Ashley had never known Bill Steele. She’d only moved to Destiny a few years ago from Elko, Nevada, her hometown. But she knew he had to be a good man to have won the heart of such a wonderful woman as Jennifer.
She walked into the break room and placed the bag from the diner on the table. Normally, she would’ve gone ahead and eaten her lunch without Phoebe. Not an unusual occurrence with all the work they were dealing with. But she decided to wait. How could she eat with her insides quaking violently? She was a complete wreck.
She walked back to her desk and could see Jennifer and Phoebe were still talking. She looked at the clock. The seconds seemed to be ticking by at an unusually slow pace. Sitting down at her computer, she brought up Phoebe’s appointments. Jennifer Steele was slated for another twenty-two minutes. Meetings with Phoebe rarely went over, but that twenty-two minutes was going to kill Ashley. “I’ll just have to wait.” Then she looked at the two hours that Phoebe had blocked out after her appointment with Jennifer. In all the years she’d worked for her, Phoebe had always kept her in the loop about everything at the practice. It didn’t make any sense to Ashley that she had chosen to keep her in the dark.
Why was Phoebe bringing on another lawyer? And even more so, Ashley wondered why her boss was considering hiring either Sylas or Nic.
Phoebe had always told her that she couldn’t wait for her to finish law school and pass the bar so they could be partners. And now this. What does it mean? Is she firing me or do I have to remain a receptionist to stay working here?
Phoebe knew that she’d broken it off with Nic and Sylas. If either of them came to work at the office, it would make things very uncomfortable. Was that why Phoebe had kept her in the dark about all of this?
Phoebe was a wonderful boss and mentor, but even more, the woman was like a sister to her.
Another glance at the clock. Sixteen minutes until the appointment with Jennifer was over. Sixteen minutes until one of her exes arrived? She groaned and began tapping on the top of her desk with her fingers. She needed a window of opportunity to speak with Phoebe between when Jennifer left and whichever one of the guys arrived first. She was anxious and worried time would not be on her side.
A minute later, Jennifer and Phoebe walked into the reception area.
“Hi, Ashley,” Jennifer said. “Are you getting nervous about taking the bar? That’s next week, isn’t it?”
“I am. Next Tuesday and Wednesday.”
“It takes two days?”
“Yes, in Denver. I will be driving there Monday night.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great. I haven’t seen you at the club lately.” Though not officially recognized, Jennifer was considered the queen of the subs at the BDSM club.
“I’ve been focusing on studying for my bar exam.” Which was only part of the truth. While she always enjoyed Phase Four, after her heart had been broken in Chicago, she just hadn’t felt like going. Maybe it would be good for me to go. “Once I finish my exam, I’ll be back.”
“Great. When does the new paralegal start?”
“In another week.” Ashley thought it was premature for Phoebe to hire a paralegal. What if I don’t pass the bar?
“Dr. Strong is very excited that Erin is moving to Destiny. He’s very proud of his cousin for finishing her paralegal degree.”
“We’re looking forward to her working with us,” Phoebe said.
“I look forward to meeting her. We can always use another smart woman in Destiny,” Jennifer said. “Thanks for everything, Phoebe. I really appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
“Don’t worry,” her boss said in a kind tone. “We’ll get you through this.”
“You and Ashley always do.” Jennifer left.
As soon as the door shut, Ashley stood up. “Just when were you planning on telling me you were hiring a new lawyer, Phoebe? And why does it have to be Nic or Sylas? And are you firing me?”
“Calm down, Ash. I have very good reasons for everything I’ve done. First of all, you are not fired. I still want to make you a partner. I couldn’t tell you until I was certain of my plans.” Phoebe smiled.
“Don’t tell me this has anything to do with your wedding. That’s two weeks away. Besides, you four are already married. I was in Ethel’s chambers when you said your vows because you couldn’t wait. What’s this really about, Phoebe?”
“Congratulations are in order, Ash.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“I’m pregnant, Ash.”
She rushed to Phoebe and hugged her. “That’s wonderful news. How far along are you?”
“Ten weeks.”