by Susan Hatler
“Those are chores.” Kristen made a humming noise. “What else do you do? For instance, my usual is work, spending time with Ethan, touring and studying anything having to do with history, hiking, boating, and community service projects.”
My jaw dropped open. “All of that and you have your own business?”
She smiled. “I’ve cut back on work a bit since I met Ethan. I love my practice, but it’s not my entire life, you know?”
Catching her meaning in her tone, my forehead creased. “You’re saying work is my whole life.”
She lifted the ringlets above her brows, then held my gaze. “Isn’t it?”
As Carmen continued sectioning, brushing goop, and wrapping her organized pieces of tinfoil around my head, I racked my brain for all I’d done over the past two weeks. Work. Gym. Work. Laundry. Work. Grocery store. Work. Hmm. . . .
Remembering something, I twisted toward Kristen. “I went to a fundraising dinner for the Sacramento Children’s Home two weeks ago.”
Carmen cleared her throat, then guided my face forward again as she continued her highlighting mission.
“And who were you with at the dinner?” Kristen asked.
“Associates from work.” Argh. Nailed again! “But, I did make a donation.”
After watching the presentation on the abandoned kids, it had been impossible not to contribute. My heart had ached so much that I’d made a substantial donation. One so big I had to charge my groceries in order to pay my mortgage. Pictures of their sweet little faces ran through my mind again. . . .
“A donation is really nice.” Kristen sounded like she meant it. “Still, you have to admit the event was work-related.”
My brows came together. “What’s wrong with being driven in my career?”
“Nothing’s wrong with being career driven. But, you’re zooming down the highway without stopping for gas.”
I blinked. “You lost me.”
“One day, you’re going to run out of fuel, and find yourself on the side of that desert highway.” She gave me a meaningful look. “Alone.”
Right. Nobody I’d be responsible for besides myself. “Don’t worry, I’ll call a car service.”
Lifting her curls again, she threw me a pointed look. “Your life isn’t balanced. If it were, then you wouldn’t feel like your entire world was falling apart just because one area isn’t going so hot.”
“Going so hot? My life has come to a crashing halt.” Oh, wait. . . She might have a point. Um, yes. She definitely had a point. “Let’s say you’re right, that my life is unbalanced. What should I do about it?”
“To put it bluntly, you need to get a life.” She raised a finger. “Outside of work. Starting with my wedding tonight. Do not even think about leaving early to go home and work. Stay until midnight. Even better, go out after. What are you wearing? Scratch that. Buy something fun. Something new. To go with your new hair.”
With that, Carmen swiveled me away from the mirror, and gestured toward the chair with the dryer hanging over it.
“I suppose I can do that.” I watched Kristen’s hair dresser pull the ringlets away from her face, and secure the large group up high on her head with a rhinestone clip. Then came the hair spray. Lots of it.
“All right. I’ll definitely buy a new dress,” I agreed, then went to sit under the dryer. Even though my black dress was versatile and worked for almost any occasion.
As the heat blew in a loud, vibrating hum around my head, I thought about Kristen’s advice. Get a life? I’d had one and it had been swiped out from under me. For a trained therapist, I would’ve thought she’d focus on that more. Not what kind of dress I wore to her wedding.
The blow dryer turned off at the same time Kristen was on her way out in her princess hair-do. “Your hair looks amazing,” I said.
She gave me a hug, and when I squeezed her back a warm feeling came over me. “See you tonight?”
“Yes, and thanks for listening,” I said, then joined Carmen who’d been motioning to me from her work station.
After Carmen shampooed and conditioned my hair, she sat me down then placed her hands at my shoulders. “I’m thinking here would be a great length for you. It’ll take the weight off while still leaving your hair long enough to pull it back like you mentioned.”
“That’s fine.” I flinched at the swish swish of the blades chopping at my hair. I kept my head still and eyes closed, refusing to look at the long strands falling to the floor.
Snip! Snip! Had Carmen gotten more aggressive with those scissors or was it my imagination? My nerves were frazzled the entire time and after she blew my hair dry, she ran a flat-iron through it.
Then she turned me back toward the mirror. “Do you like it?” she asked.
I opened my eyes, and stared at the short blunt cut that hung just above my shoulders. The gold highlights brightened my features and complimented my brown eyes. “Wow.”
Stylish. Chic. I loved it.
“I’m glad you like it.” Carmen stood behind me, put her hands on my shoulders, then leaned down toward my ear. “Be sure to listen to Kristen’s advice, honey. It might not make sense now, but trust me. My marriage was dead in the water and she brought it back to life. That woman knows what she’s doing.”
Carmen’s marriage had been dead in the water, just like my career. Logically, if Kristen helped her, then supposedly she could help me. Looked like I was off to buy a party dress.
****
I arrived at the Geoffries hotel, dressed for a Hollywood awards ceremony. The sales woman at the fancy boutique downtown had definitely taken it to heart when I’d said, “I need a dress that’s ‘fun’ for a wedding tonight. Please pick one out for me and ring it up.”
Judging by the hefty price tag and her elated expression, she worked on commission. Glad I could make her day, but I wished Kristen had let me wear my comfortable black dress. I felt way too extravagant in the sexy, glittery gold, off-the-shoulder gown the sales woman had chosen. And people kept staring—mostly men. Sigh.
As I entered the ballroom, an usher appeared holding out his black tuxedo-jacket covered elbow. “Friend of the bride or groom?”
“Both.” Placing my hand on his arm, my eyes flicked up to his, and an electric jolt ran through me. Sexy hazel eyes. Dirty-blond hair. And a sensual smile. Ethan’s groomsman was hot. He even had a tan going on even though we were at the beginning of October. Maybe he’d just returned from a vacation. Where he was surfing. Because his upper body told me he used those muscles a lot.
His eyes crinkled as if he could tell exactly what I was thinking. “Since I can’t seat you in the middle of the aisle, why don’t I take you to the best available row? Unless you’re waiting for your date?”
A zing heated my belly. This guy was smooth.
“He’s coming later.” I tilted my head, smiling back at him. The lie had rolled off my tongue easily, because this guy screamed bad boy and I had enough problems.
“Lucky guy.” He showed me to the last two empty chairs in the fourth row on the groom’s side. “Don’t worry about your date finding you. He can’t miss you in that dress.”
“It’s new.” Tingles spiraled through my chest from his compliment, and I reminded myself of one word: danger. Despite myself, my eyes drifted down to his ring finger. Bare. Definitely dangerous. “Well, thanks.”
“My pleasure.” He nodded, gave me a wry smile, then headed back up the aisle.
As if pulled by magnets, I glanced over my shoulder as he retreated, then quickly forced myself to turn back. Get a grip, girl. I was here for my friends’ wedding, not to pick up on the gorgeous groomsman. The last thing in the world I needed was to be distracted from finding my new career goal.
“Is this seat taken?”
My head snapped up and I immediately recognized the woman standing before me. Madison McKenzie of McKenzie, Atkins, Haugan, & Hall—a high-powered law firm downtown who also specialized in personal injury.
“No, it’s
all yours.” I gestured toward the empty chair, feeling glad I’d indicated that I needed two seats, and silently thanking Ethan for inviting Madison McKenzie. If I could’ve chosen a mentor, it would’ve been her. The woman was career driven with a capital “D,” and was so persuasive she could convince a jury to strip naked if she wanted them to. After she sat, I held my hand out. “Jill Parnell, from Corbett, Gray, & Shaw.”
“I recognized you.” She gripped my hand in a firm shake. “I’ve watched you in court. It’s nice to see the shark out of water.”
“Says the great white herself.” The corners of my mouth twitched. “I watched you try Holliday versus Sanders recently. That was a nasty car accident in front of the capital building and you obtained an incredible jury verdict for the plaintiff. I’ve always admired your work.”
“Coming from someone so skilled herself, I take that as a huge compliment.” Her expression brightened. Then she leaned toward me as a piano started playing, and mingling guests rushed to their seats. “We should talk, Jill.”
“We should.” I smiled, hoping she meant that. Then I faced forward and saw Ethan step out in front of the elegant archway, which was decorated with white satin, endless pink roses, and exquisite greenery.
“By the way.” Madison leaned toward me. “I absolutely love your dress.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
A compliment from Madison McKenzie? The gown had just paid for itself. Maybe McKenzie, Atkins, Haugan, & Hall might be the future I was looking for. Since Madison and I couldn’t exactly talk business during the wedding (darn), I’d have to secure a seat next to her at dinner. This could be the new plan I needed.
Recognizing the beginning words of The Wedding Song by Stookey, I glanced up to see Ethan’s groomsman come out and stand beside him. He whispered something to Ethan, who chuckled. Then the groomsman scanned the front rows until his eyes rested on me. His gaze then moved to the chair where Madison sat, and the corner of his mouth lifted. He turned back to me, and my lips immediately edged upward.
He knew I’d lied about having a date. And if the determined look in his eyes meant anything, he was taking my dismissal on as a challenge. My belly fluttered uncontrollably. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself to stay strong and focused.
No man would divert me from my career path—no matter how tempting he might be.
Chapter Two
Ethan and Kristen’s ceremony was beautiful. I usually don’t get choked up at weddings but the way Ethan had gazed into Kristen’s eyes, while he said his vows, had given me goose bumps. Unfortunately, we had assigned seating for the sit-down dinner, and my table was nowhere near Madison McKenzie’s.
After dinner, the matron-of-honor—a woman named Ellen—wept through her (very long) speech about how she’d known Kristen since their teen years and how she confirmed that her friend could not have found a more perfect match for her if she lived for a thousand years. Yes, she actually said a thousand years. I’m guessing she’d listened to that Christina Perri song one time too many. In Ellen’s defense, she appeared to be in her last trimester of pregnancy, and had to have insane amounts of hormones raging through her.
Personally, I preferred the best man’s speech—aka, sexy usher guy. He recited one anecdote from his law school days with Ethan (involving a professor’s car, a lot of beer, and even more toilet paper due to the low grade Ethan had received in Ethics), made a lovely comment about Kristen, then he toasted the couple’s future. Short and sweet.
“Cheers.” After I took a sip of bubbly, I turned back to my chatty dinner companion, Ginger, whose date had ditched her last minute for a guys’ road trip to Vegas.
“Why would you even consider going out with him again?” I asked. Normally I minded my own business, but I’d had two glasses of wine, a rather large sip of champagne, and I’d suffered through thirty minutes of Ginger listing Victor’s flaws. She seemed super sweet and deserved better.
“Because he’s fun.” Ginger brought her flute to her mouth, then set it back down. “Besides, what guy likes to attend weddings? They only come because we drag them.”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “So why waste your time with Victor when you could be doing something for you?”
She guffawed. “Because I’d like to get married some day and have kids. Our clocks are ticking, you know?”
“My clock only ticks for me.” I shrugged, then surveyed the room, finally spotting Madison McKenzie. She’d moved to a seat near the dance floor where the bridal party—which only included Ethan, Kristen, the best-man, and the emotional Ellen—swayed to You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor. I turned to Ginger. “Would you excuse me?”
“Sure.” She nodded, then scooted toward her friend Gina, who was seated on her other side.
I refilled my champagne glass, then strode with purpose to Madison’s table and slipped into the empty seat next to her.
She glanced up at me, smiled, then turned back to watch the couples move to the music. “They’re perfect together, aren’t they?”
“Kristen and Ethan?” I followed her gaze over to them. “They seem very well matched.”
“And so in love. Watching them brings back memories of my own wedding last year. It’s too bad my husband’s out of town tonight. It would’ve been wonderful to reminisce.” Her expression turned wistful—so opposite of the sharp, aggressive way she handled herself in court. “Can you keep a secret, Jill?”
“Of course.” I edged forward in my seat, fascinated to know what piece of private legal info she was about to reveal.
Madison’s face broke out into a wide smile. “I’m pregnant.”
My mouth fell open. So not what I’d expected to hear, but I found myself smiling. Then, a moment later, I realized that pregnancy and an eventual birth meant that Madison would need reinforcements in her P.I. Department. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Her laughter tinkled as the song ended and the DJ invited all couples out to the dance floor. “Now you know why I suggested we talk. I’m three months along and we need another lawyer in our department. But I’m very particular with who I have working for me. Is there a possibility you’d leave Corbett, Gray, & Shaw?”
Wanting to jump up and down, I refrained by taking a small sip of champagne as I considered my answer carefully. “I’m very loyal to the firm I work for, but if the right offer crossed my path, I’d certainly consider it.”
“That’s what I was hoping to hear.” She fixated on her wedding ring before glancing back to me. “I’m a firm believer that a happy home life creates an atmosphere to thrive in business.”
My forehead wrinkled. “How do you mean?”
She leaned back, elbow on her chair. “When I was younger—not that thirty-eight is over the hill, mind you—my entire focus was work. I had a list of goals, and was determined to achieve them according to my own deadlines. Turns out, I advanced in my career much faster than I’d planned.”
I nodded, admiring this woman more with each passing second.
“But I got burned out.” She raised a finger. “When I met my husband, I learned to enjoy my downtime, which replenished my mind and gave me more strength in my career. Does that make sense?”
No. “Yes.”
Her face relaxed. “I’ve seen you in action, Jill. I already know you’re smart and experienced. But I’d like to bring an attorney into my department who can thrive for the long haul. Now, tell me more about yourself. Are you seeing someone special?”
“Absolutely,” I said, wishing for the first time that I’d gone to the movies with Aidan. “He’s wonderful, supportive of my career, and creates that sort of balance in my life that I need.”
“He sounds perfect.” She touched my arm. “I’d love to hear more about him. What’s he like?”
Uh, oh. She wanted details about my mythical man? Hmm. . . “He’s successful, responsible, and great with finances.” Unlike my dad who focused on playing, leaving my mom with the brunt of the financial responsibilities.
“He likes me the way I am, and is there for me whenever I need him.”
Madison bobbed her head enthusiastically, and seemed to be eating this up. “Maybe it’s just hormones, but it thrills me to be surrounded by happiness right now. Where is this awesome guy? He wasn’t sitting with you during the ceremony.”
“That’s because he was in the wedding.” I winked, playing along. Then I remembered Ethan only had one groomsman, and there’s no way the sexy best man fit my fictional boyfriend’s personality. Whatever. It’s not like she’d want to meet him.
“I’d love to meet him.” Madison squeezed my arm. “What’s his name?”
My eyes bulged, and I shot to my feet. “I just remembered something. My boyfriend, um, wanted me to find him after the bridal party dance. So, I’d better go do that. I’ll be right back.”
Panicking as I strode away, I searched for the best man. Not with Ethan and Ellen, who were going from table to table. Not on the dance floor. Then I spotted him at the bar, and speared in his direction.
Stopping behind the best man and the guy he was talking to, I tapped him on the shoulder. Both men turned around to face me.
Taking a deep breath, I gave him a determined look. “I need you to be my boyfriend for ten minutes.”
The best man’s friend smirked. “That’s about Ryan’s attention span with women, anyway.”
Ryan smacked his friend in the arm before he stood, then met my eyes. “I’m all yours.”
“Lovely,” I said, hoping this Ryan guy hadn’t knocked back too many drinks. I needed him presentable. “We’ll make this quick.”
He fell in line beside me as we hurried toward the dance floor. “Shouldn’t I know your name?” he asked.
“It’s Jill.” I tossed him a quick glance, then gazed up at him in an adoring way in case Madison was watching. “I’m going to introduce you to someone important, and I just need you to play along. Pretend we’re in love. Yada yada.”
