Page 102 of Only Fate

If my mother brings up Earl’s case at dinner, I’m so fucked.

33

Adrian doesn’t want me to meet his mom.

That much is clear.

After spilling the wine, he knocks over a glass. Terrance catches it before it falls to the floor.

From the way Adrian keeps peeking at the doorway every few moments, it’s obvious he’s mentally searching for an excuse for us to leave.

It doesn’t make sense.

I know his mom was always hard on him growing up, but why would she dislike me?

Because we’re competing law firms?

His mother hasn’t arrived by the time we sit at the table for dinner.

Maybe she’ll be a no-show, and Adrian will stop being a bundle of worry.

“Now, Essie,” Valeria says as we start moving food around the table, serving ourselves, “what’s your backstory with my grandson here? While I love him being in Blue Beech, I have a feeling a large reason for that is because you’re here. He was uncertain about Terrance’s job offer until he learned where the firm was.”

“I’m not sure. We became friends in college, and maybe he wanted to catch up.” I take a sip of wine, choosing not to tell her about Adaway and Williams.

If I could, I’d erase my time in hell there from my brain.

“Sorry I’m late,” a woman says, rushing into the room and sliding her black blazer off at the same time. “I always forget how long the drive here is from the city.”

“Essie,” Adrian says, “this is my mother, Paula. Mom, this is Essie.”

I see the resemblance between them. They share a similar height. I wonder if his father was tall too. Paula’s hair is thick and wavy, and her bangs hit her brow.

Paula’s lips turn into a smile. “The girl from the pub.”

“I’ll forever be known as the girl from the pub,” I mutter.

Adrian stays stone-faced, not even cracking a smile at my comment. He definitely would’ve if we weren’t with his mother.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Paula says, taking her seat beside Valeria.

Adrian downs the rest of his wine and refills his glass.

“Adrian,” Valeria says, peering at me, “how’s the case you’re helping your mom out with for the Prison Exoneration Program? Isn’t the man from Blue Beech? She said you visited him at the prison. I bet that was an experience.” She clasps her hands together. “I love you two working together.”

Adrian curses under his breath and runs a hand over his forehead.

Paula pays me a glance before whipping her attention back to Valeria. “I don’t think we want to talk about work right now. How is everything going with you?”

“Wait,” I say, not going with Paula’s suggestion. It takes me a moment to find my words. “You work for the PEP?”

“Essie,” Adrian whispers.

Terrance shifts in his chair, looking at me with concern, and whispers, “Oh, this isn’t good.”

Paula is quiet for a moment.

I’m unsure if it’s because she’s trying to find the right response or waiting for Adrian to answer the question.

---