Page 61 of Rayne

"No, it's okay," I say, but he looks unconvinced. "Really it's fine." I smile warmly, doing my best to reassure him. "That was my brother. I forgot we had an important dinner planned and I was late. I got too distracted with the rain." Adding in a laugh for good measure, I feel a sense of relief when Elijah relaxes.

"Oh, good," he murmurs. "I was pretty worried about you. So, your brother?"

I nod. "I have two brothers. Not the best tempered but I promise all is good."

Elijah smiles. "I'm glad to hear. You left your stuff here last night, but yeah… irrelevant now I guess."

My eyes drift down to the cell. "Yep, all good. Anyway, I better get started on some work. Let me know if you need anything?"

"I will," he answers, heading for the door. He pauses for a second, like he wants to say something else but talks himself out of it, disappearing from view.

Thankfully, he doesn't mention anything again and the day runs as normal. Nick bombards me with work, more quiet than usual, and the rain continues for most of the day.

Later that afternoon, I spot Jason heading into the office after Court, and suddenly, an idea pops into my mind. I stand up from my desk, following him to his office.

Knocking on his door softly, I wait for him to look up.

"Rayne," he greets. "What can I do for you?"

His voice is gruff, probably from talking all day. I make a mental note to be quick, so I step inside, getting straight to the point.

"I've been thinking about possibly taking the LSATs," I say slowly. "I really enjoy law and think maybe I could consider some other opportunities."

Jason nods, not looking surprised. "Your father was an attorney, yes?"

"He was," I confirm. "Dealing with a lot of similar cases to yourself, actually."

"I'm surprised law school wasn't your first priority," Jason remarks. It's not judgmental in the slightest, just an honest observation.

I shrug. "When I was younger I considered it briefly, but I wanted to get straight to work. Do you have any advice?"

He pauses, looking at his desk calendar. "From memory, there's exams in a few weeks. It depends when you feel you are ready. They sit regularly so it's a matter for you to decide. But I think having extensive legal experience will work in your favor. I believe I have some old prep books if you'd like to borrow them."

I beam at him. "Yes, please. And would the firm have any problem with me sitting the exams and potentially applying to law school?"

Jason smiles. "It's a revolving door around here, Rayne. People are always coming and going. I think the partners would prefer to hire someone with their own firm experience, if that's what you are asking. Otherwise, you have quite a large number of personal days accrued, but I'm sure I could persuade the other partners to allow some paid time off for preparation. Do you have a particular law school in mind?"

I shake my head, realizing I haven't thought too far into it. "Not yet. This has been a rather recent idea."

"Fair enough," he answers, clicking his mouse. "Well, I'd start by checking the LSAT dates and deciding from there. If you have any questions, you're welcome to ask."

"I appreciate that," I say, standing up. I thank him, quickly leaving before I overstay my welcome.

When I get back to my computer, I see an email in my inbox, straight away recognizing the now familiar email address. I open it, scanning the contents.

I'm cooking dinner again. Be home by seven at the latest. We'll let you drive this time. But don't be late—otherwise Hawk will come looking for you again.

I snort, amused—and mortified, because it's true.

After five o'clock, people start leaving the office one by one when there's a small break in the rain. I'm caught up finishing a brief for Nick, so I stay back, checking the clock religiously to make sure I have plenty of time to get to Paradise Valley.

An hour later, I start to pack up my things when Elijah appears at my office door, another drink in hand.

I smile at him, shoving my cell into my bag. "The present again?"

"I can't let the bottle go to waste," he remarks. "Quick drink?"

I glance at the time quickly. "I'm not sure I can," I murmur apologetically. "Another family dinner."

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