Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 22937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22937 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
He doesn’t finish that sentence.
“So, you’re just willing to help me out of the kindness of your heart?”
“What’s left of it,” he says. “For something small in return, of course.”
Of course. “I’m not fucking you or sucking your dick in exchange for legal help.”
“I honestly think you’d do both of those things to me for free.” He sounds amused. “I have a few female clients who are in their late twenties, early thirties—around your age—and I may need you to answer some mock trial questions for me here and there.”
“That’s it?”
“Unless you want me to send you an invoice that’ll never get paid.”
“No, that’s okay. I appreciate the help. Thank you.”
“What day next week works for you?”
“I can’t do next week,” I say. “Or the week after. I have a lot of things on my schedule.”
“Well, text me when you have a date for that.”
“Okay.”
Tension lingers on the line, and I struggle for something to say.
“Hang up the phone, Scarlett,” he says. “This conversation is over.”
“You called me, Jameson.”
He hangs up, and I wipe down a few more frames before calling him back.
“Yes?” he answers.
“For the record, I wouldn’t fuck you for free.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he says. “I’m not the paying-for-pussy type…”
“That’s—” My cheeks heat. “That’s not what I was trying to say.”
“Then elaborate.”
“In a perfect world, where I actually had my life together, I would sleep with you if we were in a relationship.”
“That’s a very nice way of saying ‘never,’ Scarlett.” His low laugh is infectious. “Very good to know. Anything else you need to elaborate on?”
“Not right now.”
“Good. I’d prefer it if you didn’t call me back again without a reason.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t like talking on the phone to people who aren’t my clients.”
“What about your friends?”
“I don’t have many of those, and I’m not attracted to them like I’m attracted to you.”
Oh… “Associates?”
“No, Scarlett,” he says. “I use my phone for my work, and I’ve already crossed the line with you in one too many ways.”
As if I’ve used all his allotted phone time, he hangs up without any warning.
I stare at my screen for several seconds, and the sound of Mr. Brice’s shoes echoing nearby makes me grab a rag.
Still, I can’t help sending Jameson a text.
What about texting? Can we do that?
Are you facing a legal issue anytime soon?
No...
Then there’s your answer.
How did your serious former girlfriends put up with this communication boundary?
His name immediately crosses my screen via phone call.
“Hello?” I answer.
“You honestly think I’ve had a serious relationship with someone?”
“I mean…I would guess no, but that’d be kind of weird if you didn’t. Everyone has at least one.”
“Everyone who isn’t focused on winning,” he says. “Girlfriends don’t help you win cases.”
I laugh. “Okay, then. Sorry I asked.”
As I’m waiting for him to hang up, I laugh even harder.
“What’s so fucking funny, Scarlett?”
“I was just—” I pause. “I was just thinking you’ve done the world a huge service by not dating anyone, because I don’t think any woman could ever put up with you.”
“So, you want to get personal?” he asks.
“I’m just making an observation.”
“I don’t think any man would date you either,” he says. “Outside of being stunning, you’re a goddamn mess and half the lies you tell aren’t believable.”
“I’ve kept it to five or less with you.”
“So far, you mean?” he asks. “I’m the last one who can talk about morality when it comes to lies, but I just wish you told better ones.”
Silence.
“I don’t like you, Jameson.”
“It’s mutual,” he says. “What are you doing right now?”
“I told you I was working.”
“Likewise. Can you talk and work at the same time?”
“Yes…You?”
“When I want to,” he says. “Tell me about the last three books you read.”
“Really? Why?”
“For one, I’m intrigued, and for two, my next client claims she’s a book lover but she can’t name a single book she’s read in the last decade.”
“Why don’t you call her out on it?”
“Because I’m charging her too much of a fee to insult her.” He laughs, and I rattle off a real list of books I’ve devoured.
To my surprise, he’s read them too, and before I know it, I’m talking to him for my entire shift.
CAVEAT (N.):
1) A WARNING OR CAUTION. 2) A POPULAR TERM USED BY LAWYERS TO POINT OUT THAT THERE MAY BE A HIDDEN PROBLEM OR DEFECT
JAMESON
6a.m.
I’ve talked to this woman on the phone until six in the morning, and we’re still talking.
About fucking nothing.
But I like it…
“Hold on a second, Jameson,” she says, letting out a breath. “These steps always give me trouble.”
“Your condo has an elevator. Why would you ever take the steps?”
“Because everyone’s leaving for class—” She coughs. “And work this early. By the time I catch an empty elevator, I could’ve walked.”
“Noted.”
I wait on the line as she breathes—just breathes—and silently fantasize if she’d sound the same way whenever she’s under me. Or whenever I’m sucking her tits into my mouth and making her ride me harder.