“Yes, I did bring the chocolate cake. I could tell that you enjoyed it.”
Bree didn’t want to act like the afternoon hadn’t turned out so much better with Tess’s presence. She offered a deep-throated hum. “I enjoyed the entire afternoon—somuch. And you…right where you belong. On the dessert menu.”
Bree watched Tess’s cheeks redden and her hazel eyes darken as she unconsciously shifted in her seat. Bree loved the reactions she could elicit from Tess, who was usually so good at keeping her feelings in check.
“Don’t forget that container on the back seat.” Tess was clearly fighting to make a recovery back to her practiced nonchalant presentation. “That small amount of leftover dessert means nobody will succumb to chocolate overdose—except maybe Gabby. And Fred sent each of us home with enough barbecue for a few dinners.”
“It’s nice to know my evening meal is already figured out for the next few days.” Bree paused. “I’ll see you next week.”
“Presiding judge and new judge.”
Bree would have liked to have said something that suggested a more intimate relationship, but she had no right to do so. She’d undoubtedly crossed a few lines with today’s coquettish interactions, but she didn’t seem to be able to control it, and she didn’t regret it. She leaned in and ran her fingertips across Tess’s cheek. “Good night, Tess.” She climbed out before she tried to kiss that presiding judge in the front seat of her car where the entire neighborhood could bear witness.
“Don’t forget your food,” Tess murmured.
“Fat chance. Not forgetting the whale watchingeither. That and the pending last bite prize because you forfeited.” It was likely going to be a long two weeks until the whale watching, but it shone like the bright spot that it was on Bree’s calendar.
Chapter Eighteen
Tess had her regularly scheduled meeting with Helene late Thursday afternoon after she’d finished the rest of her day.
“As you know, I learned at the orientation about the new duties I’ve acquired as presiding judge. I’m authorized to oversee direct expenditures from the Trial Court Operations Fund, so I’m interested in taking a look at that budget information.”
“I can find that and send you a copy. If you give me a minute, I can do it now.” Helene cast her a glance, and she agreed before Helene left.
Tess sat back in her chair while she waited. She hadn’t even caught a glimpse of Bree so far this week. She missed her, but they both had full schedules. She’d thought of Bree when she’d consumed her leftover Fred-burgers earlier in the week, and of course when she’d made the reservations for the Saturday after next so she could cash in the raffle. Thinking about spending more time with Bree lifted her spirits.
Helene returned about ten minutes later. She handed a folder to Tess. “Here’s a hard copy summary of the Trial Court Operations Fund, and I’ve sent the full budget to your computer too.”
“Thanks. You’re as efficient as I’ve heard. Next, I’m going to want to take a look at the case assignments distributed to the judges over the past two years, so could you add it to our next meeting agenda so we touch base on it?”
Helene nodded, always professional as she made a note, soTess continued.
“I realize that case assignments are part of your job, and I know that Simon Huffington probably didn’t get involved and just left everything to you. But as I learn the ropes of my new position, I want to be more hands-on with my oversight duties.” Tess had always taken her work seriously. Then she added, “I’m thinking that, out of curiosity, I’m also going to want to look at the original random assignment documents those case-assignment calendars were built from.”
Helene stood for a moment thinking, obviously considering Tess’s requests, so Tess decided to clarify.
“I’m interested in seeing how the random assignments play out after judicial qualifications or other factors come into play. Also, I missed four months with my…injury, so I’ll catch up on what happened while I was out recovering.”
Helene nodded again. “I’m not sure all that information is still on my computer. It should probably be saved somewhere, and it might take me a while to find, but I’ll try.”
“I’ve plenty to do. But put it on the agenda so we talk about it, and you can update me.”
Tess wondered about the extent of the role Huffington had played in the case assignments. He’d never addressed the topic with the judges he presided over, not even to ask if anyone was interested in pursuing a shift or expansion of their courthouse roles like she had. She was happy to stick with mostly the criminal division and pick up overflow in other areas where she was qualified, but she could understand if a judge desired change. Someone reelected to multiple six-year terms might have a desire to mix it up after several years on the bench.
“In the meantime, let me dig around and see what I can find.” Helene stood up and left.
So far, Tess had no complaints. Helene had proven herself to be extremely efficient at running the administrative aspectsof the courthouse. She knew she was creating extra work for Helene, but Tess wanted to understand what she was charged with overseeing.
Tess’s younger years had been spent trying to meet the elusive standards of others, and now she seemed to be setting them for herself. With that thought, Tess shook her head and decided it was time to pack up for the day. She grabbed the budget folder to take with her. It would give her something to do this coming weekend.
Tess had her laptop open and several budget papers spread out on the living room coffee table in front of her. She arched her aching back and wondered about that effort she was supposed to be making not to let her job run her life. At least she’d put in a few miles on her treadmill this afternoon, but now it was nine o’clock on Sunday night, and she’d been focused on the budget for hours this weekend.
Tess’s free time was mostly spent with the two cats who were currently sleeping on the far end of the couch. She needed to put in the time to do her job well, but it certainly didn’t take all her time, and that spare time had Tess thinking of the enticing, perplexing Bree. They just seemed to fall into the kind of chemistry that Tess could only have imagined in the past. The connection to Bree was superb when they were together—the kind of connection that she hoped would have a place in her future. She was looking forward to their raffle trip next weekend.
Tess took a moment to stand and stretch, then touched her toes. Thelma and Louise jumped up and headed to the kitchen. They looked back at her, and Louise even slowed down to make sure she’d gotten the message that they were napped out—it wastreat time.
“You two have been so helpful with the review of all these fiscal records. Napping for hours while I fry my brain. So, what do you want for a reward, the fish flavored treats or the chicken?”
