Page 167

I place a binder at each attorney’s spot, then stack the extra legal pads and pens at the end of the table so those are available if necessary. Everything’s arranged and accounted for; plus, I’m running ten minutes ahead of schedule. I release a relieved exhale, turn toward theconference room door, and freeze.
Isaac appears equally stunned to see me, abolishing any possibility that he intentionally tracked me down. He’s wearing a wool coat, his face ruddy from cold, like he just walked in off the street.
We stare at each other. His hair is shorter, and he has a trimmed beard.
“Hi, Collins.” He speaks first, adjusting his already-straight tie as he does.
“Hello, Isaac.”
More staring.
I’m surprised to see him, but it’s a dulled shock. The energy necessary to sustain it is already dissipating. I don’t care that he’s here. And I don’t care that I don’t care.
“You-you work here?” He glances around the empty conference room.
“Yes.”
Isaac expected me to elaborate more. Watching him flounder for something else to say is entertaining.
“I’m here for the Handler deposition,” he finally states.
I nod.
I didn’t pay close attention to the name of the firm representing the defendant. But even if I had recognized Isaac’s employer, I’m not sure it would have occurred to me he was one of the lawyers they were sending, even knowing he’s working in New York now. His firm is as large as Bradford, Nash, & Monroe is. The chances of us crossing paths were minuscule.
It’s strange, seeing him. At all, but especially in New York. This city has changed me. I’m a different person than I was when I left Chicago. Stronger maybe, but not in the obvious ways. I’m more securein myself, confident in my choices. I don’t worry about picking right.
“I was looking for the restroom, walked past, and saw you in here,” he explains. “I wasn’t, uh … wasn’t expecting to see you.” Isaac yanks his tie again. He’s nervous and uncomfortable, and I’m unbothered. “I’m sorry, Collins. You never really gave me a chance to say that?—”
I snort, letting a little snark slip out. “Well, you were busy getting dressed in my boss’s office. It didn’t seem like the right time for a lengthy explanation.”
Isaac scratches his beard. “Right. Yeah. I am sorry though.”
“I’ve got work to do.” I start toward the doorway he’s blocking, not realizing one of the chairs was concealing my bump until Isaac’s eyes fall and widen.
I’m wearing one of the cute maternity dresses Scarlett and Lili bought me, which highlights my new curves rather than hides them.
“Wow. I—wow. You moved on fast.”
The words are offensive. But his tone is defeated. A flat tire in vocal form.
“You made it easy.”
Even if he hadn’t cheated, I don’t think it would have been hard. I liked Isaac, but I never loved him. I know that for sure now, having experienced the real thing.
Isaac sighs. “I know.”
I wait, but he doesn’t move.
“You’re blocking the doorway,” I state.
“Oh. Right. Sorry.” He steps to the left, clearing the exit. “For whatever it’s worth, I regret it, Collins. I really, really regret it.”
I glance at him, ensuring he sees my sincerity. “I don’t.”
Then walk away.
I’m midway through a sonata when I hear the front door open and close. My heart leaps as my hands stay steady. My fingers keep finding the right keys, but I press the pedal a second too late. Then I hear his steps approaching the living room and rush through the final lines on the page so I can turn around and see him.