Page 23 of Rayne

"It wasn't what I expected," I confess.

Margot gives me a sympathetic glance. "I know it can be uncomfortable going outside of your routine. But the main thing is you tried."

Oh, bless her heart for trying to be supportive.

"It's not that," I tell her, looking away.

She frowns again. "What is it?"

"It's…" I stop. I don't know how to say this.

Silence falls between us but she doesn't push for me to continue. She waits patiently, recognizing the seriousness of it all.

Finally, I muster up the courage to speak up, hoping that she doesn't freak out.

"I was paired up with… Hawk and Jett."

I flinch, waiting for the fall out. Nothing comes, and I peek through squinted eyes to gauge her reaction. Margot just blinks, frozen in place.

"Your brothers?" she asks slowly.

Disgust rolls through me at the reminder. "Foster brothers," I remind her, trying to convince myself that it's not as bad as it seems.

Oh, who am I kidding? It's practically the end of the world. Several showers lately and I still feel tainted.

"Ohh," she exhales. "You didn't do anything with them though, right?"

"Of course not," I quickly answer, a wave of guilt rolling through me as she breathes a sigh of relief.

She smiles. "Good. That would be so wrong."

Chapter 8

After Margot leaves, I barely have time to compose myself from the lies and guilt before Nick comes storming into my office.

"Did you file the motion like I asked?" he snaps, slamming a piece of paper on my desk.

I lean over, frowning as I scan the paper. It has nothing to do with the motion from this morning so I just nod.

"Yes. I emailed you the lodgement number and saved a copy to the electronic file."

He scoffs, adjusting his tie. Instantly, I realize he's on the verge of imploding—his fidgeting a tell-tale sign. I don't have time to dig further as Jason's voice floats into my office from outside as he chats to another colleague. Nick turns, spotting him before pointing down at the piece of paper.

"See what you can find in the library about these cases. I need research about these judgments. Preferably by tomorrow morning."

"Nick, it's going to take hours," I reply, picking up the paper and looking over the list.

He shrugs. "You should get started then."

I watch as he exits, head hung low as he avoids eye contact with Jason who is talking to Mary. I guess the partners' meeting didn't go very well.

As soon as Nick is out of earshot in his office, Jenna appears in my doorway, another cupcake in hand.

"So good," she muses, nodding to the now blue one. "Did you hear what happened?"

I shake my head. "The meeting?"

Jenna looks behind her, checking for nosey ears before lowering her voice. "Partners are promoting some new associates since we had a great quarter and our workload is increasing."

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