Page 27 of Rejection Overruled

A minute later the door opened and Ron entered my office, his arms open wide and a sunny smile. I left my desk and ran into his arms. We hugged for a while then we pulled apart.

“You’ve grown old,” I observed, staring at the receding hairline.

He was still a handsome man. I remembered how gorgeous he’d been in college. Now he was an older more distinguished version of that man. His blue grey eyes were as sharp as ever.

“You’re still the same feisty wench I remember,” he said.

“So what brings you to LA?”

Clearing his throat, he took a seat in the chair Donald had occupied earlier. I stepped to my left where a cabinet stood near the wall beside the mini fridge. I took a bottle of mineral water and poured into two glasses.

“I’m sorry I don’t have more to offer you,” I apologized, handing him a glass.

“Thanks,” he replied, taking the glass and immediately taking a gulp.

I returned to my chair and sat, placing my own glass on a coaster on my desk. I watched Ron as he looked through the window of my office. His eyes had that faraway look that told me something was amiss

“What’s the matter?” the question slipped from my own lips, reminding me of the numerous times Sophie had asked me that since morning.

“I’m attending a premier the day after tomorrow and I’d like if you could be my plus one.”

All the big shots received invitations, including Harvey and his people. The invite was open to the law firm and I could go along with the group if I wanted to. I wasn’t planning on going. Of course it was a great place to network, but I wasn’t in the mood to meet a bunch of stiff-necked people. As far as I knew, this was actually an after-party. The premier was at the theatre and all the big stars, producers and famous people would meet and greet afterwards at some mansion in the suburbs.

“I really hate those things,” I said, making a face.

“I also want to discuss something with you, off the record at first.”

“This sounds serious.”

“Say you’ll come with me, I need you Brooke.”

Something was wrong. I could see it in his eyes, so I agreed. “Okay. I’ll come with you. You want to tell me what’s bothering you? Off the record?”

“Not now. I have a meeting. We’ll talk the day after tomorrow.”

“What time?”

“I’ll pick you…”

“I’ll drive myself thank you.”

He nodded. “Okay, be there by eight thirty.”

“I’ll see you then”

Ron stood. I also stood and came back around my desk. We hugged again and he kissed my cheek.

“It’s good to see you Brooke.”

“It’s good to see you too Ron.”

With that he was gone. I watched him walked out of my office and through the main office. Sophia looked at him and eyed me with that look she loved to wear. Since seeing Ron had lifted my mood some, I beckoned to Sophia to come into my office. I waited for her to enter and then I snapped the door shut and locked it. I didn’t want anyone coming in while we talked.

“Just wipe that look off your face, it’s beginning to bug me.”

“I’ll do that when you tell me what’s been eating you.”

With a deep sigh, I sagged into the sofa by the wall. Sophia joined me, her forehead creasing deeply. I leaned back and closed my eyes as Jamal’s face loomed in front of me.

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