“Perhaps I shouldn’t have corrected Mandy’s misconception? Maybe it would have been better if I had chided her for discussing her employer without telling her the real story.”
Realizing that Irene must be misinterpreting her frown as disapproval, Caitlin smoothed her expression and said, “No, Mandy and the others should know the facts. Nathan certainly isn’t trying to hide his new relationship with his sister. It all happened so quickly that he hasn’t really had time to discuss the situation with anyone.”
“So this will be a permanent arrangement?”
“Yes, it will. And I’m sure it will require some adjustment on all our parts until he settles into a routine—just as it did last week.”
Irene looked as though she would have loved to further discuss the developments in Nathan’s life, but innate professionalism made her keep her questions and comments to herself, other than to say, “I’m sure we’ll all do our best.”
“Of course. Now, the most pressing matters we need to address this morning are…”
“Having a staff meeting without me?” Nathan asked as he strolled through the door, looking like the model of a rising young executive in his sharply tailored dark suit, his dark-blond hair neatly brushed away from his smiling face. Tagging behind him was a tiny blond sprite wearing a vividly colored plaid jumper and carrying a bulging purple backpack.
Nathan winked at Caitlin, then greeted the office manager more formally before saying, “Isabelle’s going to be hanging out with us today. I figure she can spread out her stuff in the break room while I’m with clients. She brought coloring books and crayons and toys to keep her entertained. I don’t have to be in court today, so I’ll be able to keep a pretty close eye on her.”
“And what about tomorrow?” Caitlin asked. “You are scheduled to be in court in the morning.”
Nathan glanced at Isabelle. “I haven’t quite—”
“Perhaps I should show Isabelle to the break room,” Irene suggested. “I believe there’s some fresh orange juice in the fridge,” she added. “There’s also a TV, if you would like to watch Nickelodeon.”
Isabelle looked questioningly at Nathan, who nodded reassuringly. “Go with Mrs. Mitchell, poppet. I need to talk to Miss Caitlin for a minute. I’ll be right here if you need me, okay?”
“You won’t leave?” she asked, looking at him anxiously.
“I promise I won’t leave,” he said, holding up his right hand in a vow. “Miss Caitlin will tie me to her desk if I try.”
“I’ll even sit on him, if necessary,” Caitlin agreed, making Isabelle smile.
Caitlin’s own smile lasted only until Irene and Isabelle were out of sight. “Well?” she asked then, “what are you going to do tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I’ll only be in court tomorrow morning. I suppose Mandy or Loretta could keep an eye on her until I get back. It’s not as if she’s much trouble, after all.”
“Nathan, you can’t bring a little girl to a law office every day. Even if she didn’t interfere with business, it isn’t a good environment for her. What do you expect her to do, color and watch television all day?”
“Okay, I know I have to make other arrangements for her.”
Caitlin reached for the local telephone directory. “You should call some day care centers.”
Nathan shifted his feet on the tasteful carpeting. “Day care?”
“Unless you know someone who’s available for private child care?”
“No,” he conceded.
“Actually, you should find a good preschool program. Isabelle needs to be mentally challenged. After all, she’s already starting to read. She’s obviously incredibly bright for her age.”
“Preschool?” Nathan looked intrigued. “Sounds better than day care.”
“Definitely something to consider. Look in the yellow pages. You’ve got a little while before your first appointment. Mine’s going to be here in just a few minutes.”
“Oh. That was a hint for me to leave, right?”
Caitlin had already opened her client’s file. “You’re so clever.”
“I’ll just go to my office to make some calls.”
“Good idea. See you later.” She kept her eyes on the file until he’d closed the door behind him. And