Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

I’m helping Whit hang the outfits back up when my cell rings. “It’s a Chicago number,” I tell her. What if it’s my parents? “Hello?” I say hesitantly.

“Jamie Turner?”

“Yes.”

“This is Tom Farris from Farris and Associates. Is this a bad time?”

I relax. I told Mr. Warren they could call me if they had any questions. “Not at all, Mr. Farris, what can I do for you?”

“I’ve been looking through the files from Warren and I’m impressed. I called to tell him just that and he gave me your number.”

“Thank you,” I say, not sure where he’s going with this.

“Listen, I’ve been thinking of restructuring my paralegal department. Each is assigned to an attorney, but everyone does things differently. I would like the documentation process more streamlined, and I want you to be the one to implement it.”

“Are you… are you offering me a job?” I ask, shocked.

He laughs. “I am. I’m impressed with your work, and when I talked to Warren, he had nothing but high praise for you. If you accept, I’d like you to start right away with the understanding that if your drug screen and background check come back with findings that we will sever the relationship. Although I’m positive that’s not going to be the case.”

“No, sir,” I reply.

“So what do you say, Jamie? I’m willing to match your salary with quarterly profit bonuses. Four weeks paid vacation and your own office, of course.”

“I’m… I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes.”

“Yes.” This is the job I’ve always dreamed of.

“Excellent. When can you start?”

“I’m out of town right now. My best friend is getting married.” I look at Whit wide-eyed.

“Monday, then?”

“Yes, Monday.”

“See you then, Jamie,” he says, and the line goes dead.

“Holy shit,” I whisper, pulling the phone from my ear.

“What was that about?” Whit asks.

“That was Mr. Farris from Farris and Associates. He took over the rest of Mr. Warren’s cases. He just offered me a job running his paralegal department.”

“Jamie! That’s awesome.” She wraps me in a hug.

“He said he was impressed with my work and wants me to implement my style to his team.”

“So when do you start?” she asks.

“Monday. He’s eager to get the changes in place.”

“This is your dream job,” she cheers.

“Yeah,” I say, unable to find the excitement. I think I’m still in shock. That and it means I’m really leaving him. I was hoping we could work this out between us, but I’ve just accepted this new position. I’m not going to be taking a lot of time off work in the beginning.

“What’s wrong?” Whit asks.