Chapter 3 #2
“I have a rule that I don’t drink coffee in front of clients unless I get them one as well,” I said, taking a seat in my desk chair, “and I really needed the caffeine boost. If it makes you feel better, you can drive Maddie and me home tonight, so we don’t have to pay for a ride from Church.”
“You know I’d drive you any time you need,” he said. “Just call.”
To my knowledge, Theo hadn’t taken a sip of alcohol since the crash and would drive a stranger home if it meant keeping someone from getting behind the wheel after drinking.
I completely understood why, yet it was a reminder that he still carried the guilt of my brother’s death. “That’d be great,” I said.
“I’ll swing by and pick y’all up, so you don’t have to drive back for a car in the morning,” Theo said, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
“No need for that,” I said, grabbing his folder from the pile on my desk.
“Do me a favor and let him,” Poppy said, taking Theo’s massive hand in her tiny one. “He’ll be worried about you if you don’t.”
“Fine,” I said, fighting a smile when Theo’s shoulders completely relaxed.
Aiden had remained a constant presence in my life after Logan’s death; however, seeing Theo regularly again only started after he accepted my help.
For the past year, we’d been building a writ of actual innocence petition to have his record expunged.
As soon as I opened the folder, all the tension that had left Theo’s shoulders jumped to Poppy’s.
Technically, she was in my office for moral support. Based on how fast she bounced her leg and the soothing circles Theo traced on her hand with his thumb, it was clear he was supporting her.
“I want to start by saying there is precedent for what we’re trying to do,” I said. “However, the success rate for cases like these is very low.”
Theo nodded. “I have nothing to lose for trying, Everly. No matter what the court says, it won’t bring back Logan or erase what happened after.”
“Well, legally, it might erase what happened after, right?” Poppy asked.
Theo had built an incredible life for himself, yet like all convicted felons, the label still affected him a decade after he served his time. “That’s the idea,” I said. “Believe me, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”
“I know you will, Everly,” she said, her voice tight with emotion.
“If this is upsetting you, we can stop,” Theo said to her. His forehead bunched with concern, and my stomach sank. I’d hate for him to drop the petition to avoid the disappointment of losing.
Poppy’s head snapped in his direction, and the look on her face was downright terrifying. “Theo Makis,” she said, pulling her hand from his to shake her finger at him. “This isn’t about me.”
“Of course it’s about you,” he said, giving her a sweet smile. “I want a future for us without limitations. I want to travel anywhere in the world we want, and if we have kids someday, I want to coach their soccer team without worrying I won’t pass a background check.”
She let out a long breath. “Like any kid of ours would play sports.”
He laughed, and it hit me square in the chest. My childhood was filled with memories of playful Theo.
He chased Maddie and me around the backyard, pretending to be the Big Bad Wolf while the rest of the boys played football.
He drew silly chalk pictures on the driveway whenever we asked and told stories that made us laugh so hard our stomachs hurt.
His entire personality shifted after the accident.
Seeing the joy return to his face was enough to make my eyes sting.
“If going through this is too much, we should stop,” Theo said softly.
Poppy shook her head. “I’m only nervous because I want this so bad it hurts. I want the rest of the world to see you like I do.”
Theo grabbed her hand again and kissed it before turning his attention back to me.
“OK,” I said as soon as I got myself under control. “The Court of Appeals granted us a hearing on March 5th. Let’s talk about our next steps.”
An hour later, I led Poppy and Theo back to reception and said goodbye, feeling excited about the upcoming hearing.
“Phew,” Hattie said once the door closed behind them. “For the life of me, I can’t understand how you’re still single with so many hot guy friends.”
“Um, because they’re all married or almost married,” I said with a laugh.
“You knew them before they met their wives,” she said.
“When I was a literal child, yes,” I said, shaking my head. “They’re like brothers to me. If I could have dated any of Logan’s friends without the thought making me want to vomit, I would have. I’ve known Aiden my entire life and Theo and Cal since I was in kindergarten.”
“You’ve honestly never had a crush on any of them?”
“No,” I lied. I might have drooled a little at Cal, who looked like a male supermodel before I even knew what the term meant.
I’m pretty sure Theo was Maddie’s first crush.
Cal and Theo never treated us like we were their annoying little sisters, unlike Aiden, who felt as related to me as Maddie or Logan.
“Yeah, you did,” Hattie said with a smirk. “My bullshit meter is top-notch from working here. Sadly, since those fine men are all married or almost married, I guess you’re stuck with the dating apps. Speaking of. How was dinner last night?”
“Terrible,” I said, walking closer to her desk so I didn’t have to shout the details of my pathetic love life. “He just wanted advice on his pending divorce.”
“Of course he did,” Hattie said with a sigh.
“I think I’m taking a break from dating.”
Hattie nodded. “Pickings are beyond slim in this town. Plus, you could use the time to bank more billable hours.”
“That bad, huh?” I asked, leaning on her desk. The sound of masculine laughter floated down the hall from Taylor’s office. In all the times I’d met with the partners, we’d never laughed like that.
Hattie shrugged. “If you just wanted to stay an associate, no. If you want to beat Preston for the partner spot, yes. He clocks about ten more hours a week than you.”
“Ten,” I said louder than I intended. I paused and listened, but the laughter had kicked up enough I doubt anyone other than Hattie heard me. “How is that even possible? I work all the time.”
“I’m sure you work as many hours as Preston does, if not more, but the partners don’t factor in your pro bono work above the firm minimum. As much as I hate to say it, if things stay the same, Preston’s the obvious choice.”
I let out a sigh. “He’s talented. I honestly wouldn’t feel bad losing to him. Not to mention, he gets along better with Taylor and George than I do.”
“Shut your mouth,” Hattie said, swatting my arm with a file folder. “You’re the brightest attorney here. So what if Preston makes them laugh? Taylor and George would be insane not to lock you in before some other firm does.”
“Let’s hope so,” I said. “I’m exhausted. I can’t keep putting in the hours I am, billable or not. My social life is nonexistent. It’s been months since I went out with friends. I wish you’d come out tonight. I’m not sure when I’ll get a chance again.”
Hattie shook her head. “I’m getting into my pajamas the second I get home, eating chocolate cake for dinner, and reading Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time.
I don’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone until tomorrow morning when I meet my mom for her weekly critique of my life, which she calls brunch.
I need tonight to brace myself, or I’ll snap at her like a teenager. ”
“That actually sounds amazing,” I said. “Your plans for tonight. Not the critique part. Maybe I should stay in too.”
Hattie laughed. “No way your sister is letting you bed rot in peace. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone great at Church.”
“You sound like Maddie,” I said, shaking my head. “Like you said, the pickings are slim in this town.”
“Or off-limits,” Hattie said.
Though she probably meant my brother’s friends, I couldn’t help thinking of a certain police officer who’d made my pulse race in Karma.