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“I did.” I hadn’t told Vaughn anything about Garrett. In fact, we never talked about why he showed up. I had greedily soaked up an excuse to focus on something else.
“And tonight? Does dinner work for you?”
This was the part where I could have played hard-to-get. I could have told him I needed a few nights before I was free.
“Yes.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“There’s this Italian place in Georgetown where the women roll the pasta by hand. You’ll like it.”
“How do you know I like Italian?” I teased, stalling to keep him on the phone. I liked the sound of his voice too much.
“See you then.”
“Bye.”
I let my eyes close for only a second. But it was a beautiful second.
I straightened my back and walked toward the building.
***
Max Harrison’s office smelled like the back of the collections section of the library. Books were piled on every surface. There were leather-bound law volumes from every state. Some appeared to never have been opened.
I sat in a chair facing Max’s desk, while he searched for his evaluation form with my name on it.
“Found it!” he held it up.
I smiled.
“So tell me, Emily, how would you describe your first weeks at American?”
“Good. It’s been great. Everyone has been fantastic to work with.” I pinned on another grin.
“And your classes? How are those going?”
I nodded. “My students are great. I have no complaints.”
“And clinic? You’re in women’s issues. How is that going?”
Before I spit out “great” again, I paused. “Challenging,” I answered.
Max looked up. “Explain. What do you mean?”
“I don’t want this to sound like a complaint, but the clinic is severely understaffed. We can’t help everyone who needs it.”
“I see. And?” He pulled the tip of his goatee.
“Some days are more frustrating than others,” I admitted. “I might see five new clients, only to leave the office with ten who are waiting when we lock the office. Sometimes I don’t think I can make a dent. We need more help. More people are needed to help at the women’s clinic.”
“Have you visited any of the other clinics we run?” he asked.
“No. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t made the time.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I was asking out of curiosity.” He leaned forward. “They’re all like that. All of them.”
