Chapter 16
Sixteen
“You’re in a good mood,” Carina remarked as she walked into Whitney’s office. “Were you chair dancing just then?”
Whitney straightened. “Maybe. It’s Friday. I’m always in a good mood on Fridays.”
“It wouldn’t possibly have anything to do with the black-tie affair last night at the art gallery, now would it?”
There was no sense in denying it. Carina could read her like a book, and here Whitney thought she was playing it so cool. “It might have a teensy bit of something to do with that.” She let a little squeal escape and grinned so widely, she’d probably give Julia Roberts a run for the biggest smile. “It was a lot of fun. He is super talented.”
“We already knew that. I don’t believe his artistic talent is what has you glowing this morning. Not for a minute, sister. I want details.”
Whitney couldn’t contain herself. “Well, you saw the flowers. We started off on the right foot, and when we got downstairs, he was driving this adorable vintage corvette.” Her breath caught. It was a wonderful night, but putting it into words was leaving her tongue-tied.
“Nice.”
“It was fun, but a noisy ride, so we couldn’t really talk. Oh, and he’s an excellent driver. No tailgating or speeding.”
“Okay, are you dragging this out just to torture me, or what?”
“I don’t know.” She pressed her fingers to her temples. “It’s a lot, but it’s not much. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“The beginning.”
“That’s what I was trying to do.” She took in a breath. “So many little things. The gallery is on the river, and there was this great restaurant kind of attached to it with this enormous spread. We ate outside, watched the sunset, he sold several paintings. Oh, and I learned he painted the mural of Secretariat at the state fairgrounds. Well, not last night, but a long time ago, and that was pretty cool to hear about. He painted the mural on the back of the restaurant, and he does this almost like Where’s Waldo thing.”
“That sounds weird.”
“No. It’s sweet. I’m not explaining this well. He paints his dad into his murals to feel close to him. Every mural. He said some you have to know to look for it, but it’s like an Easter egg to honor his dad. He died a long while back. It’s really nice.”
“Family is important to him, then,” Carina said as if that was a point for Matthew.
“I think so. It’s sweet,” Whitney said. “He’s nice. And humble.” She chose her words carefully, but then she just let it roll. “And really easy on the eyes, and a gentleman. He put his hand on my back, and I swear I felt my heart leap out of my chest. He opened doors?—”
“Was there a kiss?”
“Shh. Olivia’s coming.” She pointed to the hall and gave Carina the zip-your-lips gesture.
“You can still answer,” Carina answered. “Simple yes or no.”
“No!” She leaned forward. “But I wished for it.”
“Oh my gosh, I don’t remember the last time you said that. Wait, yes, I do. It was in our dorm in college, junior year.”
“Honeybun Ben.” Reciting the memory at the same time pitched them into a fit of giggles that felt like old times too.
“He was so sweet,” Whitney said. “I wonder how he’s doing?”
“You should look him up,” Carina said. “Maybe he won’t be too busy studying to play with you now.” When Carina got tickled, her Puerto Rican roots sparked up; her eyes got this fiery look to them, and her accent became instantly thicker.
“Or he’ll be too busy working, just like us.” Besides, her thoughts weren’t on Honeybun Ben anymore. Her thoughts were anchored to the long-haired artist with the green eyes and sexiest mouth she’d never kissed… yet. A girl can dream.
Olivia knocked on the door and entered, carrying a pile of folders in her arms. “What do you two have your heads together on this morning?”
“More importantly,” Whitney used her ace conversation pivoting skills to redirect, “what is all of that?”
“It’s progress.”
Carina and Whitney both turned their full attention to Olivia.
“Progress is always good,” Carina said.
“It is. You are welcome.” She handed them each a booklet. “This is available as a PDF we can email to prospective clients, or I’ve got fifty made up and ready to hand out to the lookie-loos in our lobby. I didn’t want to make too many in case we had updates to it.”
Carina flipped through the pages, nodding.
Whitney was impressed with how professional it looked, and it had everything they needed to start a case, including some of the homework about property and financials, which would definitely weed out the people not there for the right reasons.
“How did you pull this together so quickly? This is great.” Whitney tapped her finger on the cover. “Honestly, I don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner, just to help our clients with expectations and all the homework. This will save us time, and we can sink the extra cost into the retainer fee. No problem there. We’ll still make the same money and work smarter.”
“We better work smarter,” Olivia said. “You two are booked solid for the next three weeks, and for the ones who don’t seem legit, I’ve got them peppered out through September right now. I told them, though, if they got the booklet completed, I’d move up their appointment if someone else canceled. I figure the fakers will cancel before, since there’s a cost attached.”
“What are these people even thinking?” Carina asked. “They must be doing something right to be able to afford our legal fees over the cost of a dating site!” She looked at Whitney. “A dating app couldn’t possibly cost a month what we charge for an hour.”
“Why are you looking at me?” Whitney couldn’t believe Carina might even think she had. “I haven’t swiped left or right ever, and I don’t plan to.” Whitney cast her glance to Olivia.
“Fine.” Olivia pulled her hands to her hips. “Y’all know I’m online dating. The prices vary, but I can promise you I’ve never paid your hourly rate to find a date.”
“Well, good. At least that will keep the waiting room from crowding. Maybe we put the rates right up front. Not like it’s a secret anyway.” Carina tapped on the cover of the booklet. “This number in the top corner of each page. What is that?”
“Ah, well, I know how you are about data, so we made each booklet and PDF export carry a custom number. That way we can track the source and if they ever respond back. It’ll allow us to prioritize real clients and possibly figure out some common denominators between the fakers to help us weed them out quicker.”
“This better not be a long-term problem,” Whitney said with a groan. “I can’t believe it’s happening in the first place.”
“Olivia, I hope my little Chloe has your smarts when she grows up,” Carina said.
“She’ll have yours,” Olivia said. “And William’s. I’m pretty sure she’ll be fine.”
“My niece is going to be brilliant. We do not need to worry about that. Right now, let’s concentrate on the immediate issues. Olivia, how is the search for another paralegal going? Any good resumes?”
“Yes.” Olivia clapped her hands. “A few really good ones.”
“Everything is going to settle back down even better than before. We have to trust that.” Whitney’s phone danced on her desk. She pressed her hand over it and pulled it into her lap.
“Are you okay, Whitney? You suddenly look a little pale. You’re not getting sick, are you?” Olivia’s expression filled with concern. “Two of our part-timers called in sick with the flu today.”
“I’m fine. They’ve probably just got Friday Flu. It’s such a pretty day outside,” Whitney said.
“Is that what has you distracted today?” Carina asked with a level stare.
Carina was such a pot stirrer, and she didn’t even hide her amusement.
“No. I’m sorry. It was my phone. Someone wants to meet.” Realizing Olivia would ask for details, thinking it was work, she added, “For lunch.”
“Your schedule is clear. Mr. Hoffman canceled. They’re thinking about reconciliation,” Olivia said.
“Really? That’s great. They’re such a nice couple. I think maybe she was just threatening the divorce to get his attention,” Whitney said. “Her attorney told me Mrs. Hoffman was crushed when he agreed to the divorce so quickly, even though it was her idea. He was probably calling her bluff by coming to us. His heart didn’t seem into it.”
Carina flipped her hand in the air. “Been telling you the data points on that. It happens.”
“It does,” Olivia agreed. “But I’m happy they’re taking a step back. He seemed like a really nice man, and he said nothing negative about his marriage or wife.”
Whitney looked back at the document. Olivia had taken the assignment and run with it. “Really well done, Olivia. These questions can help couples avoid emotional mistakes, and set expectations.”
“Not all divorce attorneys are like you two,” Olivia said. “That’s what I love about working here.”
Whitney liked hearing that Olivia was so happy working for them. They made such a great team. “How’s the lobby looking this morning?”
“Good. We’re taking an active mitigation approach, not letting anyone mill around looking confused or snooping. Better for me to get them out of here than them ask questions of one of the partner’s secretaries.”
“Does it seem like anyone else in the practice has figured out what’s going on?” Whitney held her breath.
Olivia shook her head. “I don’t think so. I haven’t heard a peep out of anyone in the break room. The cleaning guy made a comment about the number of water cups being used out there when he came through this morning, but he doesn’t talk to anyone but me anyway.”
“True.”
“On a positive note, you aren’t trending anymore,” Olivia said.
“And here I thought I was so trendy.” She exaggerated a pout and pretended to take a selfie.
“Oh no. Don’t you even tease like that. I hate that duck-lips photo thing,” Carina said. “No one looks good like that.”
“I’d never.” Whitney rolled her eyes. “You know that.”
“We all know that!” Olivia tapped the screen on her phone. “Good news. Right now the Memorial Day holiday is number one, followed by some guy who was reeling in a fish when a shark came up and bit it right in half, which is actually a pretty cool video. You are off the list. For now, anyway.”
“Thank goodness. Maybe we dodged this bullet after all.” Whitney checked her watch. “I’ve got another meeting at the top of the hour. Anything else I need to address?”
“Oh, yes,” Olivia said. “Tomorrow is the Chamber of Commerce Casino Night thing. One of y’all has to attend. Which one of you is going?”
“Not me.” Carina planted her feet. “Whitney, you need to do this one. Chloe starts swimming lessons tomorrow night at the club. It’s a family thing. It’s supposed to make the child feel safer with Mom and Dad in the water with them. Which is stupid since I can’t even swim, but maybe I’ll learn too.”
“I hate going to those events alone,” Whitney groaned. “Can’t I just make a big donation or give the tickets away?”
Carina shook her head. “You know your father would blow his stack if one of us wasn’t there. We’re a major sponsor.”
Whitney felt her facial muscles tense. “I’ll be the only single person there.”
“You were going to be the only single person when you were going with Roger. What’s the difference?”
“Fine. The only single person without a date. Which is even more pathetic and no fun.”
“You could invite Matthew to go,” Carina sing-songed the statement the way she was known to do. “He’s fun, isn’t he?”
“The artist?” Olivia said. “Yes. He gets my vote. I bet he’d love to join you. I like him for you.”
“That’s enough about that, you two.” She didn’t hate the idea, though. “What makes you think he’d want to go to a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser?”
“How do you know if you don’t ask?” Olivia said with a shrug. “And it’s not a boring event, it’s Casino Night.”
“He might get lucky,” Carina said with the look of an angel on her face, but Whitney knew exactly what she meant.
“Carina!”
“I meant at blackjack or roulette.” The innocent act wasn’t going to work.
“Mmhmm, sure you did. Your halo is hanging off those horns.” Only it honestly wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. A little kiss never killed anyone.
“You had fun with him last night. What’s the harm in asking him?” Carina’s lips turned up at the corners.
“I’ve clearly missed something,” Olivia said. “But I’m liking the sound of it.”
Whitney closed her eyes and let out a sigh. It felt like they were pushing, but really a part of her was so tempted.
“Do you have his number?” Olivia started pressing buttons on her phone. “I bet I can track it down.”
“I’ve got his number.” Whitney lifted her phone, her eyes still closed. I’m so busted. “He’s my lunch invite.”
“You sneak. You weren’t even going to tell us!” Olivia dropped into the chair across from her. “Come on. What’s happening here?”
“Nothing. He’s nice.” She shrugged, but she couldn’t hold back her grin.
“You’re blushing,” Olivia said, spinning toward Carina. “You have to know what’s going on. What is she not saying?”
Whitney shook out of her blazer. “It’s hot in here.”
“No, actually, it’s freezing in here,” Carina stated.
“Well, maybe I do have the flu.” Whitney pressed her hand to her forehead, looking for any excuse.
“Or the love bug,” Carina teased.
“Stop it, y’all.” Whitney was actually sweating just thinking about this guy.
“You stop making light of it. He’s drop-dead gorgeous. He’s talented. Nice. Carina, did she tell you everything about the date last night?”
“Nope. She’s being all closemouthed.”
There was a light tap at the door. Roger said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll come back another time.” And he scooted off before she could respond.
“That was weird,” Carina said. “He didn’t even say hello.”
“He came by to see you yesterday too.” Olivia walked over and closed the door. “You’ve got fifteen minutes until your meeting. Start filling us in on your handsome artist.”
“It was a gallery opening.” Whitney shrugged it off. “He probably just didn’t want to go alone.”
“Olivia, it was black-tie,” Carina said. “She looked drop-dead gorgeous, and he even showed up at the door with a huge bouquet. That’s a date.”
“The flowers were a nice touch,” Whitney agreed.
“Nice?” Carina rolled her eyes. “I love William, but he is so cheap about some things. He always gets me the six-dollar alstroemeria or those Easter-egg-colored daisies. I smile and act appreciative, but what happened to the days when I was worth a dozen fragrant roses with all the trimmings?”
“He put a ring on it,” Whitney said. “And now you’re married, and y’all bought that big house and have a baby who will need to go to college, and?—”
Carina shushed her. “Everyone in the Winters family has that frugal bone about them. Forget that. Now tell us about the night. Were his paintings in the gallery?”
“There was an entire room of the gallery dedicated to his art. Tons of landscapes and cityscapes. He’s really talented.”
“So you liked his work?” Olivia asked.
“I did. There were a couple of pieces I’d love to own.” Whitney lowered her voice. “Not like the ones Mom picked out. I mean, they are fine and artsy, but he’s got a wide range in his portfolio. He had a great night from a business perspective. People were spending thousands on his paintings. I couldn’t believe how many red dots there were.”
“They were on sale?”
“No. I thought the same thing. Apparently, in the art world, those red dots mean the work is sold. Who knew?”
“Not me.”
“It was more the crowd who pointed and said, ‘I’d like that one, please.’” She pursed her lips, looking like a prissy aristocrat ordering others around. “You get the picture. A no-haggle environment.”
“La-di-da, like your dad with your mom,” said Carina. “I need William to learn that.”
They laughed. “Your husband is a work-in-progress,” Whitney said. “You’ll get him trained, eventually.”
But Whitney’s mind wasn’t on William—it was on Katherine Grace, and her husband who, like Dad, was clearly picking his battles last night. Whitney’s phone pinged again, and she grabbed it, wondering if it might be Matthew, but not wanting to check. She hated it when people were ruled by their phones.
“Is it him?” Carina’s brow raised.
“I didn’t look.”
“Look.”
Whitney turned over her phone. “It’s him checking on lunch plans.”
“Good.” Carina clapped her hands. “Ask him to Casino Night right now.”
“No. Don’t text.” Olivia stopped Whitney mid-text. “Call him. He can’t say no to you over the phone. Texting is too easy to wiggle out of,” she said. “Trust me. This is Dating 101 in this century.”
“What if he says no? Then I’ll feel even worse about having to go by myself.”
Carina shook her head. “He won’t, but if he does, Olivia will go with you.”
“I don’t want to go either.” Olivia pulled her hands to her hips. “How do you know I don’t have plans?”
“He will not say no, but you two can go together if he does. He won’t. I’m telling you.” Carina pointed to Whitney, miming air-dialing the phone. “Now.”
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “Quit staring at me. You’re making me nervous.” The phone rang, and then he was on the line. “Hi, Matthew?”
She spun her chair, turning her back on the girls, snickering behind her. “Yes, I had a great time too.”
She felt Carina creeping up to the desk, trying to overhear.
Whitney waved her hand, shooing Carina out of her space.
“Actually, instead of lunch, I’ve got this thing tomorrow night. We’re one of the sponsors of the Chamber of Commerce Casino Night. You wouldn’t want to come with me, would you? It’s sort of a command performance, but it really might be fun. And it’s casual.”
Carina stepped in front of her. “Let him answer. Shut up!” she whispered with her teeth clenched.
Whitney clamped her mouth shut and flinched. I’m rambling.
“That sounds fun,” Matthew said. “What’s the dress code?”
“Casual. Well, actually it’s like Denim and Diamonds. I’ll probably wear jeans and some blingy stuff.”
“I’ve got boots. I can do Western. Sure. I’ll pick you up. What time?”
“It starts at seven. There’s music, and if I remember correctly, that comedian who had the sitcom is going to be doing a show at nine, but we don’t have to stay that long.”
Carina swatted her arm, and Whitney flashed her a look.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at around six forty-five, then.” He hesitated. “On one condition.”
“What’s the one condition?”
“If there’s any two-stepping, you save me a dance,” he said.
She didn’t know what came over her, but she blurted out, “You can write your name on every line on my dance card, cowboy.”
Carina and Olivia high-fived.
Whitney hung up. “I can’t believe I said that. I actually have to look him in the face later.”
“So what? It was cute, the dance card and all that. You’re a great two-stepper.”
“It’s been years since I’ve two-stepped. The last time was at Uncle Blake’s birthday party like eight years ago.”
“Well, come on. Get up,” Carina said.
“What?”
“Come on. We’ll practice.” Carina held her hands up and she and Whitney two-stepped around her office. “See, you’re fine.” Carina unexpectedly spun her around, and Whitney let out a squeak.
“Well, you be ready for spins. Just in case,” Carina said, laughing. “You still have those lucky cowboy boots you used to wear all the time?” Carina asked.
“Yes, and I plan to wear them.”