Read Lawfully Yours for Free Online Page A

few moments of fun with the boss I barely know.
    “It’s an associate’s job to keep up.” He looks behind his shoulder but doesn’t slow down.
    I keep up my trot until we reach Java Lava. I’ve passed by this place a few times since it opened a month ago but haven’t had a chance to go in. Inside, the smell of coffee and cinnamon engulfs me. I inhale, stopping short of snorting like a horse. I should close my eyes to help savor the scent, but it’s impossible not to stare at the walls. They’re painted with the scene of a volcano spewing magma chunks on a small Italian town.
    We wait in line to order. “I told you I got the name right,” I say. “It’s got a Mount Vesuvius theme, not a pregnancy theme. So Java Lava is a much better fit than Java Mama, don’t you think?”
    He laughs. “Sure, crazy name to go with crazy décor. Have you been here before?”
    “No. My boss doesn’t normally let me out of the office.” Am I pushing my luck with this guy? Most likely, but at least I’m actually having a pleasant conversation with him.
    “It’s my first time too. Unless I’m entertaining clients, I don’t venture out of the office too much either, albeit by choice. So this is a new experience for both of us.” He pauses then gives me a small smile. “Look, Sue,” he says in a surprisingly soft voice, “I’m sorry if you think I’m unconscionably rude. I do value your input and do want to hear what you have to say.”
    “Can I help you?” says a small Asian man behind the counter. He’s dressed in a red-orange jumper, I assume to go with the lava theme.
    Jordan looks at me. “Think we can pass on getting something iced, given the weather? Hot chocolate, perhaps?”
    Nodding in response, I take my drink and follow him to a small slate table next to a window. We sit there together for a minute or two in silence. I take off the lid and blow into the cup to cool it down. Tilting it up to my mouth, I inch my tongue forward for a tentative temperature gauge. Not too scalding. Bracing myself for a full blast of heat, I sip some.
    “Why did you leave your last job?” he asks suddenly.
    I almost choke. “Umm, the firm wasn’t a good fit for me.”
    “I guessed that. I meant why?”
    I hesitate for a second. “I’ll sum it up by saying I didn’t feel valued.”
    “Why was that?”
    “My work was good, if that’s what you mean.” Be calm, Sue. Stop bristling.
    “I’m sure your work was good. That’s why I’m surprised they didn’t value you. I’m wondering what their reason was.”
    I try to surreptitiously wipe my sweaty hands on the corrugated jacket encircling my paper cup. “I’m not sure. I’m a quiet person, very focused on doing my job.” I take another sip of chocolate and clear my throat. “Having a real connection with people is important, don’t you think? Even in a professional environment, people need to feel like they belong.”
    “You care about fitting in. Interesting. I never focus on that, myself.”
    Of course you don’t. People gravitate to you. It takes me a moment to respond to him. Not wanting to reveal any information about myself, I turn the tables. “Why did your associate leave you?”
    “We didn’t have the connection she was hoping for.” He looks down at his watch. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got a client coming by in a few minutes. Ready to head back?”
    I nod and follow him back to the office. It looks like he’s not going to reveal a whole lot, either.

CHAPTER 6
    The day of Jordan’s Planning and Zoning presentation is finally here, set to start at 7:00 p.m. I’m to be in the office to help him with any last minute items. This is the first time I’m to work a whole weekday in the office. It’s weird to suddenly be a part of it.
    My being around is apparently weird for the staff, too. Amber stares at me when I set up shop. I’ve picked the only space available, a conference room taken over by the project’s maps, plans, reports, and