted the minutes until she could race out of the room and take the tram back into the city to be by her mother’s bedside.

  She pressed her lips into a tight smile and shrugged. What Josie really thought was that the murderous husband was sane but could use the circumstances for his bloodlust for an insanity defence. But she knew Jason well, and he’d ask her if it was an ethical practice. It wasn’t. She knew right from wrong, and the husband was guilty. But as a hypothetical defence lawyer, it was about winning the case. Morally, it was completely unethical, but it was a legal practice. It was what won a lot of cases, this one included.

  “I don’t have anything to add to what Matt just said,” she answered.

  Jason pushed off the table and stood straight. “That’s disappointing to hear, Josie.” Then he glanced at the watch on his left wrist, and a smile spread across his face. “All right, everyone, that’s time for us this week. I’ll see you all at the lecture next week. I’ll be taking over for Professor Ibrahim. I’ll be cutting into the usual structure and adding a discussion, so be prepared.”

  “Anything else, Jas?” one of the mature students in the back of the classroom asked.

  “Just the required reading in your textbook. Also, I’d like you all to think of an argument to counter or strengthen Matt’s for our next tutorial. Have a great week.”

  Josie had quickly scribbled her thoughts on the case before she closed her notebook and shoved it, her pen, and the textbook into her satchel. Just as she was about to stand from her chair, she heard Jason clear his throat and say, “Josie, could you please stay back for a moment?”

  She winced at her tutor’s rigid stance. Then she pulled her phone from the leather jacket pocket and checked the time. There was no way she’d make her tram now that her tutor wanted her to stay back. She had been cutting it close before, but now she would definitely miss it.

  Sighing, she set her satchel on the table. “Sure. What’s up?”

  Her tutor turned to face her, and she saw the disappointment in his eyes. It was hard to look away from him, and it made her uncomfortable and sick inside. Jason Silverman was cute for his late twenties. His short brown hair was combed perfectly. And as always, his button-down shirt was tucked into his black skinny jeans, and his brown dress shoes completed his tutor outfit. Sometimes, when he was running late or had been writing all night, he wore loafers, jeans, and a T-shirt. He was one of a few who treated her nicely and overlooked her previously wild and edgy attire when she had tested her father. When she had given up on that lifestyle, he had a smile on his lips and welcomed the real her back. He’d seen through her bullshit from the get-go.

  “What’s going on with you, Josie?” He sounded tired and fed up. She didn’t blame him. She felt that, too. She was sick and tired of the world. But she had to brave it for her mother.

  “Nothing,” she lied.

  “Don’t, Josie. Don’t lie to me.”

  She wasn’t going to deny it. She was indeed lying to her favourite tutor who had always respected her and commented on how well she’d do as a lawyer someday.

  “I just didn’t feel like talking in class today,” she explained lamely as she picked up her satchel’s strap. She dropped it the moment Jason made his way towards her. The disappointment in his eyes faded, and instead, she saw sadness and understanding in them. It confused her. Then she gazed down to see something in his hand. Her heart hammered in her chest at the thought of what it could be. “What’s that?”

  Jason held the paper to her, and Josie took it. He took a deep breath and said, “I’ve taught you for a few years now, Josie. I can’t write any form of recommendation with the work you’ve handed in. What happened to you, Josie? Your assignments were my favourite to mark. Your mind and approach to legal situations were always fascinating. You always led me through your answers with a uniqueness I’ve never seen before. Your critical thinking abilities are beyond your youth.”

  It was half a compliment and half a talking-to.

  She had no response. All she could do was keep her mouth shut and hope that Jason would take a hint and speed up his takedown of her.

  “Have you got a placement for next year? You’re required to complete a traineeship before you can practice.”

  “I don’t have a placement.”

  Jason’s disappointment made a return. “I can make some calls and—”

  Lie, Josie.

  “It’s fine,” she said, cutting him off. “I have a few interviews. I’m sure I’ll have it cemented before exams.”

  Relief consumed his eyes. “That’s good to hear. I’ve worried about you, Josie. You know you can come talk to me. I don’t want to fail you, but if you keep handing in work as you have … You’re lucky your arguments got you through this assignment. You have to contribute in class—at least try to. Don’t let a guy ruin the makings of your career, Josie.”

  Shame filled her.

  Of course, he would think it was a guy.

  It had always been about a guy.

  Josie faked the smile on her lips and nodded. She picked up the satchel strap and set it on her shoulder. “I won’t let a guy ruin this. I promise to do better.”

  He didn’t believe her.

  It was so clear on his face.

  No smile.

  No hint of anything in his eyes.

  Her words held no meaning to him.

  So she would just have to prove it.

  “Honey, I’m home!” West Montgomery sang as he entered the apartment Josie shared with his girlfriend, Stella Weller.

  Josie didn’t bother to look up from her legal practice and ethics textbook. She was catching up on last week’s required reading before she read this week’s and next. She had a lot of catching up to do. Visiting her mother meant more, but she was also determined to finish her degree. It also meant losing herself in the ethical side of being a lawyer. In fact, she had learnt that a lot of things lawyers did were, according to the theory, unethical.

  “See, I told you she was alive,” she heard West whisper.

  Josie rolled her eyes and stated, “You owe me twenty dollars.”

  “She’s most definitely herself,” West added.

  “Shut up, West, and get the groceries in the
fridge,” Stella ordered.

  Moments later, her best friend placed something on the table. Josie set the textbook down to find a pint of Ben and Jerry’s on the dining table she had used as her desk.

  “Your favourite. Chocolate fudge brownie,” Stella said with a smile.

  Letting out a sigh, Josie reached for the pint of ice cream and worked at getting the plastic seal off the lid. “Is this your idea of cooking dinner?”

  Stella let out a laugh as she got to work untying her blonde locks from her bun. “No. You know I can’t cook. That’s why I’m with West. Isn’t that right, honey?”

  A groan came from the kitchen. “I’m not your honey! I’m Josie’s. Didn’t you hear me call her that moments ago?”

  “We can fight over her later. Get to cooking!”

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “You’re both really annoying,” Josie commented as she removed the lid and set it on the wooden table.

  Out of nowhere, Stella produced a silver spoon from behind her back and handed it to Josie. “You love us. We weren’t expecting to see you at home.”

  Stabbing the utensil into the pint of ice cream, she spooned an enormous amount out and set the tub down. She brought the spoon to her lips and shovelled the ice cream into her mouth. Instant regret filled her as the cold treat took over and caused her to cringe. Her temples felt that familiar cool ache, and she slapped her palm against the tabletop. It took some time before she could swallow it down.

  “Want some water?” Stella asked with a laugh, glittering green eyes on her.

  Josie shook her head. “No. I’m good. Thanks.”

  “No hospital tonight?”

  Another shake of her head. “Doc told me to go home. Mum’s on some heavy stuff tonight to help her sleep. They were meant to do the scans but couldn’t. She wasn’t feeling okay, but he assured me that she’s next in line.”

  Stella’s chin dipped. Her best friend had always seen Emily Faulkner as a second mother to her. “Do you think it could …?”

  Josie hated the question Stella couldn’t finish.

  But the reality was, she did. She did think her mother’s cancer could be terminal this time. She was a lot frailer now than during her first battle. The cancer took away her strong and healthy mother and left a shell behind. Her warmth was no longer hers to exuberate and for Josie to be in awe of.

  “Yeah,” she whispered, scraping more ice cream into the spoon. “I don’t want it to be, but they keep telling me to prepare myself.”

  She raised her chin to find tears slipping down Stella’s cheeks. “Em’s a fighter. She’s never lost a battle yet.”

  That’s a lie.

  The thought had Josie feeling disgusted with herself. It was horrible to think so ill of her mother. But she had lost one fight. And that had been to keep the love of Josie’s father. She knew her mother still loved her father. Emily had defended him for being a selfish father and husband. Chose to leave them so he could be an ambassador. To serve his country rather than his family. And to rub salt in the wounds he’d inflicted, he even had a new German family.

  “Honey, do you want apricot chicken or satay for dinner?” West asked from the kitchen.

  Josie glanced over to see the smirk on Stella’s face. “He means you, Josie,” her best friend whispered.

  “Seriously?”

  Stella nodded.

  “Apricot chicken!” Josie yelled out.

  “I thought so,” West answered. “Too bad it’s gonna cost you twenty dollars for my apricot chicken, Josie.”

  “Do you take uncollected debts? Because you owe me that very amount.”

  The apartment went quiet.

  Then her best friend’s boyfriend screamed, “I’m Josie-debt free!”

  Max: Josephine, it’s been a few days. Do you still need tutoring?

  Josie glanced down at her phone on the steel bench and tied the icing stained apron around her. Once she’d fastened it tightly, she picked up her phone and smiled at Max’s message. It had been a hectic few days of classes, the hospital, her mother, and her roommate. Catching up on her legal practice and ethics readings meant forgetting about contracts altogether—especially since that class wasn’t until next week. She’d neglected to schedule a free timeslot to acquire Max’s legal mind. She felt guilty that he was waiting on her when he was a busy practising lawyer at one of the best law firms in the country.

  Josie: I’m so sorry. I’ve been so busy catching up with a few of my readings. When are you free?

  She watched the dots on her phone move, indicating he was already typing a reply.

  Max: Question is, when are you free?

  Josie: I have the morning shift today at the bakery then I have an afternoon lecture. Tonight?

  Max: Can’t do tonight. I’m sorry.

  She couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed that he wasn’t free to tutor her tonight. It was Friday. He probably had plans or even a date. The latter caused her to frown as a weird pang consumed her chest. It was strange. She hadn’t felt that pang since she was eight and her mother told her that her father was having another daughter with another woman. She was jealous to share her father with another daughter.

  Am I jealous of Max going on a date?

  She shook her head. She couldn’t be jealous.

  In fact, she should encourage Max.

  They were friends.

  Friends weren’t jealous of such petty things like the idea of Max dating other women.

  Josie: That’s all right. I have the shorter shifts this weekend and a few errands. But besides that, I’m free in the afternoons. Whenever you’re free and want to tutor, I’m at your disposal.

  Josie watched Max begin a reply before it immediately stopped. The anxiety of watching someone write a text message was a form of torture. Her last message sounded desperate for his time. Well, she was technically desperate for it and his expertise in contracts.

  “Josie, I’d like you to meet someone,” Nadia, her boss and the head baker, said.

  Setting her phone back on the bench, she turned to find Ally Moors standing at the kitchen entry with a smile. Her hazel eyes held an excited gleam in them. Josie glanced down to see Ally in a long floral skirt and a white off-the-shoulder top. She was stunning. Not an inch of the former life lived on her. Ally amazed Josie and made her proud of the person she had become since she had recovered from her kidney transplant and moved to Melbourne almost four months ago.

  “Ally, it’s so good to see you,” Josie said.

  It was. It was so good to see her with a smile and some colour on her face rather than the paleness Josie saw after her transplant.

  “I’ll leave you two to catch up,” Nadia said as she left them alone in the kitchen.

  The former socialite made her way towards her and instantly pulled Josie into a hug the moment she reached her. “You, too, Josie,” she said once she ended their embrace. That was when Josie noticed the ring on Ally’s left hand.

  The sapphire and diamond gold wedding ring was beautiful.

  It wasn’t obnoxious.

  Or flashy.

  It was refined and stunning.

  A lot like the woman who wore the ring so proudly.

  “So you married the rower?” Josie said, biting back a smile.

  A blush consumed Ally’s cheeks. “Don’t think we didn’t invite you to the wedding. We eloped in New York. We’re going to have an engagement party and an actual wedding soon, and you’ll definitely be invited. Enough about me. How are you?”

  Josie shrugged a shoulder. “Still working here when I’m not at uni. I actually want to keep talking about you. I saw Rob on TV!”

  Ally’s hazel eyes gleamed. “I’m so proud of him. We just got back last night, and he’s had calls for interviews. He’s turned them all down except for the ones for Rowing World magazine, Rowing Australia, and Rowing Victoria. They’re the ones he’s required to do.”

  “That’s so amaz—”

  Josie’s phon
e chiming had her sentence ending. She glanced down to see that Max had replied to her. Her heart galloped at the sight of his name.

  A stupid name evoked such reactions from her.

  It was as surprising as it was annoying.

  He was just her friend.

  “Max?” Ally questioned. Josie didn’t have to look at her to know she wore a smile. It was clear in her voice.

  Josie swiped her phone off the steel counter. “Ah, yeah.”

  “This couldn’t possibly be the same Max who’s also my husband’s best friend, is it?”

  “Ah …” It wasn’t a secret that she and Max had seen each other while their friends were in France. It wasn’t as if they were hiding their friendship. Yet Josie felt the need to.

  “It so is!” Ally let out a laugh. “Max Sheridan is texting Josie Faulkner. How did that even happen?”

  Josie was at a loss for words.

  How did it happen?

  The wedding.

  That moment on that bridge had connected them.

  Her failed dinner with her father had given them more than just the wedding.

  Everything else seemed to come next for them.

  As if they were meant to be in each other’s lives …

  As friends.

  “We saw each other one night at a restaurant and … numbers were exchanged and …”

  “You like Max,” Ally stated rather than asked.

  Josie let out an unbelievable laugh. “Me? Like Max?”

  Ally nodded with a large grin on her face. “I saw the way your eyes lit up when you saw his name. You like him.”

  “Umm, no! I just saw a glimpse of the cupcakes that Nadia was making, and they just so happen to be near my phone. That’s it. Cupcakes light up my eyes.”

  Lame.

  So very lame.

  Josie watched as Ally glanced down at her phone and then her eyes had roamed the bench before she returned her gaze to Josie. Eyebrow raised and all. “There are no cupcakes.” Ally giggled as she set her hand on Josie’s shoulder. “I won’t say a word, I promise. But I didn’t come here to be your boss.”