Page 7 of The Woodcarver's Model
“Not something my sister would have brought up in business conversation. I assume that’s where you two know each other from.”
Thomas looked relieved at the change of topic. “Yes, we work at the same firm.”
Jessica returned with a wine for Thomas. “White for you, isn’t it?”
“Thanks.” The gentleman caller took a healthy sip of the drink.
Jessica noticed Rob’s glass. “That went fast,” she commented, with a bit of an edge.
“Thirsty, I guess.” Rob smiled, handing it back to her. His raised eyebrows hinted at an unspokenPlease, I’m going to need more.“Hot walk over here. So, Thomas—” Rob started.
“Please. Call me Thom.” Rob swore he could hear thehin the way he pronounced his name.
“Thom… So, you’re with Jessica at Bloombury, Peake and Squire? The investment arm as well?”
“No. I never had any real talent at money. I’m in legal.”
Jessica returned with Rob’s glass refilled and a full wine bottle, which she plunked down on the table nearest him.
“A lawyer,” Rob said, throwing a smile at Jessica, who looked mildly confused. He turned back to Thom. “Were you always interested in law?”
“It runs in the family. Both my mother and father were lawyers.”
“Were they? That’s nice, children following in the footsteps of their parents.”
“And what do your parents do?” It was clear from the look on Thom’s face that the sentence had slipped out before his brain had been able to stop it.
Not a good trait in a lawyer, Rob thought.Probably practices contract law.
“Oh God, I’m so sorry!” Thom exclaimed.
The entire evening went that way. Throughout dinner, Rob enjoyed baiting Tom-with-an-H, although it took so little effort. It was like fighting off a puppy. After Thom had left, claiming an early morning meeting, Jessica turned to Rob the moment the door was closed.
“What the hell was that about?”
“Having fun? I wanted to see how many times he could put his foot in his mouth before the evening was done.”
“You can be such a bastard.” Jessica stomped back to the terrace and Rob followed.
She poured another glass of wine and sat down on the sectional. “So, no hope at all?” she asked.
Rob sat down beside her. “Next time maybe you can try to set me up with someone I might find more of a challenge. I hope he’s better at handling himself in court.”
“He’s a contract lawyer,” she said, sounding embarrassed.
“I knew it!” Rob laughed.
Jessica glowered. “Well, I’m glad you had fun. Can you even imagine what work will be like next week? I’ll have to wear a bag over my head.”
“I suspect he’ll be the one wearing the bag. His type’s more likely to be handing in his resignation.”
“I told him you were such a nice guy. Smart. Well-travelled. I told him you helped build an orphanage in Syria, for Christ’s sake.”
“Well, what did you expect when you try to set me up with someone? And what the hell did you think I’d have in common with him? You heard him. He probably ties bows in his dog’s fur.”
“He seemed so stable and…”
Rob saw her trying to hold back tears. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I was nasty tonight.”
