Page 14 of Theo
Edgar Farrington was the first to speak."George mentioned that you graduated top of your class at NYU."
"I did."I smiled.It seemed I'd landed in the middle of a job interview for a position I never applied for.
"Where are you working currently?"Nettles asked.
The question caused George to wince.I went right on with the unexpected interview.
"I'm working for Justice for All."I lifted my chin and smiled.
"Justice and Fall.Are they in Virginia?"Nettles asked.
"No, it's Justice for All," I said clearly."They're everywhere."
Farrington and the bald man, whose name I'd already forgotten, caught on before Nettles.Farrington wore a very disappointed expression.George did too.But he wasn't ready to give up yet."But Lacey was being considered as a junior partner at Vox and Hogan in New York," he said hastily.This new information brought back their eager smiles.
"Why did you leave, if I may ask?"Farrington said.He seemed relieved to learn that his time had not been wasted on someone who only practiced law online and for the masses, no less.
"Oh, well, Carl Vox kept grabbing my?—"
George took hold of my arm."Excuse us, gentleman, I just remembered we need to settle something for the wedding reception."George dragged me back through the crowd.He was holding my arm tightly enough that I yanked free of his grasp.
"You're cutting off my circulation," I said angrily.
George glanced around at the few guests nearby and smiled."Don't forget there are canapés out on the veranda.Delicious.I recommend the caviar."He took hold of my hand gently but still managed to drag me like a rag doll hanging at the end of a kid's arm through the crowd.
We returned to the place we'd started, my secret alcove.George's face was red with anger."What the hell was that?"
"You ambushed me with a job interview in the middle of a party, and I've told you a number of times that I like working for Justice for All.I'm not suited to one of those big law firms.They suck."
George waved off my comment."You're being childish.I told you; you've had too many drinks tonight."
"You know what?You're right."I pressed my fingers to my temple."I'm feeling a little lightheaded.Too much excitement, I suppose.I think I'll head up to my room for the night.I want to look fresh and beautiful for the big day."I smiled, and he knew it wasn't a gracious smile.
"Look, don't be mad."George blocked the alcove doorway with his body."I'm just looking out for our future.It will be amazing.Me a top surgeon and you a top lawyer, we'll be a power couple that will shake up society."
"There's only one problem with that," I said.
"What's that?"
"You haven't asked me if that's what I want.I don't want to be a power couple.I just want us to live our lives, be happy and healthy, and, frankly, fly under the radar instead of through it.I hate these huge gatherings.I just want us to have quiet nights at home after a long day of work and take the occasional trip.That's what I want.Guess we should have discussed our dreams more before we committed to each other."
George frowned."We'll talk about this later."
"When?After the wedding?That seems a little too late."
"Marriage takes compromise," he said and reached up to push a strand of hair off my face.It was a gesture that I should have viewed as tender, but knowing George, he was just worried I'd look messy in front of his friends.
"Right.Compromise.Make sure to look it up because I'm not sure you grasp the full meaning."
"What's that supposed to mean?"His tone had sharpened, and my posture straightened in defense.
"Uh, let's see.You just ambushed me with an impromptu job interview in front of three men who I would never work for all because you have decided to take control ofmycareer."
George shook his head."I can't talk to you when you're like this."
"Like what?Being honest and direct?"
"You've had too much to drink," he repeated."Go upstairs and get some rest.I'll make excuses for your absence."
