Page 8 of Pursuit of Happiness

“Maybe.” She considered asking Stevie what kind of favors wouldtop her list, but stopped short. “Did you review the packet I sent you?”

“I did, and thank you. I can see you had your staff delve intothe issue. I appreciate the effort.”

Meredith noted, with pleasure, a warmer tone to Stevie’s voice.“I did the research myself. And I provided a copy of my findings to the rest ofthe committee. We’ve put a vote on hold until we have more time to fullyinvestigate the issues you raised.”

“Thank you. I had no idea apple pie could provide such efficientresults.”

“Well, it was really good pie. And there was ice cream.”

“You think that was good, then I’ve got a chocolate, chocolatecake I’d like you to meet.”

There was absolutely no mistaking it—this was flirtatious banter,and Meredith was surprised again at Stevie’s down-to-earth, easy manner whichwas not at all what she would’ve expected after Stevie’s aggressive testimonyduring the confirmation hearing. Caught up in the fun, Meredith dropped hernormal reticence and blurted out, “What are you doing Saturday night?”

“This Saturday?”

She heard the pause and rushed to fill the silence. “I’m sorry. Ihate when people ask me questions like that. My mother does it and it’s alwaysa trap because if we say nothing then she’s ready to pounce, and by then it’stoo late to come up with an excuse for why we can’t attend whatever boringbenefit she has planned.”

“It’s okay. I’m going to be brave and say I don’t have any plans,but I’m holding my breath that you’re not about to ask me to repay you byattending some fancy benefit where everyone is dressed in tuxes and gowns andthere’s a silent auction where we’re all supposed to bid on a trip to Bali tosave the children.”

“Well,” Meredith drew out the word. “I can promise no one willask you for money, but the fancy outfits, they might be happening.”

“I’m a little intrigued.”

“It’s a wedding. The brides put me down for a plus-one, and nowthey’re hassling me about paying for the extra meal. You’d be saving me.”

“Brides?”

Meredith waited for Stevie to figure it out, and it didn’t takelong. The newspapers had been featuring the story for weeks.

“Wait a minute. You’re going to Justice Riley and Julia Scott’swedding?” Stevie laughed. “Of course you are. It’s the event of the season orso thePostsays.”

“I didn’t peg you for a social section reader.”

“I’m not, but our secretary is up to date on all things having todo with Beltway gossip, and she makes a habit of keeping me informed.”

“Then you understand how important it is for the brides not tohave an empty seat. Such a travesty might make the front page and doom theirwedded bliss.”

“Well, if I’d truly be doing you a favor.”

“You would. I promise.” Meredith hesitated for a second. “It’s atiny bit formal.”

“You think? Hell, those two are the closest thing to gay royaltywe get around here. I’m surprised they’d let you bring just anyone.”

“I won’t be bringing just anyone. I’ll be bringing you. That is,if you accept.” Meredith resisted tacking on a “say yes.” She’d lobbed the ballfirmly into Stevie’s court now and it was up to her to play ball. Two secondsthat felt like ten ticked by before she had her answer.

“I’d love to.”

Meredith grinned, surprised at how much she wanted Stevie to sayyes and how relieved she was when she did. Maybe this wedding would be funafter all.

* * *

Stevie walked the few blocks to the courthouse thankful for thetemperate fall weather. When she reached the steps of the Prettyman Courthouse,home of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, she took a momentto scan the area, conscious of how lucky she was to do the work she loved in apart of the country steeped in rich history. The Capitol Building loomed in thedistance, and she wondered if Meredith was there today or if she’d spent theday working at her office in the Russell Building. Either way, Meredith waslikely only a few blocks away, and Stevie let her mind stray to their phoneconversation and their date for the Riley-Scott wedding.

“You don’t know for sure it’s a date,” she muttered as she pushedthrough the doors to the building.

“What’s not a date?”

Crap. Stevie looked to her right to find AUSA Emily Watkinswalking next to her. “Don’t mind me. Just sorting out a particularly hairy factpattern.”

---