Page 44 of Hula Girl

“Ah, no. That’s not part of the deal.” I have no desire to be put on display at an American Bar Association event, pretending to be the prodigal son returning home to the nest solely to boost his image.

“Remember,Son, that you’re not in a position to pick and choose. You have less than a week where you need to abide by my rules. Then you’ll get your goddamn early retirement, complete with a golden parachute you have done nothing to deserve.”

I could argue with him about this point. I could cite all the cases I helped the firm win, all the revenue I’ve brought in, all the new clients I’ve attracted with my reputation for a photographic mind and the ability to connect the finer points of the law. But I just don’t care.

Instead, I tell him honestly, “I don’t have the right clothes for something like that.”

“There’s a suit in your office.”

When he sees my surprise, he adds, “You didn’t think I wouldn’t know when you were finally coming back, did you?”

I hold back a shiver at the thought that he’s had spies checking on me since I’ve been away. I should have known he wouldn’t have just let me be.

“Doris will arrange for a haircut and a shave, too,” he says as I turn away. “Appearances matter, Ford. At least for this week, I need you to look the part you used to play so well.”

Yes, that’s all it is, I tell myself. It’s only a part I’m playing until I’m truly free.

16

Ava

It’s the kind of lawyers’ event I’m normally thrilled to be a part of. Sure, the presentations can be dry, but the networking during the cocktail hour has always been my thing. I usually relish reconnecting with work colleagues or making new acquaintances, determined to further opportunities to advance my career in any way I could.

But not tonight.

Tonight, I’m here physically, but still distracted otherwise. I’ve been back to work for two full days now, gotten completely caught up on my emails and cases, and should be in the swing of things. But I’m still off. My thoughts stray so often to Ford that it takes effort to redirect my attention. I’ll find myself revisiting our time together, indulging in replaying those moments where lust overtook us.

“He’s here tonight.”

Startled by the voice in my ear, I turn to see Tyler, my friend and co-worker. He’s even more of a social butterfly at these things than I am. We’d gone our separate ways a while ago as he mingled and I stood off to the side, being unusually reserved.

“Who’s here? Bryce? Yeah, I know. I saw him earlier. And I’m keeping my distance,” I say.

“No, not him. I’m talking about McAvoy Junior,” he says, his eyes dancing with excitement.

I laugh. “And who is that?”

“Girl, you really have no idea of the gossip in our world, do you?” He makes a show of looking around. “Where did he go? He was here a minute ago.”

“Who? You’re going to have to educate me.”

He sighs. “McAvoy Junior is the absolute hottest lawyer in LA. I mean, hot as in he’s drop-dead gorgeousandhe’s brilliant at the law. His dad, McAvoy Senior, isn’t too bad himself, I must say,” he says with a salacious grin.

“Ooh, so your odds are doubled!”

“Don’t I wish. No, neither play for my team. Anyway, they call JuniorBoy Wonderbecause he skipped a grade in high school and finished college in three years. A real brain. But word is he absolutely loathes that nickname.”

“Okay,” I say slowly, bemused.

“Anyway, he made a big splash working for his dad for a few years. He’s supposed to have this really amazing memory for case law. But then he disappeared about a year ago. The official line was that he was taking a leave of absence. But there were plenty of people who said he had it out with Senior. Anyway, this whole room is positivelybuzzingbecause he’s back.”

“People are easily amused, is what you’re telling me.”

He laughs. “That is true. But just wait until you feast your eyes upon this hunk of a man, Ava. He’sunreal.”

“Well, I may not get a chance to experience this amazinghunk of a manbecause I’m going to go soon. I’m just not feeling it tonight.”

Tyler shakes his head in disappointment. I’m usually up for a little fun banter with him, but I just don’t have it in me at the moment.

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