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I feel shitty reminding her of one of the worst days of her life right off the bat. “Those were some dark days for all of us,” I murmur to cover the awkward moment.
Marge is totally oblivious, looking from me to Serena and back again, as though she can’t believe her luck. “This is a really good idea,” Marge states in a tone of firm politeness.
Serena looks momentarily confused. “What’s a good idea?”
Suddenly, my club president has all kinds of things to say. “Smoke was just telling me how snowed under with work he is these days. His firm has grown exponentially while you’ve been in San Francisco. Since you’re an attorney, he was wondering if you might be interested in lending him a hand, at least until you find yourself a stable position, now you’re back in Las Salinas.”
I take a step closer, curious to see if she’s interested in working with me. “So, you’ve returned to Las Salinas permanently?”
“I originally left to attend college. The plan was always to return so I could be near my family, but I ended up staying longer.”
Marge chimes in, “As you know from growing up here, Las Salinas is a wonderful area to settle down. We have low crime rates, low property taxes and outstanding schools. The town has recently gone above and beyond to become a mecca for new business development.”
My head slowly turns to look at my office administrator, who has somehow morphed into an outspoken advocate for our hometown. Seriously, with this new can-do attitude of hers, Marge could be doing advertisements for the local Chamber of fucking Commerce.
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize all that. Clearly, I made the right choice by returning home,” Serena states glibly. I get the distinct impression she’s as suspicious of this situation as I am. Still, I want her in my orbit if it’s at all possible.
“Yes, Las Salinas is turning into a budding little metropolis.” I say in support of Marge’s glowing endorsement. “Your brother is correct about my firm being busier than usual. We could really use another attorney if you’re interested.”
Serena flashes me a bright smile, looking ten times more attractive than I remember her being. I’ve been crushing on my club president’s little sister for as long as I can remember. The thought of having her here in my office, working side by side with me every day is an adrenaline rush.
“I’d like to give it a try,” she states politely. “How do you feel about a ninety-day temporary employment contract? Would that be enough to help you get caught up on some of your cases?”
I find myself nodding before she’s even finished making her offer. “Ninety days would be great. When would you like to start?”
“Today’s Friday. How about bright and early on Monday morning?”
I open my mouth to answer but Marge beats me to it. “Monday would be perfect. It’ll give us enough time to clear your office out and get it ready for you.”
Serena reaches out to take Marge’s hands and responds warmly, “Where in the world did Smoke find you? You’re so sweet and welcoming.”
Siege’s mouth falls open in pure shock. I don’t think anyone has ever accused Marge of being sweet. She is more of a stern taskmaster.
Marge just smiles at my longtime friend. “How I ended up working for Mr. Drake is a story of happenstance. I’ll tell you all about it one day. Meanwhile, welcome to our firm. I’ll make sure everything is in order for you come Monday morning.”
Serena’s face lights up even more. “You’re a go-getter, like me. I’m sure working with you will be amazing.”
Okay, this feels weird. These two women are getting along like a house on fire right from the start. That shouldn’t bother me, but Marge being sweet to Serena after continually snapping at me for years annoys me a bit. I’ve missed whatever else they just said but I can already tell that I’m destined to be the third person out in my own law firm. I guess that’s fine, as long as they’re happy. Happy employees are productive employees after all.
So, there is nothing left for me to do but agree with Serena’s assessment of Marge. “Of course, you’re right, Marge is a genuine treasure. Monday sounds like a great idea.”
The three of us stand around making small talk for a few more minutes, but Marge has lost all interest in the conversation. I can hear her on the phone, talking to Rigs. She’s telling him to send prospects to help sort Serena’s new office out. I’ve got to hand it to the woman. She’s been around long enough to know who to call to get things done. When Siege and his sister finally wander off, I approach Marge’s desk.
“About this plan for Serena to join our team temporarily. Are you certain, this isn’t going to be a problem for you?”
Marge glances up at me, with a confused expression on her face. “What color scheme do you think we should pick for Ms. Sommer’s office?”
I blank out for a second because it’s clear she’s not even paying attention to my words. I gesture around the reception area. “I’m thinking we should probably buy her a mahogany desk and continue the burgundy and gold theme we have going in the rest of the office.” After a brief pause, I add, “We want her to feel like she fits in, right?”
“Oh absolutely, Mr. Drake.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Marge quite this happy. My eyes narrow on her. “Want to tell me why you’re so enthusiastic about adding another attorney to our firm? Is it really about job security or do you have an ulterior motive?”
Instead of being offended by my suspiciousness, she jumps up from her seat with a smile on her face. “Sorry, I don’t have time to talk. I need to run down to the office supply store and pick up another appointment book.”
When she dashes off, I frown after her. This employee of mine is old school. I’ve known for a long time that she prefers keeping appointments on paper, when we would have both been better served if she had done it electronically. I turn and head back into my office, eager to get back to my cup of morning coffee. Unfortunately, it’s stone cold. I drink it anyhow because I’m not precious that way.
Settling down to work, I look over my list of clients. Right now, I have eighty-seven of them, including my club, Tank’s business ventures and the five estate planning clients on my books. My clients are varied. I represent a couple of criminal clients although being a trial attorney isn’t my specialty. Most of our clients are businesses. I’ll have to beef up my caseload if I’m going to take on another attorney. It would be embarrassing to hire Serena and not have enough work to keep her busy.
