Page 36 of A Legal Affair
She tittered. “Thank you, my dear. Always such a charmer.” Her face filled the screen, nearly crowding out her husband and son. “I’m so disappointed you weren’t able to join us for dinner this evening. Brandon says you declined his invitation because you’re swamped with work, but San Antonio is just over an hour away. You could have spent the night and driven back home first thing in the morning to be on time for class. Your presence will be greatly missed.”
“Next time,” Caleb promised.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He knew she would.
“I was just discussing you with the governor. Have you given any more thought to joining that council I mentioned to you before? The one on judicial appointments? Your legal mind, your academic pedigree, your prolific publishing history—it would lend such gravitas, Caleb. Truly, darling, your insights would be invaluable. We need fresh blood, people who aren’t afraid to make tough decisions.”
Ah, yes, the council. Another political entanglement, another step down a path Caleb had no desire to walk.
Taking pity on him, Brandon smoothly intervened, “Come on, Mom. Why are you trying to add more to the man’s plate? You can’t be distracting him with politics when he’s already got his hands full with classes, committees, mentoring, writing articles and bestselling books. Besides,” Brandon teased, “he needs to focus on teaching those 1Ls the intricacies ofmens rea, or the entire legal system will collapse.”
That made his mother giggle. “Well, yes, I suppose,” she conceded with a lofty sigh. “After all, where would any of us be without our illustrious law professors?”
“Exactly.” Brandon gave Caleb a sidelong wink.
The governor let out a hearty chuckle. “Fine, fine. We’ll let Professor Thorne focus on shaping the minds of future legal eagles. But Caleb, please give the matter some serious thought. We’re building something here, son. An important legacy that you should be part of.”
“Yes, sir. I appreciate the consideration.”
The first lady gave him one final, lingering smile before turning to follow her husband inside, her voice trailing behind her. “We’ll talk soon, Caleb darling. Don’t forget the gala.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there.” Caleb exchanged wry grins with Brandon as soon as his parents were out of earshot. “Holy shit, bruh. Thanks for the save.”
Brandon cracked up. “Just doing my part to protect the innocent from the clutches of political ambition. You know how they are. Always trying to rope us into their grand schemes.” He walked over to lean back against the ornate balustrade, the last remnants of twilight painting the sky in deep purples and oranges behind him. “But seriously, man. You okay? You seem?—”
“Calebbbb!” a melodic voice rang out, full of playful delight. The phone was snatched away, and Brooke Chambers’ face filled the screen, a wide, dazzling smile on her lips.
She was six years younger than Brandon. After earning her J.D. like the rest of the family, she’d eschewed BigLaw to become a high-powered social planner. Her family name and connections served her well. It didn’t hurt that she was also a knockout with flawless mahogany skin, mid-back length hair and endless curves that Caleb had long since learned to ignore for his own good. Brandon and Beau were fiercely protective oftheir baby sister. Looking at her half a second too long could land a brotha in the ER.
“Heyyy, Mr. Fine Shyt!” Brooke cooed, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned in conspiratorially. “I just overheard my parents talking about you. Don’t let them pressure you into anything. The only council you need to be on is the one deciding where we’re going for drinks the next time you’re in Houston.”
Caleb laughed, the deep, genuine sound coming from his chest. “Why you always trying to get me in trouble?”
“Only the fun kind.” She winked. “You know I love a good scandal, Caleb. Keeps life interesting.”
“Oh, I bet your life is very interesting, Brooke,” he drawled teasingly. “More than I could ever handle.”
“Don’t be too sure about that, Caleb Robinson Thorne.” She loved saying his full name, loved rolling it off her tongue. She was only twelve when he met her. As she blossomed into a stunningly gorgeous young woman, she’d enjoyed practicing her feminine wiles on him. But her flirting was harmless. Everyone knew her heart belonged to Brandon’s best friend Dre.
She smiled coyly at Caleb. “I know the semester just started, professor, but you could probably already use a break from all that boring law stuff. Maybe I should fly out to San Antonio and find you a nice distraction. I volunteer as tribute.”
Before Caleb could respond, Brandon swooped in with a scowl, prying the phone from his sister’s grasp. “Alright, that’s enough,” he growled. “Go inside and help Mom or something. We’re trying to have an adult conversation here.”
“Booooo!” Brooke blew a kittenish kiss at Caleb and fluttered her fingers in a wave before retreating, her laughter echoing behind her. “Call me anytime, handsome!”
Caleb chuckled as Brandon shook his head with an exasperated look on his face. “Sorry about that, bro. She’s a damn handful.”
Caleb grinned. “Always has been.”
“I know. I swear?—”
“Dre’s here! Finally!” Brooke called excitedly in the background. “Time for dinner, Brandon!”
“Be there in a sec,” he called back before returning his attention to Caleb. “Hey, so what’re you doing homecoming weekend? Tamia’s going to Germany to visit her best friend, Shanell, who moved there last year.”
“Oh, yeah. Her husband’s stationed there, right? The lieutenant colonel?”
