Page 147 of Dial L for Lawyer
"So what's next for you two?" Dominic asks, leaning across the table. "Marriage? Babies? A joint Instagram account where you post coordinating outfits?"
I nearly choke on my champagne. "Slow down, Romeo. We just moved in together."
"And survived an ethics investigation," Caleb adds, his arm draped across the back of my chair.
“That too.”
"Have you given any thought to what you're going to do now, Serena?" Bennett leans across the table, voice raised over the bass. "I know you turned down the VP position at Luminous."
"I did." I take a sip of champagne, feeling the bubbles fizz. "But everything's been so crazy I haven't made a solid plan. I do have thoughts, though."
"Well, if any fall through, give my office a call. I'm certain we can find you a position at one of my companies."
"Thanks, Bennett," I say, touched and a little tipsy. "I appreciate that. But I think I'm going in a different direction."
Everyone leans in, even Caleb raises his eyebrows. I realize I haven't actually told him about my latest idea, which formed somewhere between stress-baking and that terrible documentary.
"I'm thinking of starting my own consulting firm," I announce, the champagne making me braver. "Specializing in crisis management and brand rehabilitation."
"That's brilliant," Layla says immediately.
"It really is," Caleb agrees, and the pride in his voice makes my chest warm. "You'd be amazing at that."
"I hope so," I say. "Marketing will always be my passion, but after everything..." I shrug. "I think I'm ready to help people going through what I went through. Use my experience for something good."
As I'm talking, I notice Audrey sliding closer to Logan bit by bit on their side of the booth. It's subtle—a tiny shift every few seconds—but undeniable. Her shoulder is almost touching his now, and there's a flush creeping up her neck.
Logan seems oblivious. He's nodding enthusiastically at my business idea, completely unaware of Audrey's migration into his personal space.
"The market definitely needs more authentic crisis management," he says, pushing his glasses up. "Most firms just do damage control without addressing the underlying—oh, shit!"
He seems to suddenly realize how close Audrey has gotten. He jerks upright, bumping the table and sloshing champagne.
"Sorry!" he blurts, nearly tripping as he slides out of the booth. "I didn't mean to—I was taking up too much space. You probably need room to breathe."
Audrey's face falls for a split second before she recovers with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "You're fine, Logan. There's plenty of space. I don't mind you pressed against me."
"No, no, I should stand anyway. Been sitting too long." He smooths his shirt, looking everywhere but at her. "Anyone need another drink? I'm heading to the bar. Audrey? You look thirsty."
She stares at him for a long moment, heat climbing her cheeks. "You know what?" She stands abruptly. "I give up. I just...I give up!"
She stalks toward the exit, leaving us staring.
Logan blinks at her retreating form. "What's she giving up on?"
The silence is deafening.
"What?" he asks again. "Seriously, what did I miss?"
"Oh my God," Layla breathes. "You really don't know?"
"Know what?"
Dominic leans forward, speaking slowly. "She's been trying to get your attention all night."
"My attention?"
"She likes you, you absolute moron," Bennett says. "She's been flirting with you for months."
