“Gil Bachman is on the other line and says it is urgent he speak with you.”
“Trying the old double-team move on us, are they?” Phoebe grinned. “Have a seat, Ms. Vaughn. You’re days away from being a partner in this firm. We’ll just give them a dose of their own medicine and double-team them back.” She clicked on the phone’s speaker. “Mr. Rankin, I’ll need you to hold for a moment. I’ll be right back.”
“But we have—”
Phoebe hit the button for the other line. “Hello, Mr. Bachman. I’m afraid you will need to hold for a moment longer. I’m gathering the partners in the conference room to take your call.”
“Ms. Wolfe, my time is—”
Phoebe clicked the button. “Ash, remember. Just because the opponents want you to jump doesn’t mean you have to.”
“I won’t forget. You’ve taught me more about the law than any of my professors. I just hope I don’t disappoint you when I take my bar exam.”
“You won’t. And remember, today is your last day at the office. From tomorrow through next week your only job is to study. I can cover the office. Mitchell doesn’t have any gigs and promised to fill in until you came back.”
Ashley looked at the two blinking lights. “Should we keep them waiting?”
“I think they’ll hang up because I’m sure they know I’m on to them. If they are still on the line in the next five minutes, then whatever they have to say really is urgent. That’s when we’ll talk to them and not before. So I think you should wear that blue dress tonight for dinner with Nic and Sylas. You always look so fantastic in it.”
“Phoebe Blue Wolfe, what’s really going on?” Ashley had been ready to blast into Phoebe this morning about her bringing Nic and Sylas to Destiny. She’d lost all her thunder after learning about the twins. Though she was still excited, she wanted answers. “There are thousands of Ivy League attorneys you could have hired. Why Nic and Sylas? It’s because of me, isn’t it? You’re playing matchmaker, right?”
“It’s because I met them and knew right away that they were great attorneys, Ash. I look forward to working with them.” Phoebe pointed to her phone, clearly trying change the subject. “See, both of Walter’s attorneys hung up. It wasn’t urgent. Just a ploy.”
“Phoebe, I’m serious.”
“Well, it might work out.” Phoebe grinned. “What the heck.”
“I am not having my heart broken again. I ended it with them, and that’s that.”
“Okay, Ash. I understand.”
“I know you, Phoebe Blue Wolfe. You don’t give up that easy.”
“Don’t forget, Ash. Love is worth the effort. You know how long I waited. I made so many mistakes because of misunderstanding. I almost lost my three guys. If you’re meant to be with Nic and Sylas, I have no doubt it will work out.”
“I think since becoming pregnant you’re even more of a hopeless romantic than you’ve ever been, but I’ll remember what you said.”
“Thank you, Auntie Ash.”
“I give up.” She grinned and stood. “How can I win with you?”
“You can’t. Call it a day, Ash, and have fun tonight.”
She walked to the reception area and saw Anna sitting behind her desk, looking at the screen. Was she on my computer? “Anna, you really shouldn’t be sitting there.”
“Oh.” Anna stood. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would be an issue.”
“This is a law firm. It’s an issue.”
“Again. Sorry, Ash. I wasn’t thinking. Won’t happen again.”
“It’s okay. It’s just been one of those days. Why are you still here?”
“I could tell that last call was important. I thought you might have to work late and cancel our run. I hung around to find out if you could still make it.”
“Actually, I’m headed home right now to put on my running shoes.”
“Great. I’ve got to work off that pie you made me buy.”