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“You know what? Maybe I’ll take you up on your offer. I’m with Garrett. Do you mind if he comes, as well?”

“Not at all. Bring him along. We’re at the Mad Hatter. You’ll find us in a booth in the corner.”

“Okay, sweet. We’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

“Sounds good.” I hang up the phone, place it on the table, and look back over at Max.

“Who were you talking to about me?” he asks softly.

“Have you ever heard of Connor Weston?”

“Connor Weston…” He blinks. “Oh, wait, he’s another attorney. He’s in a small private firm, right?”

“Yeah, Weston & Haynes.” I nod. "He’s been wooing me, trying to get my business for the last couple of years, but of course, I’ve always stayed loyal to you.”

“Are you thinking about moving on?” Max frowns. “Because if…”

“I’m not,” I say, shaking my head, “but I do think that Connor and Garrett, his partner, could be beneficial to your firm.”

“Okay. What does that mean?”

“I mean, I don’t know if you guys are looking for more partners or are interested in a merger, but I think that the four of you and the two of them could make an amazing firm thatcould possibly be the number one firm in the city, perhaps the country.”

“Are you saying that my firm is not the number one firm in the city?”

I stare at him. “Wow! There’s Skadden, and there’s Latham, and there’s Holland & Baker, and…”

“Okay, okay.” He shakes his head. “No need to bring up all of those firms.”

“I’m just saying, when they get here, feel them out, see if you think you could do business with them.”

“Is this what you were trying to tell me earlier?" he says, shaking his head, “because…”

“It’s not,” I say quickly, “but I do think it’s a good idea.”

“Liam, I don’t really want to have to say this, but...” He pauses as we both look up, and Gina is there with our drinks. She reminds me of a lioness ready to pounce on its prey. And unfortunately for me, I am the prey she has in mind.

“Hey, guys, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” She hands me a crystal glass with a round ball of ice and beams. “I hope you like it. It’s sweet and sour, just like me.” She grabs the cocktail stick with a cherry and pops it into her mouth and sucks.

“I don’t think any part of you could be sour, darling.” I grin at her as she practically purrs at me.

“Only my ass.” She lowers her voice as she brushes her chest against my arm. “I don’t normally tell men this before the first date, but it turns me on when men eat out my ass.”

I hide my shudder and distaste. There are many things that I enjoy doing in bed, but ass eating is not one of them.

“Well that’s good to know.” I say finally. “Unfortunately tonight and the rest of the century, I’m busy.”

Chapter Five

Elisabetta

Elisabetta in the City

There are days when I feel like I'm floating in the clouds. All I can do is smile and thank God for all my blessings. And then there are days when I look in the mirror and don't even recognize the reflection in the mirror. Some days, the sadness pervades my soul. I try not to feel sad for myself, but sometimes I can't help it. I know, to most people in the world, it looks like I'm living my best life, but there's always been a loneliness in me.

I remember when I was a child, I'd go to the playground and swing on the swings. And I would kick my little legs higher and higher, hoping I could reach the clouds so that I could see my mom in heaven. I just wanted to see her smile, hear her voice, and feel her hug. I wanted her to tell me she loved me. That she was looking over me. That she would always be with me. But I was never able to kick high enough.

Sometimes, I want to ask my dad about my mom. I want to find out what she was like. If she was excited to have me.If I'd been something she'd dreamed of her entire life. But he never talks about her. I suppose the hurt and pain is too much. Sometimes I wonder if he misses her. If he blames me. Maybe that's why he's never around. I love my dad. He's provided for me my entire life, but sometimes I wonder if he loves me.