Page 29 of Legally Yours

“What does that jerk want from you now?”

“I don’t know. It’s probably some lame excuse and another begging session urging me to go back with him. I know this tune. I’ve heard it countless times before. I know how to play this record, and it does not affect me. Don’t worry, Leslie. I won’t be long.”

Leslie sighs. She lets go of my arms and offers a weak smile. “Okay, but you come right back. If I don’t see your face in this room soon, I’ll call out the cavalry.”

I laugh. “Yes, ma’am.” I fake salute, give her a quick hug, and walk away.

25

CASSANDRA

Iwalk out with David. But when he turns his head to wave down a taxi, I switch my location beacon on my phone in case he tries something fishy, so Liam can easily find me. It’s insurance I hope I don’t need, but I will not go without it, either. At this point, I trust David as far as I can throw him.

“Where are we going, David? This can’t take all day. I’m running a job fair you tore me out of, remember?”

David smiles sweetly. I don’t buy the smile.

“Yes, of course, Cassandra. I’m taking us to a quiet place to talk, is all. Don’t worry. The longer you take getting into the car, the longer this goes.”

I exhale, smile, and get in. What else can I do? I need this guy to stop interfering in my life and stop ruining the business for Liam.

The taxi soon stops in front of the hotel from our romantic past. My eyes pop. I’m not expecting this.

“David, what’s your game? Why are we here? At a hotel?”

I’m about to lean forward and tell the taxi driver to take me back when David pulls on my arm.

“No, don’t go, Cassandra. It’s nothing weird I have planned. Just a bite at our favorite restaurant while we hash over things. Honest.”

I exhale. I agree to David’s plan, but I don’t lower my defenses. He’s done this song and dance before. “Fine. A quick bite to eat, then I have to get back. You know that.”

We walk into the grand foyer. David takes me by the arm. It makes me feel squeamish, but I don’t fight the gesture.

We head into the restaurant. It’s packed, as usual. David talks to the maître d. He’s obviously made a reservation.

David is always the man to think of everything and assume everything about me. It unnerves me. He makes me angry. But I tell myself to stay cool. The quicker I can humor this guy, the better.

The maître d’ leads us to our usual table. The crystal sparkles under the chandelier light. David pulls out a chair next to his. I decline and select the chair opposite him. David grins and doesn’t put up a fight.

The server stands at the ready to take drink orders.

“Two martinis, please. Both painfully dry,” says David.

I shake my head no and look up at the server. “No, none for me. An iced tea, please.” I’m in no mood for a drink. And even if I were, it’s lunch. I have a business fair to run, and I need my head on straight to deal with whatever David is about to say.

My stomach does flip-flops. I twiddle my thumbs under the table, waiting for the onslaught of endless excuses and explanations. I know if David wants to talk, it’s never anything small.

Once the server leaves, David leans forward and tries to take my hand across the table. I keep my hands on my lap where they belong. He pulls his back, thankfully.

“Okay, I can see you’re all business today. Fine. I’ll get straight to the point.”

“Please do, David.”

David reaches into his blazer breast pocket and pulls out a legal contract. I recognize the sky blue cover his lawyer always uses. “Cassandra, this contract offers you three times your current salary.”

“I don’t care. I’m telling you no.”

“You haven’t even heard the details of the contract yet?”