Darkly (Follow Me 4)

“Yeah. Sure.” She stands and grabs a silver clutch. “Excuse me for a minute,” Skye says to me.

“I’ll be here.” I hold back a smile.

Several guests clamor up to me as Tessa and Skye turn to leave the ballroom. Everyone wants to shake my hand, which is the usual way of things at these events.

I exchange greetings with the mayor, the district attorney, several MADD board members, and a few people schmoozing to get my business. Then Peter Reardon appears.

“Mr. Black,” he says.

“Hello, Peter.”

“I just want to… I mean…”

For God’s sake, spit it out, man.

“I’m sorry,” he finally blurts out.

“For what?”

“For dancing with Skye. I didn’t know that you and she were…you know.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know.”

“She’s obviously your…” He drops his gaze to the floor. “I’m just sorry.” He rushes off.

I actually feel for the guy. His father wants that contract, and he thinks he just blew it. Little does he know I’ve already decided to go with another firm.

I rise to head to the auction table. A tall blonde has other plans for me, though.

“Mr. Black”—she holds out her hand—“Laurie Simms from Carter and Amos. I’d love a minute to speak with you about your legal needs.”

I shake her hand. She has a firm grip, which I like, but I’m going to have to let her down nonetheless.

She takes a seat at the table. I guess the auction items can wait. I’m not a rude person, so I sit down next to her.

“We represent several big businesses here in Boston,” Laurie says. “Our corporate law department is top-notch.”

“I’ve heard great things about your firm, Ms. Simms—”

“Laurie, please.”

“All right. Laurie, I’ve heard great things about your firm”—not a lie—“but Black, Inc. handles most corporate matters in-house, and for those issues we need extra help with, we have a retainer with Johnson, Mahoney and Crabtree.”

She nods. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but Johnson, Mahoney and Crabtree is an excellent firm.”

“But not as good as yours?” I prompt. I’m interested to see how diplomatic she’ll be.

“I like to think we’re the best corporate firm in Boston,” she says shamelessly. “All our partners and a majority of our associates were written up in Legal All Stars this year, myself included.”

“You’re a partner, I take it?”

“I’m on track for next year. I won’t lie to you, Mr. Black. If I could snag Black, Inc. as a client, it’d be a huge feather in my cap.”

“Call me Braden,” I say. “I admire your boldness.”

She laughs. “You mean my audacity?”

“Laurie, audacity is often required to get ahead in any area. I’m pretty audacious myself when it comes to business.” And other things, but that’s none of her concern.