Page 38 of Dial L for Lawyer
Audrey:
I can be there in 45. What happened?
Me:
Caleb happened. I'll explain when I see you. Just... bring your judgment-free ears.
Audrey:
Oh shit. He made a move, didn't he?
Layla:
On my way!
I close my eyes and lean my head back against the leather seat, trying to process. This is just so fucking Caleb—the intensity, the way he watches me like I'm a puzzle he's determined to solve, the promise in his voice when he said ‘when this happens.’
Not if. When.
I lift my hand. It's visibly shaking. My whole body feels like a live wire.
That man.
"Ma'am?" The driver’s voice breaks through my spiral. "Am I taking you home?"
"No. To Lockwood," I manage, my voice embarrassingly breathy. "The wine bar on Rush Street."
"Yes ma'am."
An hour later, I'm seated at our usual table, a half-empty glass of Pinot Grigio in front of me and my two best friends staring at me like I'm about to confess to murder.
"OK," Layla says, settling into her seat with a glass of rosé. "Start from the beginning. How bad was the meeting?"
"Pretty bad." I give them a brief rundown of the evidence against me, then take a gulp of wine. "But that's not why I called you."
Audrey raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"
I take a deep breath. "So, I can’t afford Caleb’s fee. And I’m not about to let him represent me for free. So… He offered me an alternative, um, payment plan."
"What do you mean?" Layla asks, though something in her expression tells me she's already figuring it out.
"He wants dinner dates. Quality time. He basically said I owe him my time and attention until the case is over." I drain half my glass in one gulp. "And before you ask, yes, he's completely serious."
Audrey's mouth falls open. "That's either incredibly romantic or mildly terrifying."
"Right?" I gesture wildly with my wine glass. "I can't tell if it's romantic or if he's just a control freak…or if he’s just decided I’m his, end of discussion."
"Knowing Caleb?" Layla takes a thoughtful sip. "Probably all three."
"That's not helping," I groan.
"But wait," Audrey leans forward, eyes bright. "There's more, isn't there? You have that 'I almost did something stupid' look on your face."
I bury my face in my hands. "He almost kissed me. Like, thirty minutes ago. Outside his driver's car."
"WHAT?" Both women practically shout, earning glances from the couple at the next table.
"Shh!" I hiss, sinking lower in my seat. "It wasn't... I mean, he didn't actually do it. But he said his biggest regret was not kissing me at the gala. And he got so close I could feel his breath on my lips."
