Seth (Casella Cousins #2) - Kathryn Shay Page 0,4
get rid of them. People are like that, Mr. Casella. I know. I was in foster care for two years.”
It was then that Seth decided to take this case for himself. “I understand people can be cruel.”
“So, am I gonna get help?”
“I’d like you to. But I have to check with my boss at Legal Aid in order to take your case.”
“When will I know I’m gettin’ help?”
“Today. I promise I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanks.”
When they disconnected, John’s story sunk in completely and Seth’s heart hurt for him. His brothers told him he had to be tougher, not take his cases so personally, but he couldn’t help his feelings.
He punched in another number. “Hey, Ellen, it’s Seth. I’ve got the cases half prioritized but one of these needs attention, like yesterday.”
“Seth we can’t—”
“I’ll take it.”
“You’re not back at your job for another two weeks.”
“But I’m well enough to work from home.”
“Well, we allow outside lawyers who take pro bono cases to work outside the office. But not full-time employees.”
“Ellen, I didn’t make a fuss about getting hurt at the office when we’d all asked for more security. I think you owe me this one.”
A pause. Then, “If you get a doctor’s note that you’re well enough, the case is yours. And Seth, I appreciate that you didn’t sue. You might have gotten this office closed down.”
“And the people we help would suffer. In any case, thanks for letting me have this one.”
* * *
“That was beautiful, Terrance. You’re so talented.”
He winked at her. “I know.”
Julianne practically cringed. Sure, the nineteen-year-old was cute with his slim runner’s build and a full head of dark hair. And other students she taught flirted with her. But there was something about him…
“Do you think the pointers I’m giving you are helping?”
“I hope so. I’m only here for that.”
As the spoiled son of very rich people, Terrance felt entitled. But he was practically a virtuoso and his parents had chosen Julianne to give him lessons for the last year, even though he was enrolled at a private conservatory.
Turning away, she started toward the stereo system against the wall. “I’d like you to learn a new piece.”
“My favorite thing. We should’ve done it sooner. I killed the last one.”
She bit her tongue at his vanity. “Debussy, Violin Sonata in G Minor.” She went to press the recording, but his words stopped her.
“You know, I don’t like listening to these other people play the piece I’m learning. It kinda ruins putting my own stamp on it.”
She turned. Raised her brows. “I told you before that this is my method. I’m afraid you don’t have any choice.”
“I got a choice not to come.”
Somehow, she kept herself from flushing. She needed private students in order to keep her studio open. Still, she said with a blank face, “That is yours to decide. What will it be?”
His eyes narrowed on her. “I’ll listen, Ms. Julianne.”
Relieved when he left a half hour later, Julianne locked the door, and headed into the break room off to the side. She fixed herself some tea. The area held a recliner, another stereo system, a small microwave and an under-the-counter fridge. She turned on Clair de Lune, sat in the chair and sipped her Earl Grey’s. She’d do what she had to do to keep helping troubled kids through music therapy, even endure the likes of Terrance Chandler.
Meditation to music helped clear her head of the obnoxious young man. When she opened her eyes, she saw ten minutes had passed. Her next client was due at six and the girl was late. Oh, Lord, she hoped this one didn’t cancel.
Just as she walked out into the studio proper, there was a rap on the door. She hurried over, peeked out the window and opened it. “Madison, welcome back to the new school year.”
“Sorry, Ms. Ford.” She waved at her father in the car so he could leave. “My dad was late picking me up.”
“Well, you’re my last lesson tonight, so we can have a full hour.”
“You’re so nice.” She hid behind her reddish hair that fell into her forehead. “You, um, could charge me extra, but I’m not sure Daddy has the money for that.”
“No extra charge. Text your dad and tell him to come at seven thirty and he won’t have to pay more.”
Julianne knew Logan Rogers was a single parent and sole support of the family. On her sliding scale, she charged Maddie less. Her goal in establishing this music studio was to