Page 16 of The River in Spring
“A picture. It’s nothing bad.”
“Tell me.”
Oh shit. Now what? My mind flips through my choices.
“I prefer to keep it to myself. Because sometimes I can misinterpret what is seen,” I lie.
He doesn’t press for more details.
“Okay. I think it’s impressive that you’re so in touch with your feelings. My mind is usually on a case, or the dog. The hundred things I mean to accomplish in a day. Maybe if I paid more attention to unusual images, I’d know what it feels like. I’m kind of a straightforward man as far as emotions go.”
“That’s a good quality.Know thyself.The ancient Greeks were right.”
I’m rewarded for quoting my favorite maxim with a look that says he likes me. He likes me.
“I knew you were pretty, and that you are a hell of a performer. But Dove, I want to tell you I think no matter how long we talk, I’d never be bored.”
“That may have been the best compliment I have ever had. Thank you.”
“Welcome.”
The server comes to our table and breaks into our conversation.
“Can I take away any plates?”
“I think we’re through. Dove?”
“Yes. It was delicious,” I say to the young man.
“How about dessert? Did you save room?”
I look at Nobel and he nods.
“Definitely. Bring us a menu and I’d like some coffee.”
“Me too.”
“Absolutely,” he says, gathering the dishes.
The server leaves with plates on one arm and our empty wine glasses in his hand.
“Tell me about your career. What kind of law do you practice?” I ask, genuinely interested.
“I’m a Document Review Attorney. Sounds boring, I know. But it has been really rewarding and interesting. To me anyway.”
“What exactly is that? I’ve never heard of the specialty.”
“I evaluate documents for other lawyers. I analyze data to determine if it’s relevant to their particular case,” he says. “I told you. I’m weird.”
“It sounds like you like being internal. Finding how things connect.”
He liked that. Right before smiling, his nostrils flared just a little. Sexy boy.
“You understand,” he says a little surprised. “It’s good because I can work from home. I did the whole downtown office thing for ten years, before I bought the property. Then the draw to stay put was too strong.”
The dessert menus and coffees are placed on the table.
“I recommend our lava cake. But it does take a good twenty minutes to prepare.”
