may have been a small town and not anything like New York City, but we were well-off. Maybe not as well-off as Patterson; I have no idea. “I’m sure he would have stayed had he known what the firm would become,” I offer him with a polite smile and a nod of recognition.
There’s a murmur of agreement from Patterson and then he takes a swig of his drink. I look away, not wanting to continue the conversation.
Patterson knows far more than I do about my father’s departure. I’m not privy to my parents’ decisions back then. And I don’t like to have conversations involving sensitive topics knowing I’m lacking relevant details on said topic.
“You know I was surprised you came down here of all places.” Patterson doesn’t quit, leaning back in his seat. “I get it, wanting to stay on the case and transfer…” he pauses and nods, dropping his head. “That’s commitment,” he comments into his lap and raising his brow, which forms a series of lines on his forehead.
“I was just starting and took it as a sign.”
“What’s that?” he questions, not following and I don’t know if it’s because of the whiskey or because, like my mother said, it was crazy that I was moving to stay with a case.
“The firm was a starting point so when the offer came up and evidence led us here, it seemed like a sign. Like I was meant to get into federal criminal law.”
“And what did your father think of that?” Patterson questions. “I’m sure he was able to help you. He has strings to pull. But to help you go into federal criminal law…” he trails off and makes a face just then. One I’d like to punch but instead I simply smile.
My father and him were defense attorneys. “Working for the prosecution shocked him, but my involvement and dedication didn’t.” I give him the same answer I gave Claire five years ago. And just like her, he nods with understanding.
“You certainly worked your ass off to get here.”
The smile on my face is genuine as I say, “And I appreciate the help I got along the way.”
His asymmetric smile widens and he lifts his glass to me in cheers, but just after taking my sip, Patterson’s smile fades.
Before I can turn to my left to look at whatever’s taken his attention, a heavy arm rests across my shoulder and Cody Walsh kisses my cheek.
I barely catch sight of him before his lips brush against my skin.
What the fuck is he thinking? My heart spasms as I smile like it’s a joke and push against his muscular chest, which barely moves.
“Do you have a minute?” Cody questions, his brow furrowed as he ignores Patterson. The older man is up from his seat and leaving before I can hiss at Cody, “What the hell are you thinking?”
Adrenaline races through me as I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, the long day wearing on the simple bun I’d styled my hair into this morning, and casually glance around the bar.
Aaron saw what Cody did, that I’m sure of. He has the decency to look away when I catch him staring.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit. It will be the talk of the office. As if I need any more buzz around my personal life and intentions right now.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come over sooner; I’ve been busy.” He speaks as if it’s a given. Like he was genuinely busy. Does he think I’m a fool? I have eyes and common fucking sense. He was ignoring me and we both know it. I’m not an idiot and I don’t like being treated like one.
“What the hell are you doing, Walsh?”
“Saving your ass. He was eyeing you up and you didn’t like it. I know damn well you didn’t.”
“He’s my father’s age and my father’s friend.” The excuse doesn’t dissipate Cody’s scowl; it only makes it deepen. And quite frankly, I second-guess myself at the term “friend.”
“Don’t lie to me,” Cody reprimands me. He has some damn nerve.
I grit my teeth, laying cash down at the bar for the glasses of wine and grab my coat. “You have some fucking nerve to come over here pretending to be a knight in shining armor when you’ve ignored me for days.” The last word is practically spit out of my mouth.
I could choke on emotion right now, but I’m damn good at ignoring it and better yet, at hiding it. I give Cody the