Page 32 of Barristers & Bones

We went to a little lunch spot just off Fremont Street and ate at an outside table, enjoying the fall sunshine while we discussed my corporation question.

“It's all about leverage and who’s in control,” he explained as we dug into our food.

“Sounds like a normal day dealing with you,” I needled him. He raised an eyebrow and then explained the intricacies of corporate mergers while I listened and tried to absorb his explanation.

“Okay, I think I understand it enough to fumble my way through.” I wiped my hands on my napkin as we finished up.

“Anything else, Ms. Cross?”

“No, Mr. Fowler. That was informative, thank you. You’re sarcastic and abrupt, but you don’t dumb things down or try to mansplain to me.”

Roman searched my face, his eyes settling on my lips. “You’re certainly not dumb, and only an idiot would talk down to you.” He seemed to shake himself. “You’ve wasted enough of my day, let’s get back.”

Shaking my head, I chuckled humorlessly as I started to stand. “I should know a compliment from you will also come with a verbal slap.”

Just then, a man walked up to us. “Roman, nice to see you. This is one of my favorite lunch spots too.”

Roman straightened. “Hello, Cameron.” They shook hands, and the man took a seat at our table, but after an awkward pause, it appeared Roman didn’t plan to introduce me. He could be such a prick sometimes. I tried not to let the slight hurt me, and took matters into my own hands, sticking my palm out across the table. “Hello. I’m Luna Cross, Roman’s law student intern.”

“Luna, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Cameron Wilder.” He grinned and shook my hand.

Cameron wore expensive, business-casual clothes, and had thick brown hair with gray at his temples. He was probably in his late thirties and extremely attractive. His name also sounded familiar. “Oh, I know where I’ve heard your name,” I exclaimed.

Roman stiffened next to me, but I pressed on. “You own Wilder Technologies and there’s a scholarship in your company’s name at the law school. One of my best friends won it last year. It made a huge difference–you have no idea. So thank you.” I’d heard Cameron’s tech company had created several legal research programs, and he’d gifted millions to the law school.

He grasped my arm and squeezed. “I’m glad. What’s your friend’s name?”

“Alexa Torres. She’s also my roommate.”

“I remember reviewing her application. What year are you?” Before I could answer, Roman’s phone rang, and he looked down at it.

“I need to take this.” His blank face didn’t give me any clues, so I shrugged and pointed to the restaurant.

“I’m going to use the restroom then.” I turned to Cameron as Roman answered the call. “It was nice to meet you.”

Cameron stood as I got up. “You too, Luna. I hope we meet again.” He’d been charming and polite, and I wondered why Roman seemed so annoyed.

When I exited the restaurant and started toward our outdoor table, I felt a hand on my arm. Cameron stood in the doorway as if he’d been waiting for me.

“I’ll keep you company while Roman finishes his call if that’s alright.”

I glanced at Roman, who was still talking on his phone, but he watched us with a clenched jaw. Turning to Cameron, I smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

He took my elbow and led us to an empty bench. “Do you plan to work with Roman when you graduate?” Cameron asked.

I chuckled, then realized Cameron was serious. “Uh, no. He has no interest in hiring me as an attorney, and I plan to practice water law.”

A confused look crossed his face, and he glanced over at Roman. “I don’t know a lot about that area of law, but I know water is vital to Las Vegas. Isn’t training and then hiring an intern the major reason firms take them on?”

Cameron had zeroed in on the troubling enigma that still plagued me about Roman and this situation. I turned to him and sighed. “I’m more confused than you are. To be honest, he doesn’t like me, and I’ve asked countless times to be released from this internship.”

A shadow fell over my lap, and I looked up to see Roman standing over me with his arms folded. He reached down and took my hand, pulling me up. “Let’s go. I have work to do.”

Cameron stood too. “Luna, come to lunch with me next week. I want to continue our conversation.”

My body locked, and I didn’t know how to respond. “I’ll, uh, check my schedule. That sounds nice, though.” As soon as the words were out, I wanted to smack my forehead. Dating was typically awkward and painful for me, and this exchange with Cameron was a perfect example.

His gaze softened at my discomfort. “You have to eat, right?” He turned to Roman. “I’ll call you tomorrow. I’d like to discuss a few things.”

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