“I see. And?” He pulled the tip of his goatee.
“Some days are more frustrating than others,” I admitted. “I might see five new clients, only to leave the office with ten who are waiting when we lock the office. Sometimes I don’t think I can make a dent. We need more help. More people are needed to help at the women’s clinic.”
“Have you visited any of the other clinics we run?” he asked.
“No. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t made the time.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I was asking out of curiosity.” He leaned forward. “They’re all like that. All of them.”
“All?”
He nodded. “We’re offering free legal services. All our clinics have record numbers of clients. And yes, we offer something special to a population of people who wouldn’t have help otherwise, but we’re overrun with a lot of cases that take up our time that maybe shouldn’t.”
I shook my head. “I haven’t found that to be true. All the women I’ve seen have needed help.”
He smiled. “I’m glad to hear that, Elliot. Truly.” He scribbled something on my form and I wondered if it was “sucker.” “Do you have any questions for me? Need anything other than more attorneys at your disposal?” He made a jab at my expense.
“No. I’m fine. Thank you.”
“All right. I’ll see you for our next meeting.”
I stood to leave. I didn’t feel as if I had impressed Max Harrison or learned anything valuable for the program. I should have said something about how much I loved what I did. That I loved my class and the mentees. That working in the clinic was the most rewarding experience of my life. That I was preparing a huge case because of Lana Foley and what she had been through. But instead, I waited for Max to dismiss me.
“Bye.” I waved and closed the door behind me.
Maybe next month. I could always say more next month.
Chapter Eleven
I held Vaughn’s hand as he led me down a narrow staircase to a green door that was below street level. I was careful not to tip forward on my pointy heels. His fingers rubbed against mine and I shivered remembering how intimately we had touched last night. How I had given myself to him in a way that still made me feel raw and vulnerable. He touched the inside of my wrist with his thumb and I realized how much I liked the feelings.
The vulnerability somehow made me trust him more. I couldn’t explain it. I was in his hands in every sense of the word.
The hostess smiled when Vaughn gave his name for the reservation. She guided us through tables until we were seated in a back corner. It was dark and private.
“How was your day?” he asked.
He had dressed in simple charcoal pants and a white shirt. He still had a tan even though it was fall.
“I added eight clients to my caseload.”
“Is that a good thing for you? Sorry, I don’t know much about what it is you do.”
“It’s a little overwhelming,” I admitted. “I didn’t get eight new cases a week back home. This is a different world.” I paused. “But it does mean eight women who need help will get it. And the more cases I take, the more it adds to my portfolio at the clinic. All good things.” I smiled.
“Is that your end game? To build up your resume here?”
“Yes and no.”
He held the wine list close to the candle in the center of the table.
I continued, “When I moved here, it was with every intention to get one of the open spots.”
“And now?” He closed the wine book and looked at me.
“The last few weeks have opened my eyes. I’m embarrassed to say that.”
“What embarrasses you?”