Page 71 of The Interns

The well-preserved forty-something man stood and smoothed his tie as he stepped out from behind his desk and waved them in. The overhead fluorescent lights bounced off smooth and likely Botoxed forehead.

“I’d like you to meet Maya…” She unfolded the resume in her hand and glanced at it. “Hendricks. University of Pennsylvania, ranked fourth in her class, on Law Review, and LSAT score of 173,” she rattled off before passing off the resume and the candidate that went with it.

“How’d you let the other three slip in front of you?” the man exclaimed as he reached out to shake her hand. “That has to burn. Great LSAT score, though.”

His compliment felt like a backhanded slap to the face. Maya forced a chuckle that never quite passed through her tight-lipped grin as she shook his hand.

“Have a seat.” He motioned to the black leather and chrome chair in front of his desk as he took his seat again. “Well, you’ve got the right credentials and look,” he said with a nod her way.

Maya’s professional facade faltered for a moment. Look? It was such an odd thing to say. Like immediately and completely off-putting. Surely he meant the look of her resume, and not her looks.

“I have no doubt that you would fit in well here. Any chance you have experience or interest in copyright law since that’s the bulk of the work you would be doing?”

“I do, actually,” she said, perking up at the mention of work, though she thought her interest would have been abundantly clear if he had reviewed her resume. “I’m very passionate about intellectual property law. I actually completed an associateship with King and Associates this past summer.”

“Is that an intellectual property firm?”

“It is. In Atlanta,” she explained in light of his blank expression. “Mr. King has actually won some pivotal cases concerning trade secret misappropriation.”

“Hmm, never heard of him. I’ll have to look him up sometime.” His lack of enthusiasm belied his words, however. “But regardless, you’re here with us now, so congratulations on making it to this interview. That alone is an achievement because we only consider the best of the best.”

He placed his arms on the desk and leaned forward, giving her a smile that showcased his blindingly white teeth and chiseled cheekbones. “Reason being, our clients are at the top of their game, so they expect to have top talent working for them. You’re used to being in the company of greatness, but joining our firm would put you in an elite circle, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else.”

He paused to allow the weight of his words to sink in, his smile growing while watching her and waiting for a reaction. It sounded exclusive, for sure, but impressive? She forced her eyebrows up and nodded, hoping she appeared deeply impressed even if she wasn’t quite there yet.

“I’m the closer in case you couldn’t tell,” he faux whispered to her, unable to stop himself from pointing out what he had just so obviously tried to do. “So how does that sound to you?”

It sounded like everything she had ever wanted to hear, but it wasn’t speaking to her in the way she dreamed it would.

38

Reed

Reed sat in Al’s office, waiting for him to finish a quick phone call. His knee bounced uncontrollably as he stared out the window at the gray, cloudy sky.

“Sorry about that,” Al said upon hanging up. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how are your parents doing?”

“They’re good.” Reed shifted in the dark wood and burgundy leather-bound chair, trying to get comfortable. “Mom’s retiring from teaching at the end of the school year, but dad hasn’t committed to retirement yet. I think he’s having a hard time letting the shop go.”

“I can see why. Restoring old cars is a hobby for so many people,” Al pointed out. “He’s living the dream.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t think my mom agrees. She’s ready to slow down. Travel. Be a full-time grandmother.”

“And I can see that, too. It is a hard decision to make when you love what you do. I’m glad I have a while before I need to think about it. I foresee some interesting discussions with my wife when the time comes for us.” He waggled his brows to match his playful tone. “And how’s Emmett?” Al shifted in his chair, as well, crossing his legs and leaning back as if this were a social visit.

“It’s been a rough few months, but I think he’s starting to return to some sense of normalcy. Or a new normal with the girls, at least.”

“That’s good. And he’s still with the sheriff’s department?”

“He is.”

“I’m surprised he’s stayed this long without you being there.”

“Well, he’s definitely not happy there, but it’s not as easy for him to leave with a family to support and all. In fact, he’s looking for some off duty work to help out with the extra expenses from the divorce.”

“That’s a tough spot to be in. I’ll keep my ear out for him.”

“I’m sure he’d appreciate that. Thank you.”

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