Page 7 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

I’ve told her a million times, but I tell her again, “It makes me feel like my dad when you call me sir.”

Ashleigh laughs but quickly quietens as a few eyes rise above the edges of the cubicles. “Unless the senior partners are around. It’s just a hard habit to break. Anyway, I’m hoping you’ll take me with you to the top when you make partner, and that means calling you sir,sir.”

“You’re my secret weapon. I’m not going anywhere without you.” I push through the conference room door. “Mr. Marché, it’s been too long.”

Bob is a big man. From his shoulders to his hands, he loves to intimidate others with his large build. “Rad, you’re always welcome to get some sunshine in California.” Patting my arm, he almost knocks me to the side with his hearty hits, but I stand my ground because he’s never intimidated me. “Palm trees. Beautiful women. Blue skies and the ocean. You need to come out for a visit.”

“I do. But you’re here now. Marlow mentioned you were visiting, but I assumed for pleasure.” He’s gone completely gray since I last saw him with white taking over the hair around his ears. Too tan to be a New Yorker, he fits right in with the Hollywood elite.

I refer to my right-hand woman. “This is Ashleigh Walters, my assistant.”

“Hello,” he says, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Glancing at me, he lifts a brow. “I was hoping to speak to you alone.”

Ashleigh doesn’t need to be asked to leave but waits for me to confirm before exiting. I nod. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” When the door closes, and we sit, I look across the table at him. “It’s always good to see you, but I’ll admit this comes as a surprise. Usually, when someone sits across from me during business hours on a Tuesday, it’s to discuss divorce proceedings.”

“Yes,” he replies, his chunky fingers drumming the glass-top table. “I want to part ways with my current wife.”Of course you fucking do.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“We both know it’s coming and long overdue.” With a clip to his tone, he picks the lint off his sweater.

“So, you’re here for legal advisement?”

“I want you as my lawyer.”

“You have a team of attorneys for every aspect of your life.” His last divorce attorney is probably still on retainer. “Do you mind if I ask why you want to work with me?”

“I like you. Marlow likes you. I’ve heard good things about your career, and I think this divorce is going to be a battle.” Lowering his voice, he adds, “I want to keep things in the family.” He clicks his tongue and winks.

I’ve known the man for years, but only through his occasional visits to his daughter. I’m thinking family is a bit of a stretch. “As much as I’m flattered, I think it would be wise to have an attorney in Los Angeles handle the case. California law is different?—”

“Nothing you can’t handle.”

“I’m not licensed in California, but I can give you a referral?—”

“No need.” His hand goes flat on the surface with the same impatience Marlow displays. “I’ve made up my mind. You’ll be representing me, Wellington. I’m filing in the state of New York. I think it will be cleaner here than in California. The Manhattan apartment has been considered my main residence for the past year.”

Ah.The plot thickens.“In preparation for filing.”

“California sees the divorce more equitably than New York.”

“True. It’s an equitable division state.”

“But that doesn’t mean half right out of the gate. Fair is not always equal.”

He’s done his homework. “Are you residing in the city?”

“I’m flying back and forth. I’m backing a new show on Broadway. It opens next month. For the filing, you can list the Park Avenue address.”

“And I assume you had a prenup?”

“Yes, but I got lazy. I should have filed six months ago.”

“Because?”

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