The world tilted.
“Warren and Adams?”I echoed, unable to keep my eyes from widening.
She smiled knowingly.“The very one.”
My heart kicked hard against my ribs as I stared at her in absolute shock.Warren and Adams was one of the best law firms in the city that handled white-collar litigation and high-profile cases.They had an obscene success rate, so naturally it was the firm I’d bookmarked, researched, and quietly dreamed about at two in the morning when the rest of the city slept.
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up,” she added gently, “but he was impressed with your findings.Exceptionalwas the word he used, then he apparently spent days going over the old case himself.”She let out a chuckle as she shook her head.“That man never knows when to quit.You're thinking of the firm for your internship next year, correct?”
I swallowed.“I—yes, I am.”
“Good, good.I'm sure he's looking forward to meeting with you.For now, use your study break next week,” she said, her tone softening.“I know the wedding will demand your attention, but don’t let it derail you.I expect great things from you, Savannah.”
I nodded, gripping the strap of my bag a little tighter.“I won’t.Thank you, Professor.”
She gave me one last approving look before turning back to her desk.
I stepped out into the hallway, glancing down at my phone as I walked ahead and mentally did the calculations.
3:32 p.m.
It would take me about fifteen minutes to get to the stores, then—hopefully—another forty-five to find the perfect dress.I didn't have a lot of time, but I'd make it work.
The rain had softened into a steady drizzle by the time I pushed the auditorium doors open, the kind that slicked the pavement and made the air smell clean and metallic.I stood there for a moment, bag slung over one shoulder, mind still buzzing from Professor Hargreeve’s words.
If I could land the internship next year, then I'd be on track to accomplishing one of my goals: being a name partner.I knew how hard it would be to get my foot in the door, and the heights of corporate law consisted of stuffy old men who weren't amenable to change.
But now, with that review, my foot was in the door.
A grin broke out on my face, though it slipped when a student walked by me with a quizzical look on his face.
Celebrate later.For now, I needed a dress.Though the thought brought my excitement down a peg, reminding me of my sad reality.
And to think, if this were months ago, I'd be sharing this news with Chase.
It was funny how things could change.
Sighing, I swiped across my phone screen and opened my transit app.
I needed a dress.
The bus ride to the mall was packed and warm, windows fogged over as rain streaked down the glass.I sat in the back, one hand gripping my bag, the other scrolling through my case notes.Old habits die hard,I thought, remembering the nights I'd be studying endlessly on the bus ride home during my freshman year.Every bit of downtime counted, though, so I didn't mind.
By the time I got off, my brain felt wrung out.
The mall was bright and humming, all-white polished floors and curated chaos.I wandered down the halls with a few stores in mind, pausing only to peek in through the windows at mannequins dressed in silky dresses.
No way was I spending that amount of money on a dress for their wedding.
Twenty minutes later, I was still empty-handed and starting to feel the familiar frustration creep in.Why was everything so expensive?
My eyes shifted to look at my phone again when a familiar voice cut through the noise.
“Savannah?Hi gorgeous!”
I turned—and there she was.
“Nerissa,” I said, blinking in surprise.
