Page 51

“I didn't become name partner,” she pauses onname partnerto remind me of one, who she is and her power here, and two, what's at stake for me, “By being a fucking idiot.”

All the sweetness in her smile is gone. “Maybe you’ve been stuck up in this corner office so long you've forgotten the basics of a marriage license but it’s public documents, Miles. I’ve known since the fundraiser.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“I will say you picked a good one, she can bluff the shit out of a story. She might even have you beat.”

I know I should be panicking right now, but I can't help feel a little proud of Camila. I bring my folded hands to my face to both cover the smile threatening to come out and to also appear as if I’m deep in thought about what I’ve done. But the truth is, our relationship might have started out every bit the lie she thinks it is, but something more is definitely happening now. I keep my face neutral and let her continue her speech that I know she's planned. If I let her keep going I lessen my chances ofscrewing myself over.

“So here's what I know. You lied to me.Me, your goddamn mentor of all people. And considering when you were promoted, the date on your marriage licenses, Smith being out longer than expected, and affecting your promotion being announced, I’m assuming this was all a big fuck up and you lied to cover your ass.” I might be the best lawyer on the West Coast, but she’s right, she was my mentor. I won't confirm or deny what she's saying so my best bet right now is to just sit and take it. “You pull shit like this all the time and I get pissed because everything you do directly affects this firm.Myfirm. But lying to me ispersonal.”

This conversation would have been my worst nightmare at one point. For a moment, I stop and think about that, about how I’m this relaxed about potentially throwing everything I’ve worked for down the drain for someone who only told me the other day that maybe she wants something more with me. We haven't even decided what that something more is, or what that would look like, but just the idea of anything meaning more to me than my job is enough to shake me up a little.

“Are you going to take away my title?”

Her eyes bore into me. “I should.”

Should.I’ve been doing this long enough that I have to fight the smile that's threatening to cross my face because the moment she uttersshould, I know she's not going to do shit.

“ButIbrought up your name to Smith, and we just bolted those letters to the wall, and I’m not going to allowyourfuck up to make me look like a fool to the rest of the world.”

My chest shakes as I force the exhale so painfully slow out of my nose.

“But here me, if you so much as look at a client the wrong way, I’ll not only take your name off the door, I’ll fire your ass.”

This conversation is pissing me off. This looming threat over my head. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to being subtly threatened, so I know I need to get out of here now.

I take the elevator down to where Wills is already waiting outside for me. “Home, Mr. Cameron?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Normally after a shit day, I would work myself till the latest hours of the night and then find a bar where I can pay a stupid amount of money for a single glass of whiskey. Today I just want to go home.

Unknown number

Miles, I’m in town for a few weeks. Was hoping we could get together.

PC

My knuckles turn white around my phone as I smash it into the seat next to me.Not again.I’m in a good spot with Camila and I won’t let another message from him psych me out and ruin this.

“Actually Wills, we need to make a pit stop.”

Camila

“Mila,my angel baby, I’ve missed you!” Taylor runs out from behind the bar and pulls me into one of her bone-crushing hugs. She leans back, keeping her arms on my shoulders, and begins scanning me. “Still as beautiful as ever.”

“I just saw you last week,” I say.

“Yes, but when I go from seeing you every day, a few missed days in between feels like forever.”

I offer her a smile because even though I know she's somewhat joking, it is strange to go from seeing each other all the time to having a ninety percent FaceTime relationship.

“Blondie! Get back behind the bar!”

Taylor rolls her eyes as her manager, Chuck, barks at her from his dingy little office. “Hop up, since there's no one in here,” she yells loud enough for her boss to hear. “I’ll make you a drink.”

“Chucky doll still not letting you in the kitchen?” I ask her.