“Everybody’s meeting at Dino’s in about an hour.”
Almost to the exit, I froze. Maybe this wasn’t an epic fail after all.
Chapter Two
Patrick
“I don’t care that he killed his wife and mother-in-law. I’m not taking those cases anymore.”
I slammed the phone down and dropped my head to my desk. Growing a conscience sucked.
“Mr. Whitley, the hearing date for the Shaw case is set for six weeks. The check for the copier needs to be signed. Monica, who said you know who she is, called four times.”
“Where’s the check?’ I extended my hand without lifting my head.
Gerard placed it between my fingers and clamped them on the check.
“Can we change the number here?” I groaned.
“I’ll get on it right away,” my assistant said stoically.
“Don’t bother. They’ll all find us somehow.”
“Also, there’s a man in the lobby. He’s been here for two hours. Says he doesn’t mind waiting.”
I propped my chin on the desk. “What does he want?”
“An attorney.”
I resisted the urge to scream. No shit. Everybody wanted an attorney.
“Tell him we’re not taking on any more cases right now.”
“I did, sir. He’s insistent.”
“When you call me sir it makes me feel like my great-grandfather.”
“Did you even know him?” He arched one sculpted brow.
“Do you get those waxed?”
“I beg your pardon.”
“Your eyebrows. Do you get them waxed?” I repeated. They were perfect. Just like everything else about him.
“My personal hygiene is none of your concern.” His scowl deepened. “You have court at ten a.m. tomorrow.”
He strode from my office like the king leaving court. I dropped my head back to the desk. I was the king around here. At least I used to be before this thing spiraled out of control.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
“Go away,” I mumbled, even as I reached for it. I needed a vacation.
Dino’s in thirty.
I popped up. Hell, yes. Good Italian food with my favorite family? With the big bonus of the wicked witch being absent? Hell to the yes.
“Was beginning to think you weren’t going to show, son.” Mr. Dixon stood and thrust his hand out.
“I was beginning to think I wouldn’t make it myself. How’s the babysitter-in-chief?” I flicked my chin to the two strollers—wait, two? “You pulling double duty again?”
My best friend’s father got a funny look on his face.
“We’ve been waiting on your sorry ass to get here so my brother could share some news.” Andrew slapped me on the shoulder. “Leave it to you to have to be the center of attention.”
“You know me.” I shrugged and made the rounds. And he did. We’d been friends since college, and he’d put up with me all that time for reasons only the universe knew.
I kissed the back of Mrs. Quinn’s hand, her cheeks turning a shade rosier.
“Watch it, Romeo.” Mr. Dixon elbowed me as I released his lady friend’s hand. She was good for him. It was about time he found happiness.
“Trish, my lovely.” I bent and kissed her cheek.
She smiled. “Glad you could make it, Patrick.”
I checked my watch. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at Delores?”
“Cricket’s closing up shop tonight. Should I be offended you haven’t been by my food truck this week?”
“I haven’t been anywhere but my office,” I complained, though she was a mother, wife, business owner, and survivor of . . . hell, so I didn’t much have the right. How did she do it all?
“Tomorrow?”
“He’ll be there.” Andrew shot me a look that said I’d better not disappoint his new bride.
I saluted. “I want those scalloped potatoes with the Gruyère.”
“Not that you’re demanding or anything.” Baker flashed a sugary smile in my direction.
“Did I upset you by not greeting you first?” I rounded the table and made a show of kissing her cheek. “The last lady, but definitely not least.”
She gave me the side eye, but the corner of her mouth tugged upward.
Holt put a protective arm around his girl’s shoulders. “Find your own woman.”
“I could use some pointers on finding a roommate like you did.” I winked, a dreadful habit I’d picked up from those Dixon men.
The back of my neck tingled.
I straightened.
Baker’s eyes cut around me, and Holt smirked.
“Why are you here?” That icy voice sent a bolt of irritation straight to my dick.
I turned. The reception didn’t get any warmer. I fashioned a fake smile on my face. “Well, hello, Wicked. I see you’ve decided to take your broom out for a spin to the city.”
“It was too much to hope one of your lovely clients had made you disappear.”
Trish gasped behind me. Marlow moved to her chair and sat as if she’d said nothing wrong. The only open seat was beside her.
“I see you’ve been spending more time with your mother.”
The server brought a bottle of champagne and appetizers.
I leaned over to her ear. “You want to take a shot, aim them at me. Not innocent people,” I hissed, flicking my gaze over to Trish.
She went rigid. Remorse didn’t even register on her face. “It was aimed at you.”
“Don’t inflict your misery on your family.”
Trish passed both of us a glass of bubbles.
Once everyone had a flute, Holt lifted his. “Baker has something she wants to tell you.”
She flushed as Holt kissed the side of her head. “We’re getting married.”
“Are you stupid?” Glasses halted mid-lift to mouth. “They don’t even know each other,” Marlow said, draining her champagne.
“I suppose Trish and I don’t either?” Andrew looked ready to spit nails.
“No. But you’ve already made the mistake.” She snorted. “Dad and I know all about the perils of marriage.”
Mr. Dixon paled.
Mrs. Quinn touched his thigh in support. “I’m familiar with them as well. That doesn’t mean all of them go wrong.”
“Mine died.” Marlow reached for the champagne and refilled her glass.
“As did mine.”
She jerked her gaze to Mrs. Quinn. Of course the wicked one thought she was the only person to have loved and lost.
Marlow unrolled her silverware. “Stop looking at me like that. What’s wrong with me watching out for my little brothers?”
“Is that what you call this?” I polished off my champagne, grabbed the bottle, and tipped some in my mouth before I passed it to Baker. “When’s the big day?”
She took a swig of her own. “Don’t know. He already got the marriage license.”
I captured her left hand. “Where’s the ring?”
Holt cut his eyes over to me. I got the thanks a lot, asshole message loud and clear.