Page 5 of Tony

Jumping to her feet, she shook his hand, saying, “That’s right. I totally forgot it was your first day here.”

Seeing the look of disappointment cross his face, she explained, “I was involved in a friend’s wedding last week and am afraid my mind was completely pre-occupied.”

He smiled and nodded his understanding. “Well, I’ll be settling into my office today and I’m sure I’ll see you later.” He turned and headed back out of her door.

She did not have to wait long for the next time she saw Mr. Tolbert, when Mr. Marks called an office meeting. The receptionist stayed for just a few minutes of introductions and after she left, Sherrie and the two attorneys continued their meeting.

“My specialty is family law, Ms. Mullins; and Mr. Marks tells me you are a CASA worker. I will be making some visits to children in foster care and would like a female to go with me when I am interviewing a child. I find that it makes them more comfortable. With your special training, you will be an invaluable asset. Other than that, I would expect that my needs for your services will be similar as to Mr. Marks’.”

Smiling as she walked back to her office, she thought of working on some cases with children as well as her CASA assignment.This just might be the spark I needed.

* * *

Sherrie had her first time visiting a foster care home with the attorney that week. As they drove the short distance to the pleasant house, he asked her to call him ‘Simon’. “I know Mr. Marks believes in formality, but I prefer a friendlier atmosphere at work.”

Nodding, she added, “And you may certainly call me ‘Sherrie’.”

Arriving at the home, she followed his lead and sat with the child at the kitchen table as Simon asked them some questions. She could not help but look around at the pleasant surroundings. It reminded her of one of her earlier foster homes. When she and Charisse had been younger, the homes were nice. But as her sister’s behavior became more erratic, they had been shipped from one house to another. And a few of them, not very desirable.

The interview went quickly and Simon called the DSS worker assigned to the case. After conferring with her for a few minutes, he turned back to Sherrie. “Want to grab some lunch while we’re out?”

“Sure, anywhere’s fine,” she answered.

“Do you know of any good places near the office? I’m still new to this side of town.”

“There’s a great deli a few blocks from us. Good menu and good prices.”

“Sounds like just the place for me,” he laughed.

They soon were seated at a table near the back and welcomed the warm cup of cider from the owner. “Ahh,” Sherrie said. “This hits the spot on a cold day.”

As they were eating, she asked, “Tell me about the cases you’ll be working on.”

“Special interest?” he asked.

“I was raised in the foster care system. Me and my sister.”

At this, Simon’s surprised look had her wondering if she should have shared the information. “I hope that wasn’t too personal,” she said nervously. The crowd in the restaurant was noisy and she found herself leaning in close to be able to hear him.

“No, not at all,” he assured her. “I just wasn’t expecting that. Please accept my apology for my stupid reaction.”

“It wasn’t stupid. I just caught you off guard, that’s all. But when I was in the system, I never questioned it. But now, well I’m curious.”

They continued their conversation for several more minutes while eating. She enjoyed learning about some of the cases he would be working on. It sounded much more interesting than delivering files for Mr. Marks.

Lunch was now over and she rose to put her coat on as Simon made his way to the front to pay. Wrapping her scarf around her neck, she dropped her gloves from her pocket. Glancing around to see where they fell, a strong arm snaked out and snagged them. Still bending over she looked up to see who was holding them out to her.Tony.Just the sight of him had her heart pounding. Taking the proffered gloves, she noticed he held her elbow as she came to a stand.

“Thank you,” she said, wishing his eyes were not so warm. So deep. As though…stop. He doesn’t see me that way.

“You’re welcome,” he said, his voice raspy in a way that made her want to hear it when she first awoke in the morning after a night of…Jesus, stop. Just stop,she silently admonished herself.

Glancing to the side, she saw Vinny and Jobe grinning from a nearby table.. Nodding to them too, she realized that Tony’s eyes were now cold and hard as he was peering over her shoulder. Twisting her head to see what he was scowling at, she saw Simon standing almost right behind her.

“You ready to head back, Sherrie?” he asked.

“Yes.” She turned back to say goodbye, but Vinny and Jobe were already out of their seats and standing next to Tony creating a wall of masculinity.

Feeling self-conscious, she said, “This is the new attorney Mr. Marks hired.”I don’t owe him an explanation,she thought angrily, but could not seem to keep her mouth from running as she made introductions. “Well, goodbye,” she mumbled, and with one last look at Tony she turned and walked away.

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