The Lawyer (The Dalton Brothers 1)

“Brett, this is Kendall Roy,” Dominick said, finishing the introduction.

Brett stood from behind his desk, extending his hand, and I shook his firm grip.

“It’s a real pleasure,” I heard myself say.

“Likewise.”

He sat down, motioning for us to do the same, and Dominick and I filled the two vacant chairs.

“My friend Dominick has an impeccable eye for talent,” Brett began. “In fact, together, we’ve closed some of the largest entertainment deals in the world.” As he paused, a wave of chills ran up my arms and across my chest, each hammer of my heart causing my throat to shudder. “When he tells me he’s got someone for one of my shows, I take his word for it.” He glanced at Dominick and then back to me. “I see why he chose you.”

You do?

That thought didn’t leave my head.

Instead, it simmered and boiled.

“Tell me, Kendall, are you interested in hearing about the offer?”

“I … think so.” I cleared my throat. “This is just so unexpected. I mean, I never imagined any of this, so please excuse everything I’m saying. I’m afraid I’m not making any sense.”

He laughed, crossing his hands over the dark wooden top. “Filming begins in two weeks. It features a group of six girls, highlighting their lives in LA. Similar to the show your sister is on but more upscale. Think flying in a private jet to Bali, dining at only top-rated restaurants, being chauffeured around town in a Rolls-Royce.”

I didn’t know this life. My sister earned a shit-ton, but that wasn’t me. I’d purchased a seven-year-old used car and would be paying off my student loans and credit card debt until I died. The efficiency I rented was far from phenomenal.

“Don’t worry,” he added. “The show will assume the cost of everything and pay you a hefty salary.” He pushed a stack of papers in my direction. “The preliminary buzz has been so strong that they’re anticipating to break all streaming and cable ratings records in their category. Advertising fees have doubled in the last month alone. In other words, I expect a second season.”

This was heavy.

But it was nothing compared to the feeling that hit me when I glanced down and saw the salary listed on the first page of the contract.

I clasped my hands together to stop them from shaking. I’d be able to pay off my student loans and credit card debt along with my car and prepay an entire year—or four—of rent, and I’d still have a massive amount to stow away in the bank.

“That salary is only a starting point,” Dominick said. “Brett and I will get you more.”

“More?”

“We’re good for about a twenty percent increase,” Brett admitted.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Seeing.

Reading on the sheet in front of me.

“As for the role, the studio is looking for someone with spark. Not the fire starter, not anyone shy or reserved. I need a woman who’s quick-witted and charming.” His eyes narrowed. “I get the feeling that’s you, Kendall.”

“It is,” Dominick agreed. “Straight down to her core.”

I searched their faces, needing to hear the answer even though they were showing it to me. “You’re sure I’m right for this?” My hands gripped the armrests even harder, the wood beneath them probably soaked from my palms.

“There’s no doubt in my mind,” Dominick replied. His voice lowered, a sound I’d heard plenty of times last night when his body was on top of mine. “America is going to be enamored with you.”

I shifted my gaze to Brett, swallowing, as he said, “This will only be the beginning. You’re going to get endorsement deals, other TV show offers, paid appearances. The list is honestly endless.”

“And you think I can handle this with no training? No time spent in front of the camera? No knowledge of this business at all, aside from what I’ve done for Daisy?”

Thoughts were circling so fast in my brain, I couldn’t keep up.

“Yes,” they said simultaneously.

I shook my head, trying to process. “Can I have a second to think about it?”

Brett lifted the contract from the table and handed it to Dominick. “Your lawyer needs to review the terms, and we have some negotiating to do. That will take about forty-eight hours. Will that be enough time?”

I nodded.

“You need to know, you’re not alone in this, Kendall,” Dominick told me. “Brett will be your agent now and going forward.”

“Unless you would prefer someone else,” Brett responded. “We’ll also supply you with a manager—Valerie, a colleague of mine, she’d be a perfect addition to your team. And legally, Dominick has you covered for anything you need.”

When I quickly peeked at Dominick, his eyes were making that promise.

“Before you leave, I want you to stop by my assistant’s desk. She’ll need a copy of your license and contact information, so we can email you the contract and get you into our system.”

I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t a fly on the wall. That I was really here, that Brett was going to represent me, not Daisy.

“Do you have any questions for me?” Brett asked.

I had a million, but I didn’t even know where to start. But there was something nagging at me, something that probably wasn’t defined in the contract, so asking was the only way I’d know.

“Will filming be all day, seven days a week?” I took a breath. “I’m trying to figure out if there’s any way I can still help my sister—I know she needs me—and continue volunteering a few days a week.” I looked at Dominick. “I found a super-cute retirement home by my apartment, and the little ladies love my watercolor class.”

Dominick turned to glance at Brett and said, “What did I tell you?”

Brett nodded. “You’re right. She’s fucking perfect.”