A strange feeling washed over her. “Sure.”
He closed the door and took in a long breath before sitting in the chair across from her. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Chapter
Two
Whitney couldn’t deny the feeling that something was wrong. They never had closed door discussions. Was Roger leaving the firm? Or worse, was he sick? She sucked in a breath and hoped her gut was wrong, but that was rare.
Roger hesitated, then leaned forward, settling his forearms on his knees.
Her smile faded. “You’re making me nervous, Roger. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. Actually, it’s pretty great.” He rubbed his hands together. “I didn’t think this would be so hard.”
He’s leaving the firm.But she didn’t open her mouth. She sat there, giving him time to say what he had to say.
“I’ve met someone.”
She let out a breath. “Thank goodness. You had me scared there for a minute.” That was the last thing she’d expected to hear since he always dated so casually. It’s why their little arrangement had worked so well. Absorbing the words, shemoistened her lips and spoke. “We’re not talking about a client here, are we? I mean, is this a real relationship?”
He shook his head, his eyes dancing with a hint of excitement. “Not a client. This gal is someone really special. I think she might be… my person.”
An unexpected twist in her gut surprised her. Not because of feelings for Roger—no, they really were just friends, and she was happy for him. It was more of a realization that she no longer had that safety net with him at her side. Having Roger, although she’d always been clear with everyone that they were just friends, had at least given her some space from Mom’s constant nagging and matchmaking. And Dad, well he seemed to think women were still most effective as part of a couple. As archaic as the thought was, she wasn’t going to change him, but she certainly intended to prove she could succeed without being married.
Whitney managed a supportive smile. “That’s wonderful, Roger. I’m happy for you. How? Wow, when did you have time?”
He laughed, back to his relaxed self. “Right? It’s a crazy story. I’ll have to tell you all about it at some point, but I really am sorry that I need to cancel those next couple events we were attending together.”
“Not a problem. Don’t even think about it.”But it did give her pause enough to think maybe she might need to figure out what she wanted or needed in her own life.
He seemed relieved. “I thought you’d understand. It all just sort of happened. I wasn’t even looking. I feel bad about the timing with Casino Night right around the corner.”
“Don’t give it another thought. Really.” It wouldn’t be the first time she had gone to one of those fundraisers alone.
“I’d like to take her to the annual Lawyerpalooza coming up in a couple of weeks if you don’t mind.” He rose. “It won’t be weird, will it?”
“No. People know we’re just colleagues. I’ll see y’all there. It’ll be fine.” The worst part would be Mom’s digs about how Whitney could have, or should have done whatever to land Roger herself since they got along so well. But there was absolutely no spark there. The momentary pity party ended. “I can’t wait to meet her, Roger, and you look genuinely happy. This is so great.”
“Great. Yeah.” He stood there awkwardly. “I… well… that’s it. I’ll see you around?”
“You will. Good luck.” She walked him to the door.
A strange combination of feelings rolled over her. The news irked her a little. Not that he had found someone, but that she suddenly seemed to be the only person who wasn’t balancing a personal life with their work.
I’m turning into my dad. Married to my work. With none of the benefits.
Whitney walked back over to her desk and pulled her keyboard closer. She pulled up the file she’d been reviewing before the interruptions. Her day was full. Three new clients and a list of follow-ups, which meant lunch at her desk again; but she didn’t mind busy days.
After her last appointment for the day, she went through her email. An email about the upcoming Casino Night fundraiser elicited a sigh from her. She and Roger had planned to attend several functions over the next few months. That beach trip at his folks’ place on Hilton Head would be off her calendar now too. Too bad. She loved that place.
She’d gotten so comfortable in the arrangement with Roger that she hadn’t kept up with single guy friends she could call on to accompany her. They were probably all otherwise engaged by now anyway.
Just the thought of having to renew old friendships or make new ones made her feel lonely.
It was close to six thirty and most of the office had already cleared out. She got up and walked around the corner to see if Carina was still there.
Unlike her own office, Carina’s was very modern, decorated in sharp lines and shades of gray. The only artwork in the room was a black and white charcoal sketch. Not one single personal picture of William or their two-year-old daughter, Chloe, in sight. Carina insisted on keeping family and business completely separate, which had always struck Whitney as odd, considering they worked in family law.
