Page 22 of Legal

“Do you want to hear what I learned today, Grandma?”

“You bet I do.” She went inside and sat beside her granddaughter while the little girl strummed away on her pink guitar. Was that Green Day? I was losing it.

Chase leaned against the doorframe and took me in, my temperature skyrocketing. The tune switched to “Hot Cross Buns,” and the irony didn’t escape me. I never thought an innocent childhood song could make me blush.

Was I that delusional to think it was the silly song heating my cheeks?

Why wasn’t he speaking? Fine, I’d be the one to go first. I wasn’t going to stand there and let him make me sweat.

“I’m looking for Mr. Nolan.”

“You’ve found him.”

What the—

My eyes caught sight of a willowy frame blowing down the hall. Her granite face took me in. “Oh, hello. Jillian, is it?” She looked around. “Is Emily with you?”

“No, just me.”

“Oh.” Cassie forced a smile, but I just happened to speak Bitch. I translated that word as, ‘Then what the fuck are you doing here, you fucking skank?’ “So, what brings you here?” ‘Step away from my man right now or I’ll make you sorry, bitch.’

It was almost comical, the vibe that oozed from her. She had no reason to feel threatened, yet her demeanor indicated she clearly was. I was more flattered than annoyed.

“I’m here to talk to Mr. Nolan.” I really was not in the mood to run down the whole situation for her.

Silence.

“Do you need something, Cassie?”

She turned toward Chase, her stony face softening. “Yes, I’d love some help in the gym when you’re free. Mrs. Hanson dropped off a huge pile of items for the play, and it’d go so much quicker having an extra pair of hands to go through them all.”

He nodded. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Great!” She moved her eyes back to me. “Nice to see you again, Jillian.” ‘If I see your face again, I’ll claw it off.’

Linda came over, and Cassie slinked off. I stepped aside, grateful for the reprieve. This day was a whirlwind of peculiar.

She opened her bag and pulled out her wallet. Chase held up his hand. “Don’t worry about that now.” He moved in closer. “She had a really good day,” he said quietly.

Her face looked relieved. “Thank you, Chase.” She touched his arm and leaned in. “Can we speak a moment?”

He turned toward me, his deep forest eyes swirling with rays of light.Get a grip, Jillian.They’re fucking green.

“I won’t be long. Stay, please.”

I nodded. As if I had a choice, but at least he asked nicely. They stepped outside the door, closing it, and I went over to the girl. “Hi, I’m Jillian. I like your guitar.”

“Me too.” Her face lit up. “My name is Hazel.”

“Nice to meet you, Hazel.” I pulled up a chair. “You sound very pretty when you play. Have you been taking lessons for a long time?”

“Hmm.” She shrugged. “Sometimes. I’m getting better at reading tab. Is Mr. N your boyfriend?”

“Mr. Nolan?” Hazel bobbed her head up and down as she plucked on the nylon strings. “No, he’s not. Why?”

She shrugged again. “I like your hair.”

“Well, thank you, Hazel. I like yours too.” It matched her name perfectly.

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