Page 48 of Miss Understanding

“Do you enjoy the law? Or being a lawyer? You told me the reasons you went into it. And I can see your drive. But do you love it?”

“I love certain aspects. I guess you could say I enjoy being good at my job. Being respected for something which seems to come fairly naturally.”

“And the hours?”

“They’re part of the job.”

“No work-life balance?”

I supposed I’d need a personal life in order to want to balance it. “It’s where it needs to be for the moment.”

“Are you hoping to make named partner?”

I took a sip of my whiskey, not at all surprised the rumor mill had gotten wind of my aspiration. “What partner wouldn’t want the distinction?” Of course few were actively killing themselves for the goal, but that was fine by me. Less competition in the way. In my mind, I was one large client away from sealing the deal. But time would tell.

“Well, my ex-boss was one of the laziest partners, so not him.”

No, he was too busy groping his staff. “Speaking of which, Mike Octavus is leaving the firm.”

Her eyes went wide as saucers. “What? Since when?”

“I received the news today.”

“Did something else happen?”

Something had happened, all right. I’d spoken to the managing partner. He’d admitted the incident with Kendall hadn’t been Mike’s first transgression in sexually harassing women. Obviously, the guy was a major problem. I’d made it clear I wanted him out. It was an easy decision for them to make, considering I was the top biller in the firm, and Mike had struggled the last few years.

“Upper management realized what a liability he was.”

“You said something? After I spoke about him?”

I didn’t bother to deny it. “Of course I did. His behavior was unacceptable.”

Her glare was quick. “I told you what happened in confidence.”

“Why wouldn’t you be happy? Now he can’t inflict any more unwanted advances on women at the firm.”

“How would you feel if I’d told your mom how much it bothers you to go see your father? Something you told me in confidence. The intention can be good, but I can guarantee my meddling would upset you.”

She had a point. One I was sure I could argue ten different ways, especially since I absolutely didn’t regret getting someone fired who sexually harassed women, but ultimately it came down to how I’d made her feel. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I should’ve run it by you first.”

She seemed to settle down with my apology. “I honestly didn’t know it would bother you that much.”

“Of course it did. You weren’t the only woman, by the way, who Mike had harassed. I think of his dismissal as preventative. No future female will have to put up with him.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Deciding I’d reached my limit on personal baggage, I stood up. “We have a busy day tomorrow. I’m going to turn in.”

“Okay. Good night. And thank you. Although I was initially upset, I appreciate you for caring enough about what I said to do something about it.”

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I thought of Kendall. I absolutely wouldn’t get involved with someone I worked with at a firm of which I hoped to be in charge someday, but I had to admit our newfound friendship meant a lot to me.

Of course, I didn’t typically think of my friends naked.

* * *

The next morning, I sat in front of the funeral home in the truck, trying to figure out what I was going to do. I was tempted to do as Kendall had suggested. Lie to my mother. But it didn’t sit well. Of course, neither did the fact that I’d been lying to her all along about why I didn’t come home. Kendall had hit the nail on the head with that one.