19. Lowri
LOWRI
M y memo is finished and emailed to the team, but I’m regretting agreeing to a fancy dinner tonight.
The stress of work and the events of the last couple of days are getting to me.
A pint of pralines and cream, a comfy tank top, and sleep sound much better.
If I shared that guilty pleasure with Sean, it would ruin my party-girl reputation.
Those nights are reserved for when I’m by myself, which is more often than most would believe.
That’s fine with me. I’m alone by choice, which is far better than ending up bitter like Mom.
I could feign a headache and bow out of dinner. That would mean waiting another day to hear about Sean’s meeting with the lawyer. That’s not going to happen, so I splash cold water onto my face, apply my makeup, slip on a little black dress, and hurry to the restaurant.
Sean is waiting for me. Pulling me into a gentle hug, he whispers in my ear, “You’re a goddess. I can’t wait to worship you later tonight.”
Had anyone else said that, I’d be laughing. But he says it with such heat and sincerity that chills run down my spine.
“That’s an invitation I can’t resist, but food first. I’m starving.”
“We’ll take care of that,” he says, turning to the host. “Amber, is our table ready?”
“Yes, sir. Right this way, please.”
Seated in a corner booth for two, the low lights, velvety leather, and dark wood create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
“Did you and Cassie catch up with each other today?”
“We did. We went to the spa, which is out of this world, except for one thing. Cassie made me promise to tell you that we hate the cucumber water they serve.”
“Why? Isn’t that a spa standard?”
“It is, but we both agree it shouldn’t be. They should change it to something that tastes better—perhaps orange or strawberry water.”
“I’ll pass that along. What did you do for the rest of the day?”
“Buried myself in work in my suite. It’s a case where we’re certain the former employee is faking a back injury. We’re having trouble proving it though.”
“What makes you think the injury isn’t real?”
“This is the third company he’s worked for where he claims to have been injured during the first month on the job.
The coincidences are becoming too frequent to believe, and he can’t point to a specific accident where it happened.
That makes it suspicious. If he’s in pain, he deserves compensation. If not, it’s fraud.”
Why am I sharing work-related stuff with Sean? I don’t do that. Business and pleasure are meant to be kept separate in my world. Time to change the subject.
“Let’s not talk about work. What are we having for dinner?” I ask.
“The chef is preparing a tasting menu for us. He’ll be out to explain it in a minute. While we’re waiting, can I ask a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“I’d like to hire you as the Athena’s attorney to handle any legal issues related to Mr. Brentwood’s accident. Will that work?”
“What? Why me? You have a whole stable of lawyers on call.”
“This is different.” He shrugs.
“How could this possibly be different?” He’s not making any sense.
“You were there, which means you have firsthand knowledge of the accident scene. Your instincts to investigate and protect my business kicked in automatically. You were impressive. I trust you to look after my best interests.”
“I see.” I turn my head, staring into space, considering whether I’d be allowed to take on the case. Even though I’m his wife, it should be fine. I don’t know if it would be wise though.
The tap, tap, tap of Sean’s finger against the table interrupts my thoughts. Is he nervous about my answer? Does he feel obligated to ask me to help but hopes I’ll turn him down?
After a couple of minutes, I meet his eyes, shaking my head. “I can’t do it. You should find someone else.”
“What do you mean? Of course you can do it. I assumed you would jump at the chance to have the Athena as a client.”
“I didn’t mean that I’m not qualified to do it. I don’t have time. My work for other clients is already keeping me ridiculously busy.”
“Your firm has an abundance of attorneys who can help with that work. Bringing in the Grand Athena as a client would be great for your career. It would certainly impress the partners at your law firm. Teaming up would be a win-win for both of us.”
I pause before conceding, “It could be.”
Why does Sean look relieved?