Page 44 of Three Times You

“Yes, come this way.” The young woman stands up and leads Gin down the hallway.

Gin follows her, looking around. It’s a big office, crowded with young lawyers, male and female, hard at work.

The young woman stops in front of an open door. “Counselor Sacconi, here is the person you were expecting.”

Gin walks in. A man who looks about forty stands up and walks around his desk to greet her.

“A pleasure to meet you! Come in, come in, take a seat.”

Gin sits down, and the man shuts the door and then walks back to his desk.

“I’m pleased you could come in. It seems like good news. I’m guessing you haven’t taken another position, is that right?”

Gin smiles. “That’s right. I’ve accepted only one offer, my newlywed husband’s offer of marriage!”

“Ah! Well, congratulations.”

“I’m still recovering from the wedding. It took a lot of planning, fun but exhausting. Luckily, we had a relaxing honeymoon afterwards.”

“Where did you go?”

“Fiji, Cook Islands, and Polynesia.”

“That must have been magnificent. My wife and I vacationed in Mauritius, but we didn’t really like it. But we’re interested in going to the Seychelles.”

“I’ve heard that’s beautiful.”

“Yes, there’s the island of Praslin, of course, but we hear that the really gorgeous place is La Digue.”

“My husband told me the same thing.” Soon Gin finds herself chatting amiably, surprised at how comfortably the interview seems to be going.

“Maybe we’ll run into you there on our next vacation.”

“Yes, coincidences do happen.”

“Well, you have a follower here in the office,” Counselor Sacconi says. “None other than Counselor Merlini himself. He read your thesis on digital intellectual rights, and he thought it was phenomenal. What do you say to that?”

“I’m delighted. I wrote that thesis with excitement and enthusiasm, and I’m glad to hear that Counselor Merlini liked it. But to tell the truth…”

Counselor Sacconi holds up one hand to keep Gin from saying another word.

“Say no more. I don’t want to find it’s a law office we’re on good terms with. I don’t want to make a misstep. We would offer you an internship, an expense account, and a weekly stipend. I’m not saying you’re hired, but close to it. I’ve been expressly told as much by the counselor. I don’t have to talk to anyone else to offer you this position.” Then Counselor Sacconi looks at Gin with a smile. “I certainly hope that you’re interested in accepting our offer, signorina.”

“And I hope you can accept my conditions. I have a daughter.”

“Would you like us to take her on at the firm as well?”

“In twenty years or so, maybe, but for the moment she’s studying right here, inside of me.” And she pats her belly to make matters perfectly clear.

“Good for you, best wishes. I’ll mention it to Counselor Merlini, but I’m sure it won’t be a problem. We’ll work with you, and I’m sure we can come up with a solution, or at least a series of solutions.”

Gin is surprised by that response. “Absolutely, I’m pleased to hear it. So you’ll let me know?”

“Definitely, and quite soon.” Counselor Sacconi stands up and walks to the door. “Come, let me see you out.”

They leave his office and follow the hallway back to the reception desk.

“Well, let’s stay in touch.”

---