“You don’t really need to ask me that.” He looks amused as he pulls open a drawer. “You’re welcome to come here as often as you’d like during the week and in the weeks ahead.”
“Is that your way of saying you’re not coming back to my dorm room?”
“Yes.” He smiles. “Never.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“It’s not happening.” He walks over to the bed and pulls the sheets back. “I’ll join you when I’m finished.”
He looks me up and down one last time before disappearing.
I take advantage of his state-of-the-art shower, letting the hot streams attack my skin for what feels like forever, washing away the suds of loneliness that I hope to never feel again.
By the time I hit the lights and climb into bed, it’s a little after midnight.
I turn on the television and settle on a marathon ofLaw & Order: SVU.
I fall asleep without feeling Jameson move next to me.
When I wake up, he’s long gone.
RATIFY (V):
V. TO CONFIRM AND ADOPT THE ACT OF ANOTHER EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT APPROVED BEFOREHAND.
JAMESON
Had to leave for a client.
I’ll make it up to you later. (If you come back.)
Scarlett
Okay. (I will come back.)
“Idon’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like that this early in the afternoon.” Rachel leans against my doorframe. “Has Satan hired our firm for representation or something?”
“Funny.” I set my phone down. “How many hours do you think this latest filing will take?”
“For a regular lawyer, maybe thirty hours.”
“For me, Rachel.”
“Three hours, tops.” She moves closer, placing a Post-it on my desk.
Your mother keeps calling my line + the interns’ line every hour.
Maybe you should finally answer???
“No.” I crumple the note and toss it into the trash. “Keep telling her the usual.”
“It could be life or death, Jameson.”
“Then let me know where the funeral is,” I say. “I’ll be sure to pay my respects.”
“Jameson—”
“She’s not important.” I keep my voice firm. “Bring me the filing so I can get to work.”
