Courtship

by Carsen Taite

  Tommy puffed out his chest and did an uncanny imitation of Jeff Burrows’s brusque style. “The Supreme Court has made it clear that corporations are people with First Amendment protections when it comes to political campaigns. Do you accept this precedent even though it’s only a few years old, or do you have some baseline you would apply when the court’s decisions are firmly rooted?”

  Julia nodded at Tommy, and then waited for Landry to answer. He twisted in his seat, silent.

  “Your Honor?” Tommy prodded him.

  Landry broke role and turned to Julia. “Surely you know that several cases are winding their way up from the circuits to challenge the decision in Citizens United. I can’t be expected to comment on the issue since it’s very likely to come up when I’m on the court.”

  Julia gritted her teeth. She wanted to tell him his likelihood of joining the Supreme Court was waning by the second. Instead, she said, “This prep will only work if you stay in character.” She pointed at Tommy. “He’s Senator Burrows. Tell him what you just told me. With conviction.” Not like the whiny ass you’ve been all morning.

  An hour later, he finally got the hang of answering without actually providing any insight. It wasn’t smooth, but it would have to do for now. Julia stopped the role-play. “Thank you, Your Honor. Let’s take a lunch break. We’re due in the lobby of the Hart Building at two.” She stood and walked him to the door. When he was out of earshot, she turned back to Tommy and Gordon. “I want you both to go with us this afternoon. In fact, I want you to meet him at his hotel and bring him directly to Armstrong’s office. I don’t want him left alone for a minute in that den of vipers.”

  “I wouldn’t worry so much,” Tommy replied. “He might not be the brightest bulb, but that probably means he’s not going to piss anyone off.”

  Gordon snorted. “Really? You think being part stupid and part pompous isn’t irritating? He may not rub the leadership the wrong way on the issues, but it’s important that he not make them think Garrett is filling Weir’s seat with a dolt. Trust me. I know Armstrong and Burrows. Either one of them senses any attitude, and they’re going to jump all over him.”

  Tommy shrugged like it was out of his hands, but promised to do his best.

  Julia walked back to her office, stopping at Cindy’s desk on the way. “Have you finalized the afternoon schedule? Can we fit everything in this afternoon, or are we going to have to block out the morning as well? I’m not sure I can take another day with Landry, and I’d love to put him on a plane home. Tonight, if possible.”

  “Don’t worry. I spoke with Senator Armstrong’s aide. No votes scheduled today, so there’s no reason you can’t fit the major players in this afternoon.”

  “Great. Will you—”

  “Send the schedule to Judge Landry? Already done.”

  “Thanks. I’m going to find some lunch.”

  “There’s a pastrami sandwich on your desk and coffee. Don’t thank me again. You don’t have time. Go get ready for your afternoon. It’s going to be insane.”

  Julia dutifully complied. Cindy was right. She had a whirlwind schedule of interviews set up with all the key members of the Judiciary Committee and only a couple of hours to finish organizing her files before she escorted Landry through the gauntlet.

  The pastrami sandwich was heaven. The layers were paper thin, just the way she liked. The coffee was in a French press. She didn’t know if Cindy had any leads on a more permanent position, but as she savored her lunch, she vowed to try to steal her away at the first opportunity. She’d lost her last assistant a month before the election. Not unusual, she went through them like pages in a trashy novel. She could do without the extra help, but Cindy was spoiling her from trying.

  As she ate, she glanced through her files, matching notes for specific interviews with the time slots each senator had been assigned. She thumbed through the pages, but couldn’t find her copy of the questionnaire Landry had completed. The document was thick and should be easy to locate. After combing through every file on her desk, she buzzed Cindy on the intercom.

  “I can’t find the questionnaire.”

  “Bottom right drawer. Second hanging file folder from the left.”

  Julia found the file exactly where Cindy had described, further solidifying her resolve to poach her from this office. She pulled out the entire hanging folder and thumbed through it until she found the questionnaire. Once she had it, she started to replace the hanging folder, but a document near the front stopped her. The lists Armstrong and Burrows had given her. She traced the names with her finger, practicing responses to refute them all in favor of Garrett’ choice. The process was easy until she remembered one name that wasn’t on this list.

  Had Addison gone home for the holiday? Had she sat around a table with family and friends, telling stories about D.C., eating home-cooked food? Had they decorated the house for Christmas? Gone shopping? Had Addison talked about her or even thought about her?

  Of course she hadn’t. And whatever else she’d chosen to do on her own time, in a world far removed from the brief time they’d shared, was none of her business. She placed the list back in her drawer, but she couldn’t help but wish she was taking Addison instead of Landry for the round of meetings this afternoon.

  *

  “Did you have a good trip?”

  Addison looked up at Eva who was standing in her doorway, looking sexy as always.

  “Matter of fact, I did. You?”

  Eva strode across the room and took a seat. In a fitted sweater and wool skirt that barely skimmed the top of her tall leather boots, she looked more like a fashion model than a law school professor. Seated, she crossed her legs, and Addison couldn’t help but be a bit distracted at the hint of skin the subtle action revealed.

  “I stayed in town. Had dinner with friends. We’re all orphans—family too far away or not interested in spending time with us. Lots of wine and too much food.” She smiled her dazzling smile. “I had a great time.”

  “Good.” Addison considered expanding her story. Telling Eva she’d always felt like a bit of an orphan herself, having left for college at sixteen and never able to please her demanding father, but that wouldn’t be fair to the memory of her mother or the very real presence of her brother even though she didn’t see him nearly enough. Besides, she wasn’t in the habit of sharing such personal details. She settled instead on a few small facts. “My brother was home from Afghanistan and, since it was just the three of us, we went out to eat. Turkey, but no dishes. It was a quick trip.”

  “Are you like me and ready for something other than turkey?”

  “Absolutely.” The minute she said the one word, Addison saw the sure expression on Eva’s face and saw that her question hadn’t been a casual one.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up after work. Sushi?”

  This was the second time Eva had asked her out since they’d broken up. Time to nip this in the bud. “I meant what I said before.”

  “It’s dinner, not a lifetime commitment. I’m trying here.”

  Suddenly, it struck Addison that if she went out with Eva tonight, this would be the first time they’d gone on an actual date, in public, in the evening. And it was the second time Eva had asked. Maybe these invitations were Eva’s way of telling her she was ready to try for something more.

  Addison’s thoughts turned to Julia, and she felt a rush of guilt as if by dating Eva she was betraying her true feelings.

  Nonsense. Julia had been a passing fancy. Julia wasn’t interested in anything more than a fling. If she had been, she wouldn’t have manipulated her. The last thing she should do was let lingering desires obstruct the road to something real. Eva, beautiful and accomplished, was standing in front of her right now. Offering something more. She’d be crazy to turn her down for a pipe dream that had already proven it wasn’t and wouldn’t ever be real.

  “Sushi sounds great. I’ll be ready at seven.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  So fa
r, the interview with Burrows was going well, and Julia took a moment to check the news sites on her iPad. With Gordon in the wings to orchestrate, the president had made his announcement about his nomination the afternoon before in a press briefing in the East Room. He used well-planted buzzwords like “respected jurist” and “constitutional scholar” and spoke about how Landry’s addition would lend dignity to the court. Blah, blah, blah. Buzz in the press room was that Landry wasn’t a very daring choice, but he was qualified and would likely be confirmed quickly. Garrett was generally lauded for his wisdom in avoiding a confirmation battle after such a contentious election.

  All good, and based on Burrows’s reaction to Landry, the news accounts were spot-on. So far, they’d covered everything from gay marriage to whether corporations should be treated like people for purposes of political campaigns. Landry had deferred to precedent, dodging direct answers to the senator’s probing inquiries. Finally, Burrows asked his final question.

  “What about the right to life? Can you commit to enforcing laws that protect the life of an unborn child?”

  Burrows had saved this one, letting Landry get comfortable before delivering the big punch worded in the most incendiary way possible. Julia silently answered the question the way they’d practiced, willing Landry not to buy into the premise.

  “The court’s precedent is clear, and many decisions have already been written which address the balance of rights and protection of life. I cannot comment on how I would rule on a particular case, but I can promise that I have always been guided by well-established precedents and principles in my decisions on the bench.”

  Burrows stared a hole in Landry, but the judge didn’t balk. Finally, Burrows stood and shook the judge’s hand. “That’s all I’ve got. Thank you, Your Honor, for your time and your thoughtful consideration of the issues.”

  Julia breathed a sigh of relief as she ushered Landry out of the room. She wasn’t completely at ease. They still had the interview with Connie Armstrong, but she’d purposely saved it for last to give Landry time to warm up to the questioning. This whole process would be very different from what he’d encounter at the actual confirmation hearings, but it was a testing ground nevertheless. Once the camera crews were in evidence, all the senators would begin posturing for a place in history with questions masked as slick speeches intended for their constituents.

  “I think that went rather well.”

  She glanced at the judge as they walked through the hallway. “It went okay. He doesn’t like you, but you’re better than some of the other names the Dems floated around. This next interview is crucial, and I hope you’ve got a tough skin. Connie Armstrong wanted the president to pick someone else, and she’s going to be gunning for you. If she’s nice, it only means she’s saving it for the cameras. If she’s mean, she’s trying to get in your head. It’s up to you to keep things on an even keel. I’ll do my best to redirect if things get out of hand, but this interview will be the true test of your mettle.” She stopped in front of the massive oak doors. “You ready?”

  He nodded and pushed through the doors with Julia and Tommy close on his heels. Julia took charge and spoke to the interns at the front desk. “Please tell Senator Armstrong that Judge Landry is here to see her.”

  The oldest looking one rose and wandered back into the suite of offices while the one who looked all of twelve asked if they wanted something to drink. Julia and Tommy declined, but Landry said he’d love a cup of coffee.

  The youngster returned with a mug of steaming coffee and Senator Armstrong in her wake. Julia made the introductions and waited for Armstrong to escort them back into her office, but Armstrong seemed content to carry on inane conversation in the reception area. Julia glanced at her watch, thankful she’d scheduled this meeting last.

  Finally, Armstrong looked Landry square in the eye. “Well, Your Honor, shall we get started?”

  Landry offered the ingratiating smile Julia had seen way too much of that day and raised his mug as if in a toast. Maybe they shouldn’t have told him to be extra nice to Armstrong. Anyone would be able to see through his act, especially the astute senator. Oh well, nothing to be done about it now. Julia signaled to Tommy, and they started to follow Landry and Armstrong back toward her office. They’d only taken a couple of steps before Armstrong turned, stopping them in their tracks.

  “Excuse me?” Armstrong raised her eyebrows. She was an iron wall.

  “Your office?” Julia responded.

  “I think that Judge Landry can handle a little discussion on our own.” Armstrong touched the judge on the arm and stared up into his eyes. “Right, Your Honor?”

  Landry looked around like a scared rabbit, but he really had no choice. Be eaten alive with or without an audience. If he chose the former, he was done for, but if he survived the ordeal on his own, he might just win Armstrong and all the votes that came with her for a smooth confirmation. He cleared his throat. “Certainly, Senator. It would be my pleasure to visit in private.”

  Julia stood, frozen in place, and watched as the cunning Connie Armstrong escorted the unwitting judge into her office. She’d done all she could do, but she feared it wouldn’t be enough.

  A vivid image burst into her mind as she imagined Addison Riley in the same situation. Would she want Julia’s help? No, she’d likely resist being managed, but then again, she would bet money that Addison could handle the likes of Connie Armstrong or anyone else who challenged her knowledge or ability. Not for the first time today, Julia regretted how things had turned out between them.

  *

  “How is it I haven’t been here before?” Addison took another bite of the Fire Dragon roll and enjoyed the slow burn of the spicy food. “Amazing.”

  “It’s a hidden gem. I found it when a friend stayed here over Thanksgiving,” Eva said, referring to the hotel. “I don’t usually think about eating at hotel restaurants, but this one’s sublime.”

  Addison considered asking about the “friend,” but decided she didn’t really want to know. She did have another question itching to be asked. She set down her chopsticks. “I don’t mean to start an argument when we’re having such a good time, but you do realize this is our first meal in public. What gives?”

  Eva met her eyes, her gaze sultry. “I’ve been listening to you. I asked you out before Thanksgiving, but you had plans with Larry Weir. How is he, by the way?”

  Addison considered whether she should let Eva change the subject or whether she should press for more information about her change in attitude about public dating. A tiny voice inside told her to let it go, enjoy the night. She followed the advice and reminded herself she needed to follow-up with Larry to tell him she’d read through the journal. She’d left a message for him on Monday, but then missed his return call. “Larry’s okay, but he’s still grieving for his father. It’s hard to let go.”

  “I imagine. I know Justice Weir was old, but I don’t think anyone ever dreamed there’d be a time without him. The Weir court made such huge advances in our generation, but there was still so much to be done.”

  Addison took a drink of sake and murmured her agreement. As with her father, she was sorely tempted to mention her near miss at the nomination, but what was the point? It was a nonissue, and because she hadn’t made the short list, she wouldn’t even be a footnote in history. She decided to steer the subject in an entirely different direction.

  “I’m thinking about taking a step back from administration. Focus more on teaching. Maybe even take over as clinic director next year.”

  Eva’s eyes widened. “Really?”

  “Really. Is that such a crazy idea?”

  “It’s a little crazy. Do you think the board will go for it?”

  “I don’t know, but if they don’t, I have lots of options. I know it’s been a while since I’ve had a full load, but my skills are still in demand.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply anything about your skills.” Eva placed extra emphasis on the word. “I gue
ss I’ve always known you as the dean and you’re quite good at it. I’ve taught at several schools, and I’ve never seen one run as smoothly as this one. Jefferson would suffer a great loss if you were to step down.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say. I’m not sure how much of it is true. We have a good faculty, and I couldn’t get the job done without them, but what I do, it isn’t fulfilling anymore. Budgets, paperwork, logistics. Do you know what I mean?”

  “When did this all come about?”

  Addison dodged the truth. “I guess it’s been brewing for a while. But end of the semester is when it hits the hardest. I decided it was time to make it official. I’ll finish out the year, but then I’m not sure what the future holds.”

  Eva raised her glass. “A toast to uncertain futures and the excitement of the unknown.”

  Addison met her smile and raised her own glass. She felt more agitated than excited, but she hoped the anxiety would pass. From the moment her last date with Julia ended badly, she’d been on edge, like she was looking for something she’d lost. She didn’t know what it was, but she did know she wasn’t going to find it looking in the same old places.

  Eva’s hand on her arm tugged her out of her thoughts.

  “Isn’t that Judge Landry?”

  Addison sucked in a breath and slowly turned in the direction Eva had motioned. George Landry sat in a booth, chopsticks in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. He laughed a big round laugh that carried across the room, and then he plucked a piece of a roll and shoved it in his mouth. The woman seated across from him made a face, and Addison recognized the expression. Julia had made the same face when Addison had talked about marriage.

  She put down her glass of sake, suddenly no longer hungry, no longer interested in enjoying this new place with an old flame who only served to remind her that her mantra about not looking in the same old places should apply to both her personal life and her professional one. “Figures.”