Page 95 of When The Night Falls

I cleared my throat and focused on my laptop. ‘A piece of what? I wasn’t—’

‘You were.’

I pouted. ‘Well, I’m sorry. I was only admiring the view. He’s a good-looking man.’

She chuckled. ‘He is, but don’t fall for it. He’s a complete workaholic and has absolutely no interest in relationships. Trust me, I’ve asked him several times, and it’s always the same answer: “I’m single, but I’m not available.” So don’t fall for his charm, all right? I’d hate to see you mess this up.’

I didn’t blame her for having that impression, but in this particular respect, I suspected I knew him better than she did. Nevertheless, her statement did make me wonder. What did he mean when he said he was single but not available? Had he abandoned the idea of relationships since we last met? The possibility intrigued me.

I gave her a warm smile. ‘Ellie, I’m committed to my studies. Don’t worry. Besides, I’ve already got someone to serve that purpose, but it’s nothing serious.’

‘Really?’ She grinned. ‘What’s their name?’

I didn’t fail to notice her gender-neutral phrasing. ‘Aaron.’

‘Aaron,’ she echoed. ‘Did he study law as well?’

‘Yeah. We were in the same year.’

‘I see. Well, I’m happy for you.’

‘Thanks.’

I reached for the coffee William had given me. While lifting it to my mouth, I noticed the black ink of a marker on the side. When I turned it, I froze in my seat.

A peace offering, it read. My eyebrows curved and my chest filled with relief.

He had forgiven me.

§ § §

William remained in his office while Ellie and I covered some basics. She showed me how to fill in timesheets, which time codes to apply depending on the tasks I completed, as well as the difference between non-chargeable time and chargeable time. She also taught me the basics of ‘WIP’, which was short for ‘Work in Progress’. Essentially, it translated to the total amount of chargeable time a team recorded against a time code on a specific client code. After that, she taught me the basics of billing and brought me to the finance team at Day & Night to show me how to send an invoice to a client. Once we returned, she taught me the firm’s IT system, how to accept calls, where to store notes on clients, and how to set up appointments and meetings in the solicitors’ calendars.

We were just about to head for lunch when an associate exited her office and approached Ellie and me. Looking up from my laptop, I stared at her, entranced. I remembered her vividly because she was one of those women you simply did not forget. Her eyes captured mine almost immediately, and below them, a slow smile made its way across her lips.

Violet.

I thought as I watched her that it was no wonder William had wanted her as a sexual partner. Her beauty was remarkable, and there was an assertive air about her that reminded me of William’s. They had to be kindred spirits, so of course they would take a liking to each other. I wondered if she was still sleeping with him.

‘Hello,’ she greeted as she reached my desk. Now that I had the chance to look at her more closely, I assumed she was in her early thirties. ‘I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself yet, but I’m Violet – or Vi. Most call me Vi.’ She extended her hand, and I admired her manicured nails before I took it. Her grip was firm, her smile bright.

‘Pleasure to meet you . . . Vi. I’m Cara.’

She released my hand and folded her arms. ‘Likewise. Will’s told me a lot about you.’ Her brown eyes gleamed, kindling a suspicion in me that he might have told her more than I would be comfortable with.

‘Has he?’

She chuckled. ‘Yes. Your dedication to your career has been particularly emphasised.’

Was she insinuating something? It was difficult to discern whether she knew about us or not.

‘He knows me well, I guess.’

‘Hearing it reminded me of myself.’ She smiled and tilted her head. ‘So I’m sure you’ll manage brilliantly during your time with us.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

Her eyes narrowed faintly, and I got the feeling she was trying to get a read on me. ‘Just be careful you don’t sacrifice too much for it – your career, I mean. I’ve been there and done that, and if I could go back, I would have proceeded differently.’

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