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me in the lobby with one of the guys from litigation, Brooks
somethingoranother. She is gives me a look that says ‘don’t say anything,’ so I
don’t. We are the only people in the elevator so I have plenty of room to check
out my outfit in the mirrored walls on the way down. 
    “What is with you?” Lindsey asks me. Brooks
looks me over and I can tell from his confusion that he finds nothing in my
behavior abnormal. That’s because he’s never ridden in an elevator with me
before.
    “Nothing,” I say, realizing she has noticed
I’m not holding my breath. In fact, I’m twirling around checking out the back
of my dress. “What do you think of these shoes? They were eight hundred
dollars.” I put my hand over my mouth as if to suppress a gasp. 
    “No shit?” Brooks asks. “I don’t think I
have ever paid that much for an item of clothing. Not even that stupid suit
they make us wear.”
    He had to pay for that. Cheap bastards. Shock
does not begin to explain the look on Lind’s face and I am sure it has nothing
to do with my shoes. I have some explaining to do.
    I am careful not to break off my new heels
in a New York City pothole as we cross the street. The bottoms are scuffed, so no
taking them back now. The hostess leads us to a section with little signs on
the tables that read Carson & Jones. I order a wine spritzer. I’m still
soured on wine from the other night so it will insure I’m not tanked by the time
nine o’clock rolls around. Gradually the other associates file in and fill up
the rest of the tables. At five thirty sharp, Carson and Jones make their grand
entrance.
    “We have a very special order of
congratulations this evening for Ms. Abri Cole,” begins Mr. Jones with a bit of
flourish as he searches the crowd for me. I doubt he knows who I am exactly so
I stand up and smile in his direction. 
    “Ms. Cole, as you know, is one of our family
law associates. She signed up very special new client this week. She also
landed her first six-digit retainer. Let’s have a round of applause for Ms.
Cole.”
    I am glad word has already reached the top
about my recent addition to the firm’s coffers. I smile and nod. “Thank you,
Mr. Jones. Thank you for the opportunity.”
    Yes, it’s a bit brown nosey, but I am still
a young associate as far as the firm is concerned and it’s never too early to
start scoring points towards making partner. Linds kicks me under the table and
covers a giggle with her hand. I try to kick her back and miss.
    “Good, good. Okay you pups enjoy the evening
and we will see you back to work at nine sharp.” With that, Messer’s Jones and
Carson make their way to the back room to schmooze with whatever high profile
client they are courting at the moment.
    “Bar run!” Brooks announces, obviously
relieved the pageantry is over and we can enjoy ourselves. “You ladies need
anything?”
    “I’ll take another one, B.” Lindsey smiles
and hands Brooks her glass. 
    “I’m good, thanks,” I indicate holding up my
half-full glass. “B?” I give Lindsey a sideways glance and take another sip.
    “So?” She sounds a little defensive. “It’s
nothing. Mr. Jones put me on a case that has a civil litigation claim so I have
to work with him and some of the other guys on it. We’ve had a few late
nights.”
    “I’m happy for you and your late nights,” I
laugh. “Your secret’s safe with me. I know the office policy.” Associates are
not permitted to date one another and Linds and Brooks risked being passed up
for promotion, or worse, if the partners find out. Brooks is back from the bar
with Lindsey’s margarita and a beer. 
    “So I’m sure Linds told you that we are
breaking the rules a bit,” he asks, eyeing us both to see if we will lie.
    “I won’t say a thing. Just be good to my
friend or I will tell Jones that Max wants to do a stint in the civil lit
department.” I flash him a mischievous grin. Linds kicks me under the table
again. I had better