1. Chapter One
Chapter One
Three Weeks Earlier
I have everything figured out.
I know that probably sounds a bit presumptuous, but looking back, my life has always followed a very predictable path.
Only child of a middle class family? Check.
Get good grades? Check.
Attend law school? Check.
Become one of the top corporate litigators in the entire country? Triple check.
I excel at perfection. Thrive under pressure. And rarely make mistakes.
My bookshelves are alphabetized by author, my closet is categorized by season, and I make lists like there is no tomorrow.
Basically, it all boils down to the fact that I always know what to expect and when to expect it.
Until this morning.
I honestly didn’t see it coming when my boyfriend of three months, Rex—yes, his real name—decided to throw a bomb into my perfectly predictable life and break up with me.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sad about it; it just totally caught me off guard. I don’t like when things change course.
What makes it worse though, is that I had to rush out of my apartment and I barely made it to the office on time.
“Hi, Jane!” My wonderful but entirely too enthusiastic secretary, Kayla, says as I reach my office door. “Um…You’re…Sorry, they already started a meeting in the conference room. You should probably get in there. Mr. Schwartz said it was super important.” She hands me a steaming cup of coffee.
I give her the best smile I can muster while wondering to myself why in the hell I have to attend yet another lecture from my boss about the “future of our firm.”
Seven other attorneys are gathered around the large conference table and from the exhausted looks on their faces, I’m guessing they all feel the same way too.
Slowly making my way to the only empty chair, I quietly put down my coffee and designer briefcase then sit.
Joe Schwartz, one of the named partners in our firm, Schwartz she really is a doll.
“Jane, I have full faith and confidence in your ability to work with Mr. Dumont.” Joe nods earnestly and gives me a pat on my shoulder.
This admission makes me sit taller as a big stupid grin begins spreading across my face.
“Of course, this means that as a firm, we will now be bringing in a substantial amount of money. Which, in turn, opens up many growth opportunities for everyone across the board. Not only for us here in the Denver office but at our Manhattan office as well.” Joe starts making his way back to the front of the conference room. “This brings me to the other big news of the day. For the past few months, Mr. Adler and I have been in talks about expanding our firm and creating a position for a new senior partner.” Joe looks at me and winks. “At the moment, our exponential client growth and considerable increase in revenue is exceptionally significant. Team, we have made so many momentous moves in the right direction, and I’m proud knowing we’re currently within the top fifteen law firms in the nation.” Everyone claps, and Joe smiles.
When he reaches the front of the room, he turns to face us all. “Obviously, my partner and I are not blind to the fact that we couldn’t have done this alone. We know we only have each one of you and your remarkable hard work to thank for that.” He bows his head before looking me right in the eyes.
My breathing becomes heavy as I mentally prepare myself for the news. I honestly cannot believe that after my morning from hell, I could possibly be getting two pieces of life-altering news in one meeting. A meeting I didn’t even want to attend in the first place, might I add.
Representing a high-profile client like Mr. Dumont is one thing, but the possibility of becoming a senior partner at thirty-one will change the direction of my life forever.
Tears of gratitude swell in my eyes and my cheeks begin to heat. I close my eyes, hoping to stave off the crying for at least another breath.
“So, all of this is to say, because of the tremendous growth we decided that Paul Adler will be permanently moving to our Manhattan office next week. This is so he can be there to help ease any growing pains that are sure to present themselves,” Mr. Schwartz says, clasping his hands together.
My foot taps in anticipation, and my heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest.
“Because Paul will not be in this office anymore, we both came to the conclusion that it was imperative to get the new partner set up here in Denver as soon as possible.” Joe and I take a deep breath at the same time. “As of 6:30 this morning, our decision was made, and contracts were signed. I would like you all to please congratulate our very own Colin Clark as he has been promoted as Schwartz & Adler’s newest partner!”
The room erupts into applause. My heart sinks down to my toes.
“This is such a colossal step forward for our firm, and I sincerely hope all of you are as excited as I am. This new partnership has already opened up so many opportunities for growth for others in our office. For example, Colin was going to be assigned the Dumont account, but because he will be busy with his new partner duties, our little Janie here gets to take a shot at it instead. Thank you, Jane, for taking this massive account. It’s going to be exceptional!”
FFFFUUUUCCCCKKKK me . There it is.