Page 8 of Just for Her
Let me just pause here and say that it wasn’t just a physical thing. Yes, he was a very handsome man, but it went beyond that. I couldn’t explain it other than to say whatever weird ability I had to accurately read people told me that Paul Cerasino was just as attractive on the inside as he was on the outside.
“All right, Ms. Kearney,” he said finally.
I sat up a little straighter. “Yes? You’re willing to help?”
“If it comes to that, which I sincerely hope it doesn’t, I’m willing to take on your sister’s case should she seek my counsel.”
“Thank you!”
“Have her make an appointment, and we’ll establish a base file.”
I reached into my satchel and extracted the file I’d already prepared. “This has all the pertinent information. Names, dates, et cetera.”
He didn’t take it from my outstretched hand, as I’d hoped. “Excellent. She can bring it with her when she comes in.”
“Can’t you just take it now?”
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes even more probing than before as he quickly put the pieces together. “She doesn’t know you’re here, does she?”
“No.”
Coming here had been all my doing. I hadn’t even told Miriam I was going to. I knew she wouldn’t approve. Miriam’s experiences with lawyers thus far had destroyed her faith in the system.
“Then, I’m sorry. I cannot in good conscience accept that.”
“But you said—”
“I said I’m willing to help,” he clarified. “But I’m not willing to accept confidential information on a potential client without explicit consent.”
My hopes fell, but I understood and even respected him for his honesty. He was covering his own ass, and I couldn’t blame him for that. I shoved the file back in my satchel and stood. He stood as well.
“Thanks for your time, Mr. Cerasino.”
“That’s it?” he asked.
“That’s it,” I confirmed, forcing a smile. “I’ll show myself out. Have a good day.”
Stellawas loitering in the hallway. I didn’t even glance her way as I walked past with my head held high. I wished the receptionist a good day and left the office. I didn’t take a full breath until the elevator doors closed and I was on my way down.
I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.
