Page 2 of Hooked on Lane

Me: 911. Meet me at my apartment.

My arm was flailing around like crazy in the sky to get a taxi, and I left the restaurant without looking back. My best friend was the glue that helped me put the broken parts of my heart back together many times before. And I need her now.

When the taxi pulled up to my apartment building, she was standing outside with two bottles of wine. She acted as if she already knew. I swear she was psychic or something.

“You have no fucking idea what a shitshow that was.” We walked up to my apartment and took my place on the couch. She opened the bottle of wine and she poured two glasses. “So, spill. What the heck happened? You interrupted my weekly dose ofmy favorite hospital drama. I wasn’t sure whether I needed to grab bail money. Who are we getting rid of today?”

She handed me the glass. “Peyton broke up with me.”

“Oh, that little… He wasn’t worth a crap. You deserve so much better than him, Jen.”

“Yes, you’ve told me many times, but I loved him. He said he wasn’t ready for commitment. Can you believe that? We literally discussed wanting a serious relationship on our second date. So what the hell changed?”

“Typical guy. When the stakes become too high, they usually decide to take a step back and run away from it. You’re going to get through this. He wasn’t going to give you what you need.”

Despite being aware of the signs, I brushed them off, convincing myself that I was being overly cautious. “How could he do this to me? He just threw away everything we had built together. How could he be so heartless?”

Over many hours, I spoke aloud my fury and distress. She listened as any good best friend would do. “Just remember to be resilient. Your life may feel like it's crumbling, but you'll find the man of your dreams.”

The more we talked, the more I realized it was for the best. Despite the anger and hurt I felt, I was also grateful to have the situation end. I'm too old for someone with commitment issues.

Is my ideal man even out there?

Chapter Two

Lane

My office desk had various case files piled high despite it only being eight thirty in the morning. Nothing like coming in to four days worth of work needed to be done in one. I fired up my computer and took a sip of coffee while waiting for it to boot up. “Morning, Lisa.”

She stopped in my doorframe. “Yet another day of chaos. Being chug that.”

After her laughter subsided down the hallway, I started working on the current case. The hours I put in as a lawyer were extensive, and the pressure was intense, but it rewarded me with the satisfaction of helping people. I rummaged through my desk, searching for McNaugh case files. Ten years at this firm, and my office had never been fuller.

At twelve thirty, I had made considerable progress, so I hustled to the diner to get some food before my one thirty call with a client. We got fresh cases almost every week, so I had to make sure that I understood everything and typed up notes for myself.

Once I had scarfed down my burger and fries and finished my client call. The afternoon got away from me. The stack of papers on my desk had dwindled, but it was time to go home. Myeyes were starting to cross. I clicked off my computer, and locked the filing cabinet.

As I walked down the hallway, my boss called me into his office. Mr. Stephens, an older gentleman with silver hair and kind blue eyes. “I need to talk to you about something, son.”

The endearment hit, knowing my father wouldn’t be calling me that anymore. “I was just headed out. What’s going on? New case?”

“No, this is a personal matter. Are you still interested in a partner position?”

“Yes, sir. Have you reconsidered bringing on a partner?” This was confusing because when I started here, Mr. Stephens said he wasn’t bringing on any partners. Had he changed his mind? The firm was growing, and we needed to at least bring in another lawyer. We were drowning in our cases right now as it was.

“The firm isn’t ready to bring in a new partner yet, but I found you a great opportunity.”

My eyes roved around the room. “I’m not understanding, sir. What are you saying?”

“I have spoken with Mr. Curren and he would like to offer you a partnership in New York City. He wants to bring on someone who isn’t afraid to put in the work to get things done. Apparently, they have been having issues. When I told him about you, he was eager to bring you on.”

Wait, did he say New York City?Being a couple hundred miles from my mother was one thing, but thousands of miles? With her health, it wouldn’t work. Mr. Stephens doesn’t know about my personal life, and I liked to keep it that way. So, I couldn’t fault him for trying to seize this partnership for me.

“Listen, they are open to doing a year trial run and will even lease an apartment for you so you don’t have to spend a dime. You should at least consider it, Lane. You’re going places and Ican’t be the stumbling block. If it's not to your liking, you are still welcome here.”

Mr. Stephens handed me an envelope, the weight of which felt heavy in my hands. “This is the official offer. Consider it over the weekend, but they need an answer by Monday. They want you to be in New York City by then because the person you are replacing is retiring. Think about it.”

“Thanks, see you on Monday.” I took the envelope and turned around to leave.

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