Page 15 of Counterfeit Connection

“You’re an attorney?” The question flies out of my mouth in a way that sounds so condescending. I don’t mean it to be, but it’s already lingering, unable to be taken back.

“You sound shocked? Sad I’m not a simple server who will fall for the whole British mogul thing you’ve got going on?”

I sigh heavily. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded, nor would I ever falsely believe you were simple. I suppose I’m intrigued by the fact you’re an attorney and you’re spending your weekends working as a server.”

She adjusts in her seat a little. “I love Elliot and the entire staff here. Spending my free time with them doesn’t always feel like work, plus the extra income never hurts. New York City is a very expensive place to live and school wasn’t exactly cheap.”

“Working two jobs, especially one that can be as time consuming as law, must be exhausting. I’m impressed by you.”

She laughs. “You don’t seem like the easily impressed type.”

“You’re right. I’m not. I find it admirable to not be afraid of hard work, your dedication to your family and your seemingly very independent nature.”

“You got all that from me working here?”

“Call it a blessing and a curse. I can nail personality traits down pretty quickly. It’s a job necessity and is a skill in my negotiations.”

“Again, so proper. You remind me so much of my brother-in-law, sometimes it’s scary.”

“Maybe it’s a Brit thing?” I chuckle. “Or perhaps it’s a trait my parents instilled in me very early in life. I don’t know how to be any other way, honestly.”

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I think there has been an overwhelmingly large number of people nowadays who don’tknow how to speak with people to convey exactly what they mean, need, or want. Too many things get lost in the shuffle or in translation. Being clear and proper is a nice change in pace for a conversation, so thank you.”

“Does that mean I’m forgiven for behaving like an ape last night?”

A small smile radiates across her face. “Ape, huh? Well, I think a nice dinner with all the fixings just might get you off my shit list…at least for now.”

I want to burst out laughing at her sheer honesty, but decide to wear my cards closer to the vest. “I’ll take it for now.”

We eat slowly and fall into easy conversation. I take a business tactic that I use often, which is to keep my opponent, or in this case my interest, talking. I want to know anything and everything I can about her.

She tells me about her family. I learn more about her sister and this brother-in-law she keeps comparing me to. It’s unbelievable I haven’t run into him ever. Our paths have seemed to be mere steps off of each other for years.

I can tell she worships her father. I wish I could say I felt the same or could even relate. It hit me in my core when she began to talk about her mother and her eventual death. A hood veiled over her eyes, even with the small details she provided. I can tell that many things she does are because of and for her memory. I can honestly say I don’t think I’d be as adjusted if our roles were reversed.

“Remember when I said you impressed me? That continues to be the case with every minute we converse.”

“You must not get out much, because I promise, I’m not that impressive.” She sips her water then takes another bite of food. “Tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?”

Joseph’s face pops clearly into my brain. He’s never gone from it entirely, but sometimes other things take my focus until his memory is thrust back to the forefront.

“I had an older brother, Joseph, but he passed away a few years ago.”

Her hand lays on her chest. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s all right.” I lay my silverware down and clutch my mug of tea. “He was my only sibling, so now… it’s just me.”

“That must have been so hard for your family. I’m so close with my sister, I can’t imagine…it’s also ironic, that’s my nephew’s name. Small world.”

“Indeed, and growing smaller by the day.”

Her uncanny sense of too much seems to kick in, and she changes the subject completely once more. Kaitlyn’s radar for empathy is both alarming and well needed. “Was that a business meeting you were in last night? It felt, well, awkward when I walked up. I was hoping they weren’t all friends.”

I chuckle. “Just one of them. Tobias was to my right. He and I have been mates for quite a while. The other two gentlemen were on the receiving end of a deal they didn’t want to make, but in the end, they realized was necessary.”

“Tobias. I really like that name, and I made a promise to my friend, Katarina, I’d try to snag a business card from him. Not because she’s looking for any type of corporate real estate but because she thinks he’s hot. Do you think you can help me out in that department?”

I laugh. “Tobias will be thrilled to know he’s enticing the ladies, and of course.” I reach into my pocket, pulling out my wallet, retrieving a business card with Tobias’s name on it and sliding it across the table. “I’ll do anything for her, in fact. Shemay have threatened me earlier while I was waiting for you to join me.”

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