TableofContents

TitlePage

CopyrightPage

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Epigraph

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

PraiseforJulieJames’sdebutromance
JusttheSexiestManAlive

“WittybanterandamazingchemistrybetweenTaylorandJasonbringthisdelightfulstoryto
life.”—ChicagoSun-Times

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readersflippingthepagesatadizzyingpace.”

—RomanticTimes

“James’sfamiliaritywithboththelawandthefilmindustrylendscredibilitytothisfast-moving,
contemporaryromanticcomedybetweentwostrong-willedcharacters.”—Booklist

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itwilldefinitelynotbemylast!”—FallenAngelReviews

“[A]smartlywrittencontemporary.”—AllAboutRomance

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—TheRomanceStudio

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suretokeepthereaderentertained.”—FreshFiction

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“Thesparksfly,hilarityisplentifulwithalloftheone-linersinthestory,andunderneathitallisa
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—AffairedeCoeur

“Ihadalmostgivenuponromanticcomedies.Exceptfortheoccasionalwriter(SusanElizabeth
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fantasy!”—TheRomanceReader

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ForJackson

Acknowledgments

Iwouldliketothankmyliteraryagent,SusanCraw-ford,forthiswonderfuljourney,andforallher
guidanceandenthusiasm.IalsowanttoexpressmycontinuingappreciationtoDickShepherd,for
takingachanceonalawyerfromChicagowhosaidshehadagoodideaforaromanticcomedy.

Iwanttothankmyfantasticeditor,WendyMcCurdy,andtheentireteamatBerkley,includingAllison
Brandau,KathrynTumen,CrissieJohnson,andEmmaStockton.

SpecialthankstoChrisErnst,golftechnicalconsultant;toBrianKavanaugh,classactionexpertand
webdesignerextraordinaire;andtoDarrenforvaguely,loosely,inspiringtheideabehindthisbook.

Iamforevergratefultomyfamilyfortheirloveandsupport,andamalsoveryluckytohaveagreat
groupofgirlfriendswhocontinuallyinspireme—thesmartest,strongest,andfunniestwomenIknow.

Lastly,andmostimportant,Iwanttoexpressmydeepestgratitudetomyhusband,Brian,forhis
endlessencouragement,andtothenewest—andcutest—littleheroinmylife,myson,Jackson.

Isnotgeneralincivilitytheveryessenceoflove?

—JANEAUSTEN,PRIDEANDPREJUDICE

One

THEALARMCLOCKwentoffat5:30a.m.

PaytonKendallliftedasleepyhandtohernightstandandfumbledaroundtosilencethegod-awful
beeping.Shelaythere,snuggledinamongsthercozydownpillows,blinking,rousing.Allowing
herselfthesefirst,andlast,fewsecondsofthedaythatshecouldcallherown.Then—suddenly
remembering—shejumpedoutofbed.

Todaywastheday.

Paytonhadaplanforthismorning—shehadsetheralarmtowakeherahalfhourearlierthanusual.
Therewasapurposeforthis:shehadobservedhisdailyroutineandguessedthathegottotheoffice
everymorningby7:00a.m.Helikedbeingthefirstoneintheoffice,sheknew.Onthismorning,
however,shewouldbetherewhenhegotin.Waiting.

Inhermindshehaditallworkedout—shewouldactcasual.Shewouldbeinheroffice,andwhenshe
heardhimwalkin,shewouldjust“happen”tostrollbytogetsomethingfromtheprinter.“Good
morning,”shewouldsaywithasmile.Andwithoutherhavingtosayanythingelse,hewouldknow
exactlywhatthatsmilemeant.

He’dbewearingoneofhisdesignersuits,theonesPaytonknewhehadhand-tailoredtofithimjust
so.“Themanknowshowtowearasuit,”shehadoverheardoneofthesecretariessaywhile
gossipingbythecoffeemakerinthefifty-third-floorbreakroom.Paytonhadresistedtheurgeto
followupthesecretary’scommentwithoneofherown,lestsherevealthefeelingsabouthimthatshe
hadfoughttokeepsocarefullyhidden.

Movingwithpurpose,Paytonspedthroughhermorningroutine.Howmucheasieritmustbetobea
man,shereflectednotforthefirsttime.Nomakeuptoapply,nohairtostraighten,nolegstoshave.
Theydidn’tevenhavetosittopee,thelazybastards.Justshower,shave,wham-bam,outthedoorin
tenminutes.Although,Paytonsuspected,heputalittlemoreeffortintoit.Thatperfectlyimperfect,
mussed-just-righthairofhiscertainlyrequiredproductofsomesort.And,fromwhatshehad
personallyobserved,heneverworethesameshirt/tiecombotwiceinthesamemonth.

NotthatPaytondidn’tputsomeeffortintoherappearanceaswell.Ajuryconsultantshehadworked
withduringaparticularlytrickygenderdiscriminationtrialhadtoldherthatjurors—bothmenand
women—respondedmorefavorablytofemalelawyerswhowereattractive.WhilePaytonfoundthis
tobesadlysexist,sheaccepteditasafactnonethelessandthusmadeitageneralruletoalwaysput
herbestfaceforward,literally,atwork.Besides,she’dratherhangherselfbyapinkytoethaneverlet
himseeherlookinganythingbutherbest.

The“L”rideintotheofficewasquiet,withfarfewerpassengersridingthisearlyinthemorning.The
cityseemedtobejustwakingupasPaytonwalkedalongtheChicagoRiverthethreeblockstoher
lawfirm’soffices.Theearlymorningsunglintedofftheriver,castingitinasoftgoldenglow.
Paytonsmiledtoherselfasshecutthroughthelobbyofherbuilding;shewasinthatgoodofamood.

Herexcitementgrewastheelevatorrosetothefifty-thirdfloor.Herfloor.Hisfloor.Thedoor

opened,revealingadarkofficehallway.Thesecretarieswouldn’tbeinforatleasttwohours,which
wasgood.Ifallwentasplanned,shehadafewthingstosaytohimandnowshewouldbeableto
speakfreely,withoutfearofthetwoofthembeingoverheard.

Paytonstrodewithconfidencedownthecorridor,herbriefcaseswingingatherside.Hisofficewas
closertotheelevatorbank;shewouldpassitenroutetohers.Eightyearsithadbeensincetheyhad
movedintotheirrespectiveofficesacrossthefloorfromeachother.Shecouldpictureperfectlythe
lettersonthenameplateoutsidehisoffice.

J.D.JAMESON.

My,howthemerementionofthatnamemadeherpulsequicken...

Paytonroundedthecorner,grinninginanticipationasshethoughtaboutwhathewouldsaywhen—

Shestoppedcold.

Hisofficelightwason.

But—how?Thiscouldn’tbe.Shehadgottenupatthisridiculoushourtogetinfirst.Whatabouther
plans,herbigplans?Thecasualstrollbytheprinter,thewayshewassupposedtosmileknowingly
andsay,Goodmorning,J.D.?

Sheheardafamiliarrichbaritonevoicebehindher.

“Goodmorning,Payton.”

Payton’spulseskyrocketed.Shecouldn’thelpit,merelyhearinghisvoicehadthateffectonher.She
turnedaroundandtherehestood.

J.D.Jameson.

Paytonpausedtolookhimover.HelookedsoquintessentiallyJ.D.rightthen,withhissuitjacket
alreadyoffandhisclassicallycutnavypinstripepantsandyes,thatperfectlystyledrakishlightbrown
hairofhis.Helookedtan—probablyoutplayingtennisorgolfovertheweekend—andhegaveher
oneofhisperfect-white-teethsmilesasheleanedcasuallyagainstthecredenzabehindhim.

“Isaid,‘Goodmorning,’”herepeated.AndsoPaytondidwhatshealwaysdidwhenshesawJ.D.
Jameson.

Shescowled.

Theshitheadhadbeatenherintowork.

Again.

“Goodmorning,J.D.,”sherepliedwiththatsarcastictoneshereservedjustforhim.

Notingherarrival,hecheckedhiswatch,thenglancedupanddownthehallwaywithdeliberate

exaggeration.“Wow—didImissthelunchcart?Isitnoonalready?”

Shereallyhatedthisguy.

Ihardlygetinatnoon,Paytonnearlyretorted,thenbithertongue.No.Shewouldn’tstooptohislevel
anddefendherself.

“Perhapsifyouspentalittlelesstimekeepingtrackofmycomingsandgoings,J.D.,andalittlemore
timeworking,itwouldn’ttakeyoufifteenhourstobillten.”

Shewatchedwithsatisfactionasherreplywipedthesmirkrightoffofhisface.Touché.Withawell-
practicedcoolandcalmdemeanor,sheturnedinherheelsandheadedacrossthehalltoherown
office.

Suchasillything,Paytonthought.ThisendlesscompetitionJ.D.hadwithher.Themanclearlyspent
fartoomuchtimefocusingonwhatshewasupto.Ithadbeenthatwaysince...well,sinceaslongas
shecouldremember.Thankgoodnessshewasabovesuchpettynonsense.

Paytongottoherofficeandclosedherdoorbehindher.Shesetherbriefcasedownontopofher
deskandtookaseatinthewell-wornleatherchair.Howmanyhourshadsheloggedinthatchair?
Howmanyall-nightershadshepulled?Howmanyweekendshadshesacrificed?Allinherquestto
showthefirmthatshewaspartnershipmaterial—thatshewasthetopassociateinherclass.

Throughtheglassonherdoor,shecouldseeacrossthehalltoJ.D.’soffice.Hewasalreadybackat
hisowndesk,infrontofhiscomputer,working.Oh,sure,likehehadsuchimportantmatterstotend
to.

Paytonpulledherlaptopoutofherbriefcaseandturnediton,readytostartherday.Afterall,shehad
veryimportantthingstofocuson,too.

Forstarters,likehowthehellshewasevergoingtogetupat4:30tomorrowmorning.

Two

“ISEEYOUbrokeyourownrecord.”

PaytonpeeredupfromhercomputerasIrmawalkedintoheroffice,wavingthetimesheetsPayton
hadgivenherearlierthatmorning.

“Igetdepressedjustlogginginthesehours,”hersecretarycontinuedinanexasperatedtone.
“Seriously,Ineedtobeassignedtoadifferentassociate.Someonewhoseweeklytimesheetsaren’tas
longasAnnaKarenina.”

Paytonraisedaneyebrowasshetookthestackoftimesheetsfromhersecretary.“Letmeguess—
anotherrecommendationfromOprah?”

IrmagavePaytonalookthatsaidshewastreadingonseriouslydangerousground.“Thatsoundslike
mocking.”

“No,never,”Paytonassuredher,tryingnottogrin.“I’msureit’sawonderfulbook.”

AtleastfourtimesayearIrmamadethepilgrimageouttotheWestLooptositintheaudienceat
HarpoStudiosandbeinthepresenceofHerHolinesstheWinfrey.Irmatookallrecommendations
fromtheTVmaven—lifestyle,literary,andotherwise—asgospel.Anycommentsinthenegativeby
Paytonoranyoneelsewerestrictlytaboo.

IrmatookaseatinfrontofthedeskasshewaitedforPaytontosignoffonthecompletedtimesheets.
“You’dlikeit.It’saboutawomanwho’sprogressiveforhertime.”

“Soundspromising,”Paytonsaiddistractedlyassheskimmedtheprintoutofthehourshersecretary
hadentered.

“Thenshefallsforthewrongman,”Irmacontinued.

“That’sabitcliché,isn’tit?TheycallthisTolstoyguyawriter?”Paytonquicklyscrawledher
signatureacrossthebottomofthelasttimesheetandhandedthembacktoIrma.

“This‘Tolstoyguy’knowsaboutrelationships.Perhapsyoucouldlearnathingortwofromhim.”

Paytonpretendednottohearthecomment.AfteryearsofworkingwithIrma,thetwoofthemhad
developedacomfortable,familiarrelationship,andshehadlearnedthatthebestwaytohandleher
secretary’snot-so-subtleremarksregardingherpersonallifewassimplytoignorethem.

“You’veseentheevidenceofmylackoffreetime,”Paytonsaid,gesturingtohertimesheets.“Until
I’mthroughwiththistrial,I’mafraidTolstoywillhavetowait.”Shepointed.“ButifOprahhappens
toknowofabookaboutrespondingtosubpoenasforcorporatedocuments,thatIwouldbeinterested
in.”

SeeingIrma’slookofwarning,Paytonheldupherhandsinnocently.“I’mjustsaying.”

“Itellyouwhat,”Irmasaid.“I’llholdontothebookforyou.Becauseafterthismonth,Isuspect
you’llbeabletogiveyourselfabitofabreak.”Shewinked.

Paytonturnedbacktohercomputer.DespiteIrma’srepeatedattemptstoengageheronthissubject,
shedidn’tliketotalkopenlyaboutit.Afterall,shedidn’twanttojinxthings.Soshewavedasidethe
remark,feigningnonchalance.

“Issomethinghappeningthismonth?I’mnotawareofit.”

Irmasnorted.“Please.You’veonlyhadthismonthhighlightedinyourelectroniccalendarforeight
years.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Andstopsnoopingaroundinmycalendar.”

Irmarosetoleave.“Allright,allright,Iknowhowyouareaboutdiscussingthisstuff.”Sheheaded
towardthedoor,thenpausedandturnedback.“Ialmostforgot—Mr.Gould’ssecretarycalled.He
wonderedifyou’refreetomeetinhisofficeatonethirty.”

Paytonquicklychecked.“Worksforme.TellherthatI’llcomebyhisofficethen.”Shebeganentering
theappointmentinherdailyplannerwhensheheardhersecretarycalltoherfromthedoorway.

“Um,Payton—onelastthing?”

Paytonlookedupdistractedlyfromhercomputer.“Yes?”

Irmasmiledreassuringly.“You’regonnamakeit,youknow.You’veearnedit.Sostopbeingso
paranoid.”

Despiteherself,Paytongrinned.“Thanks,Irma.”

Oncehersecretarywasgone,Payton’sthoughtslingeredforamoment.Sheglancedoveratthe
calendaronherdesk.

Fourweeksleft.Thefirm’spartnershipdecisionswouldbeannouncedattheendofthemonth.Truth
betold,shewasfeelingfairlyhopefulaboutherchancesofmakingit.Shehadworkedhardforthis—
longhours,neverturningdownwork—andnowshewasinthehomestretch.Thefinishlinewas
finallyinsight.

Paytonfeltherheartbeatbegintoraceasshegaveintotheexcitementforoneteeny-tinymoment.
Then,notwantingtogetcarriedawayjustyet,shecalmedherselfand,asalways,gotbusywithwork.

AFEWMINUTESbefore1:30,Paytongatheredhernotesandhersummarytrialfilefolderforher
meetingwithBen.Shewasn’tsureexactlywhathewantedtomeetabout,butsheguessedithad
somethingtodowiththetrialshewasabouttostartnextweek.Astheheadofthefirm’slitigation
department,Benstayedontopofallcasesgoingtotrial,eventhosewithwhichhewasn’tdirectly
involved.

Aswastypical,Paytonfeltslightlyonedgeasshepreparedforthemeetingwithherboss.Shenever
knewwhattoexpectwithBen.Despitethefactthathehadnevergivenheranyindicationthathewas
disappointedinherwork—tothecontrary,heconsistentlygaveherthehighestmarksinherannual
reviews—shefeltthat,attimes,therewassomesortofawkwardundercurrenttotheirinteractions.
Shecouldn’tquiteputherfingeronit,shejustgotaweirdvibenowandthen.Heranhotandcold
withher;sometimeshewasfine,othertimesheseemedabit...stiff.Stilted.Atfirstshehadassumed
thiswasjustpartofhispersonality,butonotheroccasionsshehadseenhimjokingeasilywithother
associates.Interestingly,allmaleassociates.ShehadbeguntosuspectthatBen—whileneverblatantly
unprofessional—hadamoredifficulttimegettingalongwithwomen.Itcertainlywasn’tanunlikely
conclusiontodraw.Lawfirmscouldbeold-fashionedattimesandunfortunately,femaleattorneys
stillhadabitofan“oldboynetwork”tocontendwith.

Nevertheless,becauseBenwastheheadofhergroup—andthusakeyplayerinthedecisionwhether
tomakeherapartner—Paytonresolvedtokeeptryingtoestablishamorecongenialrapportbetween
them.Afterall,shelikedtothinkshewasarelativelyeasygoingperson.Withoneexception(andwho
reallycountedhim,anyway?)shepridedherselfongettingalongwellwithprettymucheveryoneshe
workedwith.

Paytongrabbedapenandalegalpad,stuffedtheminthefilefoldershecarried,andheadedouther
officedoor.Irma’sdeskwasrightoutsideheroffice,andsheturnedtolethersecretaryknowshewas
leaving.Indoingso,shenearlyranrightintosomeonecomingdownthehallwayfromtheother
direction.

“Oh,sorry!”Paytonexclaimed,scootingasidetoavoidacollision.Shelookedupapologeticallyand
—

—sawJ.D.

Herexpressionchangedtooneofannoyance.Shesighed.Shehadbeenhavingsuchanicedayuntil
now.

ThenPaytonrealized:oops—theyhadanaudience.WithaglanceinIrma’sdirection,shequickly
adoptedhermostcharminglyfakesmile.

“Well,hello,J.D.Howhaveyoubeen?”sheasked.

J.D.alsocastaneyeinthedirectionofthesecretariesworkingnearby.Aswellpracticedinthisruse
asPayton,hematchedheramiableexpressionwithoneofhisown.

“My,howniceofyoutoask,Payton,”hegushedeversowarmlyashegazeddownather.“I’mwell,
thankyou.Andyourself?”

Asalways,PaytonfoundherselfannoyedbyhowdamntallJ.D.was.Shehatedbeinginapositionof
—literally—havingtolookuptohim.ShehadnodoubtthatJ.D.,ontheotherhand,quiteenjoyed
this.

“Fine,thankyou,”Paytontoldhim.“I’mheadingtoBen’soffice.”Shemanagedtomaintainher
pleasantgrin.MerylStreepmayhaveherOscars,butshecouldlearnathingortwofromPayton.Best

PretenseofLikingOne’sAssholicCoworker.

J.D.’seyesnarrowedslightlyatPayton’sreply,buthetookeptupthecharade.“Whatanicesurprise—
I’mheadedtoBen’sofficemyself,”hesaidasifthiswasthebestthinghe’dheardallmorning.Then
hegesturedgallantlytoPayton—afteryou.

Withanod,sheturnedandheadeddownthebackhallwaytoBen’scorneroffice.J.D.strodeeasily
alongsideher;Paytonhadtotaketwostepsforeveryoneofhistokeepup.Notthatshelethimsee
that.

Afterwalkingtogetherinsilenceforafewmoments,J.D.glancedaroundforwitnesses.Seeingthey
weresafelyoutofearshot,hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischestwithwhatPaytonhadcometothinkof
asthetrademarkJ.D.AirofSuperiority.

“SoIsawyournameintheChicagoLawyer,”heledin.

Paytonsmiled,knowinghesurelyhadathingortwotosayaboutthat.Shewaspleasedhe’dseenthe
articlethemagazinehadruninthismonth’sedition.Shehadbeentemptedtosendhimacopyin
yesterday’sinterofficemail,butthoughtitwouldbebetterifhediscovereditonhisown.

“‘FortytoWatchUnder40,’”shesaid,referencingthearticle’stitleandproudofherinclusioninits
distinction.

“‘FortyWomentoWatchUnder40,’”J.D.emphasized.“Tellme,Payton—isthereareasonyour
genderfindsitnecessarytobesoseparatist?Afraidofalittlecompetitionfromtheoppositesex,
perhaps?”

Paytontriednottolaughasshetossedherhairbackoverhershoulders.Hardly.

“Ifmygenderhesitatestocompetewithyours,J.D.,it’sonlybecausewe’reafraidtolowerourselves
toyourlevel,”sherepliedsweetly.

TheyarrivedatthedoorwaytoBen’soffice.J.D.leanedagainstthedoorcasuallyandfoldedhisarms
acrosshischest.Aftereightyears,Paytonrecognizedthisgesturewell—itmeanthewasaboutto
beginanotheroneofhiscondescendinglectures.Shegaveit95percentoddsthathe’dbeginwithone
ofhispompouslyrhetoricalquestionsthathehadabsolutelynointentionoflettingheranswer.

“Letmeaskyouthis...”hebegan.

Bingo.

“...howdoyouthinkitwouldgooverifthemagazinerananarticlecalled‘FortyMentoWatch
Under40’?”Hetookthelibertyofansweringforher.“Youandyourlittlefeministafriendswould
callthatdiscrimination.Butthenisn’tthat,perse,discrimination?Shouldn’twemenbeentitledtoour
lists,too?”

J.D.heldthedooropenforherandgesturedforhertoenter.Asshepassedbyhim,Paytonnotedthat
Benwasn’tinhisofficeyet,soshetookaseatinfrontofhisdesk.AsJ.D.satinthechairnexttoher,
sheturnedtohim,coollyunperturbed.

“Ifinditveryinterestingwhenaman,agraduateofPrincetonUniversityandHarvardLawSchool,
sittingnexttomeinanArmanisuit,hasthenervesomehowtoclaimthatheisthevictimof
discrimination.”

J.D.openedhismouthtojumpin,butPaytoncuthimoffwithafinger.Index,notmiddle.Shewasa
ladyafterall.

“Notwithstandingthatfact,”shecontinued,“Isubmitthatyoumendohaveyourso-called‘lists.’
Severalatthisfirm,infact.They’recalledtheExecutiveCommittee,theManagementCommittee,the
CompensationCommittee,thefirm’sgolfingclub,theintramuralbasketballteam—”

“Youwanttobeonthebasketballteam?”J.D.interrupted,hisblueeyescrinklinginamusementatthis.

“It’sillustrative,”Paytonsaid,sittingbackinherchairdefensively.

“What’sillustrative?”

Paytonsatuprightatthesoundofthevoice.SheglancedoverasBenGould,headlitigationpartner,
strodeconfidentlyintohisofficeandtookaseatathisdesk.HefixedPaytonwithacuriousgazeof
hisdark,probingeyes.Sheshiftedinherchair,tryingnottofeelasthoughshewasalreadyunder
interrogation.

J.D.answeredBenbeforePaytonhadachance.“Oh,it’snothing,”hesaidwithadismissivewave.
“PaytonandIwerejustdiscussingtheSupremeCourt’srecentdecisioninLedderv.Arkansas,and
howtheopinionisillustrativeoftheCourt’scontinuingreluctancetoembroilitselfinstate’srights.”

PaytonglancedatJ.D.outofthecornerofhereye.

Smart-ass.

Althoughadmittedly,thatwasn’ttooshabbyabitofquickthinking.

Thejerk.

Benlaughedatthemashequicklyglancedatthemessageshissecretaryhadleftonhisdesk.“Youtwo
—youneverstop.”

Paytonfoughttheurgetorollhereyes.Hereallyhadnoidea.

J.D.seizedonBen’smomentarydistractiontoleanforwardinhischair.Heheldthelapelofhissuit
outtoPaytonandwhispered.“Andbytheway,it’snotArmani.It’sZegna.”Hewinkedather.

Paytonglared,temptedtotellhimexactlywherehecouldstickthatZegnasuit.

“Sorrytocallyoubothdownhereonsuchshortnotice,”Bensaid.“Butasyoubothmaybeaware,
Gibson’sDrugStoreschainhasjustbeenhitwithaclassactiongenderdiscriminationlawsuit.”

Paytonhadindeedheardaboutthelawsuit—yesterday’sfilingofthecomplaintinafederalcourtin
FloridahadmadeallthenationalpapersandhadevenbeendiscussedonMSNBCandCNN.

“Thecomplaintwasfiledyesterday,assignedtoJudgeMeyersoftheSouthernDistrictofFlorida,”
shesaid,eagertoletBenknowshewasontopofthings.

“TheclaimswerefiledunderTitleVII—one-point-eightmillionfemaleemployeesofthecompany
allegetheywerediscriminatedagainstinhiring,pay,andpromotion,”J.D.addedwithasideways
glanceinPayton’sdirection.He,too,haddonehishomework.

Bensmiledattheireagerness.Heleanedback,twirlinghispencasually.“It’sthelargest
discriminationclassactioneverfiled.ThatmeansbigbuckstothelawfirmthatdefendsGibson’s.”

PaytonsawtheglintinBen’seye.“Andwhomightthatbe?”

Benlacedhisfingerstogether,drummingthemagainstthebackofhishandslikeavillaininaJames
Bondmovie.

“Funnyyoushouldask,Payton...TheCEOofGibson’s,JasperConroy,hasn’tdecidedyetwhich
lawfirmwilldefendhiscompany.Hehas,however,chosenthreeofthetopfirmsinthecountryto
meetwith.”

J.D.grinned.“Letmetakeawildstabinthedarkhere:ourfirmisoneofthosethree.”

Bennodded,proudasalwaysthathisgroupoflitigatorswascontinuallyrankedasbeingamongthe
bestintheworld.“Niceguess.IgotthecallearlierthismorningfromJasperConroyhimself.”

HepointedatJ.D.andPayton.“Andhere’swhereyoutwocomein:Jasperwasveryclearaboutthe
typeoftrialteamhe’slookingfor.Hewantsafresherimagetorepresentthefaceofhiscompany,not
abunchofstodgyoldmeninsuits,likeme.”Benchuckled,fullyawarethatatforty-nineyearsoldhe
wasactuallyquiteyoungtobetheheadoflitigationatsuchaprestigiousfirm.“Personally,”he
continued,“IthinkJasperisjusttryingtoavoidpayingpartnerrates.”

Likethegoodassociatestheywere,PaytonandJ.D.laughedatthejoke.

“Anyhoo...”Benwenton,“ItoldJasperthatthisfirmjustsohappenstohavetheperfectlitigators
forhim.Twoveryexperienced,verysavvyseniorassociates.Youtwo.”

Throughhersurprise,ittookPaytonamomenttoprocesswhatBenwassaying.Alargepitwas
growinginherstomach,becausethisconversationwasheadedinaverybaddirection.

Ifsomeonemadeherswearanoathundercross-examination—betteryet,ifJackBauerhimself
subjectedhertothefullarrayofinterrogationtacticsatCTU’sdisposal—Paytoncouldn’thavesaid
exactlyhowherwarwithJ.D.hadstarted.Frankly,ithadbeengoingonforsolongthatitsimply
seemedtobethewaythingsalwayswere.

Withouteversayingaword,however,sheandJ.D.hadimplicitlyagreedtokeeptheirmutualdislike
tothemselves.Bothwantingmorethananythingtobesuccessfulatwork,theyunderstoodthatlaw
firmswerelikekindergarten:itwasn’tgoodtogeta“needsimprovement”in“playswellwith
others.”

Luckily,ithadbeenrelativelyeasytomaintaintheircharade.Eventhoughtheywereinthesame

group,ithadbeenyearssincetheyhadworkedtogetheronacase.Therewereafewreasonsforthis:
First,asageneralrule,casesinthelitigationgroupwerestaffedwithonepartner,onesenior
associate,andoneortwojuniorassociates.Asmembersofthesameclass,therewaslittlereasonfor
bothPaytonandJ.D.toworkonthesamematter.

Second,andperhapsmoreimportant,thetwoofthemhaddevelopedspecialtiesinverydifferent
areasofthelaw.J.D.wasaclassactionlawyer.Hehandledlargemulti-plaintiff,multi-districtcases.
Payton,ontheotherhand,specializedinemploymentlaw,particularlysingle-plaintiffraceand
genderdiscriminationlawsuits.Hercasesweretypicallysmallerintermsofdamagesatstakebut
higherprofileintermsofthepublicitytheygarnered.

Thusfar—whetherbyflukechanceorluck—therehadbeenverylittleoverlapinthenichepractice
areassheandJ.D.hadcarvedoutforthemselves.

Apparentlyuntilnow,thatis.

PaytonremainedsilentasBencontinuedhispitch,tryingtorefrainfromdisplayingthegrowing
apprehensionshefelt.ShesnuckaquickpeakatJ.D.andsawhimshiftedgilyinhischair.Fromwhat
shecouldtell,heappearedjustasdispleasedasshebythisdevelopment.

“Combined,yourskillsareperfectforthiscase,”Benwassaying.“Jaspersoundedveryexcitedto
meetyouboth.”

“Thisiswonderfulnews,Ben,”Paytonsaid,tryingnottochokeonherwords.

“Yes...wonderful.”J.D.lookedasthoughhehadjustswallowedabug.“Whatisityouneedusto
do?”

“JasperandGibson’sgeneralcounsel,andafewoftheirin-houseattorneys,willallbecomingto
ChicagoonThursday,”Bensaid.“IwantyoutwotoworktogetherandIwantyoutobringthemin,”
heemphasized,tappinghisfingeronhisdesk.“Thinkyou’reuptoit?”

PaytonandJ.D.eyedeachothercarefully,boththinkingthesamething.Couldtheyreallydothis?

Knowingwhatwasatstake,inmutualunderstandingofhowthegamewasplayed,theyturnedtoBen.

“Absolutely,”theysaidinunison.

Bensmiledatthem,thefutureofhisfirm.Heleanedbackinhischair,gettingsentimental.
Undoubtedlyatthethoughtofthebigbuckstheywouldbringin.

“Ah...eightyears,”hesaidaffectionately.“ForeightyearsIhavewatchedyoutwogrowupatthis
firm,intothegreatlawyersyouare.I’mexcitedbythischancetoseeyouworktogether—you’ll
makequiteateam.Andit’sperfecttiming,too,becausesoonyou’llbothbep—”

Heabruptlystoppedspeaking.

J.D.andPaytonsatontheedgeoftheirseats,nearlyfallingofftheirchairsastheyhungontoBen’s
lastword.

Apparentlyrealizinghehadsaidtoomuch,Benwavedthisoffwithacoygrin.“Well,onethingata
time.Rightnow,youguyshaveapitchtopreparefor.”

SeeingthatBenwasfinisheddiscussingbusiness,Paytonstoodtoleave.Butinsteadoffollowingher,
J.D.remainedseated.Paytonpausedawkwardly.

“Istheresomethingelseweneedtotalkabout,Ben?”sheasked.

Benshookhishead.“No,that’llbeall,Payton.IhavesomethingelseIwanttodiscusswithJ.D.,
somethingthatdoesn’tconcernyou.”Hegaveheracurtnodofdismissal.Thereitwas—he’dbeen
friendlyenoughjustmomentsago,butnowhewasbacktobeingallbusiness.

Withanodofherown,PaytonleftBen’soffice.Assheturnedintothehallway,sheoverheardhim
talkingtoJ.D.

“So,Jameson,”sheheardBensayjovially,“therumoristhatyouwereplayingatButlerthis
weekend.Whatareyoushootingthesedays,anyway?”

AsPaytonwalkedbacktoheroffice,shetriednottoletitbotherher,thefactthatJ.D.alwayshadan
easiertimeconnectingwiththeirbossonapersonallevel.Todate,herattemptstoestablishasimilar
relationshipwithBenhadbeenlargelyunsuccessful.Movies?Hedidn’twatch’em.Television?He
hadonceaskedherifSeinfeldwas“thatchubbyparalegalalwayshangingaroundthevending
machines.”WhenPaytonhadlaughedatthis,thinkinghewasjoking,she’dbeengreetedwithablank
stareandhadimmediatelyfallensilent.Fromthatpoint,shehadvowedthatuntilshecouldwaxpoetic
onwhethertradingSo-and-SoforWhat’s-His-FacewasasmartmovebyTeamWho-the-Hell-Cares,
itwasprobablybesttokeepthenonlegalchitchatwithBentoaminimum.

TeamJamesonscoresanotherpoint,Paytonthoughtassheenteredheroffice.Hehadanautomatic
advantageoverher:shecouldjustpicturehimandBenrightnow,allbuddy-buddyinBen’sofficeand
chucklingtheirheartyman-laughswhiletradingtipsonthebestgaragetohaveone’s
Porsche/Mercedes/Rolls-Royce/SomeOtherFancyCarservicedat.

Notthatitwasacompetitionbetweenthem.Notatall.

ThatJ.D.had,likePayton,seeminglydevotedthelasteightyearsofhislifetothefirm(perhapsthe
onlythingtheyhadincommon)waswhollyirrelevantinhermindtothequestionofwhethershe
personallydeservedtomakepartner.Whileitmighthavebeensomethingshehadworriedaboutback
whenshefirststarted,herconcernoverbeingcomparedtoJ.D.hadsubsidedastheyearspassed.

“Therearenoquotasormaximums,”Benhadrepeatedlyassuredherinherannualreviews.“Each
associateisjudgedonhisorherownmerit.”AndfromwhatPaytonhadobservedintheclasses
beforeher,thisstatementappearedtobetrue:eachyeartheassociateswhowererankedatthetopof
theirclassallmadepartnerregardlessofthetotalnumberofassociatesbeingconsideredthatyear.

SofromwherePaytonstood,herchancesofmakingitwereprettygood,especiallysincesheandJ.D.
weretheonlytwolitigatorsleftintheirclass.AccordingtoherfriendLaney,whoalsoworkedatthe
firmbutwasintheclassbelowthem,thiswasnotcoincidence:thegossipamongtheyounger
associateswasthatPaytonandJ.D.hadscaredofftheothermembersoftheirclasswhohadn’tbeen

nearlyasinterestedinkeepingpaceandworkingthesameridiculoushoursasthem.

Whichwaswhyitwasn’tacompetitionbetweenthem.

Frankly,Paytonwould’vedislikedJ.D.nomatterwhatclasshehadbeenin.Hejusthadthiswayabout
himthatreally,reallyirkedher.

Paytongottoherofficeandtookaseatatherdesk.Shecheckedhercomputerandsawthatshehad
receivedthirty-twonewemailmessagesduringthebrieftimeshehadbeeninBen’soffice.She
refrainedfromsighingoutloudinexasperation.Fourmoreweeks,sheremindedherself.

Plowingthroughtheemails,shecameacrossonefromthefirm’sExecutiveCommittee.Intrigued,
Paytonopeneditandwaspleasantlysurprisedbywhatsheread:

InordertohonoritscommitmenttothepoliciescreatedbytheCommitteefortheRetentionof
Women,thefirmisproudtoannouncethatithassetagoalofincreasingthenumberoffemale
partnersby10percentbynextyear.

Paytonsatbackinherchair,rereadingtheannouncementandconsideringthereasonsbehindit.
Frankly,itwasabouttimethefirmtooksomeaction—theywerenotoriousforhavingthelowest
percentageoffemalepartnersinthecity.

ShereachedforherphonetocallLaney,whosheknewwouldhaveasimilarreactiontothenews.
Mid-dial,sheglancedacrossthehallandsawJ.D.returningfromhismale-bondingmeetingofthe
MightyPenis-WielderswithBen.PaytonhungthephoneupasshewatchedJ.D.enterhisoffice—she
hadtoseethis.

J.D.tookaseatathisdesk.JustlikePayton,heimmediatelycheckedhisemail.Therewasamoment’s
delayasPaytonwaitedindeliciousanticipation...then—

J.D.’seyeswentwideashereadwhatPaytoncouldonlypresumewastheemailfromtheExecutive
Committee.Heclutchedhisheartasifhavinganattack,thensnatchedthephoneonhisdeskoutofits
cradleanddialedsomeoneupwithaquickness.

HisfriendTyler,Paytonguessed.Ifshewereabettingwoman,she’dwagerthatJ.D.wasjustatadless
excitedabouttheemailregardingtheretentionofwomenthanshe.

ScoreoneforTeamKendall,Paytonthought.

Notthatitwasacompetitionbetweenthem.

Notatall.

Three

“IT’SHORSESHIT!”

J.D.feltsomesatisfactionashesmashedthesquashballwithhisracquet.He’dbeeninafoulmoodall
day,eversincehe’dseenthatridiculousemailfromtheExecutiveCommittee.

“Atenpercentincreaseinfemalepartners!”heragedon,hisbreathraggedwithexertion.Hewas
definitelyoffhisgamethatevening.TylerhadbarelybrokenasweatwhileJ.D.—normallythefar
betterplayerofthetwo(ifhemodestlysaidsohimself)—hadbeendivingalloverthecourtjustto
keepup.

TylerreturnedJ.D.’svolleyeasily.“Stillonlybringsthemtotwenty-eightpercent,”hesaidgood-
naturedly.

“Whoareyou,GloriaSteinem?”J.D.glaredathisfriendforevensuggestingtherewasanypossible
defenseforthepolicychangethefirmhadannouncedtoday.“It’stheirdecision,Tyler,”hecontinued.
“Thereisnoglassceilinganymore—thesewomenchoosetoleavetheworkforceoftheirown
volition.”

“Ahh...thevoiceofequalityringsoutoncemore.”Tylerlaughed.

“Hey,I’mallforequality,”J.D.saidashehittheballwithanothergratifyingsmash.Frankly,his
friend’slackofconcernovertheExecutiveCommittee’semailbaffledhim.Afterall,Tylerworkedat
thefirm,too,andwhilehewasn’tupforpartnerthisyear,hisdaysoonwouldcome.

“Andanyoneelsewhoallegedlystandsforequalityshouldbeagainstthispolicyaswell,”J.D.
continued.“It’sreversediscrimination.”

Tylershruggedthisoff.“It’sonlyacommitmenttomakeatenpercentincrease.Whatdifferencedoes
itmake?”

J.D.couldn’tlistentoanotherword.Withonehand,hecaughttheball,bringingtheirgametoan
abruptstop.HepointedhisracquetatTyler.“I’lltellyouwhatmyproblemis.”

Tylersethisownracquetdownandleanedagainstthewall.“IsensethatIshouldgetcomfortable
here.”

J.D.ignoredthesarcasm.“Theplayingfieldisn’tlevel—that’stheproblem.Nowmaybeyou’re
comfortableacceptingthat,butI’mnot.YouknowaswellasIdothatthesedays,ifamananda
womanareequallyqualifiedforaposition,thewomangetsthejob.It’sthissociallyliberal,
politicallycorrectsocietywelivein.Menhavetobetwiceasgoodatwhattheydotoremain
competitiveintheworkplace.Womenjusthavetostayintherace.”

Tylereyedhimskeptically.“Doyoureallybelievethat?”

“Absolutely,”J.D.said.“Atleastinthelegalenvironment.It’sanumbersgame.Because,percentage-
wise,sofewwomenstayattheselargelawfirms—againbychoice,”heemphasizedquickly,“when

onewomanwho’shalfwaydecentdoescomeupforpartner,she’sashoo-in.Butdoguyslikeyouand
mehaveitsoeasy?”

Tyleropenedhismouth.

“You’reright,wedon’t,”J.D.finishedforhim.“NoonefromtheHumanResourcesDepartmentis
tellingtheExecutiveCommitteetheyneedtoincreasethepercentageofwhitemalestheymake
partner.Sowe”—hepointed—“havetofendforourselvesbymakingsurewedon’tgivethemany
excusenottopromoteus.”

Tylerhelduphishands.“Allright—justtakeiteasy.Iknowyou’restressedoutthesedays—”

“—I’mjustsayingthateveryoneshouldbejudgedsolelyonmerit.No‘plus’factorsforgender,race,
nationalorigin,or—”

“—whatwiththepartnershipdecisioncomingupandall,Irealizeyou’renervous—”

“—sothateachpersonisgivenafairchance—”J.D.stopped.HehadjustcaughtTyler ’slastwords.
“Wait—youthinkI’mnervousaboutmakingpartner?”

Tylerlookedhimover.“Areyousayingyou’renotnervous?”

“AreyousayingIhaveareasontobenervous?”

J.D.glancedaroundandloweredhisvoicetoawhisper.“Why,whathaveyouheard?Doyouknow
something?Wait,nevermind—don’ttellme.No,really—what?”

Tylerlaughed.“Takeiteasy,buddy.Ihaven’theardathing.TheExecutiveCommitteedoesn’texactly
letlowlysixthyearsinontheirpartnershipdecisions.”

J.D.exhaledinrelief.“Right,sure.”Resuminghisfaçadeofnonchalance,hetossedtheballtoTyler.
“Yourserve.”

Thetwoplayedinsilenceforafewmoments,theonlysoundbeingtherepetitivebounce-smash!of
theballastheyvolleyedbackandforth.

Finally,J.D.brokethesilence.“Fortherecord,Idon’tbelieveI’m‘stressedout.’”Butif,for
argument’ssake,Iamalittleanxious,itwouldonlybenatural.Afterall,it’sbeeneightyears.It’smy
job,youknow.It’s—”

“—theonlythingyou’veeverdonewithoutyourfather ’shelpandyoudon’twanttoscrewitup,”
Tylercutin.“Igetthat.”

J.D.stoppeddeadinhistracks.Thesquashballwhizzedby,careenedoffthebackwall,andbounced
aroundthecourtuntilitfinallyrolledtoastop.HefacedTylerinstonysilence.

Tylersmiledinnocently.“Oops—wasthatoneofthosethingswe’renotsupposedtosayoutloud?”

J.D.stillsaidnothing.Ashisbestfriend,Tylerunderstoodthatthetopicofhisfatherwasdistinctly

off-limits.

“ButIthoughtwewerebonding,”Tylercontinued.“Youknow,oneoppressedwhitemaletoanother.”

J.D.gavehimalook.“Verycute.Laughnow,butwe’llseewho’slaughingintwoyearswhenyou
comeupforpartnerandtheytossyourassoutontothestreetwithnothingmorethana‘thanksfor
yourtime.’”J.D.gesturedtothecourt.“Now—ifwe’refinishedwithyourlittlepersonalinsightsinto
mypsyche,doyoumindifweplaysomesquashhere?”

Tylerbowedagreeably.“Notatall.”

Thetwoonceagainresumedtheirgame.Silent.Focused.J.D.wasjustgettingbackintohisgroove
whenTylerbroughtupanothertopicofconversationhehadevenlessinterestdiscussing.

“SoIsawyouwalkbymyofficethisafternoonwithPayton,”Tylersaid.“Youtwolookedchummyas
always.”

J.D.dovefortheballandnarrowlymissedit.Cursingunderhisbreath,hepickedhimselfupfromthe
floorandwalkeditoff.HeknewTylerwasbaitinghimonceagainandwashardlyabouttogivehim
thesatisfactionofbeingsuccessfulatitasecondtime.

“PaytonandIhadameetinginBen’soffice,”herepliedmatter-of-factly.HetossedTylertheball.

Astheirplaycontinued,sodidTyler ’staunting.“So...didyoucongratulateherontheChicago
Lawyerarticle?”

J.D.smiled,thinkingbacktohisconversationwithPaytonearlierthatday.“Yes,asamatteroffact,I
did.Inmyownwayofcourse.”

“Youknow,maybeyoushouldrunyourwhole‘womenjusthavetostayintherace’argumentby
her,”Tylerteased.“I’msureshe’dhaveafewthoughts.”

J.D.scoffedatthis.“Please—asifI’mworriedaboutanythingPaytonhastosay.What’sshegoingto
do,givemeanotheroneofherlittlepissed-offhairflips?”Heflungimaginarylonghairoffhis
shoulders,exaggerating.“I’lltellyou,oneofthesedaysI’mgoingtograbherbythathairand...”
Hegesturedasifthrottlingsomeone.

Withoutbreakingstride,hereturnedTyler ’sserve.Thetwosmashedafewbackandforth,
concentratingonthegamewhen—

“Isviolencealwayspartofyoursexualfantasies?”Tylerinterjected.

J.D.whippedaround—

“Sexual—?”

—andgothitsmackinthefacewiththesquashball.Hetoppledbackandsprawledungracefully
acrossthecourt.

Tylersteppedoverandtwirledhisracquet.“Thisisnice.Weshouldtalklikethismoreoften.”

J.D.reachedover,grabbedtheballoffthefloor,andhurleditrightatTyler.

J.D.HEADEDHOMElaterthatevening,stillsmartingfromthesquash-ballblowtothecheek.He
didn’tknowwhathurtmore—hisfaceorhisego.Averycompetitiveplayer,hecouldn’tbelievehe
hadletTylerdistracthimsoeasily.TauntinghimaboutPayton,itwasso...simplistic.Butwhatcould
hesay?Asalways,shebroughtouttheworstinhim.Evenwhileplayingsquash,apparently.

Truthbetold,however,onthisparticularoccasionhehadabitmoreonhismindthanPaytonKendall.
AsJ.D.parkedhiscarintheundergroundgarageoftheGoldCoasthigh-risecondobuildingwhere
helived,hefelttired.Reallytired.Asifallthenineteen-hourdayshe’dbeenputtinginthelastyear
weresuddenlycatchingupwithhim.

Headingtowardthegarageelevators,J.D.pushedtheremoteonhiskeyasecondtimetodouble-
checkthathehadlockedthedoors.Heknewhewasoverprotectiveofhiscar,butcomeon—who
wouldn’tbe?AshehadoncejokedtoTyler,drivingaBentleyactuallymadeamanwishhehada
longercommutetowork.WhileTylerhadlaughedatthejoke,hisfathersurehadn’twhenJ.D.had
saidthesamethingtohim.Infact,itwasthatverycar,thesilverBentleyContinentalGT,thathad
precipitatedTheFight,theinfamousargumentbetweenhimandhisfathertwoyearsago.

J.D.’sfather,theesteemedHonorablePrestonD.Jameson,hadonceagainbeentryingtotellJ.D.how
tolivehislife.

“Youhavetosellthecar,”hisfatherhadsaidinnouncertaintermsthedayafterJ.D.’sgrandfather ’s
funeral.

J.D.hadpointedoutthathisgrandfather,theillustriousentrepreneurEarlJameson,hadspecifically
leftJ.D.thatcarinhiswill.Thisreminderhadonlyfurtherannoyedhisfather,whomostdefinitely
wasnota“carguy,”andwhoalsohadalwaysbeenresentfulofthebondbetweenJ.D.andhis
grandfather.

“Butyoucan’tdrivethatcartowork—thepartnersdon’twanttoseeanassociatedrivingaone-
hundred-fifty-thousand-dollarcar!”HisfatherhadtriedappealingtowhatnormallywasJ.D.’s
weakness—hisdesiretobesuccessfulatthefirm.Butforthefirst(andtodate,only)time,J.D.had
otherpriorities—thatcarmeantmoretohimthanhisfatherunderstood.

Hehadsmiledthinlyathisfather,tired.Thedayssurroundinghisgrandfather ’sfuneralhadbeenlong
anddifficult.“Actually,Dad,it’smorelikeaone-hundred-ninety-thousand-dollarcar—whatwiththe
chromedalloysportswheelsandupgradedinteriorveneer.Andyes,Icandriveittowork,quite
easily,infact—see,IjusttakeLakeShoreDrivesouthandgetoffatWashingtonStreet...”

Hisfatherhadnotbeenamused.

“Doyouknowwhatpeoplewillsay?”hisfatherhadranted.“It’snotdignifiedforajudgeonthe

federalappellatebenchtohaveaspoiledplayboysonrunningaroundinsomehotshotsportscar!”

J.D.triedtohidehisangerandnotdignifythecommentwitharesponse.Sure,hewassingleandhe
dated,but“playboy”wasalittleextreme.Frankly,heputintoomanyhoursatworktohaveanything
aboveamoderatelyhealthysociallife.Besides,heknewwhattherealissuewas—hisfather ’s
reputation,nothis.Hefiguredhisfathercouldjustaddthistothelistofotherwaysinwhichhehad
beenadisappointmentasason:notbeingtheeditoroftheHarvardLawReview,notbeingmarried,
andthen—worstofall—choosingtoworkatRipley&Davis,theotherofthetoptwofirmsinthecity
anddirectcompetitorofthelawfirmhisfatherhadworkedandbeenseniorpartneratbeforebeing
appointedtothebench.

ButwhatbotheredJ.D.farmorethanhisfather ’sdisappointmentorconcernforhisprofessional
reputation(inthirty-twoyearshehadgrownquiteaccustomedtolivingundertheshadowofthose
things)wasthefactthathisfatherhadtheaudacitytocallhimspoiled.Sure,hisfamilyhadmoney,a
lotofmoney,butthatshouldn’tdiminishthathehadworkedhisassofftogetwherehewas.Thatwas
theveryreasonhehadchosennottoworkforhisfather ’soldfirm:hedidn’twantanyspecial
treatmentbecauseofhislastname.

Normally,J.D.would’veignoredhisfather ’srefusaltoacknowledgehisachievements,butonthat
day,intheemotionalwakeofhisgrandfather ’sfuneral,hesimplycouldn’t.Sohesaidsomethings,
hisvoicegrowinglouderandlouder,andthenhisfathersaidsomethings,andinthemidstoftheir
argument,J.D.declaredthathedidn’twantanotherpennyfromhistrustfund.Fromthatdayon,he
vowed,hewouldsurviveonhisown.

Andfromthatdayon,hehad.

Okay,truthfully,thiswasn’texactlyafiscallyimpossibletask.Bythattimeasixth-yearassociateatthe
firm,J.D.wasearningatleast$300,000peryear,includinghisbonus.Butthatstillwasahelluvalot
lessthananyChicagoJamesonofrecenthistoryhadlivedon.Andforthat,hewasproud.

AndhewasalsoproudofthatBentley.Notonlyasentimentallinkbetweenhimandhisgrandfather,it
hadbecomethesymbolofJ.D.’sDeclarationofIndependencefromfollowinginhisfather ’s
footsteps.Andbeyondthat—

Helookedreallycooldrivingit.

Ontheelevatorrideuptohiscondoapartmentontheforty-fourthfloor(“Notthepenthouse?”his
motherhadaskedinabjecthorrorwhenhe’dfirstgivenherthetour),J.D.mulledoverthecomments
Tylerhadmadeduringtheirsquashgame.Notthathe’deveradmitit,buthehadbeengrowing
increasinglyanxiouseveryday,waitingforthefirmtomakeitspartnershipannouncements.

Althoughcertainly,J.D.thoughtashewalkedthehallwaytohisapartmentandunlockedthefront
door,hismeetingwithBenthatafternoonhadstifledprettymuchanylingeringdoubtsthathadbeen
creepingintohisheadthesepastfewweeks.He’dcaughtwhatBenhadnearlyblurtedoutduringtheir
meeting,aboutJ.D.andPaytonsoonbeingpartners.J.D.hadnoticedthatPaytonhadn’tmissedBen’s
slipup,either—he’dseenthegleaminthosedarkblueeyesofhers.

Probablythesamegleamshe’dgottenwhenshereadtheemailfromtheExecutiveCommittee,J.D.

guessed.Hetossedhisbriefcaseandhisgymbagontothelivingroomcouchthatfacedthebest
featureofhisapartment:floor-to-ceilingwindowsoverlookingthefamedMagnificentMileof
MichiganAvenue,andbeyondthat,thevastblueexpanseofLakeMichigan.(“Atleastthere’saview,”
hismotherhadsniffedreluctantly.)

Yes,indeed,J.D.hadnodoubtthattheemailfromtheExecutiveCommitteehadbeentheabsolute
highlightofPayton’sday.Shewasclever—sheneverdirectlyplayedthegendercardwiththefirm’s
partners,butshealsonevermissedachancetoflauntherfemininestatus.Likethat“FortyWomento
WatchUnder40”article,forexample.Theonlyreasonhe’daskedheraboutitwastopreemptany
pleasureshe’dgetinbringingitupherselfandrubbingitinhisface.

Notthatitwasacompetitionbetweenthem.

PaytonKendall,Esquire,couldbenamedintenmagazinearticlesforallhecared,shecouldhavethe
entirefirmwrappedaroundoneofherlittleliberalfeministfingers—itconcernedhimnotonebit.
J.D.knewhewasagoodlawyer,verygood,andoncehemadepartner(evenifshemadeit,too),and
wasincompletecontrolofhisownworkload,heplannedtomakesurethatheandPaytonnever
workedtogetheragain.

Now,ifhecouldjustgetthroughthisbusinesswithGibson’sDrugStores...

J.D.showeredquickly.Itwaslate,andheneededtogetanearlystarttomorrowmorning.Paytonhad
verynearlybeatenhimintotheofficetheothermorning,andheneededtoputaquickkiboshonthat.

Notthatitwasacompetitionbetweenthem.

Notatall.

Four

PAYTONREVIEWEDTHEscheduleofeventsfortheGibson’sexecutivesasecondtime.

Tosayshewasdispleasedwouldbeanunderstatement.

Shehadbeenswampedthisweek,preparingforboththeGibson’spitchandasexualharassmenttrial
thatwassettostartthefollowingWednesday.AndJ.D.hadcaughtherataparticularlybadtimewhen
hestoppedbyherofficeyesterdaytodiscusstheagendaforwininganddiningJasperConroyandhis
in-houselitigationteam.She’dbeenarguingallmorningwithopposingcounseloverlast-minute
additionstotheexhibitlist.Shehadhungupthephone,spottedJ.D.standinginthedoorway,and
sensedhermorningwasonlyabouttogetworse.Butinstead,inararemomentofapparent
helpfulness,J.D.hadofferedtotaketheleadinsettinguptheGibson’sschedule.

And,inajust-as-raremomentofreceptivenesstoanythingJ.D.related,asherphonebeganringing
offthehookandshesawthefamiliarnumberofheropposingcounselonthecallerIDandrealized
shewasabouttobeginRound137withhim,sheacceptedJ.D.’soffer.

Bigmistake.

Clutchingtheagendainherhand,Paytonlookedupathersecretarywithamixtureoffrustrationand
trepidation.

“Isthisreallytheagenda?”sheasked.

Irmanoddedintheaffirmative.“J.D.’ssecretaryjustdroppeditoff.”

“Okay.Thanks,Irma.”

PaytonpretendedtoresumetypingathercomputerasIrmaleftheroffice.Shewatchedasher
secretaryheadedbacktoherdesk,waitedamomentortwomore,thencasuallygotupandwalked
acrossthehalltoJ.D.’soffice.

J.D.peeredupfromhisdeskwhenheheardtheknockonhisdoor.

“Gotasec?”Paytonaskedpleasantly.Oneneverknewwhowaswatching.

“Foryou,Payton—anytime.HowcanIbeofassistance?”heasked.

Paytonsteppedintohisofficeandshutthedoorbehindher.Theybothinstantlydroppedthecharade.

Sheheldouttheagendaaccusingly.“YoutoldmewewerehavingdinnerwiththeGibson’sexecs
tomorrowevening.”

J.D.easedbackinhischair,gesturingtotheagenda.“Andasyousee,weare.”

“Butyou’realsoplayinggolfwiththemtomorrowafternoon.Whywasn’tIinvited?”

“Doyouplaygolf?”

“No,butyoudidn’tknowthat.”

J.D.grinned.“Actually,Idid.IoverheardyoumentionittoBenlastsummer.”

Stunnedbytheovertsnub,Paytonopenedhermouthtorespond.Sheclenchedherfistasshesearched
forsomeresponse,someinsult,anything,andamomentpassed,andthenanother...and—

Nothing.

J.D.smiledvictoriously.“Tellyouwhat—whydon’tyouthinkaboutitforawhile?Comebackwhen
you’reready—makeitagoodone.”ThenheusheredPaytonoutofhisofficeandshutthedoor
behindher.

Shestoodthereinthehallway.Staringface-to-facewiththatstupidnameplate,J.D.JAMESON,which
shewasseriouslytemptedtotearoffthewallandchuckstraightathisface.

Itwastrue,shedidn’tknowsquataboutgolf;shehadneverevenswungaclub.Heravoidancewas
purposeful.Shehaddistinctopinionsregardingthesportand,moreimportant,thosewhoplayedit.

Paytonconsideredheroptions.Ontheonehand,shehatedtheideaofJ.D.gettingthebetterofher.
AndshereallyhatedtheideaoflookinglikeacluelessnoviceplayinggolfinfrontofJasperandthe
Gibson’steam.

Ontheotherhand,thethoughtofbeingleftoutfortheentireafternoonwasnotappealing.Withthe
partnershipdecisionlooming,sheneededtoensureshewasanintegralpartoftheefforttoland
Gibson’sasaclient.Andshesimplydidn’tthinkshecouldstomachplayingthepartofthelittle
womansittingbackattheofficewhilethementalkedshopatthetwenty-fifthorwhatevertee.

SoasfarasPaytoncouldsee,shehadnochoice.

Despitethefactthatshewasalreadyworryingoverhowshewasgoingtosqueezeinaquickat-least-
I-won’t-look-like-a-total-jackassgolflessonthatevening—shestrodeconfidentlyintoJ.D.’soffice.

Heglancedupfromhisdeskasthedooropened,surprisedbyhersuddenentrance.“Thatwasfast.”
Heleanedbackinhischairandbeckonedwithhishand.“Okay,let’shearit,Kendall.Givemeyour
bestshot.”

Paytonsawthestaplerneartheedgeofhisdeskandhadtofighttheurgetotakehimuponhisoffer.

“I’lldoit,”shedeclared.“Countmeinfortomorrow’sgame.”

J.D.appearedsurprised.

Paytonnoddedinresponsetohissilence.“Good.That’ssettled,then.”Sheturnedtoleave,hermind
alreadyrunninginahundreddifferentdirections.Sheneededtofindasetofclubs;perhapsLaney
hadsomeshecouldborrow.Andofcoursetherewasthematterofattire—shouldshewearshorts?A
poloshirt?Ajauntylittlecap,perhaps?Werespecialshoesrequired?Thedetailssurroundingthis

eventwere—

“Youcan’tgo.”

J.D.’swordsstoppedPaytonrightasshereachedthedoor.Sheturnedaroundtofacehim.“Youcan’t
beserious.You’rethatdesperatetogetsomealonetimewiththeGibson’sreps?”

“No,that’snotit,”J.D.saidquickly.Hehesitated,andforthebriefestsecondPaytoncould’vesworn
helookeduncomfortable.

Sheputherhandonherhip,waitingforhimtofinish.“Thenwhat,exactly,isit,J.D.?”

“We’regolfingatButler,”hesaid.

Butler?Oh...ofcourse,Butler,Paytonthoughtsarcastically.Thatmeantbubkestoher.

“And?”sheasked.

“ButlerNationalGolfClub?”J.D.said,apparentlybelievingthisshouldringsomesortofbellwith
her.

Paytonshookherhead.Noclue.

J.D.shiftedawkwardly.“Myfamilyhasamembershipthere.Bensuggesteditbecauseit’sanationally
rankedcourse.But,asithappens,it’saprivateclub.”Heemphasizedthislastpart.

Paytonfailedtoseewhattheproblemwas.“ButifyoucangettheGibson’speopleinasguests,I
don’tseewhyIcan’tcome,too.”

J.D.clearedhisthroatuneasily.Heshiftedinhischair,thenmethergaze.

“Theydon’tallowwomen.”

Thewordshungawkwardlyintheair,drawingalinebetweenthem.

“Oh.Isee.”Payton’stonewasbrisk,terse.“Wellthen,youboyshavefuntomorrow.”

NotwantingtoseewhatsheassumedwouldbethesmuglookonJ.D.’sface,sheturnedandwalked
outofhisoffice.

“WILLISOUNDlikeatotalcrybabyifIsayit’snotfair?”

LaneypattedPayton’shand.“Yes.Butyougorightaheadandsayitanyway.”

Withafrustratedgroan,Paytonburiedherheadinherarmsontopofthecoffeeshoptabletheyhad
justsatdownatmomentsago.

“Ihatehim,”shesaid,hervoicemuffled.ShepeeredupatLaney.“Thismeanshe’sgoingtogettwice
asmuchtimewiththeGibson’sreps.”

“Thenyouwillhavetobetwiceasgoodwhenyoumeetthemfordinner,”Laneyreplied.“Forget
aboutJ.D.”

“Screwhim,”Paytonagreed.ShesawLaney’seyescastnervouslyaroundthecoffeeshopatthis.

“Imean,it’sbadenoughheplaysthiscardwiththepartners,”Paytoncontinued.Sheloweredher
voice,doingabadmaleimpersonation.“Hey,J.D.—youshouldcometomyclubsometime.Ihear
youshootatwo-fifty.”

“Ithinkthat’sbowling.”

“Whatever.”Paytonpointedforemphasis.“Theproblemis,gettingbusinessispartofthebusiness.
It’slikearitualwiththeseguys:‘Hey,how’boutthoseCubs’”—thebadmaleimpersonationwasback
—“‘let’splaysomegolf,smokesomecigars.Here’smypenis,there’syours—yep,theyappeartobe
aboutthesamesize—okay,let’sdosomedeals.’”

Whenthewomanseatedatthenexttablethrewthemadisapprovinglookoverthefoamofherjumbo-
sizedcappuccino,LaneyleanedintowardPayton.“Let’suseourinsidevoices,please,whenusingthe
p-word,”shewhisperedchidingly.

Ignoringthis,Paytontookanothersipofhervanillalatte.“Inthebusinessworld,what’sthefemale
equivalentofgoinggolfingwithaclient?”

Laneygavethissomethought.Paytonfellsilent,too,contemplating.Afterafewmoments,neitherof
themcouldcomeupwithanything.

Howdepressing.

Paytonsighed,feigningresignation.“Well,that’sit.IguessI’lljusthavetosleepwiththem.”

Laneyfoldedherhandsprimlyonthetable.“IthinkI’muncomfortablewiththisconversation.”

Paytonlaughed.Itfeltgoodtolaugh—she’dbeenverycrankysinceherencounterwithJ.D.;she
couldn’tbelievehehadmanagedtoexcludeherfromthegolfoutingwiththeGibson’srepsbytaking
themtoaclubthatdidn’tallowwomen.Wait,backup:whatshereallycouldn’tbelievewasthatthere
wasactuallystillaclubaroundthatdidn’tletwomenin.Oncetheexistenceofsaidclubhadbeen
established,however,shehadnoproblembelievingthatJ.D.wasitsGrandPoobah.

ButenoughaboutJ.D.already.Paytonresolvednottolethimruinanotherminuteofherday.Besides,
shesawaprimeopportunitytoengageLaneyinoneoftheir“debates.”Thetwoofthemcouldn’t
havebeenmoreoppositeonthesocial/politicalspectrum.Havingherselfbeenraisedbyanex-hippie
singlemotherwhowasassociallyradicalasonecouldgetwhilestayinginsidetheboundariesofthe
law(mostofthetime,anyway),PaytonfoundLaney’sprim-and-propernessfascinating.And
strangelyrefreshing.

“Ididn’tmeantomakeyouuncomfortable,Laney.Iguessbeingaconservativemeansyoudon’t

believeinfreespeech,”Paytonteased.

“Don’tgetonyourliberalhighhorse—ofcourseIbelieveinfreespeech,”Laneysaid,toyingwith
theheartlocketshewore.

“ThenIshouldbeabletosayanythingIwant,right?Eventheword‘penis’?”

Laneysighed.“Dowehavetodothisrightnow?”

“Youshouldtrysayingthewordsometime.”

“I’llpass,thankyou.”

Paytonshrugged.“Yourchoice,butIthinkyou’dfinditliberating.Everybodycoulduseagood
‘penis’nowandthen.”

Laneyglancednervouslyaroundthecoffeeshop.“Peoplearelistening.”

“Sorry—you’reright.Goodruleofthumb:ifyou’regonnathrowouta‘penis’inapublicplace,it
shouldbesoft.Otherwiseitattractstoomuchattention.”

Thewomanatthenexttablegapedatthem.

Laneyleanedover.“Iapologizeformyfriend.Shegetsthiswaysometimes.”Sheloweredhervoice
toawhisper.“Tourette’s.Sosad.”

Thewomannoddedsympathetically,thenpretendedtomakeacallonhercellphone.

LaneyturnedbacktoPayton.“Ifyou’refinishedwiththeFirstAmendmentlesson,Ithoughtmaybe
wecouldturnbacktothesubjectofJ.D.BecauseIdohaveasuggestionastohowyoucansolveyour
problem.”

Paytonleanedforwardeagerly.“Great—let’shearit.I’mopentoanything.”

“Okay.Mysuggestionis...”Laneypauseddramatically.“...learnhowtoplaygolf.”Sheletthissink
inamoment.“Thenyou’llneverhavethisproblemagain.”

Paytonsatbackinherchair,toyingwithhercoffeemug.“Um,no.”Shebrushedoffthesuggestion
withadismissivewave.“Playinggolfisjustso,Idon’tknow...snooty.”

Laneygaveherapointedlook.“Youknow,whenyoumakepartner,you’llhavetogetusedtobeing
aroundpeoplewhogrewupwithmoney.”

“Idon’thaveanyissueswiththat,”Paytonsaidhuffily.

“Oh,sure,right.Youdon’tthinkthathasanythingtodowithwhyyou’resohardonJ.D.?”

“I’mhardonJ.D.becausehe’sajerk.”

“True,true...”Laneymused.“Youtwodoseemtobringouttheworstineachother.”

Ineachother?“Ihopeyouaren’tsuggestingthatIsomehowcontributetoJ.D.’sbehavior,”Payton
said.“Becauseifso,wereallyneedtogetthisconversationheadedinasanedirection.”

“It’sjustkindofodd,becauseJ.D.haslotsofqualitiesthatyounormallylikeinaguy.Aguywho
maybeisn’tquiteso,youknow...”Laneygestured,trailingoff.

“Sowhat?”Paytonprompted.

“Rich.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.“Firstofall:please—likeIsaid,Idon’tcareaboutthat.Secondofall:What
aretheseallegedother‘qualities’J.D.has?”

Laneyconsideredheranswer.“He’sverysmart.”

Paytonfrownedandgrumbledunderherbreath.“Ichangedmymind—Idon’twanttotalkaboutthis.”
Shegrabbedthedessertmenusittingnexttoherandstaredatitintently.

Appearingnottohearher,LaneykeptgoingwithherlistofJ.D.’ssupposedattributes.“He’salso
passionateaboutthelaw,interestedinpolitics—albeitontheoppositesideofthespectrum.Which,
interestingly,doesn’tseemtobotheryouaboutme.”

Paytonpeeredoverthetopofhermenu.“Youhavecharm.”

“That’strue,Ido.”

“It’squicklyfading.”

Laneywenton.“AndJ.D.workshard,justlikeyou,andhecanbefunnyinthatsarcastickindofway
that—”

“Iobject!”Paytoninterrupted.“Lackoffoundation—whenhasJ.D.eversaidanythingfunny?”

“Thisisn’tacourtroom.”

Paytonfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Fine.Totalcrap—howaboutifIjustgowiththatinstead?”

“Gee,sorry,Payton—Ididn’tmeantomakeyousouncomfortable,”Laneysaidwithagrin.“Iwon’t
sayanythingelse.”Shepickeduphermenu.“Let’ssee...nowwhatlooksgood?Thatflourless
chocolatecakewesplitlasttimewasdivine.”SheglancedupatPayton.“Exceptjustonelastthingon
thesubjectofJ.D.:he’stotallyhot.”

Justintime,fightinghersmile,Laneyputhermenuuptoblockthenapkinthatcameflyingather
face.

“Hot?”Paytonnearlyshouted.“Thatsmarmy,prep-school-attending,pink-Izod-shirt-wearingjerk
who’sbeenhandedhiscareeronasilverplatter?”Shecoveredhermouth.“Well,lookatthat—maybe

Idohaveoneortwoissueswithmoney.”

Laneynoddedencouragingly,asiftosaytheyweremakingprogress.“Butyou’reabouttobenamed
partner.Igetwhyyou’vebeenguardedinthepast,butyou’vemadeit.Youdon’thavetokeeptrying
sohardtoprovethatyoufitinwiththeseguys.”

Paytonwassurprisedbythis.“YouthinkIcomeacrossasguarded?”

“Atwork,youcansometimes...haveabitofanedge,”Laneysaidcarefully.“Likethisthingwith
J.D.,forexample.”

Paytontriedtodecidewhethersheshouldbeoffended.Butasmuchasshemightnotwanttoadmitit,
apartofherknewthatwhatLaneywassayingwasn’tcompletelyoffbase.

“Isupposethis‘thing’withJ.D.hasgottenalittleoutofhand,”shesniffedreluctantly.“You’reright—
Ishouldbethebetterpersoninthis.”Shesmirked.“Thatshouldn’tbetoohardincomparisonto
J.D.”—shecaughtLaney’slook—“isexactlywhatEdgyPaytonwould’vesaid.ButtheNewPayton
won’tgothere.”

Laneytippedhercoffeemugapprovingly.“Goodforyou.TotheNewPayton.”

“TheNewPayton.”

PaytonclinkedhermugtoLaney’s,wonderingwhatshewasgettingherselfinto.

Five

BETHEBALL.

J.D.focusedintently.Hiseyesneverleftthetee.

Betheball.

Hepulledback,then—swoosh!Hisswingwaseffortless.Withonehandraisedtoblockthesun’s
glare,hewatchedastheballlandedonthegreen240yardsaway,withininchesofthehole.

J.D.smiled.God,helovedthissport.

Hearingthewhistlingandclappingcomingfrombehindhim,heturnedaroundtofacehis
companions.

“Niceshot,”JaspercalledoutinhislazySoutherndrawl.“Amanwhobillsthreethousandhoursa
yearshouldn’thavetimeforaswinglikethat.”Theirthreecompanions,representativesfrom
Gibson’slegaldepartment,noddedinagreement.

J.D.walkedoverandtookthebeerJasperheldouttohim.“Doesthismeanwe’retalkingbusiness?”

Jaspergrinned.Hehadtheboldsmileofamancompletelyateasewiththepowerheheld.Heglanced
downathisbeer,thentookinthebeautifultree-linedsceneryoftheeighthhole.“Tellyouwhat.Wait
tillthefifteenthhole.Thenwe’lltalk.”

FollowingJasper ’slead,J.D.soakedinthewarmthoftheblue-skysummerdaywhileadmiringthe
viewoftheriverthatflowedjustbeyondthegreen.HetippedhisbottleatJasper.“Makeitthe
seventeenth.”

Jasperchuckled.“Amanaftermyownheart.Butareyousureyouwanttowait?Iheardthebacknine
ofthiscoursebringsamantohisknees.”

“Maybealesserman,Jasper.”

Jasperlaughedheartilyatthis.“Ilikeyourstyle,Jameson.”

Grinning,J.D.tookasipofhisbeer.Sofar,hisafternoonwiththeGibson’steamhadbeengoingvery
well.Hewascomfortablehere,inhiselement—whichundoubtedlywasoneofthereasonsBenhad
chosenhimforthisassignment.J.D.hadgrownuparoundmenlikeJasperallhislifeandwas
familiarwiththe“good-oleboy”routine.Heunderstoodthelingo,thegame,therolehewas
supposedtoplay.Benwantedtodoalittleshowingoff—that’swhyhehadspecificallyaskedJ.D.to
bringtheGibson’steamtothiscourse.Hewastryingtoimpressthem,butdidn’twanttolooklikehe
wastryingtoimpressthem.ThefactthatJ.D.justsohappenedtohaveamembershipatoneofthe
mostexclusiveclubsinthecountrywastheperfectwaytoaccomplishthis.

TheonlyblemishontheafternoonwasthenaggingfeelinghegotwheneveravisionofPaytonsitting
backattheofficepoppedintohishead.Hekepttryingtobrushthesefeelingsaside.Whyshouldhe

feelguiltythatshehadbeenleftout?Afterall,hewasjustdoinghisjob,whatBenhadaskedhimto
do.And,hadtheshoebeenontheotherfoot,hewasquitecertainPaytonwould’vehadnoproblem
leavinghimbehind.

TherewasanotherimageJ.D.hadahardtimeshaking:thelookPaytonhadgivenhimwhenhe’dtold
herthattheclubdidn’tallowwomen.Forthebriefestmoment,he’dseensomethinginhereyeshe
hadn’tseenbefore.Aslightcrack,afalterinherusualarmorofconfidence.Forsomereason,ithad
botheredhim,seeingthat.

RealizingthatoneoftheGibson’slawyerswasaskinghimaquestionaboutthecourse,J.D.pushedall
thoughtsofPaytonfromhismind.Hecouldn’tbedistractedrightnow.Heneededtobeon,tobe
charmingandprofessional.And,nolessimportant,heneededtomentallypreparefortheupcoming
ninthhole—aruthlessparfourthatwasoneofthenarrowestholeshehadeverplayed.

Besides,asheknewfullwell,PaytonKendallcouldtakecareofherself.

PAYTONSATATthebar,waiting.ShehadagreedtomeetJ.D.andtheGibson’steamatJaponais
restaurantatseventhirty.Shewasfamiliarwiththerestaurant,aswasprettymucheveryothersingle
womaninChicagoovertheageoftwenty-five.Trendyandexpensivewithamodern,ambient-lit
decor,itwasoneofthemostpopularlocalesinthecityforafirstdate.

Notthatshe’dhadallthatmanyfirstdateslately.Ittooktimetomeetpeople.Ittooktimetodatethem,
togettoknowthem,tofigureoutwhetheryoulikedthemandwhethertheylikedyou.Andtimewas
somethingshedidn’thavealotofthesedays.SounlessthemythicalPerfectGuyfelloutofthesky
andlandedsmack-dabonherdoorstep,datingwassomethingsheneededtoputonholduntilaftershe
madepartner.

Paytonswirledherwineglassasshesatatthebar,thinkingbacktothelastfirstdateshe’dhad,withan
investmentbankershe’dmetatalocalwinetasting.Ithadbeenatthisveryrestaurant,infact.Herdate
hadpolishedoffeightoftherestaurant’sMukunesakesbyten.Bytenfifteenhe’dfallenoverinhis
chairwhilestandinguptogotothebathroomandbytenfifteenandfifteenseconds—whenPayton
ranovertohelp—he’dslurringlyconfessedthathewashaving“abidgeoftrupple”weaningoffof
hismanic-depressivemedication.

Nice.

“Andthesearetheguyswhoareoutthere,”shehadlatergroanedtoLaney.Herfriendhadnosuch
troubles,havingofcoursemarriedherfrat-boycollegesweetheart.

ItwasasaresultofthatdisastrouslastfirstdatethatPaytonhadvowedtotemporarilyceasealldips
intothedatingpool.Atleastuntilherprofessionallifewasinorder,thatis.Itwaskindoffunny,and
maybeatadpathetic:shehadrealizedearlierthateveningasshe’dbeengettingdressedthatitwasthe
firsttimeinweeksshe’dwornsomethingotherthanasuitoutsideofherapartment.Notwantingto
looktooformal—orasifshewastryingtoohardtoimpresstheGibson’sreps—she’dditchedher
standardsuitjacketandgoneinsteadwithafittedbutton-downshirt,pencil-thinskirt,andheels.

Havingbynowpolishedoffherdrink,Paytoncheckedherwatchandsawthatherdinnercompanions
weretwentyminuteslate.Truthbetold,shewasabitworriedaboutthisdinnerwiththeGibson’sreps.
Shehaddoneplentyofpitchmeetingsbefore,andshewassureJ.D.had,too,butbecausetheir
practicesrarelyoverlapped,sheandJ.D.hadneverdoneonetogether.Alonetogether.Thesemeetings
requiredacertainfinesseandcohesivenessbetweenthelawyersdoingthepitching—theyneededto
presentaunitedfront.

Unity.

Cohesiveness.

ThesewerenotexactlyqualitiesthatsheandJ.D.possessedtogether.Hencetheslightjittersof
apprehensionshefeltthatgotworsewitheverymomentshesataloneatthebar.

Whenfivemoreminutespassed,Paytonreachedintoherpurseforhercellphone.Shefiguredshe
shouldcheckhervoicemail,justtomakesureJ.D.hadn’tleftamessage.Shewasmid-dialwhenshe
lookedup—

—andsawJ.D.standinginfrontofher.

Forasecond,Paytonwasstruckbythefactthatsomethingabouthimlookeddifferent.Sherealized
thatlikeher,hehaddressedmoreinformallyfortheevening.Insteadofhiscustomarysuitandtie,he
woreanopen-neckedblackpin-stripedshirtandperfectlytailoredcharcoalgraypants.

Itwasstrange,becauseforwhateverreason,whatpoppedintoherheadatthatverymomentwere
Laney’swordsfromtheotherdayabouthowgood-lookingJ.D.was.PaytonhadseenJ.D.prettymuch
fivedaysaweekforthepasteightyears,butrightthenshefoundherselflookinghimovermore
closely.Shetriedtoseehimthewayastrangermight.Someonewhohadn’teveractuallyspokento
himoranything.

Hewastall(aspreviouslymentioned,allthebettertolookdownonpeople),hehadlightbrownhair
withwarmgoldenstreaks(probablyhighlights),hisbuildwaslean(undoubtedlyfromallthattennis
orwhateverelseheplayedathisI’m-so-coolsexistcountryclub),andhehadblueeyesthat,um...

...Well,fine.Therewasn’treallyanythingnegativePaytoncouldsayaboutJ.D.’seyes.Speakingina
purelyobjectivesense,shekindoflikedthem.Theywereabrilliant,brightblue.Suchashamethey
hadtobewastedonhim.

Havingfinishedherassessment,Paytonsupposedthat,ifpressed,inthatupper-crusty,RalphLauren-
y,sweater-thrown-over-the-shoulders,have-you-met-my-polo-ponykindofway,J.D.waspretty
damngood-looking.

Misinterpretingherlook,J.D.cockedhisheadandpointedtoherphone.“Oh,I’msorry,Payton—I
didn’tmeantointerruptyouinthemiddleofyourimportantbusiness,”hesaidwithjustthatright
tingeofmocking.

DecidingitwasbettertogoaboutwiththebusinessasusualofignoringJ.D.,Paytonturnedher
attentiontothegroupofmenhehadarrivedwith.SheimmediatelyrecognizedJasperfromthe

picturesofhimshehadfoundontheInternetwhileresearchinghiscompanyandthelawsuit.

Shestuckoutherhandinintroduction.“PaytonKendall.It’sverynicetomeetyou,Jasper,”shesaid
warmly.Withafirmhandshake,shegreetedtheothermembersoftheGibson’steam—Robert,
Trevor,andCharles—beingsuretolookeachmandirectlyintheeyes.

“Ihopeyouhaven’tbeenwaitin’long,Ms.Kendall,”Jaspersaid.“ItwasCharliehere’sfault—how
manystrokesdidyoutakeonthatlasthole?”HeturnedtoCharles,whoclearlywasthemostjunior
memberofthetrialteam.“Fourteen?Fifteen?”

“I’mnotmuchofagolfer,”CharlesadmittedtoPayton.Shelikedhiminstantly.

“I’mabitofanovicemyself.”Shesmiled.ThensheturnedbacktoJasper.“Andplease,callme
Payton.”

“Likeoneofmyfavoritequarterbacks,”Jaspergrinned.

“Onlywithanainsteadofane.Andslightlyfeweryardsinpassing,”Paytonsaid.Damn—nowshe’d
alreadyblownoneofthethreemeaslysportsreferencessheknewinthefirsttwominutes.

Jasperlaughed.“Slightlyfeweryardsinpassing—Ilikethat.”HeturnedtoJ.D.,gesturingtoPayton.
“Wherehaveyoubeenhidin’thisgirl,J.D.?”

Luckily,J.D.wassavedfromchokingonanypolitewordshewasexpectedtoutterbythehostesswho
appearedandaskedtoescortthegrouptotheirtable.

Onceseated,thegroupchitchattedthroughthestandardbusinessdinnerpreliminaries:HadJasperand
theotherseverbeentoChicagobefore?Whereweretheystaying?WerePaytonandJ.D.from
Chicago?TheyhitonlytheslightestbumpintheroadwhenTrevor,Gibson’sgeneralcounsel,asked
PaytonifshelivedinthesameneighborhoodasJ.D.andsherealizedthatdespitehavingworkedwith
himforthepasteightyears,shehadabsolutelynoideawherehelived.Infact,sheprettymuchknew
nothingaboutJ.D.’snonworklife.Assuminghehadone,thatis.

Paytonglossedoverthequestion,tellingTrevorinsteadhowChicagowasarelativelycompactcity,
howcloseeverythingwas,etcetera,etcetera.ShesawJ.D.watchingheroutofthecornerofhiseye
ashespokewithRobert,theheadofGibson’sin-houselitigationdepartment.Presumably,hehad
overheardhersayhisnametoTrevorandwascheckingtomakesureitwasn’tbeingtakeninvain.

Thankfully,nootherquestionsaroseduringdinnerthatrequiredanysortofknowledgeofanything
personalrelatedtoJ.D.Whentheirentreesarrived,Paytonbegantotalkaboutthefirmandthe
strengthsofitslitigationgroup.J.D.joinedin,highlightingsomeofthegroup’srecentlegal
victories,whenJaspercuthimoffwithanimpatientwaveofhisglassofbourbon.

“Iknowallaboutyourfirm’sachievements,Jameson.That’swhyRipleyandDavisisoneofthethree
firmswe’reconsidering.Yourfirm’ssuccessesarewhatgotmeheretothistabletonight.Butmy
understandin’isthatyoutwo”—hepointedtoJ.D.andPayton—“willbetheleadersofthistrialteam,
shouldyourfirmbechosentohandlethecase.SoIwanttoknowmoreaboutyou.”

“Ofcourse,Jasper.I’dbehappytotellyouaboutmy—”

Jaspercuthimoff.“Notfromyou,Jameson.I’msureyouandPaytonbothhaveprettylittleprepared
speechesyoucanrattleoffaboutyourselves.Butthat’snothowIliketodothings.”Heturnedto
Payton,commanding.“Ms.Kendall,whydon’tyoutellme—what’ssospecialaboutJ.D.?”

Paytonnearlychokedonthewineshewassipping.Clearly,sheneededtobuyamomentbefore
answering.

“Well,Jasper...”Sheclearedherthroat.Ahem.Ahem.“Wow—therearejustsomanythingsIcould
sayaboutJ.D.Well...whereshouldIstart?”

Shewasstalling.Andasshedid,PaytoncouldseeacrossthetabletowhereJ.D.sat.Whenshe
hesitated,helookeddownandfiddleduncomfortablywithhissilver-ware.

FeelingfoursetsofeyesonherastheGibson’speoplewaited,Paytonquicklyforcedherselftothink:
WhatwouldanobjectivepersonsayaboutJ.D.?

“See,Jasper,thethingaboutJ.D.is...”Paytontriedtobuyanothermoment.Whatwas“thething”
aboutJ.D.?Shehadworkedwithhimforeightyears,andinmanywayssheknewhimbetterthan
anyone.Andinmanywaysshedidn’tknowhimatall.

Beobjective,shetoldherself.ThethingaboutJ.D.was...

Hewasgood.Reallygood.

Don’tgetherwrong,hewasstillajerk.Buthewasajerkwhowasdriven.AsPaytonknewfullwell,
J.D.wasinhisofficeeverymorningby7:00a.m.,and—asmuchasshemightnotwanttoadmitit—
hishardworkhadpaidoff.Overthepasteightyearshehadaccomplishedatremendousamountfor
anattorneyhisage.Laneywasright—hewassmartandtalented.Hewasathreat.Andifshewasbeing
honestwithherself,thatwasoneofthemainreasonsshedidn’tlikehim.

PaytonturnedtoJasper.“ThethingaboutJ.D.isthatheisoneofthemostsuccessfulclassaction
attorneysinthiscity,probablyeveninthecountry.He’swoneveryoppositiontoclasscertification
he’sfiled—notoncehasaclassbeencertifiedinacasehehandled.He’sbeentheleadattorneyin
multimillion-dollarcasesforFortune500corporationssincehissixthyear.Heknowsthestrategies
involvedinclassactionpracticebetterthanattorneystwicehisage.He’sbrilliantatwhathedoes.”

Paytonleanedforwardinherchair.“Andhere’sthething,Jasper:yourcompanyisbeingsuedinthe
largestdiscriminationclassactioneverfiled.Noattorneyhaseverhandledacaseofthistypeand
magnitude—sowhileexperiencedefinitelyshouldplayaroleinyourdecision,that’snottheonly
thingthatmatters.Youneedsomeonewithrawnaturaltalent.Someonewiththerightlegalinstincts,
someonewhowillbeyourbestshotatattackingthiscaseonclassgrounds.Icantellyouthisonno
uncertainterms—thatpersonisJ.D.”

Paytonsatbackinherchairwhenshewasfinished.ShesawJaspergrin.Heswirledhisglassand
tiltedhisheadasifcarefullytakingineverythingshe’djustsaid.Then,slightlyself-consciousfor
havingbeensoforthrightinherpraise,shestoleaglanceoveratJ.D.tocatchhisreaction.

Helookedspeechless.

EvenfromacrossthetableshecouldseetheexpressionofshockonJ.D.’sface.Shesawsomething
passthroughhiseyesandhisexpressionchangedasheheldhergaze.

HislookmadePaytonpause.Becausesherememberedthatlook—shehadseenitoncebefore,along
timeago.

Jasper ’svoicefeltlikeaninterruption.

“Allright,Payton,”hesaid.“IlikewhatI’veheardsofar.Although,IsuspectI’mgonnahearsimilar
pitchesfromtheotherfirmswe’reinterviewing.”Hegrinned.“Butadmittedly,yourswasquite
good.”

PaytonpriedhergazeawayfromJ.D.andsmiledatJasper.“Whydon’tyoujusttellmetheother
firmsyou’reconsidering,andI’llsaveyouthetime.Icantellyouexactlywhatthey’llsay.Betteryet,
letmeguess.”Shepaused,thinkingoftheothertwofirmstheywerelikelyinterviewing.

“BakerandLewis,”sheguessed.

Jasperlookedoverathisgeneralcounsel,needingconfirmation.Trevornodded.

“AndSayer,Gray,andJones.”

Trevornoddedagain.“Youknowyourcompetitionwell.”

“Thosearegoodfirms,”J.D.interjected.“Butthey’renotrightforyourcase.”

“Why?Whatdoesyourfirmhavethattheydon’t?”Jasperasked.

“Otherthanhigherrates,”Robertjoked.Everyoneatthetablelaughed.ExceptforJ.D.,whoremained
serious.

“Theydon’thavePayton.”

Jaspergotcomfortableinhischair.“Allright,Jameson—it’syourturn.TellmeaboutMs.Kendall
here.”

Paytonheldherbreath,hopingthatJ.D.intendedtoplayasfairasshehad.Hecertainlyappearedvery
confidentashebegan.

“Paytonwasbeingverymodestamomentago,indescribingyourneedforanexperiencedclass
actionattorney.Whilethatcertainlyistrue,whatisjustasimportant—ifnotmoreso—isthatyouhire
anexpertinthefieldofemploymentdiscrimination.That’swhereshecomesin.

“I’msureyousawthearticleaboutPaytonintheChicagoLawyer,”J.D.continued,“soIdon’tneedto
repeateverythingyoualreadyknowabouthersignificantaccomplishments.ButIwouldberemissifI
didn’tpointoutthat,despitethefactthatshe’sonlythirty-twoyearsold,Paytonhastriedoverforty
employmentdiscriminationcases.That’smoretrialsthanmanylawyershaveduringtheirentire
careers.Anddoyouknowhowmanyofthosetrialsshe’swon?Everysingleone.”

J.D.pickeduphisglass.“NowI’msurePaytonwouldbemodestaboutthesefacts;she’dprobablytell
youthatshe’sbeenluckytogetcasesthatarewinners.Butthetruthis,she’sanaturalinthe
courtroom.Shehasincredibleinstinctsasatriallawyer,andthat’sexactlywhatyourcompanyneeds
—someonewhocanguideyourcompanythroughthelitigationprocessfromstarttofinish.”He
paused.“Plus,she’sawoman.”

Jasperraisedaneyebrow,asifunsurehowtoreacttothat.“Doesthatmakeadifference?”

J.D.lookedacrossthetabletoPayton,whohadbeenbusytryingtoappearasthoughsheheardhim
saythingslikethatabouthereveryday.“Payton?”hesaid,indicatingsheshouldtakeitfromthere.

Sheknewexactlywherehewasgoing.“J.D.isright,Jasper.Yourcompanyisbeingsuedforgender
discrimination.One-point-eightmillionwomenclaimthatyourcompanydoesn’tgiveadamnabout
treatingthemfairly.Thepressisgoingtohaveafieldday.Andifyoustandinfrontofajurywitha
trialteamofmen,youwilllosethiscase.”

Asshespoke,Paytontappedherfingeronthetable,underscoringherseriousness.“Youneeda
womantobethefaceofyourcompany.Yougaininstantcredibilityifyouhaveawomanarguingthat
youdon’tdiscriminate.”

“Andtrustme,Jasper,”J.D.jumpedin,“I’veseenPaytonwhensheargues.She’saforcetobe
reckonedwith.”

AsJasperchuckledgood-naturedly,Trevorjumpedin.“Ihaveaquestion.”HepointedbetweenJ.D.
andPayton,asiftosayhewasn’tfooled.“Howmanytimeshaveyoutwodonethisroutineofyours?
It’squitegood.”

J.D.shookhishead.“There’snoroutinehere.WithPaytonandI,whatyouseeiswhatyouget.”

“Nofancylegaleseandnobeatin’aroundthebush,”Jasperagreed.“NowthatIlike.”Withagrin,he
raisedhisglassintoast.“TothebestpitchI’veheardsofar.Nobullshit.”

AsthegrouplaughedalongwithJasper,clinkingtheirglassesintoast,Payton’seyescaughtJ.D.’s
acrossthetable.Withasubtlegrin,hetippedhisglasstoher.Shenoddedbackinacknowledgment.In
thatonemomentatleast,theysharedthesamethought.

Victory.

Ifonlytheeveninghadendedthere.

Six

AFTERDINNER,JASPERsuggestedthatthegroupheaddownstairs,totherestaurant’soutdoor
loungethatoverlookedtheChicagoRiver.

“I’mnotsigninganypapersjustyet,butIthinkacelebratorycigarmightbeinorder,”hedeclared.

Paytontoldthegroupshe’dmeetthemoutsideandheadedtotheladies’room.Shedidn’tsmoke
cigarsanddidn’tfigurenowwasagoodtimetotryitout.Shestalledforafewminutesinthe
bathroom,thenstoppedatthebar,thinkingshecouldkillalittlemoretimebyorderingadrink.

“I’llhaveaglassoftheSilverOakcabernet,”shetoldthebartender.She’dalreadyhadadrinkat
dinnerandanythingstrongermightmakehertipsy.Whileshewaited—feelingmorethanatad
conspicuousstandingthere,byherself,alonewomanatthebar—sheaccidentallycaughttheeyeofa
manwearingasilkshirtunbuttonednearlytohisnavel.

Oh,shit—sheimmediatelylookedaway,buthersplit-secondglanceapparentlywasallthe
encouragementMr.SizzleChestneeded.Hemadeabeelinestraightforher.

Paytonhadnochoice.Withafeignedreluctantlook,sheshookherhead.“Sorry,”shetoldhim.
“Lesbian.”

SizzleChestraisedaninterestedeyebrow,likingthesoundofthat.

Again,Paytonshookherhead.“Notthatkind.”

Disappointed,SizzleChestmovedontomorepromisingconquests.Paytontookasipofthewinethe
bartendersetdownbeforeher.Sheheardafamiliarvoicebehindher,amused.

“Lesbian?”

PaytonturnedaroundandsawJ.D.standingthere.

Maybeitwasthewine.MaybeshewasbaskingintheglowoftheirsuccessfulpitchtoGibson’s.
MaybeitwasherpromisetoLaneytobethe“NewPayton,”ormaybeitwasacombinationofall
thosethings.ButPaytonactuallyfoundherselfsmilingatJ.D.

“It’sjustanexcuse,thelesbianthing,”shesaid.

J.D.joinedheratthebar.HegesturedforadrinkasPaytonshruggedmock-innocently.“Unlessyou
countthatonetimeincollege.”

J.D.knockedoveranearbystackofshotglasses.

Paytongiggledathisreaction.“Sorry—LaneywouldkillmeifsheknewIjustsaidthat.”

J.D.didanabout-face.“ItwaswithLaney?”

Paytonlaughedoutloudattheverythought.“No,no,”sheexplained,“Iwasjoking.Ijustmeantthat
Laneyisalwayslecturingmeaboutsayingthingslikethat.”

“Oh.Right.”J.D.noddedashethrewsomebillsdownforhisdrink.Watchinghim,Paytoncockedher
head,curious.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

J.D.easedbackagainstthebar,havingrecoveredfromhismomentaryfluster.

“Well,see,Payton,youandIareheretopitchtoGibson’s,remember?”hesaidasifspeakingtoa
childorderangedperson.“Wejustfinisheddinnerand—”

“That’snotwhatImeant,smart-ass.”Paytongavehimalook.“Imeantwhyareyouinsidewithme,
insteadofoutsidesmokingcigarswithJasperandtheotherboys?”Sheputmockingemphasisonthe
lastword.

“Well,IfiguredJasperandtheotherboys”—heemphasizedtheword,too—“couldgetalongwithout
meforafewminutes.Ididn’twantyoutohavetobeinherebyyourself.”

Seeingherlookofsurprise,heshruggednonchalantly.“ButIcango.”Hepointedacrossthebarto
SizzleChest.“Maybeyou’dlikeanotherminutetoseeifhe’llcomebackandaskforyournumber?”
HeandPaytonwatchedastheSizzleworkedhisnear-nakednaveltowardanotherpoorunsuspecting
woman.

J.D.shookhisheadsadly.“Uh-oh,lookatthat...Whatashame.Youtwowould’velookedsocute
together.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.“Youknow,J.D.—”Shewasabouttosaysomethingsarcastic,probably
somethingthatincludedaprofanewordortwo,whenthewomanontheothersideofPaytonleaned
over.

“Excuseme—couldyouslidedown?”ThewomangesturedattheopenspacebetweenPaytonandJ.D.
Paytonglancedaroundandnoticedthatthetrafficaroundthebarhadpickedupinthelastfew
minutes.Havingnochoice,shemovedclosertoJ.D.

“Youwereabouttosaysomething?”J.D.promptedher.Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest,readying
himselffortheexpectedinsult.

Butinsteadoftakingthebait,Paytonrememberedherpromise,thewhole“NewPayton”thing.Darn
Laneyandher“let’sbenicetopeople”scam.DidJ.D.reallyevencountasaperson,anyway?

Paytondecided—whatthehell—togiveitashot.Thisway,whenJ.D.wasajackasstoher,shecould
shrug,sayshetried,andcarryonwithbusinessasusual.Hatinghim.

Theproblemwasactuallycomingupwithsomethingnon-insultingtosaytoJ.D.Paytonfeltlikean
idiot,juststandingthere,sosheblurtedoutthefirstthingthatcametomind.

“So,um,whatIwasabouttosaywas...howwasyourgolfgame?Didyouhaveanicetime?”

WELL.

J.D.certainlyhadn’tbeenexpectinghertosaythat.Somethingso...innocuous.Pleasant,even.

HepeereddownatPayton,caughtoffguardbyhertone.Orrather,thefactthattherewasn’tone.

“Itwas...nice.”J.D.paused.“Thanks.”Thenhelookedherover,curiousaboutsomething.“You
know,I’mreallysurprisedyou’veneverlearnedhowtoplay.”

“Why?Becauseeveryonewho’sanyoneplaysgolf?”sheaskedsarcastically.

J.D.shookhishead.“No,becauseIthinkyouinparticularwouldlikeit.Youseemlikeyouenjoya
challenge.”

Paytoncockedherhead,studyinghim.Sheappearedtobetryingtodecidewhetherhemeantthatasa
criticismorcompliment.Hewasn’tsosurehimself.

Alookofuncertaintycloudedherdarkblueeyes.“Didyoureallymeanthosethingsyousaid?”she
suddenlyaskedhim.“ThethingsyoutoldtheGibson’srepsatdinner?”

“Didyou?”J.D.firedback.

Paytonshookherheadathisreturnquestion,asifshehadexpectedhimtosayexactlythat.Itwasat
thatmomentthatsomeonejoinedthewomanstandingontheothersideofPayton,crowdinghereven
more.Makingroom,shemovedclosertoJ.D.,sothattheynowstoodjustafewinchesapart.For
somereason,itoccurredtohimrightthenthatinnearlyeightyears,thiswasprobablythelongest
conversationheandPaytonhadeverhadwithoutbeingengagedinsomesortof
political/social/work-relateddebate.Anditcertainlywastheclosest,intermsofphysicalproximity,
thattheyhadeverbeen.

Shewasbeautiful.J.D.knewthat,hehadalwaysknownthat—justbecauseshewasanargumentative,
defensivepilldidn’tmeanhecouldn’tobjectivelyseethatshewasgorgeous.Henormallydidn’tlike
blondes,butshehadthewholeJenniferAniston-ishlong,straightdarkblondehairthinggoingfor
her.Shehaddeepblueexpressiveeyesthatshowedeveryemotion(apparentlyangerand/or
annoyanceruledtheday,fromwhathecouldtell)and—whatJ.D.hadjustnoticedforthefirsttime—a
scatteringoffrecklesacrosshernosethat—hadshebeenanyoneelse—hewould’vedescribedas
“cute.”

Paytonpeeredupathimandopenedhermouthasiftosaysomething.Thensheseemedtochangeher
mind.

“Yes,Ididmeanit,”shesaidalmostdefiantly.“You’reaverygoodlawyer,J.D.Iwould’vebeenlying
ifIhadtoldJasperandtheothersanythingelse.”

Shelookedathimpointedly.“Nowit’syourturntosaysomethingnice.”

J.D.triedtohidehisgrin.“Well,IsupposeIcouldsaythatthisrestaurantservesthebestvodkatonic

inthecity—”

“That’snotwhatImeant.”

J.D.gazeddownatherinallseriousness.“Youknowyou’reagreatattorney,Payton.Youdon’tneed
metotellyouthat.”There.Fine.Hehadsaidit.Nowwhat?Thiswasnewterritoryforthem.

Heshiftednervously.ThenhesawthecornersofPayton’seyescrinklewithamusement.

“What?”heasked,immediatelygoingonthedefensive.“IstheresomethingfunnyaboutwhatIsaid?”

Paytonshookherhead,studyinghim.“No,it’s...Ijustnoticedthatyournoseissunburnedfrom
golfing.”Andshefixedthosedeepblueeyesonhis.

Itwasthewayshewaslookingathim.

Reallylookingathim.

J.D.wouldneveradmitittoanothersoul,butheknewwhathewasthinkingrightthen.

Itwashereyes.No,hersmile—sheneversmiledathim.Atleastnotgenuinely,anyway.

Normally,J.D.wasprettydamnskilledatreadingfemalebodylanguage.Meetingwomenwasnot
exactlyaproblemforhim.Hewasagood-lookingguy,heactuallyknewhowtodresshimself,he
hadagreatjob,andhecamefromaverywealthyfamily.Hewasn’tbragging,juststatingthefacts.
Whetheranyofthosethingsshouldmatterwasadebateforsomebodyelse.

Exceptforthepartaboutknowinghowtodress,thatis.Hetookgreatprideinhisattire.Callhimold-
fashioned(somethingsheconstantlyseemedtoholdagainsthim),buthethoughttherewasacertain
civilitylackinginhisgeneration.Whateverhadhappenedtothedayswhenmenworejacketsto
dinner?Whenwomencarriedpocketbooksandexcusedthemselvesto“powdertheirnoses”?(And
no,snortingcocaineoffatoiletseatintheladies’roomdidnotsufficehere.)

AtleastPaytonseemedtoimplicitlyagreewithhimonthispoint.Again,notcavingonthe
argumentative,defensivepillthing,butthewomanalwayslookedgood.J.D.suspectedthatshemadea
pointofthis—almostasifshewastryingtoprovesomething.Althoughwhoshewastryingtoprove
somethingto,hedidn’tknow.BecausePaytonKendallcertainlyhadawayaboutherthatimpressed
almosteveryone.

Notthathehadparticularlynoticedtheslimcutsofherskirts,orthewayherlegslookedinthose
three-inchheelsshesnappedtoandfromcourtin.Norhadhenoticedthefactthat,tonight,hershirt
wasunbuttonedrightdowntothatcould-I-sneak-a-peek?point...

Suddenlyfeelinghowwarmitwasintherestaurant,J.D.reacheduptoloosenhistie.Thenhe
rememberedhewasn’twearingone.

Maybehe’dbetterlayoffthevodkatonics.

Regrouping,J.D.triedtomakehisfaceimpassiveandnonchalantashegazeddownatPayton.He

didn’tknowwhatsortofgameshewasplaying—beingfriendlytohimandall—buthewasnotabout
tobeplayedforafool.

Paytontiltedherheadathissilence.“Issomethingwrong?”

J.D.triedtothinkofsomethinghewouldnormallysay,somethingthatwouldregainhimtheupper
hand.

“Everything’sfine,”heassuredher,lesttherebeanydoubtaboutit.“Iwasjustwonderingwhether
yourfellowfeministaswouldapproveofyouusingyoursexualityasbait.”

Paytonpulledback.“I’msorry?”

Sheappearedpissed.Good—thisheknew.

J.D.pointedtothecould-I-sneak-a-peek?V-neckofhershirt.“Planningonshowingoffthegirls
tonight,arewe?IsthathowyouplantoimpresstheGibson’sexecs?”

Heregrettedthewordsthemomenttheycameoutofhismouth.

HesawtheflashofhurtinPayton’seyes,butshequicklylookedawaytocoveritup.Whensheturned
backtohim,hergazewasicy.

“We’reaskingGibson’stogiveustwentymilliondollarsinlegalfees,”shesaidcoldly.“Ifyouthink
myboobsaregoingtolandthisdeal,thentheymustbeevenmorespectacularthanIthought.Now,if
you’llexcuseme...”Shebrushedpasthiminahurry.

J.D.triedtostopher.“Payton,wait.Ididn’tmean—”

“Well,thereyouare!Wewerestartin’towonderwhathappenedtoyoutwo!”

PaytonandJ.D.turnedatthesoundofJasper ’svoice.

Paytonquicklyregainedhercomposure.“Jasper—wewerejustcomingtojoinyou,”shesaidcalmly.
“Didyousaveoneofthosecigarsforme?”Withherheadheldhigh,shefollowedJaspertojointhe
othermenoutontheterrace.

Shedidn’tlookonceatJ.D.fortherestofthenight.

DURINGTHERIDEhome,Payton’smoodwassubdued.Tiredandlostinthought,she’dbarely
realizedthatthecabhadstopped,arrivingatitsdestination,untilthedriverglancedoverthepartition
andaskediftherewassomewhereelseshewantedtogo.Afterquicklypayingthefare,shehurriedup
thefrontstepsofthequainttwo-flatrowhouseshehadboughtandrehabbedthreeyearsago.Itwasa
cozyplace,nothingextravagant,butthemortgagewasinherbudgetandtheplacewaswithinwalking
distanceofthe“L.”Mostimportant,itwasallhers.Toher,homeownershipwasaboutstabilityand
investment,anddefinitelynotabouthottrendyneighborhoodsforwhichonepaidapremium.

Paytonletherselfinside,tossedherkeysonthesidetablebythefrontdoor,andheadedbacktoher
bedroom.Herheelsclickedontherestoredoakhardwoodfloors.

Shedidn’tknowwhysheletitbotherhersomuch,whatJ.D.hadsaid.Yes,itwasinsultingofhimto
suggestthatshewasplayinguphersexualitytoenticetheGibson’sreps.Thecommenthadcomeway
outofleftfield—shehadneverdoneanythingevenremotelyunprofessionaltodeservesuchanattack
onhercharacter.Butwhatbotheredherevenmorewasthefactthatshehadbeencompletely
unpreparedfortheinsult.NormallyshehadherguarduparoundJ.D.,buttonightshehadthoughtthey
weregettingalong—orattheveryleast,thattheyweretoleratingeachother,thattheyhadputaway
theboxingglovesfortheeveninginthespiritofworkingtogether.

Boy,hadsheeverbeenwrongaboutthat.

Anovalfull-lengthmirrorstoodinthecornerofherbedroom,anantiqueshehadinheritedfromher
grand-mother.Beforechangingoutofherclothes,Paytonpausedbeforethemirror.Sheself-
consciouslyfingeredthenecklineofherbutton-downshirt.Itwasn’tthatlow-cut,wasit?

Shestoppedherselfrightthereandstareddefiantlyinthemirror.

Thehellwithhim.

FORHISPART,J.D.wasnotexactlyinacelebratorymoodwhenhegothome,either.Overandover,
hismindranthroughthesamedebate.

Hecouldcallher,toapologize.

She’dhanguponhim,nodoubt.

Andwhyshouldhebother,anyway?Soshewaspissedathim...bigfuckingsurprisethere.Shelived
tobepissedathim.Infact,itprobablyhadmadehernight,whathe’dsaid.Withhiscommenthehad
single-handedlygivenherthelogsoflegitimacytofuelherfire.

Butstill.

Hehadcrossedtheline.Overtheyearsthetwoofthemhadtradedinnumerablebarbsandinsults,but
heknewhehadgonetoofarthatevening.

SoJ.D.settleditinhismind.Hewouldcallher.

HelookedupPayton’sphonenumberinthefirmdirectory.Thiscertainlyhadbeenanightoffirsts
forthem,allstartingwiththecomplimentarythingstheyhadsaidabouteachothertoJasper.Andnow
hewasgoingtocallher?They’dneverevenspokenonthephonebefore,outsideofwork.

Sighingtohimself—notrelishingthistaskhewasabouttoundertake—J.D.reachedforthephone.It
wasthenthatitoccurredtohimthathewasabouttocallPaytonathome.Hetriedtopictureherinher
...apartment?Condo?House?Hewonderedwhatitlookedlike,theplaceshelived.

Thenhewonderedwhyhewonderedthat.

Merecuriosity,J.D.assuredhimself.

Hepicturedherplaceasbeingatad...plebian.Thatprobablywasn’tthemostpoliticallycorrectway
tosayit.Whatworddidliberalsprefernowadays?Granola?Organic?

Inreality,however,Paytonwasnoneofthosethings.Infact,ifsheneverspoke,onemightactually
thinkshewasquitenormal.

ThenasecondthoughtsuddenlyoccurredtoJ.D.

Maybeshedidn’tlivealone.

Heshouldknowthingslikethis,shouldn’the?Heshouldatleastknowthebasics,havesomeinkling
ofwhatherlifewaslikewhenshewasn’tbusybeingher.

Realizinghewasstalling,tryingtoavoidapologizingtoPayton,J.D.grabbedthephone.Hewas
abouttodialhernumberwhenhenoticedthathehadanewmessage.Heenteredthecodetoaccesshis
voicemail,thenheardafamiliardeepvoiceasthemessagebegantoplay.

“J.D.,it’syourfather.IthoughtI’dcheckinandseeifthere’sanynewsonthepartnershipfront.I’m
guessingno,otherwisewewould’veheardfromyoualready.”Therewasapreemptorydisappointed
sigh.“Isupposeifyoudon’tmakeit,Icanalwayscallmyoldfirm.Butmaybeyou’regoingto
surprisemeforonce,son.Although—nooffense—Ibetyourmotheranewminkthatyou’llbe
callingmetobailyououtbytheendofthemonth,ha-ha.Andthatwomanreallydoesnotneed
anotherfurcoat.”

WhenJ.D.heardthebeep,signalingtheendofhisfather ’smessage,hehungupthephone.Hesat
there,intheleatherarmchairinhislivingroom,staringoutthewindowsandtheirsweepingviewof
thecityatnight,butnotseeing.

Afteralongmoment,heputthephonereceiverbackinitscradle.

ThisthingwithPaytonwasadistraction.Andhecertainlydidnotneedanydistractionsrightnow.It
wouldbebestifheputheroutofhismindentirely.Hesimplyneededtostayontrackfortherestof
themonth,doingeverythingexactlyashehaddoneforthepasteightyears.

Ifanything,itwasagoodthingPaytonwasgivinghimthesilenttreatment.Ha—ifthat’sallittook,he
should’vebeenarudebastardyearsago.Maybenowhe’dfinallyhavesomepeaceatwork.Nomore
pissed-offhairflips,nomorecovertyou’re-such-a-wanker-J.D.glares,nomoresecretargumentsin
backhallwaysoverfeministandright-wingagendas.

ThesewerethingsJ.D.certainlywouldnotmiss.

Notatall.

Seven

“IFOUNDTHEperfectguyforyou.”

PaytonbarelylookedupasLaneystrolledintoherofficeandplunkeddowninoneoftheseatsin
frontofherdesk.

“Hmm,that’snice,”Paytonsaiddistractedly.“Canwetalkaboutthisinsay...”Shecheckedher
watch.“Threeweeks?”Puttingasidepartnershipissues,shehadatrialstartingintwodays.

“I’mexcitedaboutthis,Payton.Don’truinthemomentwithsarcasm.”

“Oh,well,then.”Paytonpushedasidethemoundoffilesonherdeskwithagrandflourish.“Byall
means—continue.”

Laneylookedatherpointedly.“Careerornot,asinglewomaninherthirtiescannotneglecther
personallifeforever.”

“Sorry,Laney,you’reright.Ihadforgottenthatwe’dtraveledbackintimeto1950.”

AnotherlookfromLaney.“MayIcontinue?”

“DoesMr.Perfecthaveaname?”

“Chase.”

“AndwhatmakesthePerfectChasesoperfect?”Paytonasked.

Laneyleanedforward,eagertosharethedetails.“HewasinNate’sfraternityinundergrad,”she
began,referringtoherhusband.“Hejustmovedhereafewweeksago.He’salawyer,too—and
you’lllovethis—hedoesprobonoworkwiththeChicagoLegalClinic.HewenttoHarvardLaw
School,hewaspresidentofboththeHarvardLawchapteroftheACLUandtheHarvardLaw
AdvocatesforHumanRights—”

Paytonraisedaskepticaleyebrowatthis.“HarvardLawSchool?”ShealreadyknewoneHarvardLaw
graduateandthatwasonetoomany.

Laneyheldupahand.“Icheckeditout.Hewentthereonscholarshipandpaidtherestwithstudent
loans.Andhe’sgood-looking,too.NateandImethimfordinnerlastnight,andIsubtlylearnedthat
he’slookingtomeetsomeone.”

“Howdidyoulearnthat?”

“Iaskedhimifhewaslookingtomeetsomeone.”

“Thatissubtle.”Paytonshookherhead.“Youmarriedpeoplearealwaystryingtosetussingle
peopleup.”

Laneynearlyjumpedrightoutofherchair.“That’sexactlywhathesaid!See—youtwoareperfect
foreachother.”Shepauseddeliberately.“So?ShouldItellhimtocallyou?”

Thetimingwasn’texactlythegreatest,butPaytonfoundherfriend’senthusiasmhardtoresist.And
thePerfectChasedidsoundsomewhatpromising.Career-driven.Interestedinpolitics.Passionate
abouthisbeliefs.True,thesewereallthingsshefoundattractiveinaman.Andshecertainlywouldn’t
holdbeinggood-lookingagainsthim.

“Okay,”Paytonagreed.“Tellhimtocallme.”

“Good.BecauseIalreadygavehimyournumber.”

Paytonmulledthingsover.“HarvardLaw,huh?”Shecouldn’thelpit;sheglancedacrossthehallto
J.D.’soffice.Theyhadn’tspokensincethenightoftheGibson’spitch.

Overthelastfewdays,totheextentpossible,shehadavoidedwalkingbyJ.D.’sofficeandhadbeen
usingtheinternalstairwellsforalltripsunderfiveflights(normallytwoup,threedownwasherlimit
inheels)inordertominimizetheriskofbeingstuckintheelevatorwithhim.Becauseasfarasshe
wasconcerned,shewasdonewithJ.D.

NottosuggestthatshehadeverbegunwithJ.D.,ofcourse.

Thewayshesawit,shehadputherselfouttheretheothernightattherestaurant.Shehadmadean
attempttobefriendlyand—toputitmildly—hehadnotreciprocated.Shehadallowedherselftobe
caughtoffguard,tobemomentarilyvulnerableinfrontofhim,andshewouldnotmakethatmistake
again.Andnowshejustwantedtoforgetthewholething.

Ithadbeenafoolishthought,anyway,herthinkingthattheycouldevergetalong.Atleastthe
Gibson’spitchwasover,puttinganend,albeitperhapstemporarily,totheirworktogether.Andifthe
firmdidindeedlandGibson’sasaclient,sheandJ.D.wouldlikelybothbepartnerbythetimethey
startedworkingonthecaseandshewouldfindsomewaytostaffitsothattheyencounteredeach
otheraslittleaspossible.

Ofcourse,therewasthatsmallpartofher,theteeniest,tiniestpartofher,thatwasdisappointedJ.D.
hadn’tapologized.Ifanything,heseemedtobeavoidingher,too,andthatPaytoncouldn’t
understand.Shemayhavehadherfaults,butatleastsheowneduptohermistakes.Heapparently
didn’tfeelthesameway.Unlesshedidn’tthinkhehadmadeamistake,inwhichcaseshehadeven
biggerproblemswithhim.

Notthatshehadspentanytimethinkingaboutthesethings.

PaytonturnedherattentionbacktoLaney,whowasalreadythinkingaheadtowheresheandthe
PerfectChaseshouldfirstmeet.

“Itshouldbedrinks,notcoffee,”Laneywassaying.“Toomuchcaffeinemakesyouquippy.”

Paytonlookedover,offendedbythis.“Quippy?”

Theywereinterruptedbyaknockatherdoor,andIrmapokedherheadintotheoffice.“Your

mother ’sonmyline.ShouldItransferherovertoyou?”

“Whyismymotheronyourline?”

Irmaclearedherthroatawkwardly.“Shesaidshehadbeenthinkingaboutmeand,um,wantedto
discusssomethingbeforeItransferredherovertoyou.”

“Whatdidshewanttotalktoyouabout?”Paytonasked.

“ShewantedtoaskwhetherIhadeverconsideredtryingtounionizethesecretarialstaff.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.HermotherhaddonetheNormaRaeroutineonheramilliontimes.
ApparentlyIrmawashernewestvictim.

PaytonwavedtoLaney,whowasalreadyonherwayout,andtoldIrmatoputhermotherthrough.
Shepickedupthephone,bracingherself.“Hi,Mom.”

“Hey,Sis,”camehermother ’sfamiliargreeting.InLexKendall’smind(formerlyAlexandra,butthat
namewastoobourgeois),allwomenweresistersunderthesamemoon.

“How’smygirl?”Lexasked.

“Fine,Mom.IhearfromIrmathatyou’retryingtorallythetroopsagainstTheMan.”

“See,Iknewyou’dgetalluptightifIcalledher.”

“Yetstill,youdidit.”

“Ijustthoughtthatsheandtheotherlaborersatyourfirmmightwanttoknowthattheyhaverights.
Noteveryonetheremakesasix-figuresalary,Payton.”

Paytonsighed.Hermotherwastheonlypersonsheknewwhowasdisappointedthatherchildwas
financiallysuccessful.“Irmacouldgetinalotoftrouble,ifthewrongpersonoverheardyour
conversationandmisunderstood.YouforgetthatI’malaborandemploymentlawyer.”

“No,Ihaven’tforgotten,”hermothersaid,asifrecallingsomeheinouscrimeheronlychildhad
committedyearsago.AndinLexKendall’smind,Payton’ssinwasegregiousindeed.

Shehadbecomeayuppie.

Paytonhadbeenraisedto“liveandthinkfreely”—asentimentthatsoundedgreatintheory,but,asshe
discoveredbyaveryyoungage,actuallymeantshewassupposedto“liveandthinkfreely”exactly
thewayhermothertoldherto.

Barbiedollsweresexist.(“Lookathervacantexpression,Payton—Barbiedoesn’tcareabout
anythingotherthanshopping.”)Fairytales—infact,mostofchildren’sliterature—werealsosexist.
(“Lookatthemessageinthesepicturebooks,Payton—thatbeautyistheonlyimportantqualityofa
woman.”)EvenDisneymoviesweretheenemy.(“IknowthatLisa’smotherletsherwatchCinderella,
Payton.Lisa’smotherobviouslyhasnoproblemteachingherdaughterthatwomenmustwait

passivelyforamantobringmeaningtotheirpatheticallylonelylives.”)

Yes,LexKendallhadareasontoprotestjustabouteverything.

Itwasn’tthatPaytondidn’tagreewithhermother ’sprinciples.Shedidagreewithsomeofthem,just
nottothesamedegree.Forexample,shewasabsolutelyagainstpeoplewearingfurcoats.Which
meantthatshepersonallydidnotwearone.ItdidnotmeanthatshestoodoutsideGuccionMichigan
Avenuethrowingbucketsofredpaintonexitingshoppers.(Oh,yes,hermotherhad,severaltimes,in
fact,andhadeventwicegonetojailforherrenegadeartisticendeavors,necessitatingseveralof
youngPayton’smanyovernightstayswithhergrandparents.)

Inhermother ’seyes,Paytonknew,shehadsoldout.Infact,whenLexhadfoundoutthatPayton
plannedtodefendCorporateAmericaaspartofherlawpractice,shehadrefusedtospeaktoher
daughterfortwostraightweeks.

Ah...Paytonstillrecalledthosetwoweeksfondly.Ithadbeenthemostpeaceful336hoursofher
life.

“CanIcallyoubacklaterthisevening,whenIgethome?”sheaskedhermother.“I’mprettybusyat
workthesedays.”

“Withthepartnershipthing,”hermotherstatedinatonethatwas,atbest,disinterested.

“Yes,thepartnershipthing.”Paytonbitbacktheurgetosayanythingfurther.Wasitreallythat
difficultforpeopletounderstandwhatshewasgoingthrough?Didnoonegettheamountofstress
shewasunder?

“Youdon’tneedtocallmeback,”hermothertoldher.“Icanhearthetensioninyourvoice.Areyou
keepingupwithyouryogapractice?Youprobablyneedtoliberateyourchakras.”

Paytonputherheadonherdesk.Yes,ofcourse—thetensioninhervoicehadnothingtodowiththe
factthatshehadn’ttakenavacationinnearlyfouryears.Theproblemwasthatherchakraswere
unliberated.

Shecouldhearhermotherramblingonthroughthereceiversheheldinherhand.

“...talkmorewhenIcomeintotownlaterthismonth—”

Atthis,Paytonsprungbacktolife.“You’recomingtoChicago?”

“StevenplanstovisitSarahandJessinL.A.forFather ’sDay,”hermothersaid,referringtoPayton’s
twostepsisters.“IthoughtI’dcometoChicagosowecouldspendtheweekendtogether.”

Paytonpeeredoverathercalendar.Shehadbeensobusyshe’dcompletelyforgottenaboutthe
upcomingholiday.And,despitetherockystarttotheirconversation,shesuddenlyfeltarushof
affectiontowardhermother.LexKendallcouldbeadifficultwomannodoubt,butshehadnever
onceletPaytonspendaFather ’sDayalone,notevenaftersheandherhusbandStevenhadmarried
andmovedtoSanFranciscoseveralyearsago.Thoughthey’dneverdiscusseditopenly,Paytonknew
itwashermother ’sattempttocompensateforthefactthatPaytonhadn’theardfromherfatherin

years.

“I’dlikethat,Mom,”Paytonsaid.Theydiscussedbrieflywhattheymightdothatweekend.Keeping
herfingerscrossed,Paytonhopedshemighthavesomegoodnewstosharebythen.

Afterafewmomentsofchatting,Paytonsawherotherlineringing.Throughtheglassdoorofher
office,shewatchedasIrmainterceptedthecall,nodded,thengotupandsignaledforherattention.
Paytonwrappedupthecallwithhermother,sensingitwassomethingimportant.

“Whatisit?”sheaskedwhenIrmasteppedintoherdoorway.

“ThatwasBen’ssecretary,Marie.Hewantstoseeyouinhisoffice.”Irmaloweredhervoice.“Marie
sayssheheardhimonthephoneearlierthismorning,withTomHillmanfromthePartnership
Committee.SheheardhimtellTomthathewantedtogiveyouandJ.D.thenewsearly.”

Paytonfeltathrillofexcitementrunthroughher.

Thiswasit.

Withafaintsmileonherface,PaytongotupfromherdeskandthankedIrmaforthemessage.

ThensheheadedoutthedoortoBen’soffice.

Eight

WHENPAYTONGOTtoBen’soffice,shefoundJ.D.,alone,sittinginfrontofthepartner ’sdesk.He
hadhisbacktothedoor,unawareshestoodthere.Shenoticedthathislegbouncedanxiouslyashe
waited.

Sheclearedherthroat.J.D.immediatelystoppedbouncinghislegandwatchedhertakeaseatinthe
chairnexttohim.

“Ben’snothereyet?”Paytonaskedcoolly.

J.D.shookhishead.“Mariesaidheshouldbeinshortly.”

Anawkwardsilencefellbetweenthem.

Paytonglancedaroundtheroom.Shesuddenlywasveryawareofherhands;shetappedthemagainst
thearmsofherchair,thenstopped,thenfoldedtheminherlap.

Moresilence.

Andthen...

Stillmoresilence.

“It’sthisjob,youknow.”

Paytonhadbeengazingoutthewindow.SheturnedherheadtoJ.D.

“Wearguewithpeople—that’swhatwedo.Westrategizeagainstthem,wetrytogettheupperhand.
Sometimes,Ifindithardtobreakawayfromthat.”HeturnedtofacePaytonandlookedherstraight
intheeyes.

“Iwasveryrudetoyouattherestaurant.Ioweyouanapology.”

Caughtoffguard,Paytonsaidnothingatfirst.Directandunwavering,J.D.heldhergaze.

Hereallydidhavethemostamazingblueeyes.

Paytonhadnoideawhyshejustthoughtthat.

Shenodded.“Okay.”

J.D.seemedtohavebeenbracinghimselfforsomethingfarworse.“Okay,”hesaid,andPayton
thoughtshesawhimexhaleinrelief.Thenhesmiled.Genuinely.

“So...doyouknowwhywe’rehere?”

“Ihaveaguess,”Paytonsaid.

J.D.leanedforwardinhischair,hiseyeslitexcitedly.“What’sthefirstthingyou’regoingtodowhen
youmakepartner?”

Paytonhesitated,stillfeelingsuperstitious.Thenshethought—whatthehell—whynotenjoythe
moment?TheybothknewwhytheyhadbeencalledtoBen’soffice.

“Sleep,”shesaid.“Foraweek.”

J.D.laughed.“Andnovoicemail.”

“Oremail.”

“NoBlackBerry.”

“Nocellphone.”

“Nolaptop,”J.D.saidwithawink,knowingtherewasnowayshecouldtopthat.

Paytonthoughtforamoment.“Actually,IthinkI’lltakeafewweeksoff.I’dliketotravel.”

“Where?”J.D.asked.

“Bora-Bora,”shedecided.

“WhyBora-Bora?”

Paytonshrugged.“Idon’tknow.ItjustsoundslikesomeplaceI’dliketogo.”

J.D.grinned,anditoccurredtoPaytonthatshewasbabblingonaboutBora-Borawhensomeonelike
J.D.hadprobablyvacationedinplaceslikethathiswholelife.Hell,hisservantsprobablyvacationed
inplaceslikethat.Shemust’vesoundedveryunworldlytohim.

Butifhethoughtthat,hedidn’tsayit.

“Bora-Borasoundsgreat,”heagreed,easingbackinhischair.Thenhesnuckanotherglanceather.
“Youknow,Payton,nowthatthisisallover,Iwashopingwecouldputasideourd—”

Atthatmoment,Benwalkedintohisoffice.

Hesatdownathisdesk.“Sorrytokeepyouguyswaiting,”hesaid.“MylunchranlaterthanIhad
expected.”

Bensatuprightinhischair,handsrestingfirmlyonhisdesk.“So.Ihavegreatnews.JasperConroy
calledmeearlierthismorning.He’schosenourfirmtorepresentGibson’s.Hetoldmehewasvery
impressedbyyouboth.Iknewyoutwowoulddeliver.”Hepaused.“Whichbringsmetosomeother
news.”

Paytonheldherbreath.Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawJ.D.inchforwardinhisseat.

“Itgoeswithoutsayingthatyou’rebothawarethefirmmakesitspartnershipdecisionsattheendof
thismonth,”Bensaid.

“ThePartnershipCommittee’spolicyhasalwaysbeenthatnooneissupposedtoleakearly
informationaboutitsdecisions.But,inlightofyourstellarperformanceinlandingtheGibson’scase
—and,infact,thestellarworkyou’vebothdonethroughoutyourcareershere—Ithinkyou’veearned
therighttoalittleadvancenotice.Iknowhoweagerlyyoubothhaveawaitedthis.”

Payton’sheartbegantorace.Holyshit—thisreallywasit.

Benclearedhisthroat.“WhichiswhywhatI’mabouttosayisgoingtocomeasasurprise.”

Paytonblinked.Surprise?Thatwasn’tthewordshewantedtohearrightthen.

“YoubothareawareoftheEEOC’sagediscriminationlawsuitagainstGrayandDallas,”Bensaid,
referringtoanotherofthetoplawfirmsinthecity.“Andasyouknow,oneoftheclaimsinthat
lawsuitisthatthefirmchasesoutolderpartnersinfavorofyoungerones.”

BenlookedtoPaytonforhelp.“You’reanemploymentlawyer.Youknowhowcloselyalltheother
firmsinthiscityhavebeenwatchingthatcase.Includingus.”

Paytonansweredhimcautiously.“I’mfamiliarwiththecase,Ben.WhatI’mtryingtofigureoutis
howithasanythingtodowithmeandJ.D.”

Benchosehisnextwordscarefully.“ThePartnershipCommitteehasdecidedthatweneedto
strategicallyleverageourselvesinordertoavoidsimilarintrusionsfromtheEEOC.Wesimplycan’t
affordtohavetoomanypartnersundertheageofforty.Now,weobviouslyaren’tgoingtotakeaway
thesharesofanyonewhoalreadyisapartner...soinsteadtherewillbecutbacksinthenumberof
associatesmadepartnerthisyear.”

J.D.’sjawwassettensely.“Youstillhaven’tansweredPayton’squestion.Whatdoesthishavetodo
withus?”

Benpausedtolookateachofthem.“We’vedecidedtonameonlyonelitigationpartnerthisyear.
Onlyoneofyouwillmakeit.”

Itwasasifalltheairhadbeensuckedoutoftheroom.

Onlyoneofthem.

Herorhim.

Paytonfinallyspoke.“Isthisajoke?”

Benshookhishead.“I’mafraidnot.Youtwoareluckyyou’rehearingthisfrommenow.”Hepointed
tohimselfasifexpectinggratitude.“Iinsistedonthat.Iwantedtogivetheoneofyouwhowon’t
makeitatleastsomewarning.”

“Thedecisionhasn’tbeenmadeyet?”J.D.asked,histoneincredulous.

Ben—thecockybastard—actuallyhadtheaudacitytolaugh.Heheldhishandsoutbeforehim.“What
canIsay?You’rebothjustsogood.Youhavenoideahowhardthisisonus.”

Hardonyou?Paytonnearlyleaptoutofherchairandstrangledhim.

J.D.appearednolessfurious.HestaredBendowncoldly.“Thisisbullshit.Justlastweekyouwere
practicallypromisingthatPaytonandIwerebothlocks.”

Benshruggedthisoff,fartoodismissivelyinPayton’smind.Afterall,thiswasonlyherlife—and
J.D.’s—thattheyweretalkingabout.

“SoIembellishedabit...”Benconcededwithaself-satisfiedgrin.“We’relawyers,that’swhatwe
do.”

“HowconvenientthatyoutellusthisafterwelandtheGibson’scase,”Paytonsaid.“Youusedus,
Ben.”

Benheldupafinger,pointoffact.“Technically,Ionlyusedoneofyou.Becauseoneofyouisstill
goingtomakepartner,andthatpersonwillleadtheGibson’strialteamaspromised.Asfortheother
ofyou,well...”hetrailedoffpointedly.

Paytondidn’tneedBentofinish.She,likeeveryotherlawyerthere,knewaboutthefirm’sunwritten
“uporout”policy.Associateswhodidnotmakepartnerwerequicklytransitionedofftheircasesand
givenashortgraceperiodto“voluntarily”resignandfindanotherjob.

“Iknowthisnewsprobablycomesasashocktoyouboth,”Bensaid.“Anditisextremelyunfortunate
thatcircumstanceshavecausedthingstoendthisway,butthatisthePartnershipCommittee’s
decision.Iwanttoemphasize,however,thatthechoicebetweenthetwoofyouhasnotyetbeenmade.
It’sgoingtocomerightdowntothewire.Soforwhatit’sworth,Iurgeeachofyoutogiveitall
you’vegotfortheseremainingcoupleofweeks.”

Paytonresistedtheurgetolaughbitterlyatthat.Giveitallshe’sgot?Whatmorecouldshegive?A
kidney?Herfirstborn?

SheglancedatJ.D.,sittingnexttoher.Helookedoverandmethergaze,andPaytoncouldtellfrom
thelookinhiseyesthattheysharedthesamethought.

Onlyoneofthemwouldmakeit.

Aftereightyearsofpractice,theywerenowtrulyadversaries.

J.D.MANAGEDTOmaintainanexpressionofunconcerntheentirewalkback.

Whenhegottohisoffice,hesteppedinside,shutthedoorbehindhim,andimmediatelybeganto
pace.Hewashavingtroublethinkingstraight.Hetookaseatathisdesk,ignoringtheblinking
messagelightonhisphone.

MerelytenminutesagowhilesittinginBen’sofficeandjokingwithPayton,hewould’veputhis
chancesofmakingpartneratabout99.99percent.

Suddenly,thoseoddshadplummeted.To50percent.Atbest.

He’dbeentorn,ontheonehandwantingtoyellatBen,wantingtotellhimwhatachickenshitweasel
hewas,andontheotherhand—cognizantofthefactthatthedecisionhadnotyetbeenmadeandthat
hehadnotyetdefinitivelylostoutonmakingpartner—hehadfeltpressedtocontinueplayingalong,
tocontinuebeingthegoodlittleassociatehewas.

Butthetruthofthematterwas,hecouldn’tfuckingbelievethiswashappening.

Throughtheglassonhisdoor,J.D.couldseePaytonhurryingintoheroffice.Hewatchedas,like
him,sheimmediatelyshutthedoorbehindher.Itprovidedhimnoconsolationthatshehadobviously
beenasstunnedbyBen’snewsashe.

Aftereightyears,ithadfinallycomedowntothis.

Himversusher.

Thebuzzofthetelephoneintercom,hissecretary’scall,momentarilystartledhim.

“Yes,Kathy,”heansweredinaclipped,brisktone.Heneededafewmomentsalonetothink.

“Sorrytobotheryou,J.D.,”cameKathy’svoicethroughthespeakerphone.“ChuckWerneraskedthat
youcallhimassoonaspossibletodiscussnextweek’sdepositionschedule.”

J.D.pinchedbetweenhiseyes.Hefeltaheadachecomingonandwasnotatallinthemoodtodeal
withhisopposingcounsel.“Thanks,Kathy.I’llgetbacktohim.”

“Andoneotherthing,”Kathyaddedquickly,seemingtosensehiseagernesstogetoffthephone.
“Yourfathercalledandaskedmetogiveyouamessage.Hesaidyouwouldunderstand.”Shespoke
slowly,confusedbythemessage.“Hesaidtotellyouthatheheardthefirmwasmakingan
announcementtodayandwantedtoknowwhetheryourmotherjustgothernewminkcoat.”

J.D.closedhiseyes.Hisheadachehadsuddenlygottenmuchworse.

PAYTONLEANEDAGAINSTherofficedoorwithhereyesshut.Sheslowlybreathedinandout,
tryingtosteadyherself.

Shewasn’tinherofficefivesecondsbeforeherphonebegantoring.Shetriedtoignoreit.

Thenhersecondlinerang.

Paytonopenedhereyesandheadedtoherdesk.Glancingoverathercomputer,shesawthatshehad
twenty-fivenewemailmessages.

Therewasaknockatherdoor.Withouthesitation,Irmapoppedherheadintotheoffice.

“Oh,good,Ithoughtyouwerehere—youhaveMr.McKaneholdingonlineone,andEricRiley
waitingforyouonlinetwo.HewantstotalkabouttheMiddletontrial.”

Paytoncouldn’tbreathe.Shefeltasthoughthewallswereclosinginaroundher.Athirdcallcamein,
andtheringingofherphoneseemeddeafening.

Sheneededtogetout.

Now.

SheslidpastIrma.“TelleveryoneI’llcallthemback.I...havetotakecareofsomething.Anurgent
matter.”

Withthat,shetookoffinahurrytowardtheelevators.

THEFIFTY-FIFTHFLOORhousedthefirm’slawlibrary.Withgrandcathedralceilingsandsunlit
stained-glasswindows,thelibrary’sgrandeurbefittedadifferentera,atimewhen—egads—lawyers
consultedbooksforinformation.Inthepost-Internetdaysofonlineresearch,however,itwasrareto
findalivingsoulamongstthelibrary’seleganttwo-storymahoganybookshelves—saveforRipley&
Davis’slonelibrarian,Agnes,whohadbeenwiththefirmsinceitsinception.

Nearlysixyearsago,gettinglostwhilelookingfortheaccountingfloor,Paytonhadstumbledupon
thelawlibrary(itwasn’tevenincludedinthenewassociatetouranymore)andhadbeencharmedby
itsquietcalm.Itwasanoasisofserenityamidthechaosandbustleofthefirm’sotherfloors.

Truthfully,itwasalsoprettymuchtheonlyplaceintheentirebuildingtowhichanassociatecould
escapewithoutbeingcalled,emailed,beeped,sentfor,paged,orotherwisehoundedbyne’er-do-well
partnerstryingtopawnoffemergencyTROsat4:00onaFridayafternoon.NotthatPayton—the
highlyindustriousassociateshewas—hadeverpersonallyutilizedthelibraryforsuchnefarious
purposes.Shecouldjustsurmisethatthelibrarywouldbegreatforhidingout,ifonesohappenedto
beinclined.

Paytonburstintothelibrary,relievedtoseethatitwasemptyasalways.Shehurriedpastthe
librarian’sdeskenroutetoherfavorite“thinking”spot:theArchivesshelvesinthefarbackcornerof
thelibrary.

“Hello,Agnes,”shesaidpolitelyasshebreezedby.

AgnesturnedatthesoundofPayton’svoice.Eightyyearsoldifaday,thelibrarian’svisionwasn’tthe
greatest.Shesmiledandwavedinthewrongdirection,addressingtheair.

“Hello,Ms.Kendall!”Agnescalledout.“Cometopracticeanotheropeningstatement?”Itwasthe
excusePaytonhadgivenheryearsago,toexplainwhatshedidwhilehangingoutbyherselfamongst
thelibrarystacks.

“Iwon’tbelongtoday,”Paytonsaidoverhershoulder.Shejustneededaminuteortwotocollect
herself.Ben’snewshadcomeasashock.Allofherangerwasbubblinguptothesurfaceandifshe
didn’tgetamomenttoherselftocalmdown,shemightexplode.

PaytonheadedtotheArchivessection,andwhenshewassafelytuckedoutofsight,shecametoa
stop.Sheleanedagainstthebookshelvesandtookadeepbreath.Andanother.

Keepittogether,shetoldherself.Itwasn’ttheendoftheworld.Yet.Shestillhadachanceofmaking
partner.Shestill—

Oh,hell.Beforeshecouldstopit,tearsoffrustrationwelledupinhereyes.Shelookedupatthe
ceiling.No,no,no,shewouldnotdothis.Nothere,notnow.

ItwasatthatmomentthatPaytonheardAgnescalloutingreetingtosomeoneelse.Shepeered
throughthebookshelvesandsaw—shit!—J.D.standingattheentranceofthelibrary.Paytonwatched
asheheadedovertoAgnes’sdesk,sayingsomethingshecouldn’thear.

Paytonglancedaround,hopingtospotanotherexitoutofthestacks.Shereallycouldn’tdealwithJ.D.
rightthen.Unfortunately,therewasnootherwayout.Peeringthroughthebooks,shesawAgnespoint
totheArchivessectionwhereshewashiding.J.D.nodded,thenbeganwalkingstraighttowardher.

Paytonquicklybrushedawaythetearsfromhereyes,prayingthathermascarawasn’tsmudged.She
neededacover—fast.Shesawanearbystepstoolandclimbedup.Shegrabbedthefirstbookshesaw
offtheshelfandcrackeditopenjustasJ.D.roundedthecorner.

“Payton,”hesaid.

Shefeigneddisinterest,peeringupfromherbook.“Doingalittleresearch,J.D.?”

“Ofcoursenot,”hesaid.“Andneitherareyou.Ifollowedyouhere.”Heglancedaround.“Strange—I
thoughtthiswasanaccountingfloor.”

Paytonclimbeddownfromthestepstool,stillstrivingfornonchalance.“Youfollowedmehere?Any
particularreason?”

J.D.seemedembarrassedbythequestion.“Isawyourunoutofyouroffice.Afterourmeetingwith
Ben,Ithoughtthatmaybeyou,well...”hetrailedoffawkwardly.

Great,Paytonrealized.Exactlywhatsheneeded—J.D.’spity.Shesuddenlyfelttearsthreateningonce
again.

“I’mfine,”Paytonsaid,turningherbacktohim.“Really.”

ShefeltJ.D.’shandonhershoulder.“Don’tdothis,Payton,”hesaidinasoftvoice.

Itwastoomuch,hearingJ.D.speaklikethat.Sheneededtomakehimstop.Sheforcedherselftolook
indifferentassheturnedaround.“Whatdoyouwant,J.D.?BecauseIwasthinking,foronce,that
maybeyoucouldjustbackoff.”

J.D.’sfacehardenedatherwords,whichunfortunatelyhadcomeoutsoundingharsherthanshe’d
meantthemto.

Hepulledbackandfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Well,somebodysureseemsalittletense.You
wouldn’tbeworriedaboutthisdecision,wouldyou?”

Paytonfeignedconfidence.“No.”

“No?”

Sheraisedherchinstubbornly.“No.”

AlookofworrycrossedJ.D.’sface.“Youknowalready,”hestatedwoodenly.“Youknowthey’re
goingtochooseyou.”

“Iknowthatifthefirmgoesbymerit,they’llpickme,”Paytonsaid.

J.D.narrowedthegapbetweentheminonestride.“Youreallythinkyou’rethatmuchbetterthanme?”

Paytonstoodherground.“Yes.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Please—ifthefirmpicksyou,webothknowthereason.”

Paytonsmirkedatthis.“Whatreasonisthat?My‘girls’?”

J.D.shrugged.“Yousaidit.”

“Bullshit,”Paytonsaid.“You,Ben,andprettymucheveryothermanatthisfirmareallonebigteam
—youallwenttothesameIvyLeagueschools;you’reallmembersofthesamecountryclubs.And
tellme,J.D.—howmanyofDaddy’sCEOfriendsdidyoupromiseyoucouldbringinasclients?Ibet
themembersofthePartnershipCommitteearejustfoamingatthemouthatthethoughtofthemoney
you’llbringinwithyourconnections.Oryourfather ’sconnections,Ishouldsay.”

Shewasbeingmean,reallymean,andsheknewit.ButPaytoncouldn’tseemtostopherself—the
floodgateshadopenedandalltheemotionsofthelasttwentyminuteswerepouringout.

ShesawJ.D.’seyesflashwithanger.“Oh,butwhataboutwhatyoucangivethem,Payton?”

“Thisshouldbegood.Enlightenme.”

“Diversity.Iftheychoseyou,thePartnershipCommitteecanpatthemselvesonthebackforhiringthe
rightdemographic.”

Withaloudslam,Paytonthrewthebookshehadbeenholdingontotheshelfnexttoher.Dustflew
everywhere,includingontothesleeveofJ.D.’sjacket.“Diversity?”sherepeatedincredulously.“Why
don’tyoulookaroundthisfirmsometime—everyonehereisjustlikeyou,J.D.Whitewithapenis.”

Ignoringthis,J.D.pointedtothedustonhissleeve.“Takeiteasyonthesuit,cupcake.Thiswashand-
tailoredinLondon.”

“Oh—I’msorry.Iguessyou’lljusthavetopickupanotheronethenexttimeyouvisitHerMajesty
fortea.Isn’tsheanotherfriendofthefamily?”Angrily,PaytonshovedJ.D.outofherwayand
stormedthroughthestacks.

J.D.followedafterher.“AreyousayingIdon’tdeservethis?”hedemanded.“I’vebilledovertwenty-
ninehundredhoursforthepasteightyears!”

Paytonwhippedaround.“SohaveI!Andtheonlydifferencebetweenyouandmeisthatstatisticssay
you’remorelikelytokeepitup.Thefirmdoesn’tworrythatonedayyou’lldecideyouwanttoleave
atfivetokissyourkidsgoodnight.”

J.D.steppedclosertoher.Thencloseragain,literallytrappingheragainstthebookshelves.

“Sparemethefeministrant,Payton.It’sgettingalittletired.I’vehadtoworkmyassofftogetwhere
Iam,whileyouhadyourticketwrittenfromtheminuteyousteppedintothisfirm.”

Paytonfeltherfaceflushwithanger.“Really?Well,youknowwhatIthink,J.D.?”Shejabbedhis
chestwithoneofherfingers.“Ithinkthatyouareanuptight,pony-owning,trickle-down-economics-
loving,Scotch-on-the-rocks-drinking,my-wife-better-take-my-last-namesexistjerk!”

J.D.grabbedherhandandpulleditaway.“Well,atleastI’mnotastubborn,button-pushing,Prius-
driving,chip-on-your-shoulder-holding,‘stay-at-home-mom’-is-the-eighth-dirty-word-thinking
feminazi!”

Hehadherpressedagainstthebookshelves,hisbodyagainsthers,herhandpinnedtohersideashe
glareddownather.Sheglaredupathimrightback.

Hewasfurious.Sowasshe.

Neitherofthemmoved.Andinthatmoment,thestrangestthoughtpoppedintoPayton’shead.

ShehadthefeelingthatJ.D.wasgoingtokissher.

And—evenstranger—shehadafeelingthatshejustmightlethim.

J.D.musthavereadthelookonherface.Paytonsawhiseyesflash—butnotwithangerthistime—and
shefelthishandsuddenlyreachforthenapeofherneck,thestrengthofhisarmspullingherin,his
headbendingdowntohers,andevenasshecursedhimforthinkingshewouldever,everallowit,she
closedhereyesandpartedherlipsand—

“Excuseme.”

TheshockofthevoicehitPaytonlikeacoldbucketofice.

Sheblinkedasifcomingoutofafog,andbothsheandJ.D.turnedtheirheadstoseeAgnesstanding
attheendoftheaisle,wavingatthem.Paytoncouldonlyimaginehowitlooked,thetwoofthem
wild-eyedandpressedupagainsteachother.

Buttheamiablelibrarianwaseitherextremelydiscreetormorelikely—giventheCoke-bottle-sized

glassesperchedhighatophernose—extremelyblind.Shesmiledatthemastheystoodthere,frozen.

“Ijustwantedtoremindyouthatwecloseintenminutes,”shesaidpleasantly.

“Thankyou,Agnes,”Paytonsaid,herbreathragged.Perhapsiftheydidn’tmove,theoctogenarian
couldn’tseethem.LikeT.rex.

“We’llbejustamomentlonger,”J.D.said.Hisvoicesoundedhusky.Sexy.

Paytonhadnoideawhyshejustthoughtthat.

Agnesnodded,thenleft.Assoonasshewasoutofsight,PaytonangrilyshovedJ.D.offher.

“Stayawayfromme,Jameson,”shesaid,hervoicestillalittleshaky.Sheclearedherthroatand
hopedshewasn’tblushing.

J.D.straightenedupandadjustedhissuitindifferently.“Notaproblem.Infact,it’smypleasure.”With
anod,hesteppedoutofherway.

Paytonmovedpasthim,eyesfacingforward.Butwhenshegottotheendoftheaisle,shecouldn’t
helpit—sheturnedandlookedback.

“Oh,andbytheway”—sheflungherhairbackconfidently—“thatpartnershipspotismine.”

J.D.lookedherover.“Don’tbetyourPriusonthat.”Withahaughtywink,hebrushedpastherand
coollywalkedoutofthelibrary.

TEMPORARYINSANITY.

Thatwasherdefense.

Thestressoffindingoutshemightnotmakepartnerhadmomentarilymadeherloseit,allthe
marbles,gone.

Nottomentionthehigh-altitudesickness.Herbodysimplywasn’tusedtotheloweroxygenlevelsof
thefifty-fifthfloor.

Butallthathadnowpassed.

Paytonthankfullywasonceagainclearheadedandfocused.Shehadcomethisfar,shewouldnotlose
now,shewouldnotlettheselasteightyearsallhavebeenfornothing.Inotherwords—

Thiswaswar.

ShecalledLaneyduringthecabridehomefromwork.Shetoldherbestfriendeverything.
EverythingabouthermeetingwithBenthatis,aboutthePartnershipCommittee’sdecisiontoname

onlyonelitigationpartner.Shedidnot,however,seeanypointindiscussingherargumentwithJ.D.
Whateverthatlittleblowoutwas,itwasover.Shehadacareer,onepotentiallyinjeopardy,tofocus
on.

Attheendoftheconversation,Paytoncheckedhervoicemailanddiscovered—toherpleasant
surprise—thatshehadamessagefromthePerfectChase,askingtomeetherforadrinklaterthat
week.

Paytondecidedtomeethim.Sheneededthedistraction.

Bythetimeshearrivedhome,shehadmanagedtoconvinceherselfthattheonlythingsheneeded
distractingfromwaswork.

J.D.WASTHElastpersontoleavetheofficethatnight.

Abouttwentyminutesago,hehadglancedupfromhiscomputerandseenPaytonpackingupher
briefcasefortheevening.Shehadn’toncelookedinthedirectionofhisofficeassheleft.

Good,J.D.thought.Hepreferreditwhentheyweren’ttalking.Thingsweremuchsimplerwhenthey
weren’ttalking.

Hestilldidn’tunderstandwhyhehadfollowedPaytontothelibraryinthefirstplace.Clearly,thathad
beenamistake.

Stayawayfromme,Jameson.

Asifheeverhadanyintentionotherwise.Sure,theirargumentinthelibraryhadgottenalittleoutof
hand.Andtherewasthatmomentwhen...well,thatwasnothing.Andevenmoreimportant,inlight
ofherreaction,hemostdefinitelywouldnotbeinterestedinevertryingnothingagain.He—J.D.
Jameson—couldeasilyfindmoreamiabletryststodiverthisattentionthanthatangryshrewofa
woman.

Oh,andbytheway...thatpartnershipspotismine.

Hmm...let’sthinkaboutthat.Hewasoneofthetoplawyersinthecity,shehadsaidsoherself.
Shouldhebescared?Shouldhethrowinthetowel,tosseightyearsofhardworkdownthedrainand
cedethepartnershipallbecauseofsomewomaninafittedskirtandhighheels?

Notbloodylikely.

Nine

PAYTONARRIVEDATtherestauranttenminuteslate.

SheblamedthisprimarilyonLaney,whohadbeenmicromanagingthedateeversincePaytonhad
spokentothePerfectChaseandsetituptwodaysago.Thankfully,Laneyhadapprovedofherchoice
inlocale,SushiSambaRio,whichwasupscale(“nofeministBS,Payton—lethimpay”)althoughnot
overtlyflashy(“butdon’torderanythingovertwenty-fivedollars;youdon’twanttolooklikea
materialisthussy”)andhadaseparateloungeanddiningarea.Thisway,Paytonfigured,sheand
Chasewouldstartwithdrinksand,ifthingswentwell,couldstayfordinner.

Nowanyonewhohaseverbeenonablinddateiswellfamiliarwith“TheMoment”—thatmoment
whereyoufirstwalkintothebarorrestaurantorcoffeeshopandscanthecrowdandsuddenlyyour
heartstopsandyousaytoyourself:oh,please—letitbehim.

Andthenyouimmediatelythink,wait—itcan’tbehim,whywouldanyonewholookslikehimbeona
blinddate?Butyouallowyourselftohopeanyway,until—inevitably—someequallygorgeous
womancomesbackfromtherest-roomandsitsdownathistable,andyourealizethat—luckyyou
—yourdateistheschmoeatthebarwiththelamebluebutton-downshirtandhigh-waistedkhaki
pantswhoobviouslyjustfinishedhisshiftatBlockbuster.

Whichexplainswhy,whenPaytonfirstwalkedintotherestaurantthatevening,sheimmediately
noticedtheguyatthebarinthedarkshirtandjeans,butthenjustasquicklyturnedherattention
elsewhere,havingwrittenhimoffasfartoodelicious.

Seeingnootherlikelyprospects,PaytonfiguredthePerfectChasewasattheveryleastnotsoperfect
byrunningevenlaterthanshe,soshetookaseatatthebartowait.Shehadn’tevenhadthechanceto
orderbeforeshefeltsomeonetapherontheshoulderfrombehind.Paytonturnedaroundandhadto
stiflehergasp.

SweetJesus.

ItwasTheDeliciousinthedarkshirtandjeans.

“Payton,right?”TheDeliciousaskedwithafriendlysmile.“LaneyaskedNatetocallandtellmewhat
youwerewearing.Thatgirlthinksofeverything,doesn’tshe?”

Wow.

Laney—thatsneakylittleRepublican—hadknockeditoutoftheballparkwiththisone.

Paytongrinned.“YoumustbeChase.”Assheextendedherhandinintroduction,shetookthe
opportunitytogivehimamorethoroughonce-over.

Hehaddarkwavyhairandwarmbrowneyes.VeryPat-rickDempsey/McDreamy-esque.Goodbuild,
notterriblytall,maybeonlyfive-ten-ish,butsincePaytonmeasuredinatexactlyfive-threeandone-
thirdinch,shecouldworkwiththis.

Chasetookherhand.Hisgripwasfirm.“It’sapleasure,Payton,”hesaid,stillwithanutterlygenuine,
easysmile.

Uh-oh.Payton’sbullshitradarwentonhighalert.Hewastoonice.Sheeyedhimcautiouslyashetook
aseatnexttoheratthebar.

Butastheytalkedandordereddrinks,PaytonbegantohaveasneakingsuspicionthatChase’snice-
guyroutinewasn’taroutineatall.Heseemedgenuinelyfriendlyand—evenmoreshockingfora
blinddate—completelynormal.

“So,Laneytellsmeyou’realawyeraswell,”Chasesaidasthebartendersettheirdrinksdownin
frontofthem,aFrenchmartiniforher,aTomCollinsforhim.Paytonmadeamentalnotetoask
whatwasinhisdrinktheynexttimetheyordered.(Oh,yes—shehadalreadydecidedtherewouldbea
secondround.)

Paytonnodded.“Idolaborandemploymentlitigation.”Shetoldhimalittleaboutherpractice,then
askedabouthis.

“IjustmovedheretobethenewgeneralcounselfortheChicagoLegalClinic,”Chasesaid.“Perhaps
you’veheardofus?We’reaprivatenot-for-profitfirmthatprovideslegalservicestoindividuals
whomeetthefederalpovertyguidelines.”

Paytonwasimpressed.Howaltruisticofhim.Hermotherwouldlovethisguy.“Generalcounsel?
Laneyhadn’tmentionedthat.”

Chasegrinned.“Itsoundslikeamuchmoreimportantpositionthanitreallyis.”

Inherprofession,itwasrareforPaytontomeetsomeoneactuallydisinclinedtobrag.Andastheir
conversationcontinued,shewaspleasantlysurprisedtodiscoverthatChaseseemedjustasmodest
abouthisotheraccomplishments.Whentheygotaroundtothesubjectoflawschool(asubjecttwo
lawyerswillalwaysgetaroundto),shelikedthathereferredtohiseducationas“goingtoschoolin
Boston”ratherthanidentifyingHarvardbyname.Andwhensheaskedwhathehaddonepriorto
comingtoChicagotoworkfortheLegalClinic,she’dnearlyhadtopryitoutofhimthathehadbeen
theassistantchiefofstaffforacertainsenatorwhohadrunforpresidentinthelastelection.Hedidn’t
liketoname-drop,hetoldher,mildlyembarrassed.

Afterawhile,theymovedtoaprivatetableinthebackofthebarfortheirsecondroundofdrinks.(A
TomCollins,Paytonhadsincelearned,consistedofgin,lemonjuice,soda,sugar,and—hmm—a
maraschinocherry.)

AsChasefinishedtellingastoryaboutthecoedsoftballleagueheandLaney’shusbandplayedin,
Paytoncockedherheadcuriously.“Ihopeyoudon’ttakethisthewrongway,butyoureallydon’t
seemlikethetypicalHarvardLawtype.”

Chaselaughedgood-naturedly.“That’swhatIsaidmyself,everyday,rightupuntilImailedinmy
acceptance.”Heleanedintowardher,hisbrowneyesdancingwithamusement.“Laneywarnedme
aboutthis,Payton,andIjusthavetosayfortherecordthatwe’renotalltotalassholes,usIvy
Leaguers.Someofusactuallygotherefortheeducation—notjusttobeabletobragthatwewentto

Harvard.”

Paytoncouldn’thelpbutsmile.Pointtaken.“NowwhatamIsupposedtosaytothat?Ihateitwhen
youHarvardboysareright.”

“ThenIpromisetoscrewupplentyonourseconddate—ifthereisaseconddate,”Chaseaddedwitha
wink.

ItwasthewinkthatmadePaytonthinkofJ.D.

Morespecifically,ofherandJ.D.inthelibrary.Thehaughtywayhe’dtoldhernottocounton
makingpartner.Howangryhe’dbeenwhenthey’dargued.Thewayhe’dfuriouslybackedheragainst
thebookshelves.Andthewayhe’dlookedatherrightbeforeshe’d—ahem—beenstrickenwiththe
high-altitudesickness.

Paytonpushedthememoryfromhermind.Shewasonadate.Itwasbadenoughshehadtodealwith
J.D.atwork—therewasnowayshewasgoingtolethimintrudeonherpersonaltime,too.

SoPaytonrestedherchininherhandandlookedatthehandsomemansittingacrossthetablefrom
herwithablatantcome-hithersmile.

“Ifthereisaseconddate?”sheaskedcoyly.

Overthelightofthecandlethatflickeredinthecenteroftheirtable,Chasereturnedthesmile.

“Whenthereisaseconddate.”

“SOBASICALLY,YOUactedlikeatotaltrollop.”

“Laney!”

“Amanisn’tgoingtobuythecow,Payton,ifhecangetthemilkforfree.”

“Wedidn’tevenkiss!”Paytonprotested,notbotheringtohideherlaugh.Thethingsthatcameoutof
herfriend’smouthsometimes.

Theyweretalkingatwork,inPayton’soffice.ShehadgottenhometoolatetocallLaneythenight
before,havingdonethreeroundsofdrinkswiththePerfectChase.Thetwoofthemhadtalkedso
muchtheyhadn’tnoticedwhentherestaurant’skitchenclosed.Hence,Paytonhadn’thadanythingto
eatwithherthreerounds.Hence,theslightheadacheandnauseousfeelingshe’dbeenbattlingsince
wakingup.Shewasquicklyrememberingwhyshedidn’tlikegoingoutonweeknights,especially
whenshehadtobeintheofficeby7:30a.m.

“Wait,youdidn’tkisshim?”Laney’stonesuddenlychangedandsheeyedPaytonsuspiciously.
“What’swrong?Don’tyoulikehim?”

Paytondugthroughthestackofjuryinstructionsonherdesk.“Oh—lookwhowantstogossipnow.”

“Tellme,Payton,”Laneydemanded.“NatetellsmeChaseisareallygreatguy.I’vealreadyhad
visionsofthesevenofusbarbecuingonSundays.”

“Thesevenofus?”

“Therearethechildren,ofcourse.”

Paytonnodded.“Isee.And...seven?”

“NateandIhavetwins—aboyandagirl.”

“Ofcourseyoudo.”

Laneyfidgetedinherchairimpatiently.“So,comeonthen—didyoulikehim?”

“OfcourseIlikedhim,”Paytonsaid.“Imean,what’snottolike?He’sgood-lookingandniceand
successful...”

“But?”

“Well,heorderedadrinkwithacherry.”

Laneysighed.“Isee.Okay,whatever.Itried.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Paytonasked,goingonthedefensive.

“Clearly,you’retryingtofindsomethingwrongwithhim,”Laneysaid.“Hisbeverageselection?
Comeon,that’sridiculous.”

Paytontookissuewiththis.“Waitasecond—whywouldItrytofindsomethingwrongwithChase?”

“Goodquestion.Youtellme.”

“There’snothingtotell.Aswealreadyestablishedfromthe‘trollop’comment,heandIaregoingon
aseconddate.”

“I’mjustputtingitouttherethatyoureallymightwanttogivethisguyachance,”Laneylectured.

“Itoldyou,Ilikehim!”

“Good.”

“Wehavealotincommon—wetalkedforhours.”

“Gladtohearit.”Laneysaidnothingfurther;shejuststaredatPaytonwiththefainttraceofasmile.

“Youarejustallovermewiththis,”Paytonsaid,semi-annoyed.

“Iknow.I’mreallyboredwithworkthesedays.”

“I’dbehappytoassignyouafewofmycases,ifyouneedthingstokeepyoubusy,”Payton
grumbled.

“Asifanylawyercouldeverhandleyourcasesasskillfullyasyou,”Laneydeclinedsmoothly.

Paytonsniffedatthis,partiallymollified.Howtrue.

“Let’shopethePartnershipCommitteeagreeswithyouonthat,”shesaid.

“Anyfurtherwordonthatfront?”Laneyasked.

Paytonshookherhead.“No.JustthatBensaidthatJ.D.andIshouldgiveitallwe’vegotthesenext
fewweeks.”Shegesturedtothestackoffilesonherdesk.“Forstarters,Ibetterwinthistrial.”She
sighed,restingherchininherhands.“Ican’tlosethis,Laney.”

“Youwon’t,”Laneytoldhermatter-of-factly.“You’veneverlostanything.”

PaytonglancedthroughherwindowtoJ.D.’sofficeacrossthehall.Shecouldseehimworking
diligently,asalways.

“Iknow.Butneitherhashe.”

FORTHENEXTtwodays,PaytonhadlittletimetoworryaboutJ.D.,soengrossedwassheinthe
finalpreparationsforhertrial.SheandBrandon,thejuniorassociateworkingwithheronthecase,
bunkereddowninherofficefromdawntilldusk,runningthroughthetrialfromjuryselectionto
closingarguments.Thetrialwasscheduledtolastjustundertwoweeks,whichmeantitwouldbe
essentiallythelastassignmentuponwhichshecouldbejudgedbythePartnershipCommitteebefore
theymadetheirdecision.Avictorywouldbeatremendousfeatherinhercap;alosswouldbe
disastrous.

PaytonknewthatJ.D.,too,hadalotonhisplate.Attheirmonthlylitigationgroupluncheon,she
overheardhimmentiontoMax,aseniorpartnerwho“justhappened”tobeonthePartnership
Committee,thathewasjugglingtwoclasscertificationoppositions,bothofwhichhewasconfident
hewouldsuccessfullywrapupbytheendofthemonth.

Standingnearby,PaytonwascertainJ.D.’scommentwasprimarilyforherbenefit.Sosheturnedto
Helen,anotherseniorpartnerwhoalso“justhappened”tobeonthePartnershipCommittee,andsaid
shehadheardthatHelen’sdaughterwasapplyingforlawschoolattheUniversityofIllinois,Payton’s
almamater.

“It’sawonderfulschool,andsuchagoodbargainwithin-statetuition,”Paytonsaid.

Helennodded,agreeingwiththis.“I’mjustkeepingmyfingerscrossedthatshegetsin.Shedidn’tdo
quiteaswellontheLSATasshehadhoped.”

“I’dbehappytowriteyourdaughterarecommendation,”Paytonoffered.

Outofnowhere,LaneywassuddenlyatPayton’sside.

“Youdefinitelyshouldtakeheruponthat,Helen—theylovePaytonatthatschool.She’stoomodest
totellyouthis,butdidyouknowthatPaytongraduatedfirstinherclassandsetanewrecordforthe
mostperfectscoresearnedonfinalexamsbyanyonestudent?”

Paytoncould’vekissedLaneyrightthere.

“Wow,”saidHelen.SheturnedtoPayton.“Iamimpressed.Maybewecouldhavelunchsometimethis
week,Payton?Wecouldtalkaboutthatrecommendationformydaughter.Andwhoknows?Perhaps
somedaysoonI’llbeabletoreturnthefavor...”Shewinked.

Afewmomentslater,afterHelenwalkedaway,J.D.saunteredovertoPaytonandLaney.Heclapped
sarcastically.

“Wellplayed,ladies.”J.D.lookedPaytonover.“ButIwouldn’tbookthatflighttoBora-Borayet,
Kendall.It’sgoingtotakealotmorethanthevoteoftheonefemaleonthePartnershipCommitteeto
winthis.”Hesmiled.“Ihadalreadyconcededthatonetoyou,anyway.”

Withthat,heturnedandconfidentlystrolledoutoftheconferenceroom.PaytonandLaneywatched
himgo.

Laneyshookherhead.“Unbelievable.”

Paytongestured.“See—Itoldyou.”

“Thatmanhassuchagreatbutt.”

“Laney!”

“What?I’mconservative,Payton,notblind.”

SOMEWHEREAROUNDFIVE,theeveningbeforehertrialbegan,Paytonreachedhersaturation
point.Shehadpreparedallherdirectandcross-examinations,hadpracticedheropeningstatement,
reviewedandtakennotesoneverywitness’sdepositiontranscript,andhadthoroughlypreparedher
client’sownwitnessesfortheirtestimonies.Nowtherewasnothingleftforhertodoexcepttoaccept
thefactthattherewasnothingleftforhertodo.Notaneasytask,consideringwhatshefeltwasriding
ontheoutcomeofthistrial.

Sheneededadistraction.Lefttoherowndevices,shewouldeitherdriveherselfcrazy,worryingover
insignificantminutiae,orshewouldstartcallingBrandonwithquestions,thusdrivinghimcrazy.

Laneywasbusy,Paytonknew.Tonight,unbeknownsttoNate,herfriendhadpreparedaPowerPoint
presentationforherhusband—completewithestimatedincomegraphs,costoflivinganalyses,anda

fertilityprojection—logicallydetailingallthereasonswhytheyneededtostarttryingtohaveababy
now.Andasforherotherfriends,Paytonknewbetterthantocallthem—nothingwasmoreannoying
toanonlawyerthantobestuckwithonethenightbeforeatrial.Everysentencetendedtostartwith,
“So,ifyouwereajuroronthiscase,whatwouldyouthinkif...?”

Therewas,however,somebodywhowouldbeperfectcompanyfortheevening.Shepickedupthe
phoneonherdesk.

“Hi,”shesaidwhenheanswered.“Iknowit’sshortnotice,butIthoughtI’dseeifyouhappenedtobe
freefordinnertonight.”

ANHOURLATER,PaytonwaitedintheloungeatDeLaCostarestaurant.She’dmanagedtoscorea
bartablealongthewindowwithaviewoverlookingthecanal.

ShesmiledasthePerfectChasewalkedin,lookingverydashinginhislightsummersweateranddark
brownpants.

Hereturnedthesmileashetooktheseatacrossfromher.“Sorry—mycabgotstuckintraffic.”

Thewaitressapproachedtotakehisdrinkorder.

“ATomCollins,”Chasetoldher.“But,please—makesurethereisabsolutelynocherryinit.”

Paytonnearlydiedofembarrassmentrightthere.Oh,mygod,shewasgoingtokillLaney.

ChaselaughedatthesheepishlookonPayton’sface.“It’sokay,Payton.Idon’tgetoffendedeasily.”
Hereachedacrossthetableandtookherhandinhis,lightlystrokinghisthumbacrossherfingers.
“I’mjustgladyoucalled.”

Paytonrelaxed.ItwasprettymuchimpossiblenottolikeChase.Hewassolowmaintenance,being
withhimfelt...comfortable.

“I’mgladyoucouldmakeit,”shetoldhim.Afterall,comfortablewasgood.

Wasn’tit?

ThewaitressbroughtChasehischerry-lessdrinkandaskedthetwoofthemifthey’dliketoorder
appetizers.

Paytonaskedforamoment.Sheskimmedthemenu,quicklysearchingforthingswithoutmeat.She
neverlookedforwardtothispartofherfirstdinnerdatewithaguy;shehatedcomingoffasfussy.

ShesawChasepeekingoverather,seeminglyabitself-conscioushimself.“Inlightofthewhole
cherrydebacle,Ialmosthatetosaythis,butIshouldletyouknowthatI’mavegetarian.”

Paytonsethermenudownonthetableindisbelief.“SoamI!”Shelaughed.Funnycoincidence.

“Howlongforyou?”Chaseasked.

“Sincebirth.Mymother ’sdoing.”

“Fish?”

“Nope.‘Nothingwithaface,’asmymomusedtosay.”

“Nothingwithaface,”Chaserepeated.“Ilikethat.”

Aftertheydecidedwhatmeatlessappetizerstotry,Chasesignaledthewaitressandplacedtheirorder.
AsPaytonwatchedhim,shecouldn’thelpbutthink:ifshehadcreatedhimàlaWeirdScienceat

build-a-date.com

,hadhimpackaged,wrappedupinaredbow,andshippedrighttoherfrontdoor,

shecouldn’thavefoundaguyseeminglymoreperfectforherthanChaseBellamy.

Sowhywastheresomethingnaggingather?

Shewasjustoutofsorts,sheassuredherself.Shewasfeelinganxiousandunderpressurewiththe
loomingpartnershipdecision.Nothingelse.

SheheardChaseaskheraquestion;hewantedtoknowabouthertrial.Hesaidhe’dlovetodropby
thecourthouseonedaytowatchher.

Paytonbrushedasidehermisgivings.

Afterall,itwouldbeasillywomanindeedwhodislikedamansimplybecausehelikedher.

Ten

ITALLSTARTEDinnocentlyenough.

Paytonwasintheseconddayofhertrial,andthingswereprogressingwell.Herclient,aFortune500
wirelesscarrier,hadbeensuedforsexualharassmentstemmingfromanincidentthatoccurredatone
ofitssalesoffices.Accordingtotheplaintiff,afemalesalesrepresentative,shehadacceptedaride
homefromhermalemanagerafterthecompany’sannualboatcruiseandafterpullingintoher
driveway,themanagerhad—onemightperhapssay—sexuallypropositionedher.

Or—onemightperhapsalsosay—heunzippedhisflyandaskedwhethershewantedto“test-drivehis
lovestick.”

Whetherornottheincidenthadoccurredwasnotindispute,astheplaintiffhadbeenthoughtful
enoughtosnapaphotoofsaidlovestickwithhercellphone,whichhadnowcometobeknownas
“ExhibitA”ofthetrial.

“Firetheguy,”Paytonhadadvisedherclientinnouncertaintermswhentheincidenthadfirstcometo
lightalittleoverayearago.“Andtellhimtogetabetterline.That’sjustembarrassing.”

Firingthemanager,however,hadnotbeenenoughtosatisfytheplaintiff,whohadslappedthe
companywithatwo-million-dollarlawsuit.Becausenoonedisputedtheincidenthadoccurred,
Payton’sjobattrialwastoestablishthatthecompanyhadefficientlyandappropriatelyrespondedto
theincident,thusabsolvingitofanyliabilityunderthelaw.

Steponeofherdefensestrategystartedonthefirstdayoftrial,withjuryselection.Inlightofthe
infamousExhibitA(whichtheplaintiff’sattorneyshadblownuptoridiculouslygargantuan
proportionsandundoubtedlyplannedtodisplaythroughouttheentirecourseofthetrial),Paytonhad
avoidedselectinganyjurorshefelthadwhatonemightcall“delicatesensibilities.”Someonewho
perhapstendedtowardwhatonemightdescribeasa“conservativelymoralistic”viewpoint;onewho
couldpossiblybeoutragedbytheconductofthedefendant’sex-employeeandwanttoeasethat
outrageintheformofdollarsthrowninthedirectionoftheplaintiff.

Inotherwords,noLaneys.

Nobodywhowouldtakeonelookatasix-footcolorphotoofahalf-mastpenispoppingoutofa
Dockersbutton-fly(hello!)andpromptlyaskhowmanyzerosareinagazillion.

Fromthere,steptwoofPayton’sdefensestrategywastosettherighttoneforthetrialinheropening
statement:sympathetic,butfirm.Understandingandincompleteagreementthatmanageriallove
sticksshouldbekeptfirmlytuckedbehindclosedzippers,butrationalandlogicalinguidingthejury
tounderstandthatherclient,theemployer,wasnotfinanciallyliabletothetuneoftwomilliondollars
fortheactionsofonerogueex-employee.

Paytonhopedshehadaccomplishedthattaskthismorning.J.D.hadbeenrightwhenhe’dtoldJasper
thatshehadquiteabitoftrialexperienceunderherbelt,andwiththatshelikedtothinkshewasfairly
skilledatreadingjurors’bodylanguage.Shehadstartedheropeningstatementbygesturingto

ExhibitA,thesix-foothalf-mastpenisphoto,thatplaintiff’scounselhaddisplayedfrontandcenter
duringhisopeningstatement.

“Wow,”Paytonhadsaid,eyeingthephotoassheturnedtothejurytobegin.“Ifthecourthousecoffee
wasn’tenoughtowakeyouup,seeingthatatninea.m.surewill.”

Thejuryhadlaughed.

Now,anydaythatapersondeliversanopeningstatementwhilestandinginfrontofasix-foot
billboardofsemierectmalegenitaliaisclearlyabitofanunusualday.Butthatwasjustthetipofthe
icebergofeventsthatspiraledoutofcontroloverthenextforty-eighthours.

Paytonreturnedtotheofficeduringherlunchbreak;sheandBrandonplannedtousethetimeto
reviewthecross-examinationsoftheplaintiff’switnessesthatwouldbeginthatafternoon.Whenshe
gottotheoffice,however,shefoundIrmainafranticstate,diggingthroughthefilesonPayton’s
desk.

“Thankgodyou’rehere,”IrmasaidassoonasshesawPaytonwalkthroughthedoor.“Mariecalled
—she’sbeenlookingeverywhereforthereceiptforyourdinneratJaponaiswiththeGibson’sreps.
Sheneedstosubmititbeforethecloseofthebillingcycle—AccountsPayablewon’tprocessanyof
theexpendituresforyourpitchuntiltheyhaveallthereceiptsinhand.”

Paytonfrowned.“J.D.paidforthedinner,notme.Heshouldhavethereceipt.”

Irmalookedatherhelplessly.“Iknow,andItoldthattohissecretary,butshecouldn’tfinditinhis
office.”

“SotellhertosimplyaskJ.D.whereitis.”

“He’sinaconferenceroomupstairs,preparingforacourthearinghehasthisafternoon.Hetold
Kathyhe’dlookforthereceiptlater.”Irmasighedapologetically.“I’msorry,Payton,Iknowyou’re
busy,too—Idon’tmeantobotheryouwiththis.It’sjustthatBenisonMarie’sbackaboutthis,which
meansthatshe’sonmine.”

Paytoncheckedherwatch.ShewantedIrmatotypeupthetrialnotesBrandonhadtakenthatmorning
beforesheheadedbacktocourtatonethirty.Thefastershecouldresolvethisbusinessoverthe
receipt,thebetter.

ShehandedIrmathenotes.“Here—taketheseandstarttypingthemup.I’lllookinJ.D.’sofficeand
seeifIcanfindthereceipt.”

Irmanoddedandhurriedoff.PaytonheadedacrossthehallandletherselfintoJ.D.’soffice.

HowveryunlikeJ.D.,shethought,tooverlooksomethingasbasicassubmittingareceipt.Ifanything,
itwasanindicationofthepressurehe’dbeenundersinceBenhaddroppedhisbombshellthatonly
oneofthemwouldmakepartner.

Good.Shewasgladtoseeshewasn’ttheonlyonewhowasonedgethesedays.

PaytonlookedfirstontopofthecredenzathatranalongthewallofJ.D.’soffice,searchingforthe
receiptoranysortoffilerelatedtotheGibson’smatter.Findingnothingthere,shemovedontohis
desk.

Atfirstshesawnothing.Then—almosthavingoverlookedit—shesawtheedgeofasmallishpieceof
paperpeekingoutfromunderthedeskcalendarthatsatontopofJ.D.’sdesk.Wonderingifthatcould
beit,Paytonhastilyreachedovertoliftupthecalendarand—

Shit!—somehowmanagedtoknockoveraStarbuckscupperchedneartheedgeofJ.D.’sdesk.Coffee
pouredoutthelid.Paytonimmediatelyreacted,shegrabbedthecup,butnotfastenoughascoffee
spilledovertheedgeofJ.D.’sdeskandontohischair—

Andrightontohissuitjacket,whichhepresumablyhadnicelysetoutoverthearmofthechairto
preventwrinkles.

Paytonsworeunderherbreathasshescrambled;shelookedaroundforanapkin,Kleenex,anything
towipeupthecoffee,whichwasquicklysettingintoJ.D.’ssuit.Notseeinganything,shegrabbedthe
jacket—maybeshecouldrunitundercoldwaterorsomething—indoingsoshehappenedtonotice
thelabel,ithadbeentailor-madeinLondon.Shesmirked;ofcourseithadbeen.Sheremembered
backtotheirfightinthelibraryandthesmugwayJ.D.hadsaid—

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”

Paytonfrozeatthesoundofhisvoice.

Sheimmediatelyknewhowitmust’velooked,herholdingacoffeecupinonehand,hisstainedsuitin
theother.Andasmirkonherface.

PaytonlookedandsawJ.D.standinginthedoorwaywithaverypissed-offexpression.Heheldhis
briefcase,asifhewaspreparedtoleaveforcourt,andofcoursehewasimpeccablydressedina
tailoredshirtandpantsthatfithimperfectly.

Shehadnoideawhyshejustnoticedthat.

Movingon.

SheturnedtoJ.D.toexplain.“IwaslookingforthereceiptfortheGibson’sdinner.”

J.D.ignoredher.Hepointed.“Isthatcoffeeonmyjacket?”

“Yeeee...s.”

Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Oh,Isee.MaybeyouthoughtIstashedtheGibson’sreceiptina
Starbuckscup?”

Paytonwentforajoke.“It’snotmywayoffilingthings,but...”shetrailedoff.

Hewasnotamused.

J.D.tookherinwithamockingtiltofhishead.“That’sawfullypassive-aggressiveforyou,isn’tit?”

Paytonstaredathim.Ofcoursehethoughtshedidthisonpurpose.

Nowshefoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“You’vegottobekidding.”Shehadbeenaboutto
apologize,butnow,well...screwhim.Shedidn’tfeellikeitanymore.

“So,whatisthis,yourfeebleattemptatsabotage?”J.D.askedscornfully.“Letmeguess—youheard
I’mincourtforahearingthisafternoon,soyouthoughtyou’dmakemelooklikeajackass.”

“Youdon’tneedanyhelpfrommethere.”

J.D.’seyesnarrowedangrily.

“AndIhardlyneedtoresorttosabotagetobetheonethatthefirmmakespartner,”Paytonadded.

“Actually,Ithinkyoumustbereallyworried,ifyou’rewillingtostooptothislevel.”J.D.heldupa
finger,victorious.“Butluckily,Ikeepasparesuitinmyoffice.”

J.D.shuthisdoor,gesturingtoagarmentbagthathungonthebackofit.Heunzippedthebagand
proudlypulledoutasecondsuit,onethatwasjustasexpensive-looking.Hedrapedthesuitoverone
ofthechairsinfrontofhisdeskandstaredatPaytonsmugly.Ta-da.

Sherolledhereyesathim.“Youknow,Iwasgoingtoexplain,butnowit’snotevenworthit.”She
brushedbyJ.D.toleavehisoffice,momentarilyforgettingshestillheldbothhisjacketandthecoffee
cup.

“Aneasycop-out.”

Paytonstoppedathiswords.

Cop-out?

PaytonKendalldidnotcopout.

Sheturnedaroundtofacehim.

Withacockygrin,J.D.tookaseatathisdesk.Heleanedback,foldinghishandsbehindhishead.
“Somethingyou’dliketosaybeforeleaving,Payton?”

Hewasbaitingher,sheknewit.Sheconsideredlettingitgo.Shecouldturnaroundandwalkoutof
hisofficewithoutanotherword.Intwoweeks,onewayortheother,shewouldneverhavetodeal
withhimagain.

J.D.mistookPayton’spauseforhesitation.

“Inthatcase,”hesaid,noddingatthesuitjacketshestillheld,“I’llexpectyoutogetthatdry-cleaned

atadecentplace.Justmakesureyouhaveitbacktomebeforetheybootyourassoutofhere.”
Dismissingher,heturnedbacktohiswork.

Paytonsighed.Oh,well.Shehadtried.

“Noproblem,J.D.,”shesaidgood-humoredly.“AndwhileI’matit,howaboutyoursecondspare
suit?Doesthatneedtobedry-cleaned,too?”

J.D.lookedupfromhiscomputer,confused.“Idon’thaveasecondsparesuit.”

“Oh.That’sashame.”Andwiththat,PaytontorethelidofftheStarbuckscupandpromptlydumped
theremainingcoffeealloverthesuithehadsoneatlylaidoutoverthechair.

J.D.’smouthdroppedopen.Heslowlypeeredupather.“Oh.No.You.Didn’t.”

Paytonlookeddownatthesuit.Holyshit,shehad,shereallyhad.

Shecoveredhermouthtomaskherownlookofshock.Whoops.Butitwastoolatetoturnbacknow.

“Youcanbillmeforthedrycleaning,J.D.And,um,forthecupofcoffee,too.”Withthat,she
delicatelysetthenow-emptycoffeecuponhisdesk.

Thendidaquickabout-faceàlaRoadRunnerandgotthehellouttathere.

Paytonhurriedacrossthehallway,flyingbyJ.D.’ssecretary’sdesk,thenIrma’s.Shehadjustreached
thedoorwaytoherofficewhensheheardJ.D.shouthername.

“Payton!”

Stoppinginherdoorway,sheturnedaround.

J.D.stoodinhisdoorwaywithwhathadtobejustaboutthemostfuriouslookshehadeverseenon
anyhumanbeing’sface.

Theyfacedoffacrossthehall,liketwoOldWestgun-slingersreadyingforadraw.Paytoncould
practicallyseethetumbleweedsblowingby.

Withaslylook,sheglancedoveratIrmaandKathy,whosatattheirdeskscuriouslywatchingherand
J.D.Thensheturnedbacktohimwithhereyebrowraised.

“Yes,J.D.?”shedrawledcoyly.Alltheseyearstheyhadfoughtinsecret...sheknewhewasn’tgoing
toblowtheircovernow.

J.D.lookedaround,awarethathisshouthadgarneredmuchinterestfromothersaroundtheoffice.He
paused,thengavePaytonacurtnod.

“Ijustwantedtowishyougoodluckincourtthisafternoon.”

Paytonsmiledfromthesanctityofheroffice.“Thanks,J.D.,that’ssosweet.Andgoodlucktoyouas

well.”Withanexaggeratednodofherown,aslightcurtsy,sheturnedandheadedintoheroffice.

Paytonshutthedoorbehindher.Sheleanedagainstit,thesmileremainingonherface.Insome
senses,shethought,itreallywasashameJ.D.hadtogo.

Shewouldalmostmissthisstuff.

WITHEACHSTRIDE,everystephetookashewalkedthethreeblockstothecourthouse,J.D.grew
moreandmorefurious.

Hehadbeencuttingitcloseasitwas;he’drunlaterthanhehadmeantto,goingthroughhisoral
argumentonelasttimeintheconferenceroom,wantingittobeperfect.

Andnow,perfectwasdefinitelyoutofthequestion.

Hecouldthrottleher.

Maybe,hetoldhimself,thestainwasn’tasbadasithadbeenthelasttimehelooked.Maybesomeof
thecoffeehadevaporatedonthewalktothecourthouse.Heglanceddownhopefully.

Fuck—itlookedevenworsethanheremembered.

Wearinghissparesuithadbeenoutofthequestion,Paytonhadeffectivelyseentothatbypouring
morethanhalfofaventicoffeealloverit.Seeinghowhedidn’thavetimetogohomeandchange,or
evenbuyanothersuit,hewasthereforestuckwearingtheoneshe’d“accidentally”firstspilledcoffee
on—aconservativedarkgraysuitthatunfortunatelywasn’tnearlydarkenough.

Helookedlikeanidiot.

Hecouldonlyhopethatthelightinginthecourtroomwouldbedim,andthatthejudge,whosat
fifteenfeetawayfromthepodiumhe’dbearguingat,wouldsomehownotnoticethegrapefruit-sized
mochasplotchplasteredacrosstheleftsideofhischest.

J.D.arrivedattheDirksenFederalBuildingandhurriedinside.Hehadtotakehiscoatofftoget
throughsecurity,andwasmomentarilytemptedtoleaveitoffforhisoralargument,butdecidedin
theendthatappearingjacketlessincourtwasnotonlydisrespectful,butalsofarmorelikelytoattract
negativeattentionfromthejudge.

TheelevatorwaspackedduringJ.D.’srideuptothetwenty-thirdfloor.Hewaiteduntilthelastminute
tosliphisjacketbackon,doingsorightbeforehewalkedintothecourtroom.Heimmediatelyheaded
tothefrontandtookaseatinthegalleywhilehewaitedforhiscasetobecalled.

J.D.hadneverbeforefeltself-consciousabouthisappearanceincourt(oreverreally,cometothink
ofit)andhehatedfeelingthatwaynow.Hehadanimagetouphold,afterall:hewasacorporate
defenseattorney—hegotpaidhundredsofthousandsofdollarstodefendmultimillion-dollar
corporations.Hisclientsexpected,andpaidfor,perfection.Theydidnotpaytohavetheiruber-

importantoppositiontoclasscertificationmotionsarguedbysomejackasswholookedlikehe’d
spilledhisDunkin’DonutsCoffeeCoolattaalloverhimselfwhiledrivinginfromthesuburbsinhis
FordTaurus.

J.D.shudderedatthemereimage.

Hiscasewasthirdonthedocket.Whentheclerkcalledthecase,hestoodup,straightenedhistie,and
forgotabouteverythingelse.Hehadajobtodo.

Hegotuptothepodiumandnoddedtohisopposingcounsel,whoapproachedfromtheothersideof
thecourtroom.Iftheplaintiffs’attorneynoticedthestainonhisjacket,hedidn’tacknowledgeit,and
J.D.wasimmediatelygratefulforthecourtroom’ssofterlighting.

Theplaintiffs’attorneyarguedfirst.J.D.listenedattentively,watchingcarefullyforthepointswhere
thejudgeinterruptedandmakingmentalnotestoaddressthoseissues.Whentheplaintiffs’ten
minuteswereover,J.D.steppedfrontandcenteratthepodium.Oppositiontoclasscertification
motionswereofcrucialimportanceinthecasesJ.D.handledandluckily,theywerehisforte.

J.D.began.

“YourHonor,todayisthedaytheCourtshouldputanendtoMr.DeVore’ssix-yearclassaction
charade.Byassertingabreachofcontractcounterclaimandseekingnationwideclasscertification,
Mr.DeVorehasliterallymadeafederalcaseoutofwhatshouldhavebeenasimpleforeclosure
proceeding.WhateverthisCourtmakesofthemortgagecontractandtheprovisionsMr.DeVore
challenges,onethingiscertain,noclasscanbecertifiedinthiscasebecauseMr.DeVoreisnotan
adequateclassrepresentative.Heperjuredhimselfinhisdeposition...”

ItwasataboutthispointthatJ.D.noticedthejudgeleaningforwardinhischair.Hepeereddown
curiouslyfromthebench,tryingtogetabetterlookatsomething.

Thejudgesuddenlyheldupahandtostophim.“Counselor,”heaskedJ.D.withaquizzicalbrow,“did
yougetshotonthewayoverhere?”

Thejudgeleaneddownfartherfromthebench.HesquintedatJ.D.’schest,tryingtogetabetterlook
atthestain.

“Whatisthat?”

J.D.couldonlystandthereatthepodium,whilethecourtroomdeputy,theclerk,theplaintiffs’lawyer,
andnowprettymucheveryoneelseinthewholedamncourtroomfixatedonthesoftball-sizedmark
onhissuit.

Somuchforscrapingbyunnoticed.

ANDTHENITgotworse.

Ofcourse,JohnGrevy,apartnerinthelitigationgroupatJ.D.’sfirm,wouldhappentohaveamotion
beforethesamejudgethatafternoon.

“That’swhywetellassociatestokeepasparesuitintheiroffices,”hehisseddisapprovinglyasJ.D.
passedhimonhiswayoutofthecourtroom.

Really,John?hewishedhecouldsay.Noshit.

Andthenstill,itgotworse.

Onceoutsidethecourtroomdoor,J.D.sethisbriefcasedown,hurryingtogetthesplotchjacketoffas
quicklyaspossible.Heheardafamiliarvoicebehindhim.

“Areyoutryingtoembarrassme,orjustyourself?”

J.D.closedhiseyes.Brilliant.Exactlywhatheneededrightthen.

Heturnedaround,takinginthegrave-facedmanstandingbeforehim.

“Hello,Dad.Imaginerunningintoyouhere,”hesaid,althoughitactuallywasn’tthatmuchofa
surprise.AsajudgeontheSeventhCircuitCourtofAppeals,hisfather ’schamberswereinthisvery
building.

TheesteemedHonorablePrestonD.JamesonlookeduponJ.D.withmuchdisappointment.Itwasa
lookJ.D.knewwell.

“Margiesawyournameonthismorning’sdocket,”hisfathersaid,referringtohissecretary.“She
watchesoutforyourcases.SinceyourmotherandIhaven’tseenyouinawhile,IthoughtI’dstopby
andwatchyouroralargument.”

Prestontookastepcloser,hisgazefixatedonhisson’ssuitcoat.J.D.bracedhimselfforthe
inevitable.

“Youlookridiculous,”hisfathertoldhim.“Youreallyshouldkeepasparesuitinyouroffice.”

“Thanksforthetip,YourHonor,”J.D.saidsarcastically.Hegrabbedhisbriefcaseandsteppedintothe
elevatorthathadjustopenedup.

“TellMomIsaidhello,”hesaidterselyastheelevatordoorsclosedshut.

Inside,J.D.staredaheadastheelevatordescended.Hehadonlyonethoughtonhismind.

Revenge.

Itwouldsoonbehis.

Eleven

HISCHANCECAMEafewhourslater.

J.D.satinhisofficethatevening,lyinginwaitforjusttherightmoment.ItcamewhenLaneydropped
bytopickupPaytonfortheiryogaclass.

Hesatathisdesk,pretendingtowork,stealingglancesacrossthehall.Foramoment,hethoughthe
mighthavetoaborthismission,asLaneyapparentlyhadahardtimegettingPaytontoleave.

“Youknowyou’reprepared,”heoverheardLaneytellher.“Comeon,theclasswillhelpyourelax.”

J.D.wasfamiliarwiththeirroutine;sheandLaneywenttothisclasseveryweek—notthathepaidany
attentiontoPayton’swhereaboutsoranything—andtonightwasnoexception.Shechangedintoher
littledownward-facing-some-other-hippie-crapyogaoutfit,leavingherworkclothesbehindinher
office.

J.D.watchedassheandLaneyleft.Forthebriefestsecond,hethoughthesawPaytonglanceoverin
thedirectionofhisoffice,buthewasprobablyjustbeingparanoid.Whentheyweregone,hewaited,
thenwaitedafewmomentsmorejusttobesafe.Hehadaboutanhourtoaccomplishhistask,which
wasfine.Hewouldneedonlyafewminutes.

J.D.stealthilycreptacrossthehall.Hewasprepared,carryinganaccordionfolderinhishand—
shouldhismissionbecompromisedandhebecameinquickneedofacoverstory,hecouldalways
sayhewasinherofficetodropoffafile.Reallythough,hewasbeingovercautious:itwasalready
mid-eveningandthevastmajorityoftheofficehadgonehome.Hecouldgoabouthisbusiness
deliciouslyunobserved.

Restrainingtheurgetoletoutanevillaugh,J.D.checked,sawhewasintheclear,openedthedoorto
Payton’soffice,andlethimselfin.Aquicklookaroundandhespottedwhathewaslookingforonthe
floorinthecornerofheroffice.

Hershoes.

Hismotivewassimple:ifshewantedtogetdownanddirtyinthisraceforthepartnershipspot,sobe
it.Shemadehimlooklikeanassincourt,sonow...well,paybackwasabitch.

J.D.grabbedoneofhershoes,athree-inch,skinny-heelblacksling-backnumberàlaoneMr.James
Choo.Andshehadthenervetocallhimaclothingsnob.Theskinnyheelwouldmostcertainlyprove
tobetoherdetrimenttonight,evenifitdidmakeherlegslookamazinglyfantastic.

Hehadnoideawhyhejustthoughtthat.

Realizinghewasindangeroflosinghisfocus,hestuffedtheshoeintheaccordionfolderand
hurriedoutofPayton’sofficetothesupplyroom.

THEPAPERCUTTERdidanamazingjob.

Really,thatbladejustslicedrightthrough,mid-heel,withoutleavingamark.

Alittleinvisibleglue—justalightcoat—topastetheheeltemporarilybacktogetherand—presto.

Revengewassweetindeed.

PAYTONFELTHORRIBLE.

Thehighfromhervictorythatafternoonhadlastedabouttwentyminutesbeforetheguilthadsetin.

Yes,J.D.wasunbelievably,frustratinglyarrogantandsmug.Hedeliberatelyhadbeentryingtopush
herbuttonsandshedoubtedshewouldhavetoomanyproblemsconvincingajuryofherpeersthathe
deservedit.Butstill.

Shefelthorrible.

Cyclingthroughtheeventsoftheday,shenowwonderedwhethersheshould’vebeensearching
throughhisofficeinthefirstplace.Shedidn’tknowwhyshehadfeltcomfortabletakingsuch
liberties,giventhathewasherswornenemyandall.

Andthentherewasthesmallmatterofthe—ahem—coffee.

Asalitigator,sheknewhowmuchappearancesmatteredincourt.Tomakemattersworse,shehad
heardthroughthefirmgrapevine(i.e.,Irma)thatoneofthepartnershadseenJ.D.incourtand
reprimandedhimforthestainonhissuit.Forthatshefeltparticularlybad.

So,nowcamethehardpart.

Sheneededtoapologize.

BeforeleavingwithLaneyfortheiryogaclass,shehadglancedinthedirectionofJ.D.’sofficeand
momentarilyhadbeentemptedtodoitinperson,but,well,thiswasn’texactlyeasyforher.

Soinstead,shelayinbedthatnight,havingdecidedtoapologizefirstthinginthemorningbeforeshe
headedofftocourt.Butsleepeludedher.Frustrated,Paytonrolledoverandgrabbedthephonesitting
onthenightstandnexttoherbed.

Shelookedatitforalongmoment,debating.Thenshedialed.

THEMESSAGEWASthelastthingJ.D.heardthatnight.

Perusual,hecheckedhisworkvoicemailonelasttimebeforegoingtosleepandwassurprisedto
discoverthatsomeonehadcalledjustbeforemidnight.

Theautomatedvoicemailindicatedthatthecallhadcomefromoutsidetheoffice.Thecallerdidnot
identifyherself;shejuststartedrightinasiftheywereinthemiddleofaconversation.ButJ.D.
recognizedthevoicerightaway.

“SoIknowyou’reprobablygoingtothinkthatthisisacop-out,too,”Payton’smessagebegan,“but
it’slateandmaybeyou’resleepingandIsupposeIcouldjustsaythisinthemorning,butnowIcan’t
sleepandI’mjustlyingheresoImightaswellgetitoverwith,andwell...”

Therewasalongpause,andforamomentJ.D.thoughtthatwashowthemessageended.Butthenshe
continued.

“I’msorryaboutthisafternoon,J.D.Thefirstspillhonestlywasanaccident,butthesecond...okay,
thatwascompletelyuncalledfor.I’m,um,happytopayforthedrycleaning.And,well...Iguess
that’sit.Althoughyoureallymightwanttorethinkleavingyourjacketonyourchair.I’mjustsaying.
Okay,then.That’swhattheymakehangersfor.Good.Fine.Good-bye.”

J.D.heardthebeep,signalingtheendofthemessage,andhehungupthephone.Hethoughtabout
whatPaytonhadsaid—notsomuchherapology,whichwasquestion-ablymediocreatbest—but
somethingelse.

Shethoughtabouthimwhilelyinginbed.

Interesting.

LATERTHATNIGHT,havingbeenasleepforafewhours,J.D.shotupinbed.

Hesuddenlyremembered—hershoe.

Oops.

Twelve

J.D.RACEDINTOtheofficeearlythenextmorning,eagertogettherebeforeanyoneelse.Aquick
lookaroundtoldhimhewasthefirstoneonthefloor.HeheadedstraightforPayton’soffice,anda
hurriedsearchrevealedwhathefearedwouldbethecase.

Theshoesweregone.

Hehadn’treceivedanydeaththreatsthatmorning,soeithertheheelhehadtamperedwithhadheldup
onherwayhomefromworklastnight,orshehadsimplyleftheryogashoesonafterclass.

Fine.Noproblem.Hewouldwaitforhertocomein.Notthathehadanyfuckingcluewhathewas
goingtosaywhenhesawher.“Hi,Payton,thanksfortheapology,thatwasnice.Didyouseethey’ve
gotmuffinsinthebreakroom?Oh,bytheway,Islicedoffoneofyourheelsandshoddilygluedit
backtogetherhopingitwouldbreakoffincourtandleaveyouhobblingaboutlikeadrunkone-
leggedprostitute.Haveaniceday.”

Somehow,hehadafeelingthatmightnotgooversowell.

Whennothingelsecametomind,J.D.decidedhewouldwingit.Hewasgoodatthinkingonhisfeet.

Sohewaitedinhisoffice.Helookedupfromhisdeskeverytimesomebodywalkedin,expectingto
seePaytonatanymoment.

When8:00a.m.rolledaround,then8:30,hegrewabitconcerned.By9:00hewasinafullpanic,
thinkingoftheworst-casescenario.Whatifsheworetheshoesonherwayintoworkandtheheel
suddenlysnappedandshefellandbrokeherankle?Shouldheretraceherrouteintotheoffice?Wait
—sherodethe“L”intowork.Whatifshehadtrippedwhilegettingon,sprained,maimed,or
separatedsomething,andwasnowtrappedinsideoneofthetraincars,callingforhelp,ridingendless
circlesaroundtheLoop?

J.D.decidedtocheckwithPayton’ssecretary.Maybeshehadheardsomething.

HewalkeduptoIrma’sdesk,whereshetypedsteadilyawayathercomputer.Heoh-so-casually
leanedagainsthercredenza,beingcarefultoappearasnonchalantaspossible.

“Goodmorning,Irma,my,that’salovelybrooch—isitaseagull?Niceweatheroutside,isn’tit?Hey
—byanychancehaveyouheardfromPaytonthismorning?”

Irmapausedhertypingforabriefmoment,lookedJ.D.over,thenresumedherwork.

“It’sakangaroo,notaseagull;actuallyitwasquitecloudywhenIwalkedin,andyes,sheleftmea
message,shewentstraightovertothecourthousethismorning.”

Straighttothecourthouse?Sonofa—

Fightingtomaintainhisfaçadeofdisinterest,J.D.idlyfingeredtheleavesoftheplantsittingontopof
Irma’sdesk.

“So,byanychancedidPaytonsaywhatshewaswearingthismorning?”Hepickedimaginarylintoff
hissuit.“Morespecifically,didshehappentosayanythingabouther,um,shoes?”

Irmastoppedhertypingandslowlypeeredoverathim.J.D.knewheneededtosaysomethingquick
bywayofexplanation.

“Ijustwanttomakesureshe’s,youknow,accessorizingappropriately.”

Irmafoldedherhandspolitely.

“Mr.Jameson.Whateverthisis,Idon’thavetimeforit.IfyouhavequestionsaboutPayton’sattire
thismorning,Isuggestyoutakeastrollonovertothecourthouseandcheckitoutforyourself.She’s
inJudgeGendelman’scourtroom.”

J.D.nodded.Yes,yes,fine,thankyou.Niceattitude,bytheway.Likeboss,likesecretary.

Butalwaysagentleman,hesmiledandthankedIrmafortheinformation.Hestoppedbyhisown
secretary’sdeskandtoldherthathehadanerrandtorun.

Thenhehurriedoutoftheofficeandheadedstraightforthecourthouse.

BYTHETIMEJ.D.walkedintoJudgeGendelman’scourtroom,courtwasalreadyinsession.

Hequietlyclosedthedoorbehindhimandslippedintothebackrowofthegalley,wantinghis
presencetogounnoticeduntilhefiguredoutwhathewasgoingtosaytoPayton.

J.D.tookaseat.Ashetriedtogetcomfortableonthehardwoodenbench,hiseyewasimmediately
drawntotheactionupfront.Paytonstoodbeforethewitnessstand,whichmeantthatshewasinthe
middleofeitheradirectorcross-examination.Hesatbacktoenjoytheshow,figuringthiswasa
greatopportunitytoobservetheenemyinhernor—

Holyfuck—wouldsomebodypleasetellhimwhyamassivephotoofapeniswassittingfrontand
centerinthecourtroom?

J.D.glancedaroundwarily.WhatthehellkindoflawdidPaytonpracticearoundhere?Everyoneelse
inthecourtroom,however,seemedwhollyunfazedbytheexhibition.

Hisinterestnowreallypiquedbythisspectacleofaso-calledtrial,heturnedhisattentionbackto
Payton.Rememberingwhyhewasthere,hesatuptogetabetterlook.HewatchedasPaytonwalked
aroundtotheothersideofthepodium,and—wait—

Shit.Shewaswearingtheshoes.

J.D.’seyesnarrowedinontheleftshoe—theheelhehadmadeafew,shallwesay,“special
modifications”to.Theheelappearedtobeholdingtogether,althoughitwasanyone’sguesshowlong
thatwouldlast.WitheverystepPaytontook,heheldhisbreath,expectingtoseeherstumble.He

wouldhavetopullherasideatthenextbreakandwarnher.Heonlyhopedthegluehehadapplied
wouldholdtogetheruntilthen.

Havingnochoicebuttositidlybyinthegalleyandwait,J.D.distractedhimselfbyfocusingon
Payton’sinterrogationofthewitness.Hecouldtellwithinsecondsfromthewaysheleadingly
questionedthewomanonthestandthatthiswasnotafriendlyparty.

“I’mnotsureIunderstandyourposition,Ms.Kemple,”Paytonwassaying.“Maybeyoucanhelpme
understandwhatitisyoubelievethecompanydidwrong.”

J.D.watchedasPaytonpositionedherselfbetweenthejuryandthewitness,atriallawyer ’stricktoget
thejurors’attentionduringcross-examination.

“EarlierweestablishedthatyoureportedtheincidentinvolvingyourformermanageronJune
fourteenthoflastyear,correct?”Paytonasked.

“That’scorrect,”Ms.Kempleanswered.

“AndthedirectorofHumanResourcesrespondedtoyourcomplaintthatverysameday,didn’tshe?”

“Yes.”

“Aspartofthatresponse,thecompanyimmediatelyfiredyourformermanager,alsothatsameday,
didn’tthey?”

Thewitnessnodded.“That’scorrect.”

“And,infact,yesterdayattrialwasthefirsttimeyouhadseenhimsincetheincidentinhiscar,
correct?”

Againthewitnessnodded.“Yes.”

“Soit’sfairtosaythen,Ms.Kemple,thatyouneveragainhadanyproblemswithyourformer
managerafterthatoneincident?”Paytonasked.

Thewitnessappearedmorereluctanttoanswerthisquestion.“Iguessthat’sfairtosay,”shefinally
agreed.

Appearingsatisfiedwiththisanswer,Paytonwalkedovertothedefenseattorney’stable.Havingbeen
drawnintothetestimony,J.D.noticedforthefirsttimethatajuniorassociatefromtheirfirm—what
thehellwashisname,Brandon,Brendan,somethinglikethat—satatthetable.Perhaps,J.D.mused,he
couldslipBrandon/BrendananotetogivetoPayton.

J.D.’seyesweredrawnbacktoPaytonasshecasuallyleanedagainstthetablefacingthewitness.

“Ms.Kemple,amIalsocorrectthat,afteryourmanagerwasfired,thedirectorofHumanResources
cameouttoyourofficeandconductedafull-daysexualharassmentrefresherseminarthatwas
mandatoryforallemployees?”

Thewitnesstriedtohedgehere.“I’mnotsureitwasafullday...”

“Well,howlongwastheseminar?”Paytonasked.

Ms.Kemplethoughtforamoment.“Iguessitwasaboutsevenoreighthours.”

“Wouldn’tyoudescribesevenoreighthoursasafullday?”

“Isupposeso.”

Withthisadmission,Paytonheldupherhands.“So?Whyarewehere,Ms.Kemple?”

Thewitnessstaredather,confused.“Excuseme?”

“Tobeblunt,you’vesuedthecompanyfortwomilliondollars.Whatexactlyisitthatyouthinkthey
didwronginhandlingyourcomplaint?”

J.D.watchedPaytonasshecontinuedhercross-examination.Becausetheyhadworkedinthesame
groupforthelasteightyears,hehadheardplentyabouthernumeroustrialvictories.Butthiswasthe
firstchancehe’dgottentoobserveherfirsthand.

Shewasgood.Rightaway,J.D.sawhowrelaxedandcomfortableshewasinthecourtroom.Yet
alwaysprofessional.Itwasobviousthatthejurylikedher,andmoreimportant,theytrustedher—he
couldtellfromthewaytheylistenedattentively,howsomeofthemevennoddedalongwithher
questions.

“Well,Ithinkthere’safewthingsthecompanycould’vedonedifferently...”thewitnesswassaying
inadefensivetone.

“Likewhat?”Paytonasked.“Youdon’tdisagreethatthecompanyhandledthematterpromptly,do
you?”

AsPaytonaskedthisquestion,shefoldedherarmsacrossherchestandcasuallyleanedbackagainst
thetable—ononefoot,herleftfoot—forsupport.

J.D.drewinhisbreath.Oh,shit.

“Isupposetheyhandledthematterpromptlyenough,”thewitnessconceded.

“Andyouwouldhavetoagreethattheyhandledthemattereffectively,wouldn’tyou,seeinghowyou
neveragainsawyourex-manager,letalonehadaproblemwithhim?”

Stillleaningagainstthetable,Paytoncrossedherrightankleoverherleft,sothatallherweightnow
boredownonherleftheel.

J.D.cringed.Crap,crap,thiswasgoingtobebad.Hecouldn’twatch.Butyethehadto.Shouldhedo
something?Maybehecould—

Butrightthen,Paytoneasedontothetable—takingtheweightoffhershoe—asthewitnessanswered.

“Yes,Isupposeyoucouldsaythatthewaythecompanychosetorespondtomymanager ’s
harassmentwaseffectiveenough.”

J.D.exhaledinrelief.Closecall.ButhehadbettergetthatnotetoBrandon/Brendannow,whilehestill
hadthechance.Heglancedover.Afewotherlatecomershadsatdownattheendofhisrow.Hewould
havetosneakpastthemtogetout.

MeanwhilePayton,sittingonthetable,gracefullycrossedonelegovertheother,continuingher
cross-examination.

“AndwhenthedirectorofHumanResourcesinterviewedyouaweekaftertheincident,didn’tyou,in
fact,tellherthatyouwerepleasedwiththecompany’sresponsetoyourcomplaint?”sheasked.

“No,Idon’tthinkthat’swhatIsaid,”Ms.Kemplequicklyreplied.

Paytonseemedsurprisedbythisanswer,butremainedunflustered.“Really?Doyourememberwhen
wespokeearlieratyourdeposition,Ms.Kemple,whereyousaid...”

J.D.watchedasPaytonsearchedthroughthefilesonhertableandquicklyfoundthedeposition
transcriptshewaslookingfor.Paytongrabbedthetranscript—

“Here,Ms.Kemple,letmereadtoyouaportionofyour—”

—andbeforeJ.D.realizedwhatwashappening,Paytondidsortofahalfleapoffthetabletoapproach
thewitnessstandandwhenshecamedownonherfeettherewasaloudcrack!thatsounded
throughoutthecourtroomandholyshitsuddenlyPaytonstumbledwildlyoffbalance,herarms
flailing,andshe—

—doveheadfirststraightintothejurybox.

TheentirecourtroomgaspedasJ.D.flewoutofhisseatinhorror.

Oh,mygod!

Everyonewasontheirfeet,stunned,watchingasPaytonquicklyscrambledtopullherselftoastand,
grappling,climbingpastthejurorswhosatintheirbox,mouthsagape,andshemanagedtogettoher
feet,alittleflusteredbutcoveringasshesmoothedherskirtand—

“Sorryaboutthat.”Paytonsmiledcalmlyatthejurors,regaininghercool.“Now,wherewasI...”

Shelookedforthedepositiontranscriptshehaddropped,sheturnedaroundand—

—theentireaudienceinthegalleycriedoutinshock.

UnbeknownsttoPayton,whenshehadfallenherskirt—thosedamnslim-fitskirtsshelikedsomuch
—hadtornattheseamandnowgapedopen,andsweetJesus,shewaswearingathongandtwotiny
whitebuttcheekspeekedoutfrombetweenthefoldsofherskirt—

J.D.’sjawnearlyhitthefloor.

Ohgod,itwashorrible,horrible—well,actuallyitwasn’tallthathorribleforhim,shehadareally
greatass—butforPayton,thiswasatrainwreck,adisaster—

Upfront,Paytonheardtheruckuscomingfromtheaudiencebehindher,sosheturnedaround—

—andthepeekycheeksnowfacedthejudgeandjury.Thejurors’mouthsdroppedopen,andafew
murmuredsomethingincoherent,andtheyallgapedasPaytonhobbledaboutthecourtroomon
unevenshoes,confusedastothesourceofthecommotion.

Atthedefensetable,Brandon/BrendantimidlywhisperedsomethingtoPayton;J.D.couldn’thearit
andapparentlyneithercouldPaytonbecauseshebentovertowardBrandon/Brendantohearbetter,
exposedwhitebunsupintheairforalltosee,andthecourtroomeruptedincompletepandemonium
andJ.D.startedtoclimbpastthepeopleinhisrow—hesomehowhadtoputastoptothis—

ButPaytonfinallyheardBrandon/Brendan.

Shestoodup,herhandflewtoherskirt,andshefelttheripintheseam.Sheinstantlyreacted;she
unbuttonedherjacketandquicklytieditaroundherwaist—nomorepeeky-cheeks—andJ.D.hearda
fewgroansofdisappointmentasthejudgefinallygotthingsundercontrol,banginghisgaveland
callingfororderinthecourtroom.

Andasquicklyasthechaoshaderupted,thingsquietedbackdown.Aspeopletooktheirseats,the
clamorsettling,J.D.satdown,too,hiding,thinkingnowdefinitelywasnotthetimetobeseenby
Payton.

Asasilencetookholdofthecourtroom,alleyeswereonPayton.Everyonewaitedtoseewhatshe
woulddo,howshewouldreact.

Shepausedforamoment.Thensheturnedandfacedthejury.

“Raiseyourhandifyouhadnoideayou’dseesomuchnudityinoneweekofjuryduty.”

Twelvehandsflewstraightintotheair.

Andunbelievably,Paytonlaughed.

Thejurorsjoinedinwithher.Thenthejudgeraisedhishand,too.Withthat,theentirecourtroom
laughedandpeoplebegantoclap.

Paytonheldherhandup,acknowledging.“Thankyou,thankyou.I’mhereallweek.”

Anditwasinthatmoment,asJ.D.satinthegalleywithpeoplelaughingandapplaudingallaround
him,ashewatchedPaytonsmiling,embarrassedbutundefeated,thatithappened.

Somethingchanged.

Hedidn’tknowanyonewhowould’vehandledsucharidiculoussituationnearlysowell.Maybehe
hadn’tnoticeditbefore,butshewasactuallykindof...funny.Ormaybehehadalreadyknownthat,
hesuddenlywasn’tsure.Butwhathedidknowwasthathehadflippedoutoverafriggin’coffeestain

onhissuit,andyetherePaytonhaddoneafullface-plantrightintothelapsoftwelvejurorsandthen
treatedthemtoafreepeepshow,butneverthelessmanagedtoremaincalmandcollected.

AndsuddenlyJ.D.foundhimselflookingatPaytonwithquiteabitofadmiration.

Hegrinnedandjoinedinwiththeotherswhocheeredheron,andhemomentarilyforgottherolehe
hadplayedinthewholedebacleuntil,rightthen,sheglanceddownathershoe.

Uh-oh.

J.D.watchedasPaytonpickeduptheshoeandpresumablynoticedtheclean,precisewaytheheelhad
broken,theremnantsofthegluehehadapplied.Sheranherfingeroverthebrokenheel,examining
it,andinthatmomentJ.D.knewthatsheknew.

Arandomthoughtoccurredtohimrightthen,abouthowtheysaythatcriminalsalwaysreturntothe
sceneofthecrime—wasn’tthathowBundyorBerkowitzoroneofthoseguysgotcaught—and
actually,itwaskindoffunnythathewasthinkingaboutmurderrightthenbecausewhenPayton
lookedupfromthebrokenshoeandglancedacrossthecourtroomandsawJ.D.sittingthere,murder
isexactlywhatwasinhereyes.

WhenPaytonmethisgaze,J.D.thoughthehadneverseenherdarkblueeyeslooksocold.Andhe
knewonethingforcertain.

Hewastoast.

PAYTONSTORMEDOUTthecourthousedoors—suitjacketstilltiedaroundherwaist—withJ.D.
followingcloselyonherheels.

“Comeon,Payton—it’snotlikeImeantforthattohappen!”hecalledafterher.“Honestly,who
could’veplannedthat?”

Apartofherwishedsheneverhadtocomebacktocourt.Betteryet,apartofherwishedtheearth
wouldjustopenupandswallowher,shewasthatmortified.

Thejudgehadcalledaone-hourrecesssothat—ashehaddelicatelyputit—“anyonewhowishedto
adjusthisorherattirecoulddoso.”Paytonnowwasinaracetogetbacktotheoffice,changeinto
hersparesuit,thengettothenearestdepartmentstoretobuyanewpairofshoes.Ontopof
everythingelse,thebastard—noothernamewasnecessary,fromnowonthemanformerlyknownas
J.D.wouldsimplybecalledTheBastard,ThePrick,orTheShithead—hadruinedherbestpairof
shoes.Butthatwashardlyherbiggestconcern.

Herasshadbeenhangingoutinopencourt.

Clompingalongthesidewalkunevenlyinherbrokenheel,stompingpastinnocentpedestrianswho

werehavingalovely,normalday,peoplewhopresumablyhadnothadtheirasseshangingoutin
opencourt,Paytongrumbledoutloudtoherselfabouttheworstpartofitall.

“Ijusthadtowearathongtoday,didn’tI?”shehissedangrily.Shecould’vesmackedherselfinthe
headforthatdecision.

TheShitheadwassuddenlyatherside.Hegrinned.“Well,pointoffact,Ithinkthatwomenshould
wearthongseveryd...”hetrailedoff,seeingherlook.“ButIcanseeyou’renotinaplacetodiscuss
thatrightnow.”

Paytoncouldn’ttakeitamomentlonger.SheadvancedonJ.D.“Oh,youthinkthisisfunny?Please—
allowmetodisabuseyouofthatnotion.”

“Payton—”

“Don’t.Don’t‘Payton’me,don’twasteyourbreathwithexcusesorexplanations—Idon’tcare.”

ShestaredJ.D.rightintheeyes.“Ifthisishowyouwanttoplaythegame,Jameson,that’sfinewith
me.Theglovesarenowoff.Iamabouttobecomethebitchyou’vealwaysthoughtIwas.”

PaytonsawthathercommenttookJ.D.aback,thatitwipedhisgrin—whichsheinterpretedasasmirk
—rightoffhisface.Andshesawsomethingmomentarilyflashinhiseyes,maybeitwasanger,
maybeitwassomethingelse—rightnowshedidn’tcareeitherway.Rightnow,asshestoodonthat
sidewalk,facingJ.D.inhertornskirtandbrokenheelandhernakedbuttbarelycoveredbythejacket
tiedaroundherwaist,allshecaredaboutwasatleasthavingthedignityofgettinginthelastword.

So,seeingthatshehadmomentarilysilencedhim,Paytontookadvantageoftheopportunityand
turnedandwalkedaway.

Thirteen

“ITCOULDN’THAVEbeenthatbad.”

Curleduponhercouch,PaytongaveChasealookoverthecartonofpadthaisheheld.She
swallowed,thengesturedwithherchopsticksforemphasis.

“Oh,no,trustme,itwasthatbad.”

Chasehadcalledherearlier,whileshewasstillattheoffice.Althoughtherestofherdayincourthad
thankfullypassedbyuneventfully—afterthebreakshehadevenmanagedtogetbackontrackwith
hercross-examinationoftheplaintiff—PaytonstillhadbeensoembarrassedthatshetoldChaseonly,
inwhathadtobetheunderstatementoftheyear,thatshe’dhad“kindofabaddayincourt.”

Anhourlater,ChasehadsurprisedherathomewithabagofAsiantakeout.Tocheerherup,hesaid.
Notsurewhichoneshepreferred,he’dbroughtbothtofupadthaiandvegetablefriedrice.Touched
bythegesture,Paytonfiguredshecouldatleastgivehimthecondensedversionofwhathad
happenedthatmorning.Sheappreciateditwhenhepolitelycoveredhislaughasacoughandblamed
thespicinessofthefood.

“Butyourecoveredwell—that’swhatthejurywillremember,”Chasetoldher.Stretchedout
comfortablyonthecouchacrossfromher,hesethiscartondownonthecoffeetableandleanedin.

“I’mactuallykindofsadIwasn’tthere—IthinkIwould’velikedtheview,”hesaidwithaboyishgrin.
Thenheleanedoverandkissedher.

AsPaytonhaddescribedtoLaneytheotherday,shefoundbeingwithChasetobe...calming.Itwasa
nicechangeofpaceforher—certainsituationsatwork,andcertainunnamedsomeonesinparticular,
hadatendencytogetherworkedup.ButwithChase,therewasnofuss.Atatimewhenthingsin
Payton’slifeseemeduncertainandmorethanabitoutofcontrol,beingwithChasewaseasy.Hewas
easy.

Notthatway.

Shedidn’tknowthat.

Yet.

Aftertheykissedforamomentortwo,ChasepulledbackandgavePaytonaseriouslook.“There’s
somethingI’vebeenmeaningtotalktoyouabout.Ithinkmaybeit’stimewetakeourrelationshipto
thenextlevel.”

Paytonraisedaneyebrow.Oh,really?“Thenextlevelbeing...?”

“Aweekenddate.”

“Ah,aweekenddate.”Paytonshookherheadteasingly.“Idon’tknow,that’sabigstep.Didyouhave
anyparticularweekendinmind?”

“Actually,Iwasthinkingaboutthisone,”Chasesaid.

“Wow.Idon’tknow.Thisweekend,letmesee...”Paytonpretendedtomullthisover.“There’ssome
laundryI’vebeenmeaningtogetto,butIsupposeifIrearrangemyschedule...”

Withawink,shesmiled.“Okay.”

Chasepretendedtosighwithrelief.“TothinkInearlylostouttolaundry.Myegoneverwould’ve
recovered.”

“Hey,thisisn’teverydaylaundrywe’retalkingabout,”Paytonsaid.“Iwasgoingtodosheets.Maybe
evenatowelortwo.Ifthat’snotyourideaofaFridaynightparty,Idon’tknowwhatis.”

Chaselaughed.“Well,nowthatIknowthatIrankabovesheets,Ifeelsomuchbetter.”

Paytonsmiled,thenfellmoreseriousasshestudiedhim.Therewassomethingshefeltsheneededto
say.

“Youdoknowthatit’sjustallthisstuffIhavegoingonatwork,right?I’mreallybusywiththistrial,
andthey’regoingtonamethenewpartnersattheendofthemonth.”ShehadtoldChaseearlierthat
therewasstiffcompetitioninherbidtomakepartner,althoughshehadn’tgoneintospecifics.

ChasenoddedandtookPayton’shand,lacinghisfingersthroughhers.

“I’mjustteasingyou.Iknowhowbusyyouarerightnow.”

Paytonpeeredintohiswarmbrowneyes.Yes,that’sallitwas,shetoldherself,shewasbusywith
work.Nothingelse.

Beforeanycontrarythoughtcouldcreepintohermind,shereachedupandgentlypulledChaseinto
kisshim.

ANHOURORsolater,theysaidgoodnight.AfterbrieflydiscussingtheirplansforFriday,Payton
shutthedoorbehindhim.Sheleanedagainstthedoor,reflecting.

ThatChase.Suchagoodguy.Howshesolookedforwardtotheirnextdate.

Paytonsighedpeacefully.

Thensheeagerlysprangawayfromthedoor.

Backtothebusinessathand.Shehadsomeseriousplottingandschemingtodo.Atleasteighthours
hadgonebyandshehadn’tyetcomeupwithanysuitablewaytostrikebackattheevilthatwasJ.D.
Sheneededaplan.Fast.

Hehadwantedtomakeherlookstupid.Frankly,hehadsucceededinthat.Butthenextmovewashers.

Nowwhatcouldshepossiblydothatwouldtopnaked-butt-cheekcourtroompratfalls...?

Paytonbustledaroundherapartment,cleaningupafterherdinnerwithChase,musingoverthis.She
neededtocomeupwithsomethingfinal.Thekillshot.Thecheck-mate.Themovethatwouldlockup
thepartnershipspotonceandforall.ThenshewouldbedonewithJ.D.Jamesonforever.Nomore
havingtoproveherself;nomoreofthosepeskyjittersshefeltwhenevershesawhimatwork—
somethinglikebutterfliesinherstomach,itwasactuallyquiteannoying;nomorestress;nomore
fightsinthelibrary;anddefinitelynomoresexyI’m-gonna-kiss-you-now-womanblue-eyedheated
gazes.

Shehadnoideawhyshejustthoughtthat.

Sleepdeprivation,undoubtedly.Likethehigh-altitudesickness,itstrucksuddenlyandattheoddest
times.

Paytonspedthroughhernighttimeroutineandcrawledintobed.Whenthelightswereoff,shedidnot
thinkaboutJ.D.

Excepttoplotherschemesofrevenge,ofcourse.

Fourteen

IF,ASLEXKendalllikedtosay,allwomenweresistersunderthesamemoon,thenLadyJusticewas
noexception.ShewaskindtoPaytonindeed.

Ittookonlytwodaysbeforeshestumbleduponherbigchance.

ThebestpartofitwasthatPaytondidn’tevenhavetodoanything.Theopportunityjusthappened
uponher.ShetookitasasignthattheFates—alsowomen,shenoted—wereonherside.

Shegotbacktotheofficeearlythatafternoon.Oneoftheplaintiff’switnesseshadafamily
emergencyandneededtoberescheduledtotestifythefollowingday.Withnootherwitnessespresent
incourtoravailableonsuchshortnotice,thejudgehadrecessedthetrialuntilthefollowing
morning.

Paytonhadsettleddownatherdeskandbegunreviewingheremail,findingovertwentymessages
markedurgent(somepeoplewerefartooliberalintheiruseofthatlittleredexclamationpoint),
whenshenoticedIrmaoveratJ.D.’ssecretary’sdesk.Thetwowomenhadtheirheadsbowedand
werewhisperingintently.

Ignoringthematfirst,Paytoncontinuedonwithheremail.Ofcourseshefoundnoactual
emergencies,justeveryday,run-of-the-millclientpanicattacks.Butafewminuteslater,afterseeing
thesecretariesstilldeepintheirhuddle,shebecameintrigued.EspeciallyafterKathy,J.D.’ssecretary,
hurriedofffromherdesklookingfrantic.

PaytoncalledouttoIrmaasshepassedbyheroffice.

“Psst!Psst!Irma!”

WhenIrmaglancedover,Paytongesturedforhertostepintoheroffice.

“What’sgoingon?”sheaskedassoonasIrmashutthedoor.“IsawyouoveratKathy’sdesk.She
lookslikeshe’sfreakingoutaboutsomething.”

Irmapeekedouttheglasswindowoftheoffice,thenturnedbacktoPayton.“I’mnotsupposedtosay
anything,butJ.D.’sintrouble.”

Ooh...thiswasgood.Paytonresistedtheurgetorubherhandstogethergleefully.

“Whatkindoftrouble?Tellme,”shesaid,eagerforthedetails.

“Well,apparently,”Irmabegan,“hegotcalledintocourtforsomesortofemergencymotion—what
didKathysayitwas—acontemptmotion?Contestedmotion?Ican’trememberwhich—”

Paytonwavedimpatiently,movingIrmaalong.“Eitherway.Anemergencymotion.And?”

“And”—IrmathrewPaytonalook,shewasgettingthere—“thejudgewon’tlethimleave.Hewantsto
hearoralargumentandhaveahearingonthemotionrightnow.Buttheproblemis,J.D.hasa

depositionscheduledforthisafternoonthatwassupposedtostart,like,fifteenminutesago.Theother
lawyerandhisclientareupstairsandthreateningtoleaveifthedepdoesn’tstartimmediately.Kathy
wenttotrytostallthem.”

PaytonandIrmasuddenlyspottedKathyhurryingbacktoherdesk.Shedidnotlookhappy.

“Ibettergooutthereandseeifthere’sanythingIcandotohelp,”Irmasaid.

SheheadedbackouttoKathy’sdesk.PaytonwatchedthroughtheglassasJ.D.’ssecretaryheldupher
hands,gesturinganxiously,thenranoffagain.

PaytoncalledouttoIrmaoncemore.

“Psst!Irma!Psst!”

IrmawalkedbackintoPayton’soffice.“Whatiswithyoutoday?You’reawfullypesty.”

Paytonignoredthis.“WhatdidKathysay?Itdidn’tlookgood.Isitbad?Howbad?Tellme.”

“Youknow,youcouldjusttalktoKathyyourself,”Irmatoldher.

“I’mtryingtobecovert.Don’task.Justtellmewhat’shappeningwithJ.D.”

“Kathysayshe’sfreakingout.Iguesshecalledtheotherlawyerfromthecourthouseandtriedto
explainhissituation,butapparentlytheguy’sbeingajerkaboutit.AndwhenKathywentupstairsto
talktohimandhisclient,thelawyersaidhehadflownintotownfromNewYorkespeciallyforthis
depositionandifitdidn’tstartimmediately,hewasgoingtofileamotionforsanctions,demanding
hebereimbursedforhisplanefare,hotel,andattorney’sfees.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.Somelawyerscouldbesuchassholes.Luckilyforher,thisparticularasshole
wassomebodyelse’sproblem.

“Hmm...thatreallyisquiteapredicament,”shesaidmostsympathetically.“ButI’msureJ.D.will
workitoutsomehow.Who’sthepartneronthecase?Iguesshe’llhavetostepinandtakethedep.”

“Actually,it’sBenGould’scase.Buthe’soutoftown,”Irmasaid.

“Whatashame.Who’stheclient?”

“KPLMConsulting.”

“Ouch.”

Havinggonetoallthefirmmeetings—thediligentassociateshewas—PaytonknewthatKPLMwas
thefirm’sthird-largestclient.Benwouldnotbepleasedtohearofanyscrewupsinvolvingtheir
matters.

“IguessJ.D.’sprettydesperate,”Irmatoldher.“HeaskedKathytoseeifanyoftheotherupper-level
associatescouldfillinforhimandtakethedeposition.”

Paytonnodded.Thenshespunaroundinherchairandwentbacktotheveryimportanttaskofsorting
throughheremail.“Well,Ihopethatworksoutforhim.”

ShefeltIrma’seyesonher.

“Iguessthatmeansyou’renotavailabletohelpout?”Irmaasked.

“Boy,wow—IreallywishIcould.Butwiththistrialandeverything...”Paytongestureddramatically
tothepileoffilesonherdesk,noneofwhichactuallyhadanythingtodowithhertrial.“Ijustdon’t
seehowIcouldsqueezeitin.”Shesnappedherfingers.Damn.

Irmanodded.Ifshewassuspicious,shedidn’tleton.“Okay,I’llletKathyknow.AlthoughIwasn’t
supposedtoaskyou,anyway.J.D.toldhertoaskanyonebutyou.Iguessheprobablyalreadyknew
youweretoobusy.”

No,hedoesn’twantmetoknowhe’sroyallyscrewed,Paytonthoughtwithsatisfaction.Butshebither
tongueasIrmalefttheoffice.

Oncealone,Paytonhadamomenttoassessthefortuityofthismostdelectableandunexpectedturnof
events.

Shehadjustwon.

Notappearingforadeposition,riskingsanctionsandattorney’sfeesagainstoneofthefirm’sbiggest
clients—thesewerenotexactlythingsthatpartnersturnedtheothercheekto.Itmaynothavebeen
J.D.’sfault,but,well,them’sthebreaks.Associatesseekingtobepartnerwereexpectedtomagically
preventthisstufffromhappeningandiftheydidn’t...

Paytonknewexactlywhatwouldhappen.Iftherewasanyfalloutresultingfromtoday’smishap,Ben
wouldselloutJ.D.inaheartbeat.PartnerCYAatitsbest.

AndifittrulywasthattightofaracebetweenherandJ.D.,Paytonhadtothinkthiswouldbeenough
toinchherahead.Coffee-stainedsuits,exposedthong-buns—thesethingsweremerepittancesin
comparisontopissingoffthefirm’sthird-largestclient.

Andsheneverevenhadtoliftafingertomakeitallhappen.

Outsideheroffice,PaytonheardapanickedKathyaskIrmaforhelp.

“I’vetriedalltheseventhyears,andnoneofthemcantakethedeposition,”sheheardKathysay.“Can
youcallthesixthandfifthyearswhileIrunupstairsandasktheattorneytowaitjustfivemore
minutes?Ifyoufindsomeone,givethemthedepositionnotice—it’sonmydesk.”

Paytonsighed.

Pity.

Sheturnedherattentionbacktotheimaginarytasksshewassodiligentlyworkingon.

PoorJ.D.Shecouldjustpicturehim,stuckatthecourthouse,scrambling,worrying,wonderingwhat
wastheluckinhavingsomethinglikethishappennow.

Good.Hedeservedit.

Thiswasallhisowndoing,really.Hehadobviouslytakenontoomanycasesintheselastcoupleof
weeksbeforethepartnershipdecision,tryingtoshowherup.Sothemesshewasincertainlywasn’t
herproblem.Besides,hedidn’twantherhelp,anyway.AskanyonebutPayton,hehadsaid.

Fine.Great.Thatofficiallyreleasedherofanyobligationtogetinvolved.

Paytonsighedagain.

Pity.

Forsomereason,thesentimentfeltlessandlessvictoriouswitheverymomentthatpassed.

Paytonsatatherdesk.

Andsatsomemore.Drummingherfingers.

Dum-de-dum-de-dum.

Oh,fuckit.Withoutacluewhy,shegotupandstrodeoutofheroffice.

PAYTONKNOCKEDONTyler ’sdoor.

Whenhelookedupfromhisdeskandsawherstandingthere,Tylerlookedmorethanalittle
surprised.Paytonunderstoodthis.Shecouldprobablycountononehandthenumberoftimessheand
Tylerhadspoken.AsJ.D.’sbestfriend,hewasdefactooff-limits.

Takenabackthoughhewas,Tylersmiledgood-naturedly.

“Payton.Hi.CanIhelpyouwithsomething?”

Hmm.Heactuallyseemedpleasantenough,Paytonthought.Shamehehadsuchpoortasteinfriends.

Sheleanedagainstthedoor.Totallyblasé.“IjustthoughtyoumightwanttoknowthatJ.D.isin
trouble.He’sstuckatthecourthouseandcan’tmakeitbackforsomedepositionhe’ssupposedtobe
takingrightnow.”

Shenonchalantlyexaminedthetipsofherfingernails.“Notthatit’sanyofmyconcern,butthe
depositionisforsomeimportantcasehehaswithKPLMConsulting.Iguessit’saprettyimportant
matter.”

Shesighedunworriedly,pickingatacuticle.“He’llprobablygetfiredifhedoesn’tfindsomeoneto

takethedepinthenextcoupleofminutes.NotthatIcare.Ijustsohappenedtocatchaglanceatthe
depositionnoticeonKathy’sdesk;it’sa30(b)(6)deposition.Whatever.”

Notsurprisingly,asJ.D.’sbestfriend,Tylerwasextremelyflusteredbythisunexpectednews.

“Um...okay.Wow.Letmethinkforasecond.”Hegotupfromhisdesk,walkedaroundit,thenwent
back.“IguessIshouldcallKathy.No,J.D.”HelookeduncertainlyoveratPayton.“IshouldcallJ.D.,
right?Seewhathewantsmetodo?”

“Idon’tthinkthere’stimeforthat,”Paytontoldhim.“Kathysaidtheattorney’spitchingafitand
readytoleaveanyminute.”

“Okay—I’llstallthem,”Tylerdecided.

Paytonsighedinfrustration.Didshehavetospellitoutforhim?

“Tyler.Youhavetotakethisdeposition.Now.”

Hestaredatherblanklyforamoment,thennodded.“Ofcourse,right.Sure.Yousaiditwasa30(b)(6)
deposition?”

“Yes.”

Tylernoddedagain,thenhurriedoverandpulledhiscopyoftheFederalRulesofCivilProcedureoff
hisshelf.“Um,30(b)(6)...let’ssee...”Heflippedthroughthepages.“Okay—hereitis.”

Paytonstaredathim,appalled.“Goodgod,boy—haveyounevertakena30(b)(6)deposition?”

Tylerpausedhisskimmingtopeerupather.“Wow,youjustsoundedexactlylikeJ.D.rightthen.”

Paytonscowled.Asif.

Seeingherexpression,Tyleransweredquickly.“IthinkImayhavesatinona30(b)(6)depwhenI
wasasummerassociate.”Helookedatherquestioningly.“Isthattheonewhereyoudesignate
someonetotestifyasanagentofthecorporation?”

Paytonrolledhereyes.Weretheyteachingthesekidsnothingnowadays?

“Tyler—thisiskindofabigdeal,”shesaid.“These30(b)(6)depositionscanbetricky.Thewitnesses
areusuallyverywellprepared,sinceeverythingtheysaycanbeheldagainstthecompany.”

Tylerlookedherover.“Soyou’vedonethisbefore?”

Paytonsnorted.WasthePopeGerman?“Uh...yes.”

“So,youcouldtakethisdep?”

“Likeachamp.But.”ShegaveTylerapointedlook.HestaredbackatherwiththoselittleI’m-just-a-
sixth-year-associatelosteyes.

Paytonspokecautiously.“YouareawareofthesituationbetweenJ.D.andmyself,areyounot?”

“Iamawareofit,yes.”

Soheknewwhathewasaskingofher,Paytonthought.ShecontinuedtostareatTyler.

Heneverblinkedonce.

Afteramoment,Paytonspoke.

“Hewouldn’tdoitforme.”

Tylercockedhishead,interested.“Isthatwhatmatterstoyou?”

Paytonflungherhairback,decidingtoignorethatquestion.“Fine,”shetoldTylerthroughgritted
teeth.“I’lldoit.”

Sheheldupafinger.“Butyouaregoingtohelpme.Goupstairsandtellthelawyerandhisclientthat
weapologizeforthedelay,butthateverythinghasbeenstraightenedoutandthedepositionwillbegin
infiveminutes.Introduceyourself,andinturn,makesureyougetthelawyer ’sname.Thencome
backhereandrunaquicksearchinMartindale-HubbellandonLexisNexis—findanynoteworthy
caseshe’shandled,majorclients,etcetera.Iwon’thavetimetorevieweverythingbeforethe
depositionstarts,butI’llcallyouduringourfirstbreakandyoucangivemethehighlights.Okay?”

Tylernoddedaffirmatively.“Gotit.”

Withthat,PaytonlefthisofficeandheadeddownthehalltotalktoJ.D.’ssecretary.

“Kathy—I’llneedwhateverfilesJ.D.hasforthisdeposition,”shesaidassoonasshegottohis
secretary’sdesk.“Doyouknowifhepreparesoutlinesforhisdeps?Ifyoucan’tfindacopyinthe
files,runasearchonhiscomputer.”

Kathyflewoutofherchair,extremelyrelieved.“Doesthismeanyoucancoverthedeposition?Oh,
thankgoodness,Payton.I’llgetyouthatstuffrightaway.Yes,J.D.doesprepareoutlinesforhisdeps,
andIknowrightwhereIcanfindit...”

AsKathyhurriedoff,Paytonheadedtoherownoffice.Irmaglancedupcuriouslyasshepassedby.

“Changeofheart?”sheasked.“WhathappenedtoTyler?”

“Neversendaboytodoawoman’sjob,Irma.”

Paytonwinkedathersecretary,thendisappearedintoherofficetogethergamefaceon.

ALLTHINGSCONSIDERED,thedepositionwentprettydamnwell.Paytonattributedthistothefact
thatshehadseriouslymadskillsasalawyer.

AndmaybejusttheteensiestbittothefactthatJ.D.hadpreparedaverythoroughdepositionoutline
thatsetforthvirtuallyeveryquestionsheneededtoask.

Despitetheextremelylatenotice,Paytonfounditnotdifficultatalltostepin—alongwiththeoutline,
J.D.hadpreparedhisexhibitsinadvanceandhadorganizedthemsequentially.Sure,someminor
deviationsfromtheoutlineweresporadicallynecessarytoclarifysomethingthewitnesssaid.But
otherthanthat,shefoundJ.D.’spreparationandstrategytobeverymuchinlinewithwhatherswould
havebeenhaditbeenherowncase.Sheevenmanaged—despitethedelayinstarting—tofinishthe
depositionbyfourthirty,somethingJ.D.apparentlyhadpromisedthelawyersothatheandthe
witnesscouldmaketheirsixo’clockflightbacktoNewYork.

“Thankyouforbeingsoaccommodating,Ms.Kendall,”thelawyersaidtoPaytonaftershehad
concludedthedeposition.Hehadbecomefarmorefriendlyoncethedepositionhadbegunandthe
complimentarypopcornandcookieshadarrived.

“Noproblem,Mr.Werner,”Paytonsaid,shakinghishandinfarewell.“J.D.willbeintouchwithyou
todiscusstheschedulefortheremainingdepositions.Onceagain,Iknowhe’sverysorryforallthe
confusionthisafternoon.Unfortunately,JudgePearsondidn’tleavehimmuchchoice.”

PaytonandWernersharedasympatheticchuckle.Itneverfailed:lawyerscouldalwaysatleastfind
commongroundingripingabouttheoft-ornerinessofjudges.

Afterthelawyerandhisclientleft,PaytonbegantopackupJ.D.’sfiles,beingcarefultokeepthem
organizedinthewayshehadfoundthem.Sheaskedthecourtreportertoemailheracopyofthereal-
timetranscript,figuringshecouldforwardthattoJ.D.rightaway.

Whenshefinished,Paytontookaseatandproudlyproppedherfeetuponthechairacrossfromher.
Notabadbitoflawyeringshehadpulledofftoday,ifshedidsaysoherself.

Shespottedthetrayofcookiesleftoverfromthedeposition.Whatthehell?Shecertainlyhadearned
atreat.Shecheckedouttheselectionandpickedoutadoublechocolatechip.Shegrabbedthecookie
andwasjustabouttobiteinwhen—

“Whathaveyoudone?”

Atthesoundofthevoice,Paytonfroze,mouthopen.Cookiemidair.

SheturnedandsawJ.D.standinginthedoorway.

“Howbadisit?”heaskedinagravelyserioustone.

Paytontookabiteofthecookie.Shecheweddeliberately,takinghertime,thencockedherhead.
“Actually,it’squitetasty.”

J.D.steppedintotheroom.ItwasthenthatPaytonnoticedhowfrazzledhelooked.Whichwas
particularlystriking,becauseJ.D.Jamesonneverlookedfrazzled.Hishairwasuncharacteristically
mussedandheseemedoutofbreath,asifhehadrunoverrightafterfinishinghiscourthearing.

Paytonsympathized.Sheknewhowtoughhisdaymust’vebeen—she’dhadafewofthosedays

herself.Foramoment,shealmostfeltbadforJ.D.

Toobadthemomentdidn’tlast.

“Ah,there’sthatquintessentialKendallsarcasm,”J.D.said.“Allright—layitonme.Whatdidyoudo?
Makeobscenestatementsontherecord?Feignastutter?Askthewitnessthesamequestionfive
hundredtimes?”

“No,”Paytontoldhim.Althoughshemadeamentalnoteforfuturereference—thosewerenothalf-
badideas.

“No,ofcoursenot.”J.D.scowled.“Youwouldneverdoanythingthatwouldharmyourown
reputation.Whateveryoudidtounderminemewouldhavetobemuchmoresubtle.”

Helookedaroundtheroom.Hisvoicehadanedgeashefiredquestionsather.“WhereareWerner
andthewitness?They’veleft?Youfinishedthatquickly,huh?Well,forgetit—I’mbringingthem
backhere.Iwanttoreopenthisdepositionandfixwhatevermessyoumade.”

Paytonstoodupandstraightenedherjacket.

“Sorry,J.D.,I’mafraidyou’restuckwithmymess.Rule30(c)oftheFederalRulesofCivil
Procedure:examinationofthewitnessshallproceedasifattrial.Thatmeansonlyoneattorneycan
questionthewitness.Didn’ttheyteachyouthatatHar-vard?”shedrawledsarcastically.

“Yes,theytaughtmethatatHar-vard,”J.D.saiddryly.Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandpeered
downather.“Iwanttoseethetranscript.Immediately.”

Paytonglaredathim.Sothiswasthethanksshegotforhelpinghim.Shedidn’tknowwhyshewas
surprised.

“Noproblem,”shesaid.Shegrabbedherbriefcaseandpulledoutherlaptopcomputer.AsJ.D.stood
there,gloweringdownather,armsfoldedacrosshischest,Paytonopenedupheremailandfoundthe
real-timetranscriptthecourtreporterhadjustsenther.ShequicklyforwardedittoJ.D.

“There,”shesaid.Shesnappedherlaptopshutandthrewitbackintoherbriefcase.Shestoodagainto
faceJ.D.“Wasthatimmediateenoughforyou?”

Hiseyesflickered,andforasecond,heseemedtopause.

“Yes,”hesaidtersely.

“Good.”Paytonslungherbriefcaseoverhershoulderandheadedtowardthedoor.“Yourfilesareall
there—Iputthembackinthesameorderyouhadthem.AndWernerwantsyoutocallhimtomorrow
totalkabouttheremainingdepositionsyouneedtoschedule.Enjoyyourtranscript,J.D.”

Withthatpartingthought,shewalkedoutoftheconferenceroom.Furious.Withherself,mostly.

Foreverhavingthoughtthattheirconversationwould’vebeenanythingdifferent.

Fifteen

J.D.RANGTHEbuzzerasecondtime.

Whenshestilldidn’tanswer,herecheckedtheaddresshehadpulleduponhisBlackBerry.According
tothefirmdirectory,hewasattherightplace.

Theupstairslightsofthetwo-flatwereon,sopresumablysomebodywashome.Athoughtoccurred
toJ.D.then,thesameonehe’dhadafterthedinnerwithJasperandtheGibson’steam:maybeshe
doesn’tlivealone.Thebuzzerandmailboxprovidednocluestothis.

Earlier,afterPaytonhadstormedoutoftheconferenceroom,J.D.hadimmediatelyheadeddownto
hisofficeandpulledupthedepositiontranscriptshehademailedhim.Hehadfeverishlydovein,
expectingtheworst.Ashisreadingprogressed,hecontinued,tenselywaitingtofindthetwist,the
screwsheputtohim,something.Anything.

But.

Whathehaddiscoveredinsteadwas...nothing.Notricks.UnlessonecountedthetrickPaytonhad
pulledoffinmanagingtotakeaprettydamngood30(b)(6)depositiononaboutthirtyseconds’notice.
Suretherewereafewminorthings,afewlinesofquestioningwithwhichJ.D.mighthavetakena
slightlydifferentapproach,ormaybenot—butnevertheless,allhecouldthinkwas—

Wow.

Andjustwhenhethoughthecouldn’tfeelmorelikeajackass,Tylercalledandfilledhiminon
everything.

Andthus,J.D.foundhimselfhere,onPayton’sdoorstep.

Standingaimlesslyonherfrontstoopwithnothingelsetodo,helookedaround,checkingoutthe
neighborhood.Therewereseveralrowhousesontheblock,includingtheonethatpresumably
belongedtoher.Thetree-linedstreethadaquaintyeturbanfeeltoit.

Helikedit.Notasmuchashisdowntownhigh-risecondowithaviewofthelake,ofcourse,buthe
founditanacceptableplacetoleavetheBentleyparkedonthestreet.AndforJ.D.,thatwassayinga
lot.

Hepushedthebuttonontheintercomagain.Thirdtime’sthecharm,theyalwayssay,whichwasgood,
becausegiventhecircumstances,charmwassomethinghedefinitelyneed—

“Hello?”

Thevoice—Payton’s—camecracklingloudlythroughtheintercom,momentarilysurprisinghim.She
soundedannoyed.Andhehadn’tevenspokenyet.

J.D.clearedhisthroatandpushedthebuttonontheintercom.

“Uh,Payton,hi.It’sJ.D.”

Deadsilence.

Thenanothercrackle.

“Sorry.Notinterested.”

Cute.ButJ.D.persisted.Againwiththebutton.

“Iwanttotalktoyou.”

Crackle.

“Everhearofatelephone,asshole?”

Okay,heprobablydeservedthat.

Button.

“Listen,I’vebeenstandingouthereforfifteenminutes.Whattookyousolongtoanswer?”

Crackle.

(Annoyedsigh.)“Iwasabouttogetintheshower.”

J.D.raisedaneyebrow.Theshower?Hmm...helikedthesoundofthat.Waitasecond—no,hedidn’t.

BadJ.D.

Button.

“Ireadthedepositiontranscript.”

Crackle.

“Goodforyou.”

Shecertainlywasn’tmakingthiseasy.Buthehadexpectedthat.

Buzzer.

“Payton,”J.D.saidinanearnesttone,“Iwouldliketosaythisinperson.Please.”

Silence.Hecouldpracticallyhearherdebating.

Thenthebuzzerrang,unlockingthefrontdoor.J.D.dovetobeatthebuzzerbeforeshechangedher
mind,andlethimselfin.

PAYTON’SEYESQUICKLYscannedherfrontroomandkitchen,makingsuretheywerepresentable.
Notthatitmattered,because(a)itwasTheShitheadand(b)hewasn’tstaying.Herapartmentwasher
sanctuary,whichmeant100percentJ.D.-free.

Sheopenedherfrontdoor,thinkingshe’dcatchhimonthestairsandcuthimoffatthepass.But
instead,shefoundhimalreadystandingthere.Thequickwayshethrewopenthedoorcaughthimoff
guard.

Withonehandonthedoorframeandtheotheronherhip,Paytonglaredathim.“Whateveryouhave
tosay,sayitquickly.I’vehadalongday.”

Recoveringfromhismomentarysurprise,J.D.lookedherover.“That’salittleabrupt.CanIcome
in?”

“No.”

“Great.Thanks.”

HebrushedbyPaytonandsteppedintoherapartment.

Paytonhuffed.Oh.Well.Apparentlyshehadnochoiceinthematter.Sheshutthedoorbehindhimand
watchedashelookedaroundcuriously.

“Sothisiswhereyoulive,”hesaidasiffascinated,amanwho’dsnuckintotheenemy’scamp.“Nice
space.Lookslikeyougetalotoflight.”Heglancedover.“Justyou?”

Paytonnodded.“Yes.Look,whateveryou—”

“CanIhavesomethingtodrink?”heinterruptedher.“Aglassofwaterwouldbefine.Icamehere
straightfromwork.”

Atfirst,Paytonsaidnothing.Shesimplystaredathim,wonderingwhatthehellhewasupto.

“I’mabitparched,”headded.

Shethoughtshesawthefaintesttraceofasmileonhislips.Washetryingtobecute?Orperhapshe
wasjuststalling.

“Fine.”Shesighed.Reluctantly,sheturnedtoheadintothekitchen.

“Perrier,ifyouhaveit.”

Paytonthrewanevileyeoverhershoulder.

J.D.grinned.“Justkidding.”

Definitelytryingtobecute.

Whatever.

Ignoringhim,Paytonwentandgothisglassofwater.Itwasweird,himbeingthereinherapartment.
Itfelt...personal.Shefeltoddlyjumpy.Skittish.

Afterunenthusiasticallyfillingaglasswithtepidlywarmtapwater,shewentbackoutintothefront
room.Theroomwasdividedbyawallofbuilt-inbookshelves—oneofthefewthingsfromthe
originaldesignshehadn’tchangedafterbuyingtheplace—andshefoundJ.D.there,lookingather
collectionofbooks.

Asheleanedovertocheckoutthelowershelf,Paytonnoticedforthefirsttimethathewasn’t
wearingasuitjacket.Thesleevesofhisshirtwererolleduparoundhisforearms,histieloosened,
andhishairhadacasual,raked-throughlook.

Thisiswhathelookslikewhenhecomeshomefromwork,Paytonthought.Shecaughtherself
wonderingiftherewassomeonehecamehometo.

Brushingthataside,Paytonwalkedoverandunceremoniouslyshovedtheglassofwaterathim.
“Here.”

J.D.’shandbrushedagainsthersashetookit.“Thankyou.”

Therewassomethingaboutthewayhelookedather,Paytonnoticed.Foryears,hisexpressionshad
fluctuatedsomewherealongthesmug/haughtyyou-have-no-idea-what-you’re-talking-about-silly-
ClintonitetothemorefrustratedI-would-strangle-you-dead-except-I-don’t-have-time-to-pick-up-
your-workloadspectrum.Butlatelyitwasdifferent,andshefounditveryhardtoreadhim.

“Whyareyouhere?”sheaskedbluntly.

AfterskepticallyeyeingthecloudyglassofEauduLacMichiganshehadpouredhim,J.D.tookasip,
thenpausedasifstillfiguringouttheanswertothathimself.

“Ihavequestions,”hefinallysaid.

“Questions?”Paytonasked,surprised.Whatevershehadbeenexpectinghimtosay,itwasn’tthat.

“Aboutthedeposition,”heexplained.

“Oh.Well,youreadthetranscript.Wastheresomethingyoudidn’tunderstand?”

“Yes.”J.D.sethisglassdownonthenearbyendtable.Hestoodupandpeereddownather,reminding
herjusthowtallhereallywas.“Whydidyoudoit?”

Paytoncockedherhead.“Youdidn’treallythinkIwouldscrewupadeposition,didyou?Asidefrom
myreputation”—sheemphasizedthisinreferencetohisearlierinsult—“Iwouldneverdothattoa
client.”

J.D.wavedthisoff.“No,Igetthatpart.ButItalkedtoTyler.Hesaidthatyoucametohimaboutthe
deposition.Youhadmeinacorner—ifyou’ddonenothing,Iwould’vebeenscrewed.Youknowhow

Benworks:there’snoroomforerrorwhenitcomestohisclients.”Hepaused,comingaroundtohis
originalquestion.“So?Whydidyouhelpme?”

Sheheldupahand.“Easythere,buddy.Ididn’tdoittohelpyou.”

“Okay,fine.Whythen?”

Payton,herself,hadthoughtlongandhardaboutthisveryquestionaftershehadgottenhomethat
evening.SoshetoldJ.D.theonlylogicalanswershe’dcomeupwith.

“IdecidedthatIdon’twanttowinbydefault.IfthePartnershipCommitteechoosesme—whenthey
chooseme,Ishouldsay—Iwanttoknowthatit’sbecauseIearnedit,notbecausesomestupidmix-up
edgedyououtatthelastminute.”

J.D.didn’tsayanythingatfirst.Thenhenodded.“Fairenough.”Hehesitatedwiththenextpart.“Well,
regardlessofyourmotives,therealreasonIcameheretonightisbecauseI...”Hetookabreath,as
ifneedingtosteelhimself.“Iwantedtothankyou.Andtoapologize.WhenIfoundyouinthe
conferenceroomafterthedeposition,youhadthissatisfiedexpressiononyourfaceand,well,Iguess
Iassumedtheworst.”

Hepaused.

“Isthatit?”Paytonasked,notentirelymollifiedbythisapology.

“Oh—Iwasjustwaitingforyoutosaysomethingsarcasticaboutassholesandassumptions.”

Paytongavehimalevelstare.“AsifIwouldbethatcliché.”

Shenoticedhewaswatchingher.Again.“What?”

J.D.grinned.“NowI’mwaitingforyoutodothethingwithyourhair.Thelittleflip.”

Paytonglared.Notetoself:investinhairclips.

“Youknow,asapologiesgo,thisonecoulduseatonofimprovement,”shetoldhim.“Istheremore?”

“Notreally.”Heshruggedmatter-of-factly.“Well,exceptthatIwasthinking...Idon’twanttowinby
default,either.Somaybewecouldcallatruce.”

“Atruce?”Paytonasked.“That’sverymagnanimousofyou,consideringthenextplayismine.What
doIgetoutofthis?”

J.D.tookastepclosertoher.“Hmm.Howaboutthesatisfactionofbeingthebetterperson?”

Paytonpaused,highlyintriguedbythis.“Youwouldadmittothat?”

J.D.’seyesshonewithamusement.Hetookanotherstepcloser.“Inthiscontext,Ms.Kendall,yes.”

Paytonconsideredthetermsofhisproposal.Higherstakesforhertherecouldnotbe.

“Allright,”sheagreed.“Atruce.”

ShehadtotiltherheadbacktomeetJ.D.’sgaze,theyweresuddenlystandingthatclose.Uh-oh,she
thought,thisishowitallstartedlasttime.Shefeltthatfamiliarrushandthoughtaboutsteppingback,
butheavenhelpherifsheevergaveaninchtoJ.D.Jameson.

“IsupposenowIoweyou.”J.D.’svoicehadturnedsofter.

Paytonshookherhead.“No,youreallydon’t.”

Henoddedyes.“Ireadthetranscript.”

“Yousaidthatalready.”

“Youwereamazing,Payton,”hemurmured,hisvoicehusky.

Well.

Goddamnifthatwasn’tjustaboutthesexiestthingshehadeverheard.

J.D.gazeddownatherwithacoyexpression,asifinterestedtoseewhatshewasgoingtodonext.
AndfromhislookPaytonrealizedthatsomewhereinthemiddleofallthis,thegamebetweenthetwo
ofthemhadchanged.

Ithadallstartedwiththatstupidfightinthelibrary.Orhaditbegunbeforethat...?Standingthere,
lookingupintoJ.D.’sfantasticallyblueeyes,Paytonsuddenlywasn’tsosure.

Hmm.Hehadreallylongeyelashesforaguy—shehadnevernoticedthatbefore.Almostblondish,
likethewarmstreaksofgoldinhisbrownhair.Andspeakingofhishair,shekindoflikedthewayit
wasslightlymussedthatnight.Somethingaboutitmadeherwanttograbhimbythatdesignertieof
hisandgethimreallymussedspendinghoursdoingsomethingshesuspectedwouldbefarmore
amazingthanthisafternoon’sdeposition.

Wow—shereallyneededtogetlaid.

NotbyJ.D.HewasfartootypeAforhertastes.She’dbethe’dbeallcontrollinganddominatingin
bed.Althoughthatcouldhavepotential...

Andnowshewasblushing.

Seeingshewasn’tbackingawayfromhim,J.D.raisedaneyebrow.Paytonsawthecornersofhis
mouthtiltupinasmile,andifshedidn’tknowbetter,she’dswearthathewasdaringhertomakea
move.Wantedhertomakeamove,even.Andshewouldn’thavetodomuch—ifshetiltedherheada
mereinch,they’dbekissing.

Hmm.

ShewonderedifJ.D.hadpoloponiesonhiscondoms.

“Youhavetogo,”Paytonblurtedoutemphatically.

J.D.cockedhisheadbutdidn’tmove,sotohurryhimalongPaytonputherhandonhischest,pushing
himtothedoor—wow,hehadareallyfirmchestforsomeonesofancy—

“Now—youhavetogonow,”shesaidassheopenedupthefrontdoorandliterallyshovedhimout
intothehallway.

J.D.protested.“Hey!Waitasecond,there’ssomethingelse—”

Paytontriedtoshutthedoor,butJ.D.blockeditwithhisarm.

“Jesus,woman,willyoujustletmespeak?!”

“No.You’vesaidwhatyoucameheretosay.Apologyaccepted,nomoresabotage,etcetera,etcetera.
Andbytheway,Ican’tbelieveyouactuallyjustcalledme‘woman.’That’salmostasbadas
‘cupcake.’”

“Ibettherearealotofwomenwhothinkit’sendearingtobecalled‘cupcake.’”

“Ifthereare,theysuredon’tliveinthisapartment.”

J.D.lookedreadytotearhishairout.“Youknowwhat?Forgetit.Ichangedmymind,Idon’thave
anythingelsetosay.Andseriously,woman—Ithinkyoumightactuallybecrazy.Ormaybethat’sjust
theeffectyouhaveonme!”Hefinishedhisspeechinashout,thenturnedandstormedoffdownthe
stairs.

Paytonhalfshut,halfslammedthedoorbehindhim—good,shedidn’twanttohearanythingelsehe
hadtosayanywayandnowatleasthewasoutofherapartment,andbytheway,hereallyneededto
comeupwithsomesnap-piercomebacksand—

Animpatientknockatherdoor.Thenagain,louder.

What,didhejustthinkofabetterline?Paytonthrewopenthedoorand—

J.D.immediatelyhelduphishand.

“Don’t.Say.Anything.”

Paytonopenedhermouth.

J.D.pointedandshookhisheadwithafirmstare.“No.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.Butshedidn’tspeak.

“WhatIwantedtotellyou,”hebegandeliberately,“wasthatyouwerewrong.”

Nowtherewasafriggin’surprise.Paytonglared.

J.D.continued,morecalmnow,hisvoicesteadier.“Imean,aboutwhatyoutoldTyler.”

Hiseyesmethersandheldthem.

“Iwould’vedoneitforyouinaheartbeat.”

Paytonfeltit.

Theicearoundherheart,shefeltpartofitcrackoffandmeltrightthen.Andforthefirsttimeineight
yearsshehadnoideawhattosaytoJ.D.Jameson.

Hegaveheraslightnod.“Ijustwantedtosettherecordstraightonthat.”

Withthat,J.D.turnedandleft,forrealthistime,andPaytonslowlyshutthedoorbehindhim.She
resistedtheurgetolookoutthefrontwindowandwatchasheleftherapartmentbuilding.Instead,she
busiedherselfbypickinguptheemptyglasshehadleftbehind.Shewashedtheglassinthekitchen
sinkandputitaway,eagertogetridoftheremnantsofhisvisit.

Sheknewthatsomethinghadchangedthateveningand,frankly,shewantedtoignorethatfact—orat
leasttryto—andgetthingsbacktothewaytheywere.Atrucewasonething,but—heavenforbid—
shereallyhopedthisdidn’tmeanJ.D.wasgoingtostartbeingnicetoheroranything.Suddenlybeing
onfriendlytermswithhimcouldmakethingscomplicated.Andshecertainlydidn’tneedany
complicationsatworkrightnow.

Iwould’vedoneitforyouinaheartbeat.

Payton’sthoughtslingeredoverthosewords.Anddespiteherself,shesmiled.

Notthatitmattered.

Really.

Sixteen

“FOREIGHTYDOLLARSperpersonforbrunch,therebetterbediamondsstashedinthatomelet.”

Itwasthefifthcommentthatmorningaboutthestupidomelet.Paytonknewshejustshould’vegone
withtheBelgianwaffles.Butresolvedtohaveapleasantbrunch,sheignoredtheremarkandgestured
tohermother ’splate.

“How’sthefreshfruitandgranola?”InNoMIrestaurant’sentire100-plus-itembuffet,theywerethe
onlytwothingshermotherhaddeemedacceptabletoeat.

LexKendallwasintypicalformthatmorning.Andnotabouttobesidetrackedsoeasily.

“You’retryingtochangethesubject,”shesaid.

“Yes,Iam.”Paytontookasipofhermimosa.Atthisrate,shewaslikelytoneedasecondone,soshe
raisedafingertothewaiter.Service,please.Quickly.

Sittingacrossthepristinewhite-linen-coveredtable,Lexshookherheadinfrustration.Herlong
brownhairfelloverthesleevesofherfloralpeasantblouseinkinky,unstylizedwaves.Inherfaded
jeansandanimal-cruelty-freeclogs,shewasabitunderdressedforbrunchattheParkHyatthotel’s
premiererestaurant.NotthatPaytoneverwould’vedaredtotellherthat.

“Comeon,Sis,”Lexurged,“youknowthatthepoultryindustryismoreconcernedwithfinancial
shortcutsthanprovidinghumaneconditionsforthebirdstheycarelesslymistreat.Idon’tseehowyou
canignorethat.”

Paytonresistedtheurgetorisetothebait.Sheknewshe’dbeenpushingit,bringinghermotherhere.
Buttherewereonlysomanyvegetarianrestaurantsinthecity,manyofwhichshehadalreadytaken
hermothertoonpriorvisits,andshehadwantedtotrysomethingdifferent,somethingmoreupscale.
SheknewLaneywasright—ifshemadepartner,beingaroundmoneywassomethingshe’dbetterget
usedto,becauseshecertainlywouldhaveenoughofit.Lastyearthemostjuniorpartneratherfirm
earned1.1milliondollars.AndwhilePaytoncertainlywasneveronetothrowmoneyaround—
frankly,she’dneverhadanytothrowaroundbeforestartingwiththefirm—onthatsalaryshecould
affordtotreathermothertoadecentbrunch.

Withthisthoughtinmind,insteadofarguingwithhermother,Paytonsmiledamiably.“Maybe—since
wehavesolittleremainingtimetogetherthisweekend—wecouldsavethedebateoverthevirtuesof
avegandietforanothertime.Let’sjusthaveapleasantmeal,shallwe,Mom?”Shegesturedwithher
glasstotherestaurant.“WhenIaskedaroundatthefirm,peoplesaidthiswasthebestbrunchinthe
cityonFather ’sDay.”

Whileitmightseemoddtosomepeople,thefactthatshecelebratedFather ’sDaywithhermother
gavePaytonlittlepauseanymore.Itwassomethingthetwoofthemdideveryyear,alone,even
continuingthetraditionafterLexandherhusbandhadmovedouttoSanFranciscowhenPayton
startedcollege.

Paytonhadvirtuallynomemoryofherfather—heandhermotherhadsplitupshortlyaftershewas

bornandhehadcometovisithersporadicallyforonlyacoupleofyearsafterthat.Andwhileher
father ’slackofinterestinmaintainingarelationshipwassomethingthathadupsetherearlierinlife,
atthirty-twoyearsoldshewasprettymuchoverit.HermotherrarelyspokeaboutShane—aseven
Paytonreferredtohim—andasaresultshefeltwhollydisconnectedfromhim.Shedidn’tevenshare
alastnamewithherfather,sinceheandhermotherhadnevermarried.

Apparently,however,theyhadonethingincommon:shehadherfather ’seyes.Atleastthat’swhather
motherusedtotellher,insortofawistfulway,whenshewasyounger.

InresponsetoPayton’scommentabouttherestaurant,Lexlookedaroundwithacriticaleye.Per
Payton’srequest,theyhadatablebythewindowoverlookingMichiganAvenue.Asoneofthefew
partiesoftwothatmorning,ithadbeenaneasyrequesttoaccommodate.

“Sure,it’saniceplace.Ifyou’reintothewholebrunchscene.”Sheturnedherscrutinizingeyeto
Payton.“Youfitinhere.”

Paytonsighed.“Mom—”

Lexheldupherhand.“It’snotanaccusation,Sis.I’mjusthavingoneofthose‘mom’momentswhere
Iwonderwhathappenedtothelittlegirlwhousedtodressupinmyoldclothesasagypsyfor
Halloween.”Shesmiledfondly.“Doyourememberthat?Youdiditfiveyearsinarow.”

Paytondidn’thavethehearttotellhermotherthatthereasonshehaddressedupasa“gypsy”was
becauseshehadknownevenasalittlegirlthattheycouldn’taffordtowastemoneyonstore-bought
costumes.

“NowyoulooklikeyoushouldbeonarunwayinParisorsomething,”Lexcontinued,gesturingto
Payton’soutfit.

Paytonlaughed.Hardly.

“They’rejustworkclothes,”shesaid.Sheworetailoredblackpants,heels,andaV-necksweater.It
wasunseasonablycoolforJunethatday,evenbyChicagostandards.

“Well,normallyIwouldpointoutthatyour‘justworkclothes’couldprobablyfeedtenofmygirls
foraweek,”Lexsaid,referringtothewomenwhotemporarilylivedatthecrisisshelteratwhichshe
workedinSanFrancisco.“Butsincewehavesolittletimetogether—andinthespiritofhavinga
pleasantmeal,ofcourse—Iwillbitemytongueandsayonlythatyoulookverystylish.Veryfancy,
big-timelawyer-y.”Withthat,LextippedhermimosatoPaytonandtookasip.Cheers.

IfPaytonhadeverwonderedhowshe’dgottentobesosarcastic,well,considerthatquestion
answered.

LexlookedupfromherdrinkatPayton’ssilence.“What?”

“Sorry.NowI’mhavingoneofthose‘daughter ’moments,wonderingwhen,exactly,Iturnedintomy
mother.”

Lexsmiled.“Aw,Sis,that’sthenicestthingyou’veeversaidtome.Becauseofthat,Iwon’tpointout

thatacowhadtodieinordertomakeyourpurse.”

Paytonglancedupattheceiling.Thewomanwentthrougheighteenhoursoflabortogiveherlife,
sheremindedherself.Drug-free.

“Let’stalkaboutsomethingelse,”shetoldhermother.SheinquiredaboutStevenandhisdaughters,
whowerearoundthesameageasPaytonandlivedinLosAngeleswiththeirhusbands.Hermother
talkedaboutherworkattheshelter,thecircumstancesthathadbroughtinsomeofhernewer
residents,andthen—inarareexpressionofinterest—actuallyaskedPaytonaquestionortwoabout
howthingsweregoingwiththefirm.Paytonansweredingeneralities,seeingnoreasontogointothe
wholepartnershipissuesincetherewasn’tanynewsyetonthatfront.Instead,shetalkedabouther
cases,evengettingalaughoutofhermotherwhenshetoldheraboutthesix-footpenisphotothatwas
ExhibitAofhercurrenttrial.

“Asix-footpenis,huh?ThatputstoshameanyI’veeverseen.”LexthrewPaytonasneakylook.
“Although,didIevertellyouaboutthisguyImetatWoodstock—”

Paytoncutheroffwithahand.“No.Andyouneverwill.”Hermother ’s“free-spirit”open-door
discussionpolicywassomethingshecoulddojustfinewithoutwhensexwasthetopicathand.

Lexsatback,disappointedinbeingunabletotellherstory.“Wow—whendidyougettobesucha
prude?”

Withashock,Paytonrealizedwhathadjusthappened.

ShehadbecomeLaney.

“Idon’tthinkitmakesmeaprudejustbecauseIdon’twanttohearaboutmymother ’sback-in-the-
dayfree-lovesexualantics,”sheretorted.

“Fine,we’lltalkaboutyouinstead,”Lexthrewrightbackather.“Areyouseeinganyonethesedays?”

PaytonhaddebatedallweekendwhethertotellhermotheraboutthePerfectChase.Hewasoutof
town,visitinghisparentsinBoston,andwhenhegotbackinthatevening,hehadplanswithhis
friends,sowhethertointroducehimtohermotherhadnotbeenanissue.

Itwasstrange,becauseforonceshewasdatingsomeonewithwhomevenhermotherwouldhave
troublefindingfault,yetstillshehesitatedtobringhimup.Perhapsshejustdidn’twanttojinxthings.

“Actually,Ijuststartedseeingsomeoneafewweeksago,”Paytontoldhermother.“You’dlovehim.”
Andasshewenton,describingChase,itstruckheronceagainwhatagreatguyhereallywas.And
she—beingthelogical,pragmaticpersonshewas—knewthathewasoneofthosementhatnowoman
shouldletgetaway,evenifthetimingwasn’tthegreatest.Evenifshewaspresentlysidetrackedwith
otherthings.

Meaningwork,ofcourse.

ONTHEIRWAYoutoftherestaurant,Paytonandhermotherstoppedatthecoatcheck.The
unseasonablycoolweatherhadprovidedtheperfectopportunityforLextogooffonanotherofher
diatribesaboutthepoliticsandeconomicsofglobalclimatechange.Paytonnoddedalongdistractedly
—yes,yes,suppressedscientificreports;certainly,thegovernmenthadunderminedefforts;of
course,hiddenagendasoveroil;indeed,theplanetwasheadedtowardimminentcatastrophe—asshe
collectedtheirjacketsandtippedtheattendantwithonehand.Inherotherhandsheheldthedaintily
wrappedbutsizableboxoffoodhermotherhadinsistedtheytakeforthe“unhoused”people(her
motherrefusedtosay“homeless”)thattheyhadpassedontheirwayintothehotel.

Paytonstruggledwiththecumbersomeboxasshetriedtofindtheothersleevetoherjacket.She
reachedback,groping,stillfeigninginterestinhermother ’slecture,when—

—someoneheldupherjacketandgentlysettleditacrosshershoulders.

Gratefulfortheassistance,Paytonturnedaround—

—andunexpectedlyfoundherselfstaringatJ.D.

Sheblushed.Nocluewhy.“Oh.Hello.”

“Hello,”hesmiled.

“It’syou.”

“It’sme.”

Paytonsuddenlyfelttheneedtoappearcasual.“Sowe’rehereforthebrunch,”shesaidbreezily.
“TheysaiditwasthebestinthecityforFather ’sDay.”

“You’reherewithyourfamily,then?”J.D.asked.Heappearedcuriousaboutthis.

BeforePaytoncouldrespond,sheheardanot-so-subtlecoughbehindher.Shit!—hermother.Shehad
completelyforgottenabouther.

Normally,Paytonlikedtogivepeopleapreparatoryspeechbeforetheymethermother—topicsof
conversationtoavoid,whatnottowear,andifamealwasinvolved,whatnottoeat.Menintroduced
tohermotherneededadditionalcoaching,atleastseveraldays’worthofLexKendall101.Despiteall
this,veryfewpeople—evennormal,perfectlyharmlesspeople—managedtocomethroughan
encounterwithhermotherunscathed.

FrombehindPaytoncameasecond,morepointedcough.

J.D.andhermothercouldnotmeet.

Andiftheydid,sheabsolutelydidnotwanttobeanywhereinthevicinity.Paytoneyedthedoor.Was
ittoolatetomakearunforit?

J.D.pointed.“Um,Payton?Ithinksomeone’stryingtogetyourattention.”

Oh,bloodyhell.Paytonturnedaroundandsawhermother ’sfiercegaze—nobodyputLexKendallin
acorner—andreluctantlymadetheintroduction.

“J.D.,I’dlikeyoutomeetmymother,LexKendall.Mom,thisisJ.D.Jameson.Heworkswithmeat
thefirm.”

PaytonwatchedasJ.D.politelyshookhermother ’shand.Itfeltstrange,thetwoofthemmeeting.She
quicklytriedtothink—wasthereanysafetopic,anythingtheyhadincommon?Shecameupwith
zilch.Nada.

LexcarefullylookedJ.D.over,suspiciousfromtheoutset.Paytonknewshewasmakingmentalnote
oftheexpensivecutofhispants,thefinequalityofhisdarkgrayshirt,andthewayheworehisjacket,
withoutatie,inaneffortlesslystylishlook.

“It’sapleasuretomeetyou,Mrs.Kendall,”J.D.said.

Paytonwinced.Alreadyascrewup,andonthebasicsatthat.Havingkeptherownname,evenafter
marryingSteven,LexKendallwasno“Mrs.”

J.D.smiledathermother,obviouslyunawareoftheshakygroundonwhichhestood.“Ihopeyouand
Mr.Kendallhadanicebrunch.”

Oh...no.Paytonsawhermother ’seyesflash.

“Well—J.D.,isit?”Lexledinwithwhatcouldonlybedescribedasa“tone.”“Puttingasideyour
blatantpatriarchalbiasesinassumingthenecessarypresenceofamalefamilialfigurehead,yes,Ihad
anicebrunch,thanks.”

Paytonrolledhereyesinexasperation.“Hewasjustbeingpolite,Mom.”Sheglancedover
apologeticallyatJ.D.,expectingtofindhimannoyed,irritated,offended,orsomecombination
thereof.

Butinstead,heseemedamused.“Mymistake,Ms.Kendall,”J.D.correctedhimself.“Andthankyou.”
HelookedoveratPayton,hiseyesdancing.“Suddenly,everythinghasbecomemuchclearer.”

Paytonshothimalook.Veryfunny.

Shewasabouttosaysomethingtoextricateherandhermotherasquicklyaspossible,beforethis
encounterthatteeteredonthebrinkofdisastergotanyworse,whenavoice,awoman’s,camefrom
behindJ.D.

“Ifyoudon’tintendtointroduceustoyourfriend,J.D.,perhapsyourfatherandIshouldgoahead
andbeseatedatthetable.”

PaytonturnedtoJ.D.,hereyeswide.Nowthiswasinteresting.“Youhaveparents,”shesaid.

“Yes,shockingly,evenIhaveparents.”

Paytonlaughed.ShehadforgottenthatJ.D.couldactuallybekindoffunnyeveryonceinawhile.If

youlikedthatwholedry-humorkindofthing.

“No,Imeanthere,withyou.”Curious,Paytonpeeredoverandsawadistinguished-lookingcouplein
theirearlysixtiesheadingintheirdirection.

J.D.madetheintroductions.“Payton,thesearemyparents,PrestonandEvelynJameson.”Hegestured
toPaytonandhermother.“Mom,Dad,thisisPaytonKendallandhermother,LexKendall.Paytonisa
coworkerofmine;sheworksinthesamegroupasme.”

Withaformalair,J.D.’sfathersteppedforwardtoshakePayton’shand.Hewastall,likehisson,had
salt-and-pepperhair,andlookedverydignifiedinhisgraytweedsportcoatandwire-rimmedglasses.

“Soyou’realawyeraswell,Ms.Kendall?”heinquired.

“Yes,Judge,”shesaid,shakinghishand.“It’sapleasuretomeetyou.”Asamemberofthelegal
profession,itwasindeedanhonorforhertomeettheHonorablePrestonD.JamesonoftheSeventh
CircuitCourtofAppeals.

JudgeJamesongaveheraslightnod,asiftoacknowledgeheracknowledgmentofhisjudicialstatus.
Hehadasterndemeanor,Paytonnoticed,whichstruckherasbeingveryunlikehisson.Therewere
lotsofwordsshecouldusetodescribeJ.D.—nocommentonwhetheranyofthemwouldbe
particularlycomplimentary—but“stern”wouldnotbeamongthem.

PaytonturnednexttoEvelynJameson,andthefirstthingshenoticedwasapairofbrilliantblueeyes.
J.D.’seyes.

Thestartlingfamiliarityofthoseeyeswasimmediatelyovershadowed,however,bythesecondthing
PaytonnoticedaboutJ.D.’smother:thebeigesuedecarcoatshewaswearingthathad—oh,lord—a
sablefurcollar.

Paytonshookherhand.“It’snicetomeetyou,Mrs.Jameson.Couldyouexcusemeforonesecond?”

Shespunaroundtohermotherandwhisperedquietly.“Ifyouletthecoatslide,I’llgiveupdairyfora
week.”

Lexgaveheralookthatwas100percentpuremotherlyreassurance.“Ofcourse,Sis,ifit’sthat
importanttoyou.Makeitamonth.”

QuintessentialLexKendall.

“Fine,”Paytonhissedsoftly.“Justbepolite.”

Lexsnickered,stealingaglanceattheJamesons.“Don’tworry,Iknowhowtodealwithpeoplelike
this.Theylookexactlylikeyourfather ’sparents,thefirsttimeImetthem.”

Paytonblinked,shocked.Herfatherhadmoney?Thiswasthefirstshehadheardofanysuchthing.

Butshetabledthatdiscussionandheldherbreathasshewatchedhermotherintroduceherselfto
J.D.’sparents.Lexwaspleasantenoughbut—itneverfailed—stillLex.

“Nicecoat,”shetoldJ.D.’smother.“Ihavetwojustlikeitathome.”

Evelynsmiledpolitely.“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,”shereplied,somehowmanagingtosoundboth
condescendingandgenteel.“ThisisaChristianLacroix,youknow.”

Paytonstifledalaugh.Ah,J.D.wasright.Suddenlythingshadbecomemuchclearer.Shehearda
voice,lowinherear.

“Youdon’thavetosayitoutloud;Ialreadyknowwhatyou’rethinking.”

ShelookedoverhershouldertoseeJ.D.standingnexther.“Youthinkyouknowmesowell.”

“Ido,”hesaid,stillspeakingsothattheirparentscouldn’thear.

“ThenwhatamIthinkingnow?”Paytonaskedcoyly.Wait—wassheflirting?No.Yes.Tobe
determined.

“You’rethinkingthatoutofallthebrunchesinthecity,youhadtopickthesameoneasme,”J.D.said.

Paytoncouldn’thelpbutsmileatthat.Shehadaviewoftheirparents,andshewatchedashermother
—undoubtedlyonyetanotherdiatribe—tookoffoneofheranimal-cruelty-freeclogsandhelditup
toEvelynJameson.J.D.’smotherlookedpained.

“Close.IwasthinkingthatifIknewweweregoingtopickthesamebrunch,Iwould’vehadthatthird
mimosabeforeourparentsmet.”

J.D.turnedinthedirectionoftheirparentsandeyedthescenewithamusement.“There’salwaysthe
baroffthelobby.”

Paytonlaughed.

J.D.studiedherforamoment.“Actually...IwasthinkingImighthavetosneakofftothebar
myself.”

NowitwasPayton’sturntostudyhim.Wasthataninvitation?Hardtotell.“Thatdoessound
tempting,”shesaid,figuringthatanswerworkedeitherway.

“Tempting,”J.D.repeated.

Thenhisgazefelltoherlips.

Paytonsuddenlyfeltahandonhershoulder,interruptingthem.Sheglancedoverandsawher
mother ’spointedlook.

“Wedon’twantthefoodtogetcold,Sis.”Lexgesturedtotheboxoffoodfortheunhousedpeople.

Paytonnodded.“Yes.”SheglancedupatJ.D.“Weshouldgetgoing.”

J.D.nodded.“Ofcourse.I’llseeyoutomorrow,then.”

Paytonmurmuredaquickgood-byetoJ.D.’sparents,thenlefttherestaurantwithhermother.When
theygotoutside,shehandedthetickettothevalet.

Sheandhermotherwaitedinfrontofthehotel,neitherofthemsayingaword.Finally,Lexbrokethe
ice.

“Doyouwanttotellmewhatthatwasallabout?”

“He’sjustacoworker,Mom.”

Moresilence.

“Whyhaveyounevermentionedthatmyfatherhadmoney?”Paytonasked.

Lexshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Ididn’tthinkitwasrelevant,Iguess.”

Paytondidn’tbuyhermother ’snonchalance.“Didthathaveanythingtodowithwhyyoutwonever
married?”

Foramomentshedidn’tthinkhermotherwasgoingtoanswer.

“WhenhisparentsfoundoutIwaspregnant,theytoldhimtochoosemeorhisinheritance,”Lexsaid.
“Hedidn’tchooseme.Hedidn’tchooseus.”

“Youdon’tthinkthat’ssomethingImight’vewantedtoknow?”Paytoncouldn’tbelieveshewasfirst
findingoutaboutthisafteralltheseyears.Itexplainedsomuch.

Hermotherturnedtoher.“Listen,Payton—IknowyoutuneoutalotofwhatIsay,buttrustmeon
this:stayawayfromhim.”

AtfirstPaytonthoughthermothermeantsheshouldstayawayfromShane,herfather,butthen
realizedshewasreferringtoJ.D.

“Idon’tevenlikehim,Mom.”Mostofthetime.

Lexstudiedhershrewdly.“That’snothowitlookedtome.”

“Ididn’trealizeyoucouldseeusthroughallthosewittybarbsyouwereflingingatJ.D.’smother.”

“Isawenough.”

Paytoncockedherhead,conceding.“Thepartwherehehelpedmeoutwithmyjacketwasn’thalf
bad.”

“Chivalrouscrap.”

“Don’tholdback,Mom.Tellmewhatyoureallythink.”

Hermothereyedherwarily.“Ithinkyou’vegonesoft,that’swhatIthink,”shegrumbled.

Paytonthoughtaboutthis.Maybeshehad.

Hermother,ofallpeople,hadoncefalleninlovewithahigh-societyrichman.Atthispoint,anything
waspossible.

EvenbeingciviltoJ.D.

Maybe.

Seventeen

“SOWAIT—WHEREwasthisgreatmomentbetweenyouandPayton?DidImissit?”

J.D.shookhishead,sighing.SometimeshereallyregrettedtellingTyleranything.

“Ididn’tsaywehada‘moment.’WhatIsaidwas,attherestaurant,therewasabriefsecond—”

“—Yousaida‘briefmoment,’”Tylercorrected.

Growingagitated,J.D.satbackintheagedleathernail-headarmchair,gesturingdistractedly.

“Fine,whatever,maybeIusedtheword‘moment,’butIdidn’tmean,youknow,‘moment.’”He
mockinglyemphasizedtheword,temptedtousefingerquotes,buthereallyhatedwhenpeopledid
that.

“WhatImeanttosaywas,therewasabriefperiodoftimeattherestaurantwhenIthoughtwewere..
.”hesearchedfortherightwords“...gettingalong.”Hedecidedthatwasthesafestwaytodescribe
hisandPayton’sinteractionearlierthatmorning.

HeandTylerwereinthecigarbaratCrimson,aprivateclubforHarvardgraduates.Itwasan
unofficialtraditiontheyhadstartedseveralyearsago:everyFather ’sDayevening,J.D.andhis
friendsmetheretounwind.Somepeople,particularlyinhissocialcircle,soughtoutthecomfortof
theirtherapiststorecoverfromthestressoffamilyholidays.J.D.,notabelieverinthewholemy-
father-never-played-catch-with-mepsychoanalyticalcrap,foundthatanice,smoothglassofsingle-
maltScotchdidthetrickjustasnicely,andforaboutone-tenththecost.(Yes,fine,Paytonhadguessed
rightinhertiradeinthelibrary,helikedtodrinkScotch,sosuehim.)

Beingaprivateclub—althoughaHarvarddegreewastheonlymembershiprequirement—thebarwas
small.Ithadbeendesignedtoresembleaprivatelibrary:warmbrownbookshelveslinedtwowalls;
theotherwallsweredecoratedwithpaintingsboastingvariousequestrianscenes.Leatherarmchairs,
allofwhichweretakenthatevening,hadbeenarrangedinintimategroupingsthroughouttheroom.
J.D.andTylerhadbeenluckytoscoretwochairsinthebackbythefireplace.TheirfriendsTreyand
Connor,whohadarrivedfifteenminuteslater,hadnotbeensoluckyandwerenowpartoftheseatless
massesthatlinedthemainbar.

Somewherearoundtheirseconddrink,J.D.hadfoundhimselfmentioningtoTylerthathehadrun
intoPaytonandhermotherattheParkHyatthotel.Hisfriendhadbeenonhiscaseeversince.

“YouthoughtyouandPaytonwere‘gettingalong,’”Tylerrepeated.

“Maybemorethanthat,even.”

“Thatwouldbeashock,”Tylersaid.“Doyouhaveanysupportforthisclaim?”

Holdinghisglassbythestem,J.D.gavetheScotchaswirl,watchingthelegsrundownthesideofthe
crystal.“Idon’tknow.IthoughtIsawsomethingdifferentinherlook.”

“Nowthere’shardevidenceifI’veeverheardit.”

J.D.foldedhisarmsbehindhisheadcontentedly.Tyler ’squipshadnoeffectonhimtoday.“Ah...my
drollfriend,Iguessyoujusthadtobethere.”

Tylerlookedhimover.“You’reinanawfullygoodmoodforhavingspentthedaywithyourfather.Is
theremoretothisstorywithPaytonthanwhatyou’retellingme?”

J.D.shookhisheadmatter-of-factly.“Nope.”

“ThenIwanttomakesureIunderstandthescenecorrectly:therewasthisallegednebulouslookthat
tookplaceduringthesecoupleofminutesattheParkHyatthotelwhereyoutwosomehow
miraculouslymanagedtostringafewpolitesentencestogether.”

“Ithinkitwasabitmorethanthat,”J.D.said.

“Dotell.Becausethisisreallysteamystuff.Whathappensnext?”

J.D.grinned.“That’stheinterestingpart—Idon’tknow.”

“Well,Ihatetobetheonetopointthisout,butwhateverisgoingon,thefun’sabouttoend.Because
youandPaytonhaveallofabout,oh”—Tylercheckedthedateonhiswatch—“lessthantwoweeks
leftbeforethefirmmakesoneofyoupartnerandtheotherofyou...well,youknow.”

“Thanksforthereminder,”J.D.saiddryly.AsifheneededTylertomentionit.Asifhedidn’talready
knowthatfacthimself,asifthishadn’tbeentheverythinghe’dbeenthinkingsincethemomenthe’d
leftPayton’sapartmenttheothernight.

Itwastheworstpossiblecircumstances.Shewastheonlyonestandinginthewayofhismaking
partner.Heneededtocrushher.Butthatdesirehadendedthemomenthehadfoundouthowshe’d
helpedhimwiththedeposition.

Hewishedtheyhadmoretime.

Tylerwasright—heandPaytonwerespeedingtowardtheendoftheireight-yearraceandtherewas
nothinghecoulddotochangethat.Whichmeantthatiftherewasanythingtobedone,hehadtodoit
fast.

Sothequestionwas:Wasthereanythingtobedone?

Afewweeksago,J.D.neverwould’vebelievedhe’dbehavingthesethoughts.Butthingshadchanged.
Andnotjustforhim,forPayton,too.Unlesshewasreally,reallyreadingherwrong,thatis.

Soagain,ifhewantedsomethingtohappen,thetimewasnow.

Forwhatmight’vebeenthefirsttimeinhisadultlife,J.D.didn’tknowwhattodo.Heclearedhis
throat.“Ineedyouradvice,Tyler.”

Hisfrienddidnotseemparticularlysurprisedbythislead-in.“Layitonme.Butfirst—shallwe?”

Tylerpulledablackleathercigarcasefromtheinnerpocketofhiscorduroyjacketandofferedone
ofthecigars,aPadronMillennium1964Series,toJ.D.ItwaspartoftheirFather ’sDaytradition,an
homagetothetimewhentheywerekidsandhaddiscoveredJ.D.’sfather ’spremiumcigarcollection
inalockedcabinetintheden.IthadbeenaPadronthattheyhadsmokedthatday,outontheverandah,
thinkingtheywerehotshots,notrealizingthatshortlythereafterbothofthemweregoingtobe
violentlyillforthenexttwenty-fourhoursforamateurishlyinhalingthesmoke.

J.D.tookoneofthecigarsoutofthecase.Tylerpulledoutamatchbook,lithiscigar,thenhehanded
thematchestoJ.D.Afterlightinghisowncigar,J.D.easedbackinhischair,puffingandrotatingand
tasting—notinhaling—thesmoke.

Aftertheysatinsilenceforafewmoments,Tylerglancedover.“Icanstartyouoff,ifyou’dlike.”

“Oh,thisshouldbegood—byallmeans.”J.D.gesturedforhimtoproceed.

Tylerrakedhishandthroughhishairtogetitmussedjustright.Hecasuallyleanedbackinhischair,
thenraisedoneeyebrowinanover-the-topsmirk.“Tyler—I’vebeenthinkingaboutafewthings—”

J.D.helduphishand,offended.“Holdon.Isthatsupposedtobeme?”

“Don’tinterrupt.Ittakesmeoutofcharacter.”Tylerwentbacktohisimpersonation.Thistime,
insteadoftheslyeyebrowandsmirk,hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,heldhiscigaraloft,and
sighedmelodramatically.

“Tyler—I’veledquitethecharmedlife,haven’tI?Idrivetherightcar,Iweartherightclothes,and
I’mfantastic—ifIdosaysomyself—ateverysportIplay,andwell,let’sbehonesthere”—hewinked
ever-so-proudly—“womenloveme.”

J.D.wasnotamused.“Yourlifehashardlybeenanylesschar—”

“But,Tyler,”Tylerwenton,talkingoverJ.D.,“latelyI’vebeguntosuspectthatsomething’smissing
frommyperfectexistence,thatperhapsthere’ssomethingmoreIwant,acertainfemale,perhaps,
who,shallwesay...intriguesme.”

TylerpausedhereandlookedatJ.D.expectantly.

“Oh,isthatmycue?”J.D.askedsarcastically.“NowamIsupposedtobemeoryou?”

“Icouldkeepgoingifyoulike.”

“Thanks,IthinkIcantakeitfromhere,”J.D.retorted.“You’reworsethansheis,”hegrumbledunder
hisbreath.

“Admitit,youloveit,”Tylersaid.“Yousubconsciouslyfeelguiltyaboutyouroverprivileged
upbringing,soyoupurposelyhangaroundpeoplewhocastigateyouforexactlythatasaformof
self-flagellation.”

NowthatJ.D.laughedat.“Ididn’trealizeyouwerestillTiVo’ingDr.Phil.”

“Ha.TryPsych101.Youregoistryingtobalancethedesiresofyouridwhilenotupsettingthegoals
ofyoursuperego.”

J.D.rolledhiseyes.“Speakingofsuperegos,ifwecouldgetbacktothesubjectofPayton—”

“Please—you’djustloveforyouridtobealloverthatsuperego.”

J.D.paused.Hewouldn’thaveputitthatway,butcometothinkofit...

“Helpmeouthere,”hesaidtoTyler.“Givemeyourhonestopinion.Doyouthinkitwouldbetotally
crazyifI—”

“Nofuckingway!”

Theshout,resonatingthroughthebar,camefrombehindTyler.Recognizingthevoiceasthatoftheir
friendTrey,J.D.glancedoverandsawhimshakinghandswithsomeotherguy—whosebackwasto
them—whomTreywasobviouslyexcitedtosee.MomentarilytablinghisconversationwithTyler,
J.D.watchedasTreygesturedinhisdirection.Themysteryguyturnedaround.

Surprisedtoseeafacehehadn’tseensincelawschool,J.D.stoodup,grinning,asthemanwalked
over.

“ChaseBellamy...”J.D.said,extendinghishandingreeting.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Chaseslappedhimontheshoulder.“J.D.Jameson.It’sgoodtoseeyou.”HepointedtoTrey,
explaining.“IranintoTreytheotherdaywhenIwascomingoutofcourt.Hetoldmeaboutthisplace
andsaidIshouldstopbytonight.”HelookedJ.D.over.“Ihaven’tseenyousincegraduation.You
wishedmeluckandsaidsomethingsarcasticaboutsavingtheworld.”

J.D.grinned.Saysomethingsarcastic?Who,him?WhileheandChasehadn’thungoutregularlyin
lawschool,helikedtheguywellenough.HecouldsumupChaseBellamyinoneword:harmless.A
bitofaliberaldo-gooder,andmaybetooagreeablypassiveinJ.D.’smind,butharmless.He
rememberedastridentdebateheandChasehadoncegottenintointheirConstitutionalLawclass,
overtheSecondAmendment’srighttobeararms.Whatherecalledmostdistinctlyaboutthatdebate
wasthatChasehadgivenupfartooeasily.

“SothelastIheard,youwereinD.C.workingonacampaign,”J.D.said.“AreyoulivinginChicago
now?”

Chasenodded.“Ijustmovedhereafewmonthsago—I’mdoingprobonoworkwiththeChicago
LegalClinic.”

J.D.smiled.Ofcoursehewas.HeintroducedTyler,whohadbeeninthelawschoolclassbelowthem.
Thethreeofthemquicklyfellintotalkaboutwork.

“Sowhataboutyou?Wheredidyouendup?”Chaseasked.

“RipleyandDavis,”J.D.toldhim.

AlookofrecognitioncrossedChase’sface.J.D.assumedthistobeanacknowledgmentofthe
prestigeofhisfirm,untilChaseremarked,“Oh,Iknowsomeoneelsewhoworksthere.Areyouin
corporateorlitigation?”

“Litigation.”

“Thenyouprobablyknowher—PaytonKendall?”

“Sure,IknowPayton.”J.D.grinned.Funny.Smallworld.“Howdoyouknowher?”heasked.Strange,
hehadn’tmeantforhistonetosoundsoproprietary.

NowChasegrinned.“Actually...we’redating.”

J.D.probablywould’vebeenlessstunnedifChasehadhauledoffandpunchedhimstraightinthegut.
Hecockedhishead.“Wait—PaytonKendall?”AsiftherewerejusttoomanyPaytonsfloatingaround
thelitigationgrouptokeeptrackof.

“Yes,PaytonKendall.”Chaselookedhimovercuriously.“Youseemabitsurprised.”

Itdidn’tmatter,J.D.toldhimself.Really.Hewasfinewithit.

HeshookoffChase’squestion.“No,notatall.WhywouldIbesurprised?YouandPaytonhavealot
incommon.Good.Yes.That’sgreat.Tyler,didyouhearthat?ChasehereisdatingPaytonKendall.
YouknowPayton,don’tyou?”

TylergaveJ.D.alookthatsaidhequicklyneededtoshutup.

Toolate.Chaseseemedtosuspectsomething.“Waitasecond...Ijustrealizedwhat’sgoingonhere.
You’rethecompetition.”

“Thecompetition?”J.D.askedloudly.“Why,whateverdoyoumean?”Christ,nowhesoundedlikehe
wasdoingbaddinnertheater.Heneededtopullhisshittogether.

“Paytondidn’tmentionanynames,butshetoldmetherewasstiffcompetitioninherbidtomake
partner,”Chasesaid.

J.D.blinked.Oh...competitionforthepartnership.Ofcourse.

“You’reinthesameclassasher,”Chasecontinued.“It’syoushe’stalkingabout,isn’tit?”

Afewweeksago,J.D.would’vebeenpleasedtohearPaytondescribehimas“stiffcompetition.”But
nowhehadthoughtthingsweredifferent.

ButwhywasChaseaskinghimaboutthis,anyway?ThiswashispersonalbusinesswithPayton.No
oneelse’s.

“PaytonandIarebothupforpartnerthisyear,yes,”wasallJ.D.said.

ButthenhewonderedjusthowmuchChaseknewaboutrecentevents.Hecouldonlyimaginehow

Paytonmighthavedescribedcertainsituations—inparticular,certainsituationsinvolving,say,ashoe
andperhapsacoupleofpeeky-cheeks—tooutsidethirdparties.AndifChasedidknowaboutsaid
certainsituations,well...

J.D.didaquickassessment.Chaseappearedtobeaboutfive-ten,maybeone-sixty,one-sixty-five
pounds.Noproblem.Ifthelittletree-huggerstartedswinging,cominginataleansix-two,J.D.was
quitecertainhecouldholdhisown.

ButChase,beingChase,merelygrinnedgood-naturedly.“Well,Jameson,I’dlovetowishyouluckin
makingpartner,butIguessIhaveaconflictofinterest.”Withthat,hestuckouthishand.“Itwasgood
seeingyou,J.D.”

Harmless,easygoingChaseBellamy.Hereallywasthekindofguynoonecouldfindfaultwith.The
kindofguywhonevergotangryorannoyed.Thekindofguywhopreferredtoamiablyletthings
rolloffhisbackratherthanstickitoutandfight.ThekindofguythatPaytonliked,apparently.

AndJ.D.knewthathewasnotthatkindofguy.

Furthermore,hewouldneverbethatkindofguy.Frankly,hedidn’twanttobethatkindofguy.He
justwasn’twiredthatway.

Sowiththatinmind,heshookChase’shandfirmly.

“Itwasgoodseeingyou,too,Chase,”J.D.said.“Andgoodluck.Witheverything.”Heevenmanaged
apolitesmile.

Afterall,whilehemightnotbethekindofguyChasewas,hecouldatleaststillbeagentleman.

J.D.ANDTYLERwaitedoutsidethebar,tryingtocatchacab.Inadditiontobeingunseasonablycool
thatevening,ithadbeguntorain,andfindinganavailabletaxiwasprovingtobeachallenge.

Tylerhadn’tbroughtupthesubjectofPaytonsincetheirconversationwithChaseandforthat,J.D.
wasgrateful.Hewasn’tsurehewantedtotalkaboutherrightthen.Heneededtosortthroughhis
thoughts,toprocessthisnewdevelopmentthatshewasdatingsomeone,andfigureoutexactlywhat
thatmeant.Ifitmeantanything.

Anopencabfinallypulledaroundthecorner,andJ.D.andTyleragreedtoshareit.Asthecabpulled
awayfromthecurb,J.D.glancedoutthewindowandsaweveryonerunningintherainwiththeir
collarsturnedupandpursesovertheirheads.Theweathermanhadpredictedacoolandclear
evening,sonowpeoplewerescrambling.

“Inanswertoyourearlierquestion,no,Idon’tthinkitwouldbecompletelycrazy.”

J.D.glancedoveratTyler.Alljokingaside,theyhadbeenbestfriendssincegradeschooland
normallyheputmoreweightinTyler ’sopinionsthanprettymuchanyoneelse’s.Butthingshad
changedinthepastcoupleofhours.

“It’snotthatsimpleanymore,”hesaid.“Actually,itwasn’tsimplebefore,andnowit’sevenlessso.”

“Why?BecauseofChase?”Tylerasked.

“InpartbecauseofChase.ItcertainlysuggestsImisinterpretedthings.”

“Youdon’tknowjack-shitabouttheirrelationship.Whoknowshowlongthey’vebeendating?Or
whethershe’sevenintohim?Chasemightbenice,butIdon’tseePaytonwithhimforthelonghaul.”

“It’salsoquitepossibleshestilldetestsme.”

Tylerdismissedthiswithawave.“You’regoingtoletathinglikethatstopyou?”

“Iwasthinkingintensedespisementmightbeanobstacleinpursuingher,yes.”

“No,see,that’swhatmakesitallthemoreinteresting,”Tylersaid.Headoptedagrandlydramatic
tone.“‘DoesourfairMs.KendalltrulyloathethearrogantMr.Jamesonasshesoardentlyproclaims,
orisitalljustacharadetocovermoreamorousfeelingsforamanshereluctantlyadmires?’”

Upfront,thecabdriversnortedloudly.Heappearedtobeenjoyingtheshow.

“Psych101again?”J.D.asked.

Tylershookhishead.“Lit305:Eighteenth-CenturyWomen’sFiction.”HecaughtJ.D.’slookand
quicklydefendedhimself.“What?Itookitbecauseofthegirlsintheclass.Anyway,IseeabitofaP
andPdynamicgoingonbetweenyouandPayton.”

J.D.didn’tthinkhewantedtoknow.Really.Butheaskedanyway.“PandP?”

Tylershothimalook,appalled.“Uh,hello—PrideandPrejudice?”Histonesaidonlyacretin
wouldn’tknowthis.

“Ohright,PandP,”J.D.said.“Youknow,Tyler,youmightwanttopickupyourballs—Ithinkthey
justfellrightoffwhenyousaidthat.”

Upfront,thecabdriverletoutagoodsnicker.

Tylershookhishead.“Laughifyouwant,butletmetellyousomething:womengocrazyforthat
book.Andevencrazierformenwhohavereadit.IfIplantobringagirlbacktomyplace,Imight
justsohappentoleaveacopyofitsittingoutonmycoffeetableand,let’sjustsay,hijinksfrequently
ensue.Andyouknowwhat?It’snotabadbitofstorytelling.IliketoputonanicepotofEarlGrey
tea,maybeasliceofalmondbiscotti,and—yeah,that’sfine,keeprightonlaughing,buddy,butIbet
I’vegottenlaidmorerecentlythanyou.”

“Hey—notthatI’mnotthoroughlyamusedatthethoughtofyourlittleteacozyandyouwrappedup
inablanketreadingyourbook—”

“Ididn’tsaytherewasablanket.”Tylerpaused.“Fine.Sometimestheremaybeablanket.”

“—butmyquestionis,wereyougoinganywherewiththis,orisitjustsomesortofweirdsharing
moment?”

Tylerhadtothink.“WherewasIgoingwiththis...?”Hesnappedhisfingers.“Oh,yeah—Prideand
Prejudice.WomenandthewholeDarcycomplex.ForPayton,that’syou.”

“IthoughtDarcywastheasshole.”

Tylersmiledfondly.“Youknow,hereallykindofis.”

“Greatpeptalk,Tyler.Thanks.”

“Buthedoesn’tstaytheasshole,”Tylersaid.“See,youjustdon’tunderstandwomenthewayIdo,J.D.
Theywantitall:acareer,applemartinis,financialindependence,greatshoes;butatthesametime—
andthisthey’llneveradmit—theyaredrawntopatriarchalmenwhoaredominantandcontrolling.
That’stheessenceoftheDarcycomplex.Hemaybeanasshole,buthe’sanassholethatgetsthegirl
intheend.”

J.D.rolledhiseyes.Thisentireconversationwasjustsoridiculous.

Butstill.

“Andhowdoesheaccomplishthat?”heasked.

“Oh,itgetsalittlecomplicated,”Tylersaid.“See,Lizziehasthistroublesomeyoungersisterwho
runsoffwiththeguysheoriginallythoughtsheliked—wait,backup—toreallyunderstand,Ishould
startwiththevisittoPemberley,becauseitactuallystartswiththeauntanduncle,see—heruncleloves
tofishandDarcyasks—”

J.D.helduphishand,very,verysorryheasked.“Theshortversionplease.We’realreadyatyour
stop.”

Tylerlookedoutthewindowandsawthatthecabhadindeedpulledupinfrontofhisbuilding.He
turnedbacktoJ.D.“Okay.Theshortversion,theveryshortversion:hegetsthegirlbybeingniceto
her.”

J.D.waited.“That’sit?He’snicetoher?That’sso...lame.”

“Look,ifyouwanttowinPaytonover—”

J.D.stoppedhimrightthere.“Hey,we’reonlyspeakinginhypotheticals,okay?Ihaven’tdecidedthatI
wanttowinanyoneover.”

“Oh.Thenmyadviceisthatyoushouldstartthere.Figureoutwhatyouwant.”Withthat,Tylergotout
ofthecabanddartedthroughtherainintohisbuilding.

Great.Thanksforthehelp.J.D.gavethecabdriverhisaddress.Hestaredoutthewindowasthetaxi
madeitswaythesixblockstohisbuilding.Whentheyarrived,J.D.reachedthroughthedividerand
handedthecabdriveratwentyandtoldhimtokeepthechange.

Thedriverturnedaround.“Hey—yourfriendbacktherewasgivingyousomeprettystrangeadvice.”
AroundfortyishandwearingaraggedflannelshirtandaSoxcapthathadseenfarbetterdays,the
guyhadoneofthethickestChicagoaccentsJ.D.hadeverheard.“Heseemedalittleoffthewall,if
youknowwhatImean.Idon’tthinkI’dlistentohimifIwereyou.”

J.D.grinned.“I’lltakethatunderadvisement.”Heopenedthedoortothecabandsteppedout.

“BecauseeverybodyknowsthatDarcydoesn’twinLizzieoverjustbybeingnice.”

J.D.stopped.Helookedbackoverhisshoulder.

Thedriverrestedhisarmonthedivider.Hisrolled-upsleeverevealedatattooofablackscorpion
thatcoveredhisentireforearm.“See,it’sallabouttheGrandGesture.That’showyougetthegirl.”

“Thankyou,”J.D.managedtosay.

Thedrivershrugged.“Noprob-lem.Frankly,itsoundedlikeyoucoulduseallthehelpyoucanget.”

Heputthecabintogear.

“Andlisten—tellyourfriendtotryEnglishBreakfastnexttime.It’salittlemorerobust.EarlGreyis
reallymoreofaSenseandSensibilitykindoftea.”

ATHOMELATERthatnight,afterJ.D.haddonethefinalchecksfortheeveningofhisemailand
workvoicemailandcellphonevoicemailandhomevoicemailandwassatisfiedthattherewereno
workmattersthatrequiredhisimmediateattention,hethoughtaboutTyler ’sadvice.Figureoutwhat
youwant.AnditwasthenthatJ.D.realized.

Hedidn’tknow.

AshehadtoldTyler,thingsweren’tthatsimple.Chasedidcomplicatethings.Ofcoursehedid.Maybe
Paytonreallylikedhim.J.D.couldseethetwoofthemtogether—withalltheyhadincommon,they
justseemedtomakesense.

Tylerhadbeendismissiveofthis,andmaybetohimChaseandeveryotherobstaclejustmadethe
wholePaytonissueabetterintrigue,butthenagain,Tylerwasn’tupforpartnerthatyear.Tyleralso
wasn’tcompetingwithPaytonforonlyonepartnershipspot.AndTylercertainlydidn’thavethe
historyhehadwithPayton.Eightyearsofhistory.

Itwasalongtime.ItstruckJ.D.then,thathehadbecomesosweptupinbeatingPaytonthathehadn’t
directedhisangerwhereheshouldhave:atthefirm.TheyweretheoneswhohadputhimandPayton
inthisposition.Makingpartnerwasneveraguarantee,butafterallhishardworkhedeservedbetter.
Shedeservedbetter.

ButwhatbotheredJ.D.mostwasnottheunfairnessofthefirm’sdecision.Rather,itwasthefactthat
whenhelookedbackonthepasteightyears,hewasn’tnecessarilyproudofhisownbehavior.Hehad

regrets,andtherewerethingshewishedhecouldgobackanddodifferently.Therewasthatonething
inparticularthatevenTylerdidn’tknowabout...

Figureoutwhatyouwant.

J.D.knewthathewantedtoscrapthepast.Tostartover.Forthenextfourteendaysatleast,hewanted
todothingsright.Ifhecouldn’tchangethefactthatthingshadtocometoanendwithPayton,he
couldatleastchangethewaytheyended.

Itwasn’tmuch,J.D.realized,anditcertainlydidn’tanswerallthelingeringquestions.

Butitwasastart.

EARLYTHENEXTmorning,Paytonrushedaroundheroffice,packinguphertrialbriefcase.Yes,
nowshewishedshehadpackeditthenightbefore,buthermotherhadtakenalateflightoutand
Paytonhadn’tseentheneedtomakeaspecialtripintotheofficeatmidnight.Agoodtrialattorney
shouldbepreparedforanything,sheknew,andthat’swhyshealwaysbuiltinextratime,particularly
sinceshetookthe“L”towork.Ah,thoselittletrickstersattheChicagoTransitAuthority,shecould
alwayscountonthemtokeepthingsspicy.Because,really,whodidn’twanttospendanextrafifty-
fiveminutesinthepacked,hot,smellycarofatrainthatinexplicablymovedonlythreemilesanhour
theentiretripdowntown?Thatwasfunstuff.

Paytongrabbedthecasefilesshehadreviewedovertheweekendandstuffedthemintothelarge,
boxytrialbriefcasethatweighednearlyaton.ShehopedBrandonwouldshowupsoonsoshecould
pawnthethingoffontohim—afterall,wasn’tthatwhatjuniorassociates,andmen,werefor?

Paytonheardaknockonherdoorandlookedup.InsteadofBrandon,shesawJ.D.standinginthe
doorway.HewasarmedwithaStarbuckscup.

Blimey.

“Inoticedthatyouseemtoberunninglate,”hesaid.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dhavetimetograbthison
yourwaytocourt.Grandesugar-freevanillalatte,right?”heasked,gesturingtothecoffee.“I’ve
heardyousayittoIrmaafewtimes,”headdedquickly.

Heheldthecupouttoher.

Paytonlookedatit,thenbackatJ.D.Itwasatrap,ithadtobe.Sheremainedwhereshestood.

ThecornersofJ.D.’smouthcurledup.“No,Idon’tplantothrowitatyou.”

Paytonsmiled.Ha-ha.Throwitather?Asifthathadevercrossedhermind.

“That’snotwhatIwasthinking,”sheassuredhimasshewalkedoverandtookthecup.Hecertainly
wastakingtheirtruceseriously,shethought.Howsweet.

Shesubtlysniffedthecoffeeforpoison.

J.D.smiledagain.“Andno,Ididn’tputanythinginit.”

Paytontookasipofthelatte.

J.D.winked.“Nothingthatcanbedetectedbyitssmell,anyway.”

Paytonstopped,mid-swallow,andheldtheliquidinhermouth.Hewaskidding,ofcourse.Payton
smiledandshookafingertolethimknowshewasinonthejoke.Ah,J.D.youfunnyguy,you.She
lookedaroundheroffice.Seriously,whywasthereneveraspittoonaroundwhenyouneededone?

“I’mkidding,Payton,”J.D.said.“Youdon’thavetoactsoshocked.I’mjusttryingtobe...”He
hesitated.“Nice?”

Paytonswallowed.“Nice?”

J.D.nodded.“Sure.Callthis,youknow,agesture.”Helookedaroundheroffice.“Sohow’syourtrial
comingalong?FromthelittleIsawthedayyourshoe,uh...andthenyou...well,youwerethere,
youknowwhathappened—itlookedlikethejury’sonyourside.Whatdoyouthink?”

Paytonstaredathim.“Seriously.Whatareyoudoing?”

J.D.blinkedinnocentlyather.“Whatdoyoumean,whatamIdoing?”

“Firstthecoffee,andnowyou’re—what—makingidlechitchat?Isthatwhatthisis?”

J.D.shrugged.“Sure.”

“Anothergesture,Isuppose?”sheasked.

“Exactly—anothergesture.”J.D.smiled.“Sonowthere’sbeentwogestures.”

Paytoncarefullylookedhimover.“Areyousureyou’reokay?”Hewasactingsobizarrerightthen.
Maybehewasill.

“I’mfine,”hesaid.“Youweregoingtotellmeaboutyourtrial?”

“Well...thingsaregoinggood,Iguess.Assumingtherearen’tanysurprises,weshouldstartclosing
argumentsintwodays.Thankyouforasking.”

“Ofcourse.”

PaytonwaitedasJ.D.continuedtolingerinherdoorway.Wasthere...somethingelse?“Ireally
shouldgetgoingtocourt.”

“Youreallyshould,”heagreed.

Still,withthelingering.

Paytongesturedtohercoffeecup.“ThankyoufortheStarbucks?”Maybehewaswaitingforatip.

J.D.seemedpleasedwiththisresponse.“You’rewelcome.”Hestraightenedup.“Well,then.Goodluck
incourt,Payton.”Withanod,heturnedandleft.

Paytonshookherheadasshewatchedhimleave.Whateverthehellthatwas,shehadnoclue.

Ineightyears—alltheirfights,coffee-stainedsuits,peeky-cheeks,andeverythingelseconsidered
—thathadtobetheoddestinteractionshe’deverhadwithJ.D.Jameson.

Eighteen

“ITHINKWEneedtotalk.”

Sixsuchsimplewords,butPaytonhatedhearingthem.Everyonehatedhearingthem.

ItwaspartofavoicemailmessageChasehadlefther,oneshe’dfirstheardwhenshe’dgotbackto
theofficeafterfinishingupincourt.Ithadbeenalongday—thejudgehaddismissedthemlaterthan
usual;hewastryingtomakesurethetrialendedasscheduledintwodays.Paytonwaswipedout,
vaporized,asshewasduringeverytrialonthedaysherwitnesseswerecross-examinedbyopposing
counsel.Shepersonallyfoundittobethemostexhaustingthingalawyerhadtodo:protectherown
witnessesduringcross-examinationandpray,pray,praytheydidn’tsayanythingstupid.

So,needlesstosay,whenshefirstheardChase’smessageinwhich,inadditiontowantingto“talk,”
hesuggestedtheymeetatsomecoffeebarcalledtheFixx,shehesitatedandyes,theterribleperson
shewas,Paytonthoughtaboutnotcallinghimback.Butthenguiltsetin(he’ssuchaniceguy,he’s
LaneyandNate’sfriend),followedbyrationalization(shewouldonlystayforahalfhour,thencome
backtotheofficetowork),andoneshortcabridelater,hereshewas,abouttostartherthirdlatteof
theday,asshesmiledapologeticallyatChasebecause,ofcourse,shehadbeenfifteenminuteslate.

“I’msorry,”shetoldhimforthesecondtime.Shewasfrazzledwitheverythinggoingonatworkand,
P.S.,alittlewiredfromallthecaffeine.

Theygrabbedatablenearthefrontofthecoffeeshop,bythewindows.AsPaytonhadquicklylearned
whenshehadmistakenlyordereda“grande,”theFixxwasoneofthoseindie,we-piss-on-Starbucks
kindofcoffeehousesthatcateredtoaneclecticmixfromthemulti-tattooed/piercedgrungeandGoth
typetothescarf-and-turtleneck-wearingliteraticrowd.Thekindofplacehermotherwouldlove.

AssheandChasetooktheirseats,Paytonfeltoverdressedinthetailoredsuitandheelsshehadworn
forcourt.Sheglancedaround,wonderingwhenexactlyitwasshehadstoppedfittingintoplaceslike
this.

“Yousaidyouwantedtotalk?”shepromptedChase,nottryingtohurryhimalong,but...okay,fine,
shewastryingtohurryhimalong.

Chasenodded.“First,IwanttostartbysayingthatIunderstandnowwhat’sgoingon.Withyouand
J.D.,Imean.Iranintohimlastnightandwestartedtalkingand,well,Ikindofputtwoandtwo
together.”

PaytonhadnoideawhatChasewastalkingabout.Althoughshehadpickedupononething.“You
talkedtoJ.D.Jameson?Youknowhim?”

“Wewenttolawschooltogether.”

Ofcourse.PaytonknewtheyhadbothgonetoHarvard;shedidn’tknowwhyithadn’tclickedthat
theywouldhavebeeninthesameclass.ShewasinterestedtohearwhatJ.D.hadbeenlikebackinlaw
school,particularlysinceforyearsshehadviewedhimprettymuchasaone-dimensionalcharacter:
theVillain,theArchrival,theEnemy.Doingsohadmadeiteasierforhertodismissallthetimeshe’d

beensuchajerktoher.Butnow...well,thingshadchangedandshefoundherselfwantingtoknow
moreabouthim,morepersonalthings.Forstarters,shewasverycurioustoknowwhat“J.D.”stood
for.

Paytonsensed,however,thatnowwasnotthetimetoaskChaseforthebehind-the-scenestour.“So
youranintoJ.D.lastnight,andthistwoandtwoyouputtogetheris,what,exactly?”

“Thathe’stheoneyou’recompetingagainsttomakepartner,”Chasesaid.“AndnowItotallygetwhy
you’vebeensostressedoutthesedays.Iwouldn’twanttogoupagainstJ.D.,either.”

Paytonsatbackandcrossedherlegsdefensively.“I’mnotafraidtotakeonJ.D.IthinkIhaveapretty
decentshot,youknow.”

Chasewasquicktoassureher.“Ofcourseyoudo,thatcameoutwrong,”hesaidapologetically.
“WhatImeanttosayisthatIknowhowstressfulthismustbeforyou,withthewayJ.D.is.”

“Meaning?”

“Well,honestly,Ithinkhe’skindofanasshole.He’sfullofhimself,stubborn,andmostofall,
extremelycompetitive.He’soneofthoseI-always-have-to-win,I-always-have-to-be-righttypes.Ihate
peoplelikethat.”

Paytonlaughed.“Well,then,wedoneedtotalk.Becauseyoujustdescribedme.”

Chasegrinnedaffectionately.“You’renotlikethat.”

“Yes,Iam,Chase.I’mexactlylikethat.”

Chasetriedtodismissthis.“Butit’sdifferentwithyou—thosequalitiesareadmirableinawoman.
That’showyouhavetoactinordertobesuccessful,particularlyinthelegalprofession.”

“That’skindofsexistagainstmen,isn’tit?”Paytonglancedoutthewindow.Wait—wasthatapigshe
justsawgoflyingby?

Chaseshifteduneasilyinhischair.“Look—Ithinkwe’regettingofftrackhere.AllI’mtryingtosay
isthat,before,maybe,Ithoughtyouweregettingalittletooworkedupaboutmakingpartner,but
nowIunderstandwhy.I’msureJ.D.hastakenthestakesup,like,tennotches.”

Well,yes.Butthenagain,sohadshe.Andonanothernote,PaytonfounditveryinterestingthatChase
hadthoughtshewasgetting“tooworkedup”aboutmakingpartner.Whowashetodecidetheproper
levelofimportancesheshouldplaceontheadvancementofhercareer?

Andfrankly,whileshewasthinkingaboutit,shedidn’tparticularlylikethewayChasetalkedabout
J.D.Sure,J.D.coulddefinitelycomeoffalittlearrogantandperhapsoverlyconfidentattimes,buthe
didhavehismoments.Forinstance,shebegrudginglyhadtogivehimcreditforthefactthat,afterthe
deposition,hehadcometoherhousetoapologizeinperson.Sheknewthathadn’tbeeneasyforhim.
Andtherewereotherthings,littlethings,likeatdinnerwiththeGibson’sreps,whenhe’dkepther
companywhiletheothermenwentofftosmokecigars.Orthewayhe’dcomelookingforherinthe
libraryafterBenhadgiventhemthenewsthatonlyoneofthemwouldmakepartner.Heonlyhad

beentryingtobenice,sheknew,yetinreturnshehadbeenrudeanddefensive.

Andthentherewasthethinghe’dsaidtohertheothernightasheleftherhouse.Iwould’vedoneit
foryouinaheartbeat.Paytonhadgoneoverthosewordsahundredtimesinherhead.Sheneededto
becarefulwhenitcametoJ.D.—shehadtoprotectherself;shedidn’twanttomisreadhim,couldn’t
affordtomistakenlyattachtoomuchsignificancetosomethinghe’dmaybemeantonlyasa
professionalcourtesy.

PaytonrealizedthatChasewasstudyingher,presumablywaitingforhertosaysomethingsimilarly
negativeaboutJ.D.Butoddly,thepersonshehadquestionablefeelingsaboutasaresultofthis
conversationwasChase.Hehadbeenveryemphaticinwantingtotalktoher,butsofarshehadn’t
heardanythingthatmeritedpullingheroutofworkandawayfromthehoursofresearchshestillhad
aheadofherthatevening.

“Idon’tmeantoberude,Chase,butIreallyhavetogetbacktotheoffice,”shesaid.“Asalast-ditch
effort,theplaintiffmovedtostrikesomeofourjuryinstructionsandthejudgewantstohearour
argumentstomorrow,”sheexplained.“Soisthiswhyyouaskedmetomeetyouhere?Totalkabout
J.D.?”

Chaseshookhishead.“Actually,Iwantedtotalkaboutus.Look—youobviouslyhavealotgoingon
withworkrightnow,andmaybethat’sallitis,butIwasthinkingaboutyoulastnight,thatIwantedto
dosomethingniceforyou,somethingtotakeyourmindoffofthings.Butthenithitme,thatIwasn’t
sureyouactuallywantedmetotakeyourmindoffofthings,thatmaybeallyouwantistobefocused
onyourjob—andthat’sgreat,Payton,don’tgetmewrong—but...”

Hehesitated,hisbrowneyesfullofquestions.“Isthatreallyallitis?BecauseIcanwaitouttheselast
fewdaysuntilyourfirmmakesitspartnershipdecisions,butifit’smorethanthat,then...maybeit
justwouldbebetterifIbackedoffnow.”

Atfirst,Paytondidn’tknowwhattosay.Shewasn’treadytohavethisconversation,atleastnotnow,
anyway.Shetookadeepbreath.

“Iblindsidedyouwiththis,didn’tI?”Chaseasked,grinningsheepishly.

“Yes,youcouldsaythat,”Paytonsaid,exhalingwithanervouslaugh.

Chasereachedacrossthetableandtookherhand.“Look,wedon’tneedtofinishthisconversation
rightnow.IjustthoughtthiswassomethingIneededtosay.AndIhatetalkingaboutthesethingsover
thephone.”

Paytonnodded.Sheprobablywasafooltonotimmediatelysay,no,ofcourseshedidn’twanthimto
backoff.ButChasewasright:sheneededtothinkbeforesheansweredhim.Rightnow,shewas
confusedand—whileshehatedtoadmitit—fightingtheurgetocheckherwatch.Butsincehehad
broughtupthesubject,sherespondedashonestlyasshecould.Hedeservedthatatleast.

“Thistrialisthelastthingthefirmwilljudgemeonbeforemakingitspartnershipdecision,”shetold
him.“Igetthatyouhavequestions,butit’shardformetofocusonanythingelserightnow.Butitwill
beoverintwodays.Ifyoucouldjustwaituntilthen,Ipromisethatwe’llsitdownandreallytalk.”

Chasesmiledandsaidheunderstood.

Funny,Paytonthought.Becauseshepersonallyhadnocluewhatshewasdoing.

BACKINTHEoffice.

Again.

Sometimes,shefeltlikesheneverlefttheplace.Probablybecausesherarelydid.

Itwasnearlyseveno’clock,whichmeantthesecretariesweregoneandtheofficewasquiet.When
Paytongottoheroffice,shesawthatBrandonhadleftthreestacksofcasesonherdeskforher
review—theresultsofhisresearchintoeachofthethreejuryinstructionstheplaintiffhadchallenged.
UnfortunatelyforPayton,eachpilewasatleasttwoinchesthick,whichmeantherchancesofleaving
theofficeanytimesoonwerenonexistenttonone.

Shehadjustbarelybeguntotacklethefirstmoundofcaseswhensheheardaknockonherdoor.She
glancedupandsawLaney.

“Hey—whyareyoustillhere?”Paytonasked.Sheloweredhervoicetoanearwhisper.“Ithought
tonightwasthebignight.”Laney—soPaytonhadlearnedyesterdayinaconversationthatincluded
entirelytoomuchinformation—wasovulatingtonight.Shehadplannedtoleaveearlyandsurprise
Nate.Etcetera.

“I’monmywayout,”Laneysaid.“Whattimeareyouleavingforthecocktailhour?”

Paytonfrowned,confused.“Thecocktailhour?”Shesmackedherforehead,suddenlyremembering.
“Shit—thecocktailhour!”

EveryJune,thelitigationgrouphostedacocktailhourtowelcomethatyear ’scropofsummer
associates,andalllawyersinthegroupwere“stronglyencouraged”toattend.Witheverythinggoing
on,shehadcompletelyforgottenthatthepartywastonight.Shehadsetareminderonhercomputer ’s
dailyplannerthatmust’vegoneoffwhileshewasattheFixxwithChase.

Crap.

Withagroan,Paytonrubbedherforehead.“I’mnotgoingtobeabletogotothecocktailhour
tonight.”Shegesturedtothefiveandahalfinchesofcasesonherdeskthatshestillneededtoread.
“I’vegottoomuchworktodo.”Shesighed.PoorCinderella.Couldn’tgototheballbecauseshehad
toreaduponevidentiarylimitationsoftheEllerth/Faragheraffirmativedefensestandards.

“Butyouneedtogo,”Laneyurgedher.ShenoddedsubtlyinthedirectionofJ.D.’soffice.“Youknow
he’sgoingtobeworkingthecrowd,schmoozingwithBenandeveryoneelseonthePartnership
Committee.Youhavetobethere,too.”

PaytonsuddenlyfeltverytiredofthewholeordealofcompetingagainstJ.D.IfthePartnership

Committee’sdecisionwasatallbasedonwhoscoredmorefacetimeatthelitigationgroupcocktail
hour,then,frankly,theywereabunchofassholes.

“AsmuchasIreallyhatetomissoutontheopportunitytogiveaseriesofpeppy,come-work-for-
our-firm,of-course-I-never-bill-more-than-two-thousand-hoursrecruitmentspeechestoabunchof
summerassociateswhoclearlyhavenocluethatthey’reabouttosignawaytheirlives,I’mgoingto
havetopasstonight.”

LaneystaredatPayton,surprised.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverheardyoubad-mouththefirmbefore.
You’renormallysopartyline.”Shenoddedapprovingly.“Goodforyou.I’lltellyouwhat—I’llstay
andhelpyoureadthroughthosecases,andmaybeyou’llbeabletocatchtheendofthecocktail
party.”

Paytonsmiledinappreciation.“That’sverysweetofyoutooffer.Butdon’tworryaboutme—I’m
fine.GohomeandenjoyyoureveningwithNate.”

Laneyhesitated.“Areyousure?”

Paytonnoddedemphatically.“Yes.Go.It’snicetoknowatleastonepersonissomehowmanagingto
findthetimetohavesexwhileworkinghere.”

ShecaughtLaney’slook.

“Don’tworry,noone’saroundtohearmeanyway.”

Nineteen

“WHYDON’TYOUhavethekidworkonthat?”

Hearingthefamiliarvoice,Paytonlookedupfromherreading.Shehadbeenfacingthewindow,
whichshelikedtodowhenworkingatnight.Theviewoftheotherskyscraperstoweringaroundher
withtheirtwinklinglightswasspectacular.Andsomehow,itmadeherfeelalittlelesslonelytosee
otherlitoffices.

ShespunaroundinherchairandsawJ.D.standinginthedoorway.

“The‘kid’isinhisoffice,slavingawayonthefifteenotherthingsIaskedhimtodo,”shetoldhim,
assuminghewasreferringtoBrandon.“Sounfortunately,I’mstuckhere.”

J.D.glancedathiswatch.“You’renotgoingtothecocktailhour?”

Paytonshookherheadno.“Whyaren’tyouthere?”

“Iwasonaconferencecallthatranlate.ButI’mheadingupstairsnow.”

J.D.paused,thenshiftedinthedoorway.

“You’renotgoingtodotheweirdlingeringthingagain,areyou?”Paytonasked.“Becauseit’s
startingtofreakmeout.”

“No,I’mnotgoingtodotheweirdlingeringthingagain,”J.D.retorted,althoughPaytonthoughtshe
detectedthefainttraceofasmileonhislips.

Hesteppedintoherofficeandwalkedovertoherdesk.“Whatareyouworkingon,anyway?”

“Justsomeresearchrelatedtojuryinstructions,”Paytonsaid,sighing.“Thejudgewantstohearoral
argumentfirstthingtomorrow,beforehebringsinthejury.I’mprettycomfortablewithourposition
—Ijustwanttomakesuretherearen’tanyoutlyingcasesthattheplaintiffcancite.”

J.D.studiedher.“Wouldyoulikesomehelp?”

“Fromyou?”

“Yes,Payton.Fromme.”

“Butyou’llmissoutonthecocktailreception.Don’tyouneedtogochatupBenandtheother
litigationpartners?”sheasked.

“Notifyoudon’t,”hesaid.

Goodpoint.MaybeJ.D.reallywastryingtohelp.Heseemedverybigonthegesturesthesedays,
Paytonthought.Ormaybehewasjustthatconfidentinhischancesofmakingpartner.Hermindwent
backandforth,andpartofherwantedtotellJ.D.thatshedidn’tneedhishelp,thathedidn’tneedto

payherbackforthedeposition.Butthetruthwas,shecouldactuallyusethehelp,andthesecondtruth
was,shekindofwantedJ.D.tostay—andnotjustbecauseshedidn’twanthimtogotothecocktail
receptionandschmoozewithouther.

Shenodded.“Okay.”

J.D.smiled.“Okay.”

Hetookaseatinoneofthechairsinfrontofherdesk.“Whydon’tIstartwiththispilehere?”He
pointedtothestackofcasesclosesttohim.

“Sure.”Paytonbegantoexplain.“IhadBrandonpullalltherelevantdecisionsfromboththeSeventh
CircuitandNorthernDistrictofIllinois,plushefoundacoupleofcasesfromtheCentralDistrict,
thosewouldobviouslyonlybepersuasiveauthority—”

“I’mnotafirstyear,Payton.Justtellmewhattheissuesare.”

“Look,justbecauseIacceptedyourofferofhelpdoesn’tmeanthisstillisn’tmycase.”

“IhadafeelingIwasgoingtoregretthis...”

“Well,then,you’recertainlyfreetoleaveatanytime...”

“Anddenyyouthepleasureofyourpowertrip?Iwouldn’tdreamofit.”

Etcetera.

HMM.

Hewaswearinghishairabitlongerthesedays.

Paytonsnuckanotherlook.

J.D.leanedbackinhischair,hislonglegsstretchedoutinfrontofhimashereadthroughthenext
caseinhispile.Hisheadtippedslightlydownwardasheread,andPaytoncouldseethatthebackof
hisbrownhairjustnearlybrushedupagainstthestarchedbluecollarofhisshirt.Definitelyagood
one-eighthinchorsolongerthanheusuallyworeit.Notthatshepaidattentiontothesethings.

ShehadmovedandnowsatinthechairnexttoJ.D.Itwaseasierforthemtoworklikethis—thisway,
shedidn’thavetokeepleaningacrossherdeskwheneverhewantedtopointoutsomethinghehad
comeacrossinoneofthecaseshewasreviewing.Andthatwasherstoryandshewasstickingtoit.

Thestacksofcasesonherdeskhadbeenwhittleddowntonearlynothing.Itwasagoodthingshe’d
flownthroughherpilewhensheandJ.D.hadfirstbegunworkingtogether,becauseherpacehad
sloweddrasticallyoverthecourseofthepasthalfhour.Overthelastfifteenminutesinparticularshe
hadbecome,somemightsay,ataddistracted.She’dstrangelyfoundherselfhavingthoughtsthat

somemightcallabit...racy.

Itwasthestupidtieagain,Paytonthought.Shehadbeeninnocentlymindingherownbusiness,
reading,whenJ.D.hadcasuallyreacheduptoloosenhistieandshehadthought,hmm...hereally
shouldjusttakethedamnthingoff,nooneelsewasintheofficeanyway.Then,hmm...speakingof
nooneelsebeingintheoffice,shewonderedwhatJ.D.woulddoif—hypotheticallyspeaking—she
reachedoverandloosenedthetieforhim...Andthen,hell,ifshewasalreadygoingthatfar—still
hypotheticallyofcourse—shesupposedsheshouldalsoundothosetopbuttonsofhisshirt,they
lookedalittleconstricting,too,and,oops,inthatcaseshemightaswelljustthrowinthetoweland
moverightondowntothebuttononhispa—

“SohowlonghaveyoubeenseeingChase?”

Thequestion—fromJ.D.—abruptlyyankedPaytonbackintoreality.

“Hmm?What?”Flustered,shecoveredbygesturingtothecasesheheld.“Sorry.Reading.Thelaw
andall.Damn,that’sgoodstuff.”Shefannedherself.“I’msorry,youaskedmesomething?”

J.D.shiftedinhischair.“Iwasjustaskinghowlongyou’vebeenseeingChase.Hesaidyoutwowere
dating.Iranintohimlastnight,”heexplained.

“Yes,hementionedthatwhenIsawhimearliertoday.”

Paytoncould’veswornshesawJ.D.’seyesflashatthis.

“Youtwoareserious,then?”heasked.

Paytonhesitated.DidshecarewhatJ.D.thoughtaboutherandChase?Surprisingly,shethoughtshe
might.

“We’vebeenseeingeachotherforafewweeks,”shesaid.

Tiptoe,tiptoe.

J.D.nodded.“Youtwoseemtohavealotincommon.”Hewaitedtoseewhereshewouldpickupwith
that.

Tiptoe,tiptoe.

“Wewouldseemto,yes.”

Silence.Onceagain,theywereatastandstill.

ThenPaytonthought,Whatthehell?anddecidedtogoforbroke.

“Whyareyouhere,J.D.?”

“Iworkhere,remember?See,rightoverthereismyofficeand—”

Paytonputherhandontopofhis.“Don’t.Let’sjustskipoverthesarcasticpartforonce.”

J.D.glanceddownatherhand,thenuptomeethergaze.“Whatisityoureallywanttoknow,Payton?”

Sheaskedhimthequestionshehadbeenaskingherselfforthepastfewdays.“Whyareyoubeingso
nicetomenow?”

J.D.leanedforwardinhischair.Hegazeddirectlyintohereyes,andPaytonsuddenlyfoundherself
wonderingwhyithadtakenhimeightyearstolookatherthatway.

“Becauseyou’relettingme,”hesaidsoftly.

Andinthatmoment,Paytonknew.

ThePerfectChasewasdoomed.

Andnotbecauseofamaraschinocherry.ThePerfectChasehadbeendoomedfromtheverystartand
thereason—and,infact,Paytonwasbeginningtosuspect,thereasonprettymuchallofher
relationshipsoverthepasteightyearshadbeendoomedfromtheverystart—wassittinginthechair
rightacrossfromher,staringherintheeyes.

Realizingthat,Paytonhadonlyonethingtosay.“Oh...no,”shegasped.

Exceptshehadn’texactlymeanttosayitoutloud.

J.D.cockedhishead.“Interestingresponse.”

Paytoncouldn’ttellifhewasamusedorangry.Sheopenedhermouthtoexplain,butwasinterrupted
byaknockatherdoor.

Brandonstrolledintoheroffice,oblivioustoeverything.“SoIfoundacouplemorecasesyoumight
wanttotakealookat—oh,hey,J.D.—Ididn’trealizeyouwerehere.”

PaytonandJ.D.boltedupfromtheirchairsatthesametime.

“Actually,Iwasjustleaving,”J.D.saidhurriedly.“Payton,Idon’tthinkyouneedmyhelpanymore;
thetwoofyoushouldbeabletofinishofftherestofthosecases.Itwasgoodseeingyouagain,
Brendan.”

“It’sBrandon.”

“Ofcourse.”

PaytonwatchedasJ.D.leftherofficeandstrodeacrossthehalltohisown.

“IhopeIwasn’tinterruptinganything,”Brandonsaid.

“No,notatall,”Paytonassuredhim.That’sallsheneededrightnow,tobethetargetoftawdryoffice
gossip.Thatkindofstuffcouldkillacareer.“J.D.wasjusthelpingmegetthroughsomeofthis

research.”Shetookaseatatherdesk.“So,whatdidyoufind?”

Brandonsatdowninoneofthechairsinfrontofherdesk.Andashebegantoexplain—aseager
juniorassociatesalwaysdid—thebigbreakinthetrialhebelievedhehadjustdiscovered,Payton
paidvigorousattention.Inbetweenstolenglancesacrossthehall,thatis.ShewonderedwhatJ.D.was
thinking,ifthiswasgoingtobeanotheroneofthosemomentsbetweenthemthatneitherofthem
acknowledged,orifhewasangryeven,thinkingshemeantsomethingbythe“oh...no”thatshe
didn’tactuallymean,ormaybeshedidmeanit,shedidn’tknowanymore;hermindwasamessofa
thousanddanglingthoughtsandshecouldn’tseemtograspanyofthemexceptforthefactthatshe
knewsheshouldbefocusingonhertrialand—

Nexttoher,onhercomputerscreen,thealertboxsuddenlypoppedup,indicatingshehadjust
receivedanewemailmessage.StillnoddingasshelistenedtoBrandon,Paytonclickedhermouse
andsawshehadamessagefromJ.D.Nothinginthesubjectline,sosheclickedagainandread:

I’dliketodriveyouhometonight.

Withoutbreakingstride,PaytonsimultaneouslyaskedBrandonafollow-upquestionregardinghis
researchandfiredoffaquickreplytoJ.D.’semail.

Twentyminutes.

“WELL,ATLEASTnowIcansaythatI’veriddenintheinfamousBentley.”

Astheywalkedalongthesidewalk,approachinghertwo-flat,PaytonsawJ.D.grinandcheckhis
watch.

“What?Whatwasthat?”sheasked.

“I’vebeentiminghowlongitwouldtakeyoutomakeacommentaboutthecar.I’mactuallysurprised
youmadeitthewholerideherewithoutsayinganything.”

“I’mhardlythatpredictable,”Paytonsaid,startingtoflingherhairbackoverhershoulders,but
catchingherself.

J.D.noticedandlaughed.“Yes,really,youare.Ineightyears,Idon’tthinkI’veeverknownyouto
refrainfromcommentingonanything.”

Theyhadreachedherfrontdoor.PaytonturnedaroundtofaceJ.D.“That’snottrue.”

“It’snot,huh?”Heraisedaneyebrow.

Paytonlookedhimover.“Ididn’tcommentonthefactthatyouparkedyourcardownthestreet
insteadofdroppingmeoffoutfront.BecauseifIdidcommentonthat,Iwould’vesaidthatyou
appeartothinkyou’recominginside.”

J.D.tookastepcloserandpeereddownather.“Andifthatthoughthadoccurredtome,wouldIhave
beenwrong?”

“Hmm...nocomment.”Paytonunlockedthefrontdoor,andJ.D.helditopenforher.

“MaybeI’mjustmakingsureyougetinsidesafely,”hesaidastheywalkedupthestairstoher
apartment.“Callmeold-fashioned.”ThenhesprangaheadofPayton,walkingbackwardupthesteps
andfacingher.“Orwait—isituptight,pony-owning,trickle-down-economics-loving,Scotch-on-the-
rocks-drinking,my-wife-better-take-my-last-namesexistjerk?Somehow,Ialwaysgetthosetwo
mixedup.”

TheyhadreachedthedoortoPayton’sapartment.

“Idon’tknow...”shesaid,“remindme—wasthatbeforeorafteryoucalledmeastubborn,button-
pushing,Prius-driving,chip-on-your-shoulder-holding,‘stay-at-home-mom’-is-the-eighth-dirty-
word-thinkingfeminazi?”

Sheunlockedthedoorandsteppedintoherapartment.Shetossedherbriefcaseandpurseontothe
livingroomcouch.

J.D.followedherinside,shuttingthedoorbehindthem.Hegrinnedhearinghiswordsthrownbackat
him.“After,definitelyafter.That’showit’sbeensincethebeginning—youfirethefirstshot,andI
merelyreact.”

Hesaiditlightly,teasingly,butPaytoncaughtsomethinginhischoiceofwords.

“Whatdoyoumean,that’showit’sbeensincethebeginning?”

ShesawamomentaryflickerinJ.D.’seyes,asifherealizedhe’dsaidmorethanhe’dmeantto.He
wavedherquestionoff.

“Nevermind.ForgetIsaidthat.It’snotimportant.”

Paytonwascurious.Butshebackedoff,sensingthatpressingtheissuewouldonlyleadtoan
argument.Andthetwoofthemhadhadenoughofthosetolastalifetime.

“So...”shesaid,trailingoff.Sheleanedagainstthewallofbuilt-inbookshelves,facingJ.D.,who
stoodacrosstheroomfromher.

“So...”hereplied.Helookedherover,asifwaitingforhertodoorsaysomethingfirst.Whichwas
finebecause,actually,therewassomethingshedidwanttosay.Sheclearedherthroat.

“Youknow,J.D.—fortherecord—Iactuallydon’tthinkyou’resexist.”Shesawhimcockhisheadat
thissuddenadmission,sosheexplained.“Ijustthought,youknow,thatwasabadthingformetosay.
Inafewdayswewon’tbeworkingtogetheranymoreandIdidn’twantthatlefthangingbetweenus.”

J.D.slowlybegancrossingtheroomtowardher.“Inthatcase,aslongaswe’reclearingupthe
record,feminaziwasprobablyalittleharsh.”

“Alittle?Youthink?”

“Alotharsh.”J.D.movedclosertoher,thencloserstill.Paytonfeltherheartbegintorace.

“And,actually,Idon’tthinkyou’reuptight,”shesaid,stillmanagingtoappearcoolandcollectedon
theoutsideatleast.“Obstinateandsmugperhaps,butnotuptight.”

“Thankyou,”J.D.said,withanodofacknowledgment.Hestoodbeforehernow,sothatshewas
trappedbetweenhimandthebookshelves.

“Alsofortherecord,”Paytonsaidinalowervoice,“Idon’tdriveaPrius.”

J.D.gazeddownather,hiseyesdarkandintense.“Fortherecord,I’veneverownedapony.”

“That’sashame,”Paytontoldhiminawhisper.“Iwasthinkingitmustbekindofnicetoowna
pony.”ShefeltJ.D.’shandatthebackofherneck.

“You’regoingtostoptalkingnow,”hesaid,pullinghertohim.“BecauseI’vealreadywaitedlong
enoughtodothis.”

Thenhismouthcamedownonhers,andfinally,aftereightyears,J.D.Jamesonkissedher.

Payton’slipspartedeagerly,teasinghimashertonguelightlysweptoverhis.J.D.’shandmovedto
herwaistandpulledhercloserashismouthsearchedhers,deepeningthekiss.Shepressedherbody
instinctivelyagainsthisandheinstantlyreacted,pushingherbackagainsttheshelves.Withhisarms
oneithersideofher,holdingherthere,hislipstrailedapathalongherneck.

“Tellmeyou’vewantedthis,”hesaidhuskilyinherear,andPaytonthoughtherentirebodymight
havejustmelted.Shearchedbackashismouthmadeitswaytohercollarbone.

“Yes,”shewhisperedthickly,abouttheonlythingshewascapableofsayingrightthen.J.D.kissedher
again,moredemandingthistime.Suddenlytheybothwereimpatient;Paytonpushedathisjacket,
needingitoff,andJ.D.’shandsgraspedherhipsandpulledherwithhimastheystumbledoutofthe
livingroomandintothekitchen.Theyhitthecounter,andJ.D.shovedthebarstoolsoutoftheway
andflungherupontoit.

Perchedontopofthecounter,PaytonpulledbacktolookdownatJ.D.Herbreathwasragged.“Ilike
this—you’renottoweringovermeforonce,tryingtointimidateme.”

“Idoubtthere’sanythingthatintimidatesyou,”J.D.teased.“Notevenbeingnakedincourt,
apparently.”

“I’mbeginningtorememberwhyIdon’tlikeyou,”Paytonsaid.Butthenherbreathcaughtashe
pinnedherhandsbehindherbackwithoneofhisandsteppedbetweenherlegs.

J.D.’seyessparkledwickedly.“Good—nowcallmean‘asshole’andgivemethatlooklikeyouwant
tothrowsomethingatme—that’smyfavoritepart.”

Paytonlaughed,butJ.D.’smouthcamedownonhersandalljokingfellbythewayside.Shefelthis

handsmovetohershirt,yankingatthebuttonsasshesimultaneouslyreachedupandtuggedathistie,
looseningtheknot.Therewasarushtotheirmovements,asifeachofthemwasafraidtheother
wouldchangehisorhermind,andPaytonwasjustbeginningtohavevaguemusingsinthebackof
hermindabouthowfarthismightgo,andwhetherherkitchencounterwasthebestvenuefor
howeverfarthismightgo,when—

Herphonerang.

“Ignoreit,”J.D.said,hishandsmovingtothefronthookofherbra,andforoncePayton
wholeheartedlyagreedwithhim.

Thering—comingfromthephoneinherlivingroom—waseasyenoughtoignore,butthenthe
answeringmachineclickedonandPayton’svoiceechoedthroughouttheapartment,sorry,can’t
answerthephone,blah,blah.

“Everhearofvoicemail?”J.D.askedashisfingersteasinglytrailedalongthelacyedgeofherbra
andPaytontriedtomusterthewitstothinkofsomethingsassytosaybackwhenasecondmalevoice
calledouttoher.

“Payton—it’sChase.”

Itwasatruemarveloftechnology,Paytonnoted,thewaytheclarityofheransweringmachinemade
itseemasthoughtheguyshewasdatingwasstandingrightthereinthekitchenwithherandtheguy
shehadstraddledbetweenherlegs.

“Ijustwantedtocalltosaygoodnightandmakesureyougothomeokay,”Chasecontinuedonthe
machine.“Iknowyouhavealongeveningaheadofyou,andwitheverythingwetalkedaboutearlierI
forgottowishyougoodluckwithyourtrial.Iknowhowmuchyouhaveridingonthis,sotrytoget
somesleep.AndjustrememberwhatIsaidaboutJ.D.Watchyourback—theguywilldoanythingto
win.”

Paytonheardthebeep,signalingtheendofChase’smessage.J.D.pulledbacktoseeherreaction.

“AndhereIwasworriedthathemightsaysomethingthatwouldmakethisawkward,”shesaid.
“Thankgodwedodgedthatbullet.”

J.D.ignoredhersarcasm.“Hecallsyoutosaygoodnight?Howseriousareyoutwo?”hedemanded
toknow.

Paytonpushedpasthim,sliddownfromthecounter,andbeganbuttoninguphershirt.“That’sthepart
ofhismessageyouhaveaproblemwith?Thathecalledmetosaygoodnight?”

“Oh,amIsupposedtorespondtotheaccusationsyourboyfriendmadeagainstme?Fine—here’smy
response:he’sfuckingfullofshit.”

Paytonnoddedasshesmootheddownherskirt.“Perhapsnotyourmosteloquentresponse,butI’ll
giveyoupointsfordirectness.”

Withaconfusedlook,J.D.watchedasshepulledherselftogether.“Wait—what’sgoingonhere?

You’renotactuallybuyingintowhatChasesaid,areyou?”

“No.”Notreally,shealmostadded,butstoppedherself.

ShouldshebesuspiciousofJ.D.?UntilChasehadlefthismessage,thepossibilityhadn’teven
occurredtoPaytonthatJ.D.mighthavesomehiddenagendathatnight.True,shewasdueincourt
veryearlytomorrowmorning,butsowhat?Whatwasshesupposedtothink,thatthiswasallsome
elaborateseductionschemetogetintoherapartment,and—what?—setheralarmclockbackanhour
sothatshe’dmisshermotioncall?Nowthatwasaridiculousthought.

Wasn’tit?

Cometothinkofit...theguyhadsnuckintoheroffice,thenslicedoffandre-gluedherheelsothat
she’dfallandembarrassherselfincourt.Buttheywerepastthatnow.Weren’tthey?

“Well,it’sobviousthatChase’smessagechangedsomething,”J.D.said.

Paytonfinishedbuttoninghershirtandturnedaround.“Thisisalljustsocomplicated.”

“BecauseofChase?”

“Becauseoflotsofthings,”Paytonsaid.“BecauseIneedtobeincourtearlytomorrowmorning.
Becauseofourhistory.BecauseofthefactthatIshouldbefocusingonworkrightnow,andbecause,
ironically,youarethereasonIshouldbefocusingonworkrightnow.”Shepaused.“I’djustliketobe
alonetothinkthingsthrough.”

J.D.nodded,andPaytoncouldseehewasangry.

“Fine,”hesaidtersely.Hewalkedover,pickedhisjacketupoffthefloor,andheadedtothefront
door.

Asconfusedasshewas,Paytonhatedforthemtoendtheeveningonsuchabadnote.“J.D.,wait,”she
calledafterhim.

Heturnedaroundinthedoorway.“Thisisthesecondtimeyou’vethrownmeoutofyourapartment.
Ifyouchangeyourmindaboutthings,youknowwhereyoucanfindme.”

Andwiththat,hewasgone.

Paytonstoodthereforamomentafterheleft.Thenshepickedupherbriefcaseandheadedofftoher
bedroom.

Anhourlater,shefellasleepwithherworkpiledaroundherandalone.

Twenty

ONEWEEKLEFT.

Ameresevendays.

Paytonenteredthefinalstretchofhereight-yearquesttojointheprestigiouseliteofthosefortunate
fewRipley&Davislawyerswhohadbeenelevatedtotherankofpartnerbykeepingtwopromises
shehadrecentlymade.

First,shewonhertrial—therebyupholdinghervowtothejuryduringheropeningstatementthatshe
wascertainthatafterhearingalltheevidence,theywouldfindherclientnotliableforsexual
harassment.

Aswastraditionwheneveroneofthelitigationattorneyshadatrialvictory,whenshegotbacktothe
officeaftercourttheothermembersofthegroupdroppedbyherofficetoofferhertheir
congratulations.AllexceptJ.D.,thatis.

Hestayedinhisofficetheentireafternoon,withthedoorshut.

“What’sgottenintohim?”Irmaaskedwhenshestoppedbyonherwayout,withanodinthedirection
ofJ.D.’soffice.“Areyoutwofightingagain?”

“Idon’tthinkhe’stalkingtom—”Paytonstopped,havingcaughttheimplicationofIrma’squestion.
“Whatdoyoumean,arewefightingagain?”SheandJ.D.hadalwaysbeensocarefulnottoairtheir
disputesinpublic.

Irmathrewheralook.“Theadministrativestaffistheeyesandearsofthisinstitution,Payton.We
knoweverything.”

Paytonsatuprightinherchair.“Youtalkaboutus?”

Irmashruggedunconcernedly.“Yes.”

Paytonfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Well.Andwhatdoyousay?”

“Mostlynowwetalkaboutyoutwobattlingitoutforpartner.”

“Youknowaboutthat?”

Again,Irmashruggedunconcernedly.“Yes.Weevenhaveabettingpoolonwhichoneofyouwill
makeit.”

Payton’smouthdroppedopen,shockedtofindherarduouscareerstrugglesthesubjectoftacky,
meaninglessofficegossip.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’reparticipatinginthis,Irma.It’ssodistasteful.Who’saheadinthepool?”

“It’sprettymuchfallingalonggenderlines.”

Paytonsmiledwithsatisfaction.“SoI’mintheleadthen.There’s—what—liketwomalesecretariesin
theentirefirm?”

“Well,someofthejuniorassociatesareinthepoolaswell.Andbysome,Imeanallofthem.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.“Isupposeallthepartners,too?”

“Strangely,no,”Irmamused.“NoneofthepartnersseemtoknowanythingaboutyouandJ.D.not
gettingalong.”

Paytonscoffedatthis.“It’snotsostrange,really.Halfthepartnersheredon’tseemtoknowanything
unlessit’sspelledoutinamemosomepoorassociatehadtosacrificeherentireweekenddrafting.”

NowitwasIrma’sturntobesurprised.“Thatsoundedawfullydisgruntledforyou.”Shenodded
approvingly.“Ilikeit.”Withawink,sheturnedandleft.

Paytonsighed.Notetoself:bitetonguemorefrequently.

AndfindoutwhichjuniorassociateshadtheaudacitytobetonJ.D.

IfitwasBrandon,she’dkillthekid.

THESECONDPROMISEPaytonkeptwastheoneshehadmadetoChase,thattheywouldsitdown
andtalkassoonashertrialwasover.Thesit-downtookplaceatChase’sapartment,butthetalking
wasmostlyonPayton’send.

Chasetookthebreakupwell.HeevenlaughedwhenPaytonsaidshehadhisbestinterestsinmindjust
asmuchashers,seeinghowshewasthoroughlyconvincedshewasfartoodifficultapersontoever
makehimanythingotherthanutterlymiserable.

Intruth,anythoughtsshestillmayhaveheldthatthingscouldworkwithChaseprettymuchendedthe
momentshekissedJ.D.Shehadnoideawhatwashappeningbetweenthemlately,butclearly(as
evidencedbytheirlittletrystonherkitchencounter)shehadnobusinessdatinganyoneelseuntilshe
figureditout.

Thenextdayatwork,shewasonherwaytoseeLaneytodeliverthebadnewsthat,alas,thePerfect
Chasewasnomore,whensheheardJ.D.’svoicecallinghername.Sheturnedaroundandsawhim
halfwaydownthehallway,approachingher.

“Benaskedtoseebothofus,rightawayifpossible,”J.D.said.“Apparentlythere’sbeensome
developmentintheGibson’smatter.”

Withoutfurtherword,hecoollybreezedpastherandcontinuedalongthehallwaytoBen’soffice.

Paytonfollowedbehindhim,makingnoattempttocatchup.Ifthat’sthekindofgamehewantedto
play,sobeit.Thetwoofthemwalkedtheentirewayinsilence.

WhentheygottoBen’soffice,theyfoundhimonthephone.Hesignaledthathewaswrappingthings
upandgesturedforthemtowaitoutside.J.D.walkedtothewindowattheendofthehall,turnedhis
backtoPayton,andcheckedouttheviewoutsideashecontinuedhissilenttreatment.

Paytonwastemptedatfirsttosimplyignorehim,butthenshechangedhermind.J.D.wasbeginning
toseriouslypissheroffandshehadeveryintentionoflettinghimknowthat.Shebrisklywalkedupto
him.

“Areyoureallynottalkingtome?”Shekepthervoicelow,sothattheywouldn’tbeoverheard.

J.D.glancedsidewaysather.“I’mjustgivingyouyourspace,Payton.”Heturnedbacktothewindow.

“You’rebeinganass.”

“Andyou’replayinggames.How’sChasethesedays?”heaskedsarcastically.

“Fine,Iguess.ChaseandIaren’tseeingeachotheranymore.”

J.D.turnedaroundtofaceher.“Youbrokeupwithhim?”

“Asamatteroffact,Idid,”Paytontoldhim.“Contrarytowhatyouapparentlythink,Idon’tliketo
playgameswithpeople.Andbytheway,youhavealotofnerveaccusingmeofplayinggameswhen
you’retheonegivingmethesilenttreatment.Whichremindsme,thanksforbeingtheonlypersonin
ourgroupnottocongratulatemeonwinningmytrial.Youractionsleadmetobelievethateither(a)
youfeltawkwardcongratulatingme,giventhatweareincompetitionwitheachother—inwhichcase
youcan’tpossiblyfaultmeforsimilarlystrugglingwiththecomplicationsofoursituationtheother
night,or(b)youweresimplybeingastubborn,spitefuljerk,inwhichcaseI’mnotsureI’dwanttobe
inyourcompanyanyway.Eitherway,ifyou’rewaitingforsomebigapologyfrommeforasking
youtoleavetheothernight,you’regoingtobewaitingavery,verylongtimebecause,asyousee,
clearlyIwasintheright.”Paytonputherhandonherhipdefiantly.Sothere.

J.D.staredatherforamomentwiththat“amused”lookonhisface.“Youreallyareanamazing
lawyer,Payton,”hesaid.

Shepokedhiminthechest.“Don’ttrytoflattermenow,Jameson.”

Hegrinned.“You’reangrywithmeagain.”

“Ithinkthissituationisdifficultenoughwithoutyoumakingitanymoredifficult.”

Thisseemedtostrikeachordwithhim.“Fairenough.MaybeIshouldmakeituptoyou,then.What
wouldyousay—hypotheticallyspeaking,ofcourse—ifIaskedyououttodinnertocelebrateyour
trialwin?”

Paytonhesitated.Notbecauseshewasn’ttemptedbyhisoffer,orquasi-offer.Quitetheopposite,
actually.

“Hypotheticallyspeaking,I’mnotsureItrustmyselfaroundyou,”shesaid.ShecouldtellJ.D.liked
thatanswer.

Hebenthishead,loweringhisvoicefurtherstill.“Why?Whatareyouafraidmighthappenifwe’re
alone?Hypotheticallyspeaking.”

Itwasadangerousgameforthemtobeflirtingintheofficelikethis.Strangely,however,Payton
wasn’tsureshecaredabouttheofficerightthen.Sure,J.D.pissedherofflikenooneelsecould.But
whenhegaveherthatlook,thatlookthatwasboldandintimate,butalsoslightlycautious—asifhe
waswaitingandgauginghereverymove—shefeltthrillsofanticipationatthethoughtofwheretheir
littleintriguemightgonext.

Sosheleanedin,hersmileblatantlycoy.“Hypotheticallyspeaking,I’mafraidImight—”

“Thereyoutwoare!Sorryaboutthat,IgotstuckonaRule26(f)conferencethatranalittlelonger
thanexpected.”

InterruptedbythesoundofBen’svoice,PaytonandJ.D.lookedoverandsawhimstandinginhis
doorway.

“Shallwe?”Bengesturedforthemtojoinhiminhisoffice.

J.D.caughtPayton’seyeastheyheadedinside,seemingtofindBen’sinterruptionasinconvenientas
she.TheyhadbarelytakentheirseatsinfrontofthedeskwhenBengotrightdowntobusiness.

“SoIgotacallfromJasperthismorning,”hebegan.“Apparentlythey’vehadalittleshake-upinthe
Gibson’slegaldepartment.Hefiredthegeneralcounsel—probablyasmartmovesincetheguy
obviouslydidn’tdoaverygoodjobofpreventingthismessthey’rein.ThenewGCstartedon
Mondayand,notsurprisingly,iseagertomeetwithsomeofthepeopleatourfirmwhowillbe
workingonthecase.Jasperspecificallyaskedwhethereither—orboth—ofyoumightpossiblybe
freetoflydowntomorrowforameetandgreetwithhimandthenewgeneralcounsel.He
acknowledgedthatthiswasshortnotice,butsaidhethoughtthatsincetomorrowisFriday,therewasa
chancethetwoofyoumightbefreeintheeveningfromyourotherworkcommitments.”

Benclearedhisthroat.“Obviously,Jasperisn’tawareofthesituationhere,thatoneofyouwillnotbe
continuingoninthismatter.AndIthinkit’sbestthathenotbemadeawareofthatfactuntilthe
partnershipdecisionhasbeenannounced.”Leaningbackinhischair,hesighedmelodramatically.
“Giventhecircumstances,Ifinditalittleawkwardtoaskyoutwotodothis.Although,withthe
decisionbeingthisclose—”

“I’llgo,”J.D.said.

Benstoppedandlookedover.HeappearedpleasedbythedefinitivenesswithwhichJ.D.had
responded.“Good.”Henoddedhisapproval,thenturned.“Whatdoyousay,Payton?”

ShecouldfeelJ.D.’seyesonherassheanswered.

“I’llgo,too.”

Bensmiled.“Great.I’llcallJasperandlethimknowtoexpectyouboth.”HeglancedoveratJ.D.
“Yougetthereearlyenough,Jameson,youmightevenbeabletosqueezeinaround.PalmBeachhas
somegreatcourses.IthinkthelasttimeIwastherewasoverthreeyearsago.WewentinMayandit
wasnearlyninetydegrees.Andhumidasallhell.”Hepointed.“Youtwobetterprepareyourselves.It’s
goingtobeahotandsteamytrip.”

IttookeveryounceofPayton’sstrengthnottoreacttothat.

Twenty-one

THEFLIGHTATTENDANTsetPayton’smealdowninfrontofher.

“Andonevegetarianentreeforyou,”shesaidefficientlybeforeturningtoservelunchtothe
passengersacrosstheaisle.

SeatednexttoPayton,J.D.didn’tevenbothertolookupfromhisWallStreetJournal.

“Vegetarian?Nowthere’sasurprise.”

“Aboutassurprisingasyouturningfirsttothefinancialsectionofthepaper.”

J.D.shrugged.“So?Ihaveafewinvestments.”

“Ihaveinvestments.Youhaveaportfolio,”Paytonemphasized.

J.D.felttheneedtosettherecordstraight.Heputdownhispaperandturnedinhisseattofaceher.

“Payton,Ihavetotellyousomething,andIknowthisisgoingtocomeasashock,butit’sbetteryou
hearitnow.”Heleanedinconsolingly.“Youhavemoney.”Heshookhishead.Whatashame.

Paytonwavedthisoff.“Please.Youhavemoney.Ihaveajobthatpayswell.There’sadifference.”

“Wemakethesameexactsalary.”

“Butyouhaveanextravagantlifestyle.”

J.D.laughedatthat.Didhenow?Maybeinhereyes,hesupposed.Shewasawalkingcontradiction
andcompletelyoblivioustothatfact.

“Youhavefive-hundred-dollarshoes,”hepointedout.

“Notanymore.”

J.D.clearedhisthroat.Probablybestiftheyjustmovedontoanothertopic.

HewatchedasPaytonpickedathersandwich,somesprouty/all-natural/no-tasteconcoction.Since
theywereflyingbusinessclass,theyhadseatstogether,justthetwoofthem.Theycouldtalkabout
anythingandnotbeoverheard,althoughsofarPayton’sconversationwithhimthroughouttheflight
hadconsistedentirelyofbusiness-relatedtalkand/orsass.Perhapsitwastimetoshakethingsup.

“So...youdidn’tsaywhyyoubrokeupwithChase.”

“You’reright,Ididn’tsay.”

“Areyouavoidingthesubject?”

Paytonputhersandwichdownandturnedtofacehim.“Whydon’twetalkaboutyouforachange?”

Realizinghereallyneededtorefinehissubject-changingskills,J.D.struckanonchalantlook.“What
aboutme?”

“Well,you’rethirty-twoyearsold—”

“Thesameageasyou.”

“—andstillsingle,”shefinished.“Aren’tyousupposedtobemarriedbynowtoaMuffyoraBitsyor
someothersocietytypewithabrainasbigasthispickle?”

J.D.peeredover.“That’saprettybigpickle.”

Paytonsmiled.“So?Whatgives?”

J.D.couldn’thelpbutlookas,whilewaitingforhisanswer,Paytoncrossedonehigh-heeledlegover
theother,notablyinhisdirection.Didsheknowtheeffectshehadonhim?Hesuspectedshedid.It
wasalittledancetheydid,thewaytheybothconspicuouslyavoidedtalkingaboutwhathadhappened
inherapartmenttheothernight.Hehadafeelingthattherewasmorebehindher“innocent”questions
regardinghislovelifethanshewantedtoleton.Buthehadnointentionofcuttingthegameshort.
Notyet,anyway.

Seeingthatshestillwaitedforhisanswer,J.D.shrugged.“IguessI’vejustbeenfocusedonthingsat
work.”HewatchedasPaytonnodded.Thisshecouldunderstand.

Nowthatthesubjectofworkhadbeenraised,theconversationdriftedontoasafertopic:their
upcomingmeetingwithJasperandhisnewgeneralcounsel.InappreciationofthefactthatPaytonand
J.D.hadagreedtoflydowntoFloridaonsuchshortnotice,Jasperhadsuggested,fortheir
convenience,thattheymeetfordinnerattheirhotel.J.D.couldcertainlythinkofworseplacesto
spendaFridayeveningthanattheRitz-Carlton,PalmBeach.Puttingasideallpartnership/career
advancementissues,oneofthemainreasonshehadsoquicklyagreedtothetripwasbecauseheknew
Paytonsimilarlywouldneverpassuptheopportunity.

Paytonaskedhimwhatinformation,ifany,hehadbeenabletouncoveraboutthelawyerJasperhad
hiredtobeGibson’snewgeneralcounsel.J.D.reachedintohisbriefcaseforthefilehehadthrown
togetherearlierthatmorningwhenhestoppedattheofficebeforeheadingofftotheairport.

Strangely,hediscoveredsomethinginhisbriefcasethathehadnotputthere.

Abook.

Confused—andwiththemomentarythoughtthathewasgoingtobereallyfuckingpissedifthiswas
somesortofSouthFloridadrug-mulescamthatwouldlandhiminjailandcutintohisposhRitz-
Carltonrelaxationtime—J.D.pulledoutthebook.

PrideandPrejudice.

ItboreaPost-itnote,unsigned,thatread:

Incaseofanemergency.Trustme.

J.D.rolledhiseyes.Oh,forcryingoutloud.HehadtoldTyleraboutthetripwithPaytonandhis
“helpful”friendmusthaveslippedthebookintohiscarry-onwhenhe’dsteppedoutofhisoffice.

Justashewasabouttostuffthesillygirlytomebackintohisbriefcase,Paytonglancedover.

“Oh,youbroughtabook?Whatareyoureading?”Sheleanedover,sawthetitle,thenpeeredupat
J.D.withanexpressionofunmistakablesurprise.“PrideandPrejudice?Wow.Iwouldn’thaveguessed
thatwasyourkindofbook.”

J.D.immediatelywentonthedefensive.“Comeon,doyoureallythink...”Hiswordstrailedoffas
Paytonleanedbacklanguidlyinherseatwithadreamy,farawaylook.

“Mr.Darcy...”Shesighedwistfully.Shedistractedlyputherpeninhermouth—J.D.noticedalittle
flushtohercheeks—andwithoutevenrealizingit,sheslowlyslidthepeninandoutbetweenherlips.

Inandout.

“FitzwilliamDarcyandhistenthousandayear...”shesaid,stilldreamy.

J.D.hadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout,buthecouldn’thelpbutstare.Thepen.Thelips.Inand
out.

Inandout.

Tylerwasafuckinggenius.

Withablink,Paytoncameoutofherreverie.Mostunfortunately.

“Sorry.Whatwerewetalkingabout?”sheasked,alittlebreathless.

Clearinghisthroat,J.D.heldupthebook.“PrideandPrejudice?”

Paytonsmiledfondly.“Yes.It’soneofmyfavorites.”

“Icaughtthat.Gottalovethat”—J.D.quicklystoleaglanceatthebackcover—“ElizabethBennet.”

ThisseemedtowakePaytonup.“Well,ofcourse,”shesaid,notunlikeTyler,asifonlyaNeanderthal
wouldn’tbeintheknow.“ElizabethBennetisonlyoneofthegreatestliteraryheroinesofalltime.”

J.D.couldseeshewasbeginningtogetallriledupandlecture-yagain.Notthatheparticularly
minded.“Isthatso?”

“Yes,that’sso.She’sclever,witty,bold,andindependent.True,shecanbeabitproud,somewould
sayshe’sfartoosassyforhertime,andshe’sdefinitelyjudgmental,butstill—that’swhywelove
her.”

J.D.cockedhishead.“Well.Iguessthatsettlesthat.”

Paytongrinned,alittleembarrassed.“Sorry.Icangetkindofcarriedawaytalkingaboutthatbook.”

Shepaused,remembering.“Weren’tyougoingtoshowmetheinformationyoupulledonGibson’s
newgeneralcounsel?”

Backtobusiness.J.D.handedPaytonthefilehehadcompiledandshebegantoreadthroughit.But
afterafewminutesofworkinginsilence,shecastasidewaysglanceinhisdirection.

“Still...itiskindofawussyreadforaguy,Jameson.”Withaslyhalfsmile,sheturnedbacktoher
reading.

J.D.didn’tbothertodignifythatwitharesponse.Butafterafewminuteshadpassed,hesubtlyglanced
overandwatchedPaytonassheworked.

Proudandsassy,nodoubt.Anddefinitelyjudgmental.

Butstill.

PAYTONSTOODINfrontoftheclosetinherunderwear,scrutinizingherdressforwrinkles.She
wasrelievedtoseeithadsurvivedtheplanetriprelativelyunscathedbecause(a)shehadabsolutely
zeroskillwhenitcametousinganironand(b)therewasn’ttimetoironanywaybecauseshewas
supposedtomeetJ.D.inthehotelbardownstairsinfiveminutes.

Thiswasbusiness,shekeptremindingherself.SheandJ.D.werehere,attheluxuriousRitz-Carlton,
PalmBeach,juststepsfromthewhite-sandbeachandtheceruleanbluewateroftheAtlanticOcean,
onbusiness.

Shehadstayedinnicehotelsbefore,ofcourse.Plentyofthem.Oneoftheperksofworkingforatop-
tierfirmwasthatitslawyerswereexpectedtostay—forimagepurposes—attop-tierhotelswhen
traveling.Italsowasn’tthefirsttimeshe’dtraveledonbusinessonaFridayevening,anditcertainly
wasn’tthefirsttimeshe’dtraveledwithamalecoworker.

But.

Thistimeitdidn’tfeellikebusiness.Oratleast,itdidn’tfeelentirelylikebusiness.

Aftercheckinginatthefrontdesk,sheandJ.D.hadagreedtomeetatseven,ahalfhourbeforetheir
dinnerwithJasper.ThishadbeenPayton’ssuggestion—itwould’vebeenhersuggestionhadshebeen
withanyotherassociateandshesawnoreasontodeviatefromprotocol.Workwasstillwork,
Gibson’sDrugStoreswerestillthefirm’smostimportantnewclient,andthefactthatshejust
happenedtobespendingtheeveningwithJ.D.wasirrelevant.

Similarlyirrelevantwasthefactthatshehadsnuckinaquickbikiniwaxafterlearningthatthey
wouldbetakingthistrip.

Andoneshouldbynomeansconstrueanythingfromthesexyblacklaceunderwearshehadslipped
onjustmomentsago.Honestly.Herfitteddresspracticallyrequiredhertowearathongandlow-cut
plungebrainordertoavoidtackypantyandbralines.Andthesexylacypart?Purehappenstance.

Andyes,true,shemayormaynothaveusedabitofdarklinerthateveningforasmoky-eyelook,
perhapsshedidspendanextratenortwentyminutesonherhair,anditwasevenpossiblethatafew
dabsofperfume—BulgariAuThéBlanc,herpersonalfavorite—hadmadetheirwaytoherskin,a
littlehere,alittlethere.Butshe’donlygonethroughtheseeffortsbecauseshe’dhadextratimeonher
handsanddidn’tseeanyreasontoidlysitaboutinherhotelroom.Andthatwasherstoryandshewas
stick—

Shit!—shewaslate.Paytonsuddenlycaughtsightoftheclockonthenightstand.Shehurriedlyslipped
intoherdressandslidonherheels.Becausethiswasabusinessdinner,herdresswasblackand
classic.Butadressnevertheless,andaslim-fittingoneatthat.Shehaddecidedearlieragainstwearing
asuit—itwaseighty-fiveandhumidandshewouldbefartoowarmwearingajacket.

Andthatwasherstory.

THEELEVATORREACHEDthefirstfloorandthedoorsopened.AsPaytonsteppedout,shefelta
momentaryflutterof—excitement?Nervousness?SheneverknewwhattoexpectfromJ.D.—atleast
notthesedays,anyway.Sure,theyhadflirtedattimesduringtheplaneride,butontheotherhand,
they’dtalkedalotofbusiness,too.

Aquestionhadbeenraisedthatnightinherapartment,andPaytonknewthetimetoanswerthat
questionwasquicklydrawingtoaclose.Itwasasimplequestion.

Whatdidshewant?

Shecutthroughthehotellobbyandfoundthebar,calledStir,whereshewassupposedtomeetJ.D.
Whatdidshewant?Incourt,shealwaystrustedherinstincts.Maybesheshouldapplythesame
philosophyhere.

Shewalkedintothebarandwassurprisedtoseesuchalargecrowdalreadygatheredthere.Hereyes
quicklyscannedtheroom,firstthemainbar,thentheprivatetables,andfoundJ.D.atneither.Then
shespottedanoutdoorterrace.

Paytonheadedoutsideandsawthatthebar ’sterraceoverlookedtheocean.Ittookamomentforher
eyestoadjusttothelowlightprovidedbythesoftlyflickeringcandlesthatadornedthetables.
Throughthecrowd,shefinallyspottedJ.D.neartheback,seatedatatablealongthebalconyledge.
Shesmiled—ofcoursehewouldhavethebesttableintheplace.

J.D.hadhisprofiletoherashelookedoutattheocean.Sheheadedoverand—takingadvantageofthe
factthathehadnotyetseenher—tookhertimeenjoyingthewayhelookedinhisdarkgraysuitand
crispblueshirt.Shewatchedtheeaseandsophisticationofhismovements,theself-assuredwayhe
heldtherocksglassashetookasip,thesubtlebrushofhissleeveashecheckedhiswatch.He
certainlyhadstyleinspades,nodoubtaboutthat,andhewasundeniably,incrediblygood-looking.It
struckherthenhowfunnyitwasthatthiswasthemanshe’dworkedacrossthehallfrom—andfought
with—forthepasteightyears.

Asifsensingherapproach,J.D.lookedover.WhenhesawPayton,heturnedinhischairandwatched
asshewalkedtowardhim.

“Youlookamazing.”Hiseyessweptoverherdress.

Paytonstoppedatthetableandsmiled.“Thanks.Ifiguredit’stoohotforasuit.”Oh,thetangledweb
weweave.

J.D.watchedhersettleintothechairacrossfromhim.“You’realsolate.”Buthislooksuggestedhe
didn’treallymind.

“I’msorry;Iknow,”Paytonsaid.Shecrossedonelegovertheothersothattheslitofherdress
revealedafairamountofherthigh.Anoldtrick,butstillagoodone.

“Eagertogetdowntobusiness?”sheaskedteasingly.

J.D.glanceddownatherexposedleg,andwhenhelookedup,hisblueeyesborerightthroughher.

“ThereissomeunfinishedbusinessIplantogettotonight,yes.”

Wow.PaytonliterallyfeltherbreathcatchatthewayJ.D.lookedatherrightthen,alookthattoldher
innouncertaintermsexactlywhathewanted.Noothermanhadthateffectonher;nooneelsecould
makeherheartracewithjustoneglanceandafewsimplewords.Anditwasinthatmomentthatshe
knewwithoutanyhesitationexactlywhatshewanted.

“IguessthequestionIhave,J.D....”Shepausedlingeringlyasshereachedacrossthetableandtook
hishand.Shebegantotracesoft,slowcircleswithherfingers.“...Ishowareweevergoingtoget
throughthisdinner?”

Shesawtheflashofdesireinhiseyesashetookherhandinhis.

“Asquicklyaspossible,”hesaidinahuskyvoice.Helightlybrushedhislipsagainstherfingers,his
eyesneverleavinghers,andPaytoncouldtellthathewantedtokissherasmuchasshewantedhimto.
ButJaspercouldwalkthroughthedooratanyminute,andfrankly,ifshewasalreadygettingallhot
andbotheredfromafewsmokygazes,she’dbestkeepJ.D.’shands,lips,andallhisotherpartsasfar
awayfromheraspossibleuntilthebusinessportionoftheevening’sfestivitieshadofficially
concluded.

Soshepulledback,eyeingJ.D.acrossthecandlelittable.“Perhaps.Butfornowmaybeyoushould
startbybuyingmeadrink.”

“That’sawfullyretroforyou,isn’tit?”

“Can’tIbeold-fashioned,too?”sheasked.Evenifsheknewwhatshewanted,thatdidn’tmeanthe
gameshadtobeover.Yet.Afterall,theyhadatleasttwohourstokillandsheneededsomethingto
distractherthroughdinner.

ButJ.D.wasontoher.Heleanedbackinhischair.“So,thisishowyouwanttoplaythis.”

“Hmm...disappointed?”

Withasmileofamusement,J.D.shookhishead.“Notatall.Justremember,Payton,twocanplayat
that.”

Moresmokyblueeyes.

Damn.Shereallyneededtodeviseacountermovetoscorchinghotsexlooks.

Butuntilshedid,Paytonplannedtosavoreverymomentofthepossibilitiesthatlayahead.

“WHATDOYOUsay,Jameson?AnotherScotch?Comeon,Payton,youdon’tseemlikethetypeof
girlwho’dletamanoutdrinkher.”

Jasperwasinrareformthatevening.

J.D.watchedinamazementastheCEOflaggeddowntheirwaiterandorderedanotherround.He’d
forgottenhowmuchthesegoodoldSouthernboyscoulddrink.AndJasper—apparentlyobliviousto
thefactthateveryoneelseatthetablestillhaduntoucheddrinksfromtheprevioustwoturnsat“how
’boutanother?”—showednosignsofslowingdownanytimesoon.

RichardFirestone,Gibson’sDrugStores’newgeneralcounselandoneofthose—toputitdelicately
—tight-ass-stylelawyerswhogavealltheothersabadname,leanedinhischairtowardJasper.
“Don’tsay‘girl,’”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.

“What’sthat?”Jasperaskedloudly.

RichardglancedinPayton’sdirection.“‘Youdon’tseemlikethetypeofwomanwho’dletaman
outdrinkher,’”hecorrectedJasper ’sphrasing.“Wedon’tsay‘girl’anymore.”

“YouknowwhatIsayaboutallthispoliticalcorrectnessthesedays?It’saloadofsteamin’bullcrap.”
Jasperwavedhisglassaroundashepeeredacrossthetable.“Payton,you’remydiscriminationexpert
—canIstillsay‘girl’?”

“Youcansayanythingyouwanttoyourlawyers,Jasper.”

“Ha!See—youboysaretoouptight.”JasperpointedatRichardandJ.D.“AndnoticeIsaidboys,”he
emphasizedproudly,“lestanyoneeveraccuseme—ormycompany—ofbeingunequalin
opportunity.”Hepolishedoffhiswhiskeyontherocksinonegulpandslammeddowntheglasswith
indignantemphasis.Thenheglancedaroundthetable.“Okay—soIguessthisisasgoodatimeasany
—shouldwegetdowntobusiness?Talkaboutthislittlecaseofours?”

J.D.bithistongueandfoughttheurgetocheckhiswatch.NowJasperwantedtotalkaboutthecase?
Thatwasn’tadiscussiontheycould’vestarted,say,twocoursesago?

HestoleaquickglanceatPayton,whosattohisleft.Sheeitherhadthebestpokerfacehe’deverseen,

orshewasawfullydamnnonchalantatthefuckingtortoisespeedwithwhichthisdinnerwasmoving,
becausesheactuallyappearedquiteamusedbyJasper ’santics.Andthat,cometothinkofit,was
beginningtopisshimoff,too.He’dtoldherearlierthattwocouldplayathergame,andindeedfor
thefirsttwocoursesoftheirdinnerhe’dbeenascoolasshe.Butthetruthofthematterwas,hejust
wantedtobealonewithher.Frankly,hewasfedupwithallthethingsthatconstantlycamebetween
them,likeworkandChaseBellamyandclientdinners.Andclothes.

J.D.watchedasPaytonnoddedalongwhileRichardlaunchedintohisintroductorytakeontheir
litigationstrategy.Fine.Whatever.Ifshesawnopressingreasontohurrythingsalong,thenneither
didhe.

“...SowhatI’mthinking,”Richardwassaying,“isthatI’dlikeeachofyoutogivemeashort
overviewonhowyouplantoapproachyourpartofthedefense.Payton,sinceJasperpointedoutthat
you’rethediscriminationexpert,whydon’tyoustart—tellmeyourthoughtsonhowweshouldattack
thesubstantiveissuespresentedinthiscase.”

“Sure,Richard,I’dbehappyto,”Paytonagreed.Thenshechuckled.“Youknow,Icanbeabitlong-
windedonceIgetgoing.IthinkIseeourwaitercoming—whydon’twegoaheadandorderdessert
now?Getthatoutoftheway.”

J.D.suddenlyfeltPayton’shandrestonhisthighunderneaththetable.

Interesting.

Thewaitersetdessertmenusdowninfrontofeveryone.Withherfreehand,Paytonpickedupher
menuandcasuallylookeditover.“NowwhatamIinthemoodfor?”

ShebeganlightlystrokingherfingeralongJ.D.’sthigh.

Veryinteresting.

“Comeonnow,Payton—thisisFlorida.Y’allhavetotrythekeylimepie,”Jasperdeclared.Hetook
thelibertyoforderingforallofthem,andthewaiterscootedoff.

“Infact,”Jaspersaid,“didyouknowthatjustlastyear,keylimepiewasnamedourofficialstatepie?”

Payton’sfingersmovedhigheronJ.D.’sthigh,nowapproachingSemi-Naughtyterritory.Twomore
inchesandtheywouldbeofficiallywithinthelimitsofOutrightNaughty.

“Ididn’tknowthat,Jasper,”Paytonsaid,neverbreakingstride.“Infact,Ididn’tknowthatstateseven
hadofficialpies.Didyouknowthat,J.D.?”

“No.”

Hecouldgivetwoshitsaboutpies.

“Oh,absolutely,”Jasperassuredthem.“Itcausedquiteastirinthesenate,actually.Therewasafairly
largecontingentthatlobbiedtonameanotherasthestatepie.Anyguesses?Payton?”

Circle.Circle.Fingers.Thigh.Higher.

Paytoncockedherhead,thinking.“Hmm...somekindofpiewithoranges?”

“Nope.”Jaspersmiled,clearlyenjoyingbeingtheonlyoneintheknow.Heturnedtohisright.
“Richard?”

“Peachpie?”thegeneralcounselguessedhalfheartedly.

“ThatwouldbeGeorgia,sorry.How’boutyou,J.D.?”

AtJasper ’squestion,threepairsofeyessuddenlyturnedandstareddirectlyatJ.D.,who,inadditionto
notgivingtwoshitsaboutpies,hadbeenbusyconcentratingonthefactthatPaytonhadteasingly
stoppedherfingersrightattheSemi-Naughty/OutrightNaughtyborder.

“Areyouokay,J.D.?”Paytonaskedwithamischievousgrin.“You’vebeensoquietthesepastfew
minutes.”

Ha.Shewasgoingtopayforthatlater.

J.D.paused.Then—

“Pecan.”

Paytonblinked,thensmiledasJaspersmackedhishandonthetableandshouted.

“Yes!WithallthepecanfarmsinFlorida,therewasapushtomakethatthestatepie.Goodgoing,
Jameson,”Jaspersaid,impressed.

“WhatcanIsay?Iworkwellunderpressure,”J.D.replied,withasmuglookinPayton’sdirection.
“Now—ifwe’rethroughwiththegames...IthinkPaytonwasgoingtogiveusheroverviewonthe
substantivewaysinwhichweshouldattacktheplaintiffs’claims.”

“Yes,Iwas—thankyou,J.D.”

“Noproblem,Payton—thefloorisyours.”

ThreesetsofeyesturnedtoPayton.Justas—underneaththetable—oneofJ.D.’shandsmovedtoher
knee.Howconvenientitwasthattheslitofherdresspartedatherthigh,givinghimeasyaccesstoher
bareskin.

Paybackcouldbesuchadevilishlittlebitchsometimes.

Twenty-two

SHORTLYAFTERTENo’clock,PaytonandJ.D.stoodinthelobbywithJasperandRichard,waiting
forthevalettopullthecararoundfront.

“I’mreallygladwegotachancetodothis,”Jaspersaid,shakingtheirhandswarmly.Richarddidthe
same,sayinghowmuchheenjoyedmeetingthem.

“Didn’tIsayyou’dbeimpressedwiththesetwo?”JaspergaveRichardajovialslapontheback,
nearlyknockingthepoorguyrightintotheheavymosaicurnthatsatatoptheoaktablenexttothem.
J.D.hadasneakingsuspicionthenewGCwasn’tgoingtolastmorethanamonth.

“NownormallyIdon’tlikelawyers,”Jasperdrawledwithachuckle,“andIdefinitelydon’tlikeit
whensomebodytriestosueoneofmycompaniesfortwohundredmillionbucks,butwithyou
two”—hesquintedoneeye,takingaimwithhisfingersatPaytonandJ.D.—“I’vegotagoodfeelin’
here.IthinkI’mingoodhandswithy’all.”

Thathadbeentheonlynegativepartoftheevening.

J.D.watchedasPaytontriedtokeepherexpressionimpassive,buthecouldseeitinhereyes.She
hatednottellingJasperthetruthjustasmuchashedid,thatbecauseofthefirm’s—tocoinJasper ’s
colorfulphrasing—load-of-steamin’-bull-crapdecision,oneofthemwouldn’thaveanythingtodo
withhiscaseinaboutfivedays.Notforthefirsttime,J.D.resentedBenandtheotherpowersthatbe
forputtinghimandPaytoninthisposition.Thatbeingsaid,hehadtoacknowledgehisown
shortsightedness;perhapshehadjumpedtooquicklyattheopportunitytogotoPalmBeach,before
reallythinkingthroughthefactthatgoingwouldalsomeanhe’dhavetobedeceptive,inpart,to
Jasper.Butcandidly,itwasn’tJasperhe’dbeenthinkingofwhenhehadagreedtothetrip.

NotthatJ.D.regrettedhisdecisiontocometoPalmBeach—farfromit.True,theunder-the-table
hijinksbetweenhimandPaytonduringdinnerhadnevercrossedtheSemi-Naughty/OutrightNaughty
border,butinreality,heneverreallybelievedtheywould.Withouthavingtosayawordtoeachother,
theybothknewexactlywheretodrawthelinewiththefunandgames.Althoughatonepointduring
dinner,J.D.hadbrieflyworriedthatJasperhadseensomething.

Theyhadjustfinisheddessert,andthewaiterhadfinallybroughtthecheck.PaytonandRichardhad
bothexcusedthemselvesfromthetabletogototherestroomsand,afterslidinghiscreditcardinto
thecheckfolder,JasperturnedtoJ.D.“WouldyoumindifIaskyouapersonalquestion,Jameson?”

J.D.grinned.“Sure,althoughIcan’tpromiseyouthatI’llanswer.Andrememberthatyou’rea
gentleman,Jasper.”

Jasperchuckledatthat.“Fairenough.I’llputthisinthemostgentlemanlyofterms:Areyoucourting
Ms.Kendall?”

“ThatdefinitelyisaquestionI’mnotgoingtoanswer.”

“BecauseIgetavibe.”

“Wecan’thavethisconversation,Jasper.Sorry.”

“Somethingaboutthewayyoulookather.”

“Hmm.”

WhenJ.D.remainedabsolutely,firmlysilent,Jasperlaughed.“Wow—mywholelife,Idon’tthink
I’veeverseenalawyershutupsofast.Youguysarenormallyhappytoshootyourmouthsoffabout
anything.Allrightthen—Iknowwhentobackoff.”

J.D.hadsimplysmiled,andasquicklyaspossible,steeredthemontoanothertopic.Becauseifthere
wasonethingheknew,itwastonevermakethesamemistaketwice.

WHENTHEVALETfinallypulledJasper ’scararound,J.D.couldn’thelpbutgivealowwhistleof
appreciation.Eventhevalet—whoundoubtedlyencounteredmanyanexpensivecarwhileworkingat
theRitz-Carlton,lookedgiddilyshell-shockedashesteppedoutofthedriver ’sseatandheldopenthe
doorofthesleekadmiralblueRolls-RoycePhantomDropheadCoupé.PerhapsnotJ.D.’sfirstchoice
incolor—hefanciedhimselfmoreajubileesilverkindofguy—butthecarmadequiteanimpression
nevertheless.

JasperkilledthehushofrespectthathadmomentarilybefalleneverymanwithinsightoftheRollsby
givingRichardanotherheartyslapontheback.“Thanksforofferingtodrive,Dick.Ithinkthat
Baileystheyputinmycoffeemustadonemein.”

J.D.andPaytonexchangedamusedlooks.Ormaybeitwastheeightwhiskeysontherocks,butwho
wascounting?AtleastJasperhadthesensenottodrivehimselfhomeinhiscondition,oratthevery
least,theawarenessthatthethreelawyerssurroundinghimwouldneverlethimdrivehimselfhome
inhiscondition.

Jasperhandedthevaletatip—agenerousone,J.D.surmised,judgingfromthewaytheguy’seyes
nearlypoppedoutofhisheadwhenhesawthebillinhishand—andclimbedintothepassengerside
oftheRolls-Royce.ButjustbeforeheandRicharddroveoff,Jasper—beingJasper—rolleddownthe
passengerwindow,unabletoresistafewpartingwords.

“Nowyoukidsbesuretoenjoytherestofyourstay,y’hear?”hecalledouttoPaytonandJ.D.

Withasneakywink,Jasperrolleduphiswindowandgaveadecisive“let’sroll”signaltoRichard.
Carefully,eversocarefully,Richardnudgedthefour-hundred-thousand-plusautomobileoutontothe
hotel’scirculardrive,and—atabreakneckspeedofatleastsixorsevenmilesperhour—theywere
off.

PaytonturnedtoJ.D.asthecarpulledaway.“IsthereanythingIshouldknowaboutthatwinkJasper
gaveus?”

“HefishedaroundaboutuswhenyouandRichardwereintherestrooms,”J.D.toldher.

Paytonstaredhimintheeyes.“Youdidn’tsayanything,didyou?”

“Youmean,likehowallthroughdessertyoucouldbarelykeepyourhandoffmyc—”

“Yes,J.D.’”shebluntlycutin,althoughnotwithoutasmile,henoted,“didyousayanythingabout
that,oranythingelseaboutusingeneral?”

NowitwasJ.D.’sturntogiveheralook.“Ofcoursenot,Payton.Iknowbetterthantomixbusiness
withlocker-roomtalk.”

Herslowexhaleofreliefremindedhimjusthownarrowlyhehaddodgedthatbulletafewyearsback.
Yes,hecertainlydidknowbetter.

Now,however,wasnotthetimetodragupunpleasantpartsofhispast.Rightthen,allJ.D.wantedto
dowasfocusonthepresent.HereachedoutandtookPaytonbythehand.“Comeon.There’s
somethingIwanttoshowyou.”

“Ibetthereis,”shesaidwithalaugh.

J.D.grinned.“Imeantthebeach,sassy.We’vebeenhereforeighthoursandhaven’tseenityet.”He
ledPaytonthroughthelobby,inthedirectionoftheverandah.Whenheheldthedooropenforheras
theysteppedoutside,hecaughtherlook.

“What?”heasked.

Alightbreezeblewherhairacrosshereyes.Withherfreehand,Paytonreachedupandtuckedalong
blondestrandbehindherear.

“Nothing,”shesaid.“Yousurprisemesometimes,that’sall.”

Noticingthatthiscameshockinglyclosetoanactualcompliment,J.D.ledPaytondownthestonesteps
thatwouldtakethemtothewalkwayhehadspottedearlierfromthebalconyofhishotelroom.He
likedthewayherhandfeltinhis,likedthesimpleintimacyofthegestureandthewayitsaid—without
theneedforwords—thattheyweretogether.

Notthatheparticularlymindedwhereherhandshadbeenearlierthatevening,ofcourse.Butthere
wasplentyoftimeforthatlater.Althoughhecertainlywouldn’tkickuptoomuchofafussifshe
wantedtoforegotheromanticmoonlightstrollandstartedgrabbingagainforhisc—

“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”PaytoncutintoJ.D.’sthoughts.Hepeereddownandsawherstudying
himcuriously.

“Youhavesuchadeviouslookonyourface,”shesaid,herdarkblueeyessparklingwithinterest.

J.D.laughed,pullingherclosertohim.Shereallydidknowhimtoowell.

THEYFOUNDAgazebo,presumablyoneusedforsmallweddings,attheendofthewalkway.Payton
madeanexecutivedecisionthattheyshouldstopthere—J.D.wasn’ttheonlyonerunningthisshow,
afterall—andledhimtotherailingthatoverlookedtheocean.There,sheturnedaroundtofacehim.
Sure,theviewwasgreat,butthatwasn’twhatshestoppedfor.Withoutsomuchasanotherword,she
reacheduptoJ.D.andkissedhim.

Hishandslidtothenapeofherneck,demandingmorefromthekissashistonguemethers.Every
partofPayton’sbodyreacted—shewantedmore,too,neededhishandsonher,neededtofeelhim,
andherbreathcaughtandshenearlymoanedoutloudwhenJ.D.pushedherbackagainsttherailing
andslidbetweenherlegs.Hismouthlefthersandtraileddownherneckandalonghercollarbone.
Thenhedaringlywentevenfurther,tothedipinthenecklineofherdress,andwithoutanyhesitation
hepulledherdressandbraasideandloweredhismouthtoherbreast.

Thistime,Paytondidmoan.Onlyvaguelyawareofthesoundofwavescrashingbehindher,she
archedherbackandtangledherfingersinJ.D.’shair,givingintopurephysicalneed.Wantingto
touchhim,shepulledhismouthuptohersandslidherhandsalonghischest,thendownhisstomach.
Shefelthisabstightenunderherfingersastheycametorestonhisbeltbuckle.Shekissedhim
hungrilyasshestartedtoundohisbelt.J.D.pulledhismouthawayfromhers.“Let’sgouptomy
room,”hewhispered.

Paytoncouldhear—andfeel—howbadlyJ.D.wantedher.Thethoughtofmakinghimtotallyloseit
sentthrillsrunningdownherspine.

“Maybeweshouldwalkalittlefarther.Wedohaveallnight.”ShetookJ.D.’shandandbroughtitto
hermouth.Withhereyesonhis,shekissedhisfingerand—whilehewatched—slowlyslidthetip
betweenherlips.Fromthelookinhiseyes,shecouldtellhowmuchthatturnedhimon.Shemayhave
beenthefirsttomoan,butshehadafeelingshecouldquicklyeventhescorerighthere,sosheboldly
flickedhertonguearoundthetipofhisfingerandgavehimalookthatunmistakablysaidhowmuch
morefunitwouldbeifhermouthwassomewhereelseinstead...

J.D.tangledhishandinherhairandstoppedher.Hiseyesweredarkandintenseashepeereddownat
her.“Doyouwanttohearmesayit,Payton?Iwantyou.Now.”

Paytonfeltherentirebodygoinstantlyhot.

Gameover.

THEYHADAminordisagreementintheelevator.

“Whatfloorareyouon?”

Fumble.Fumble.

“Thetop.Clublevel.”

Zipper.

“Myroom’scloser.”

Morefumbling.Gasp.

“Myroom’soceanfront.Fuckit—thisthingkeepsgettingintheway.”

Loudrip.

“Oceanfront?Hmm...Iseesomebodywasalittlepresumptuousatcheck—”

Sharpintakeofbreath.“Oh,yes...”

Moan.Handsgrippingrail.Heavybreathing.

“Screwit,Idon’tcare...doithere,J.D.Now.”

Wickedlaugh.

“Notyet.”

“You’regonnapayforthis.”

Devilishgrin.

“Icertainlyhopeso.”

J.D.PRESSEDPAYTONagainstthedoortohisroomasheslidthekeycardintothelock.Whenhe
heardthefamiliarclick,hegrabbedPaytonbythewaistandpulledherintotheroomwithhim.

Okay,fine—atcheck-in,whenshewasn’tpayingattention,hehadaskedtobeupgradedtoan
oceanfrontsuite.He’dbeenfeelingalittle...optimistic.

AndPaytondidn’texactlylookdispleasedwithhisdecision.Stillholdinghishand,shewalkedaround
theroom,checkingouttheoversizedlivingroomarea,theseparatemasterbedroom,themarble
bathroomwithasolidstoneocean-facingsoakingtub,and,ofcourse,theprivatebalconywitha
directviewoftheAtlantic.

“Youapprove?”J.D.askedwhenshefinishedherperusaloftheroom.

Paytonsmiled.“DoIevenwanttoknowhowmuchthiscostyou?”

Intruth,he’dspentoveragrandoutofhisownpocketfortheupgrade.Hedebatedwhatwasbetter:to
letherthinkthiswasallpartofhisso-called“extravagantlifestyle,”ortotellherthetruth.He
decidedtogowiththetruth.Sofarthatevening,sayingexactlywhatwasonhismindhadbeenpaying
offinspades.

“It’sforyou,”hetoldher.

Paytonseemedmomentarilysurprisedbythis.Thenshepulledincloseandwrappedherarmsaround
hisneck.

“It’sperfect.”

Shekissedhim.BeforeJ.D.knewit,theyhadmadetheirwayintothebedroom.Thehotel
housekeepingstaffhadalreadyturneddownthebedandthelightswerelowandambient.Hepeered
intoPayton’seyesandsawthatfamiliarmixofdaringandmischief.Seeinghowthewholebeing-
directthingwasworkingforhim—

“Takeoffyourdress,”hesaid.

Paytongavehiman“Oh,really?”look,andJ.D.couldtellthatpartofherwantedtogetsassyagain.
Buthecouldalsotellthattheotherpartofherreally,reallylikedit.

Sheshruggednonchalantly.“Easyenough.Youalreadyrippedthezipperintheelevator.”Withher
shrugandthesimpletugofonestrap,thedressfelltothefloor.

Interesting.

Andherehe’dthoughtshelookedamazinginthedress.

J.D.’seyestraveledfrom(blacklacy)topto(racythong)bottom.Andshestillworeherhighheels.

Thiswasgoingtobeonelongfuckingnight.

Gesturingtotheblacklace,J.D.gavePaytonan“Oh,really?”lookofhisown.“Itlookslike
somebodyelsewasbeingalittlepresumptuous,too.Unlessyouwearthattoallyourclientdinners?”

Withaslightkickofherleg,Paytonnudgedthedressoutofherway.Shewrappedherarmsaround
J.D.,onehandatthebackofhishead,andthreadedherfingersthroughhishair.Shelookedupathim
andrepeatedhisearlierwords.

“It’sforyou,”shesaidsoftly.

J.D.lookeddeepintothosedarkblueeyes.

Thisgirldrovehimabsolutelycrazy.

Withagrin,hescoopedherupandtossedherontothebed.

Becausetonight,shewashis.

FORNEARLYANhourtheyteasedoneanother,untilPaytonfinallycavedandgrabbedacondomoff

thenightstand.

J.D.hookedoneofherlegsaroundhiswaistandgrabbedherhand.“Putitonme,”hewhispered,
nearlyagroan.

Soshedid.Thenshetoldhimsheneededtoquicklycheckforpoloponies.

WhenJ.D.threwherotherlegaroundhiswaistandpinnedherarmsoverherhead,Paytondecidedto
reschedulethepony-checkforanothertime.

Ashemovedoverher,J.D.toldhertoopenhereyesandlookathim,andshethoughtthemoment
couldn’tgetanybetter.

Thenheheldherfacebetweenhishandsandwhisperedhername,andsheknewitjustdid.

AFTERWARD,J.D.COLLAPSEDontopofPayton,stilltangledbetweenherlegs,hisfaceburiedin
herneckashetriedtocatchhisbreath.

Histhoughts.

Deep,too.

Just.

Had.

Sex.

Sleepy.

HefeltPaytonsuddenlystirbeneathhimandheperkeduphishead,instantlyalert.

Ooh—again?

SOMETIMEAFTERROUNDTwo,theydecidedtoopenthedrapesandtheslidingglassdoorsso
thattheycouldhearthewaves.Theylayfacingeachotherinthemoonlight.AsJ.D.’sfingerstraced
lazyarcsalongherhip,Paytoncouldn’thelpbutgrin.

“What?”Hepeereddownatherwhileproppedupononeelbow.

“Nothing,”Paytonsaid.“Justthat...it’syou.”

J.D.benthisheadtokisshershoulder,seemingtounderstandexactlywhatshemeant.“Iknow.We’ve

saidalotofthingstoeachotheroverthesepasteightyears.”

“Ithinkweshould’vebeendoingthisalongtimeago.”

J.D.laughed.“Youhatedmeupuntilaboutaweekago,remember?”

PaytonranherhandalongJ.D.’sforearm,hisshoulder,acrossthefirmmusclesofhischest.Hadshe
reallyeverhatedhim?Funny,becausenowshecouldn’tkeepherhandsoffhim.She’dguessedthat
J.D.wasingoodshapebecauseanyonewholookedthatgreatinasuithadtobeingoodshape,but...
wow.There’dbeenamomentduringRoundTwowhenhe’dliftedheroffhimandflippedherover
ontoherstomachlikeitwasnothing.Etcetera.

AnaggingquestioninthebackofPayton’smindwaswhetherJ.D.wasthisincrediblewiththeother
womenhe’dsleptwith.Shehatedtothinkthatwhatwasundoubtedlythebestsexofherlifewasjust
anaveragerun-of-the-millrompinthesackforhim.

Paytondecidedshehadbetterpushherfeelingsaside.Sinceshedidn’tknowwhatJ.D.wasthinking,it
wasbesttokeepthingslightandflirty.

“‘Hate’issuchastrongword,”sheteasedJ.D.“Andactually,whenwefirstmet,Ididn’tdislikeyouat
all.Quitetheopposite,infact.”

Paytonpushedherselfupononearm.“Doyouevenrememberthedaywemet?Itwasourfirstdayof
work,atthefirm’swelcomeorientation.”

J.D.toyedwithalockofherhairbetweentwoofhisfingers.“OfcourseIremember.Isawyousitting
atthetablewiththeotherlitigationassociates,andIwalkedoverandintroducedmyself.Yousaid—
quote—‘Soyou’retheinfamousJ.D.Jameson.’”

Paytongrinned.Beforestartingwiththefirm,shehadheardthingsaboutJ.D.fromtheassociatesand
partnerswhohadrecruitedhim.“Andyousaid,‘I’veheardstoriesaboutyou,too,PaytonKendall.’”

Shestillvividlyrecalledwhathadhappenednext.“Thentheytoldustotakeourseats,andyousatnext
tome,andjustastheybeganwelcomingustothefirm,youleanedoverandaskedifIwasreallyas
goodaspeoplesaidIwas.”

J.D.smiledasheremembered.“Andinresponse,yougavemethisslylittlelookoveryourshoulder
andsaid,‘Iguessyou’llhavetofindoutforyourself,J.D.Jameson.’”

Paytonlaughed.“Itsoundssomuchmorescandalouswhenyousayit.”

“Iwasintrigued.Tosaytheleast.”J.D.paused.“Butthenyouturnedonme.”

Paytonstudiedhimcarefully.Thatwasthesecondtimehe’dmadeacommentlikethat.“Whatdoyou
mean,Iturnedonyou?”

J.D.gaveheralook.“Howinterestingthatyoudon’trememberthatpart...Itwasaboutaweeklater.”

“ActuallyIrecallthataboutaweeklater,Iwasstilltryingtoflirtwithyou,”Paytonsaid.

“Unsuccessfully,Imightadd.”

J.D.satupwithanexpressionofpureskepticism.“Really?Andwhen,exactly,wasthisallegedattempt
toflirtwithme?”

NowPaytonsatup,too.“NotthatIexpectyoutoremember,butitwasintheelevator.Youjumpedin
rightbeforethedoorsclosed,andInoticedyouwerewearingglassesthatmorning.”

J.D.jumpedoffthebedandcircledaroundit.Hepointed,asiftosayshewasbustednow.Notthatshe
wasparticularlyintimidated,consideringhewasinhisunderwear.Thenagain,sowasshe.

“Oh—butIdorememberthatconversation,Payton.Everyword.Ihadjustgottenthoseglassesand
youmockedthewayIlookedinthem.”

NowPaytonwasoffthebed,alsocircling.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Sheturnedonthelightnext
tothebedtoseehimbetter.“Inevermadefunofthewayyoulookedinyourglasses.”

J.D.pounced.“Aha!See—youdon’tremember.Allowmetorefreshyourrecollection,Ms.Kendall.
Youlookedoveratmeandsaid—andIcanquoteyoudirectlyhere—‘Niceglasses,Jameson.You
looklikeClarkKent.’”Hefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.Sothere.

Paytonstaredathim.“Yes,Iknow.That’sexactlywhatIsaid.”

J.D.heldouthishands.“ClarkKent?ThemeekandawkwardalteregoofSuperman?”

Paytonshookherhead.“No,ClarkKent,theguywhoseemsallintellectualandrestrainedonthe
outside,butreallyhe’sgotthis...powerandallthese...muscleshiddenunderneaththattight,
buttoned-upshirtthatmakeyouwanttojustgrabhimandmussupthatperfecthairofhisandfindout
howhardtheManofSteelcan—”

J.D.helduphishand.“IthinkIgetthepicture.”

Paytonfannedherself.“Anyway,whenIsaidyoulookedlikeClarkKentwithyourglasseson,that
wasacompliment.”

J.D.satdownontheedgeofthebed.“Oh.”

Hehadthestrangestlookrightthen.

Paytonwalkedoverandsteppedinbetweenhislegs.Sheputherarmsaroundhim.“Itdoesn’tmatter
now,J.D.Thatwasalongtimeago.”Shepushedhimbackontothebed,straddledhim,andslidher
handsuphischest.“Youdon’thappentohavethoseglasseswithyou,byanychance?”Withawink,
shereachedoverandshutoffthelight.

Throughthedarkness,J.D.spoke.Stillsoundingtroubled.“It’sjust—Ithoughtyouwereinsultingme,
Payton.”

“ButnowyouknowIwasn’t.Sowhat’sthebigdeal?”

Silence.

“Waitasecond...”

Thelightcamebackon.

Paytonstareddownathim.“Pleasedon’ttellmethat’showthiswholefightbetweenusstarted.”

J.D.sheepishlymadeanattempttosmile.“Um...thenextday,Ikindofgaveyouahardtimewhen
youmadeyourpresentationatthegroupmeetingaboutthenewamendmentstothefederaldiscovery
rules.”

“Irememberthat!”Paytonpokedhiminthechest.“Youwereatotalassholetome,askingallthese
questionsaboutwhetherIhadbotheredtoreadtheAdvisoryCommitteenotesandotherbullshitlike
that.”Shepokedhiminthechestagain,harderthistime.“Thatwaswhy?BecauseIsaidyoulooked
likeClarkKent?”

“Um...yes?”

Paytonclimbedoffhim.“Idon’tbelievethis—thatisthestupidestthingI’veeverheard!”Shegrabbed
herdressandshoesoffthefloor.“Eightyears,J.D.!Eightyears!AtleastIassumedwe’vebeen
fightingforsomelegitimatereason,likepolitics,orsocioeconomicissues,oratthevery,veryleast
becauseyou’rerichandmyfamilyisfromthewrongsideofthetracks.”

J.D.laughedoutloudatthat.“Wrongsideofthetracks?Whatisthis,1985andweliveinaJohn
Hughesmovie?Idon’tgiveashitwhetheryourfamilyhasmoney.That’salmostasstupidasfighting
overtheClarkKentcomment.”

Paytonslippedonherdress.“Almost,J.D.,butnotquite.Definitelynotquite.”Shestormedoffinto
thelivingroom.

J.D.followedher.“Whereareyougoing?”

“Idon’tknow.Ineedtocooldown.ImightsaysomethingI’llregret.”

ShewasslidingoneofherheelsonwhenJ.D.walkedover,grabbedherhand,andpulledheraway
fromthedoor.

“You’renotgoinganywhere,”hesaidfirmly.Heledheroutontothebalcony.“Ifyouneedtocool
off,youcandoitouthere.”

“It’seighty-twodegreesouthere.Jerk.Ninetywiththeheatindex.”

“Well,then,thefreshairwilldoyousomegood.”Heshutthebalconydoorbehindhimandblocked
herway.

Paytonfoldedherarmsacrossherchestandwaited.

J.D.sighed.“Look—Payton—Iunderstandthatyou’reangrywithme,andforonceIunderstandwhy.I

would,however,liketopointoutthatyouaren’tentirelyinnocentinallthis—you’velobbedmore
thanyourfairshareofinsultsatmeovertheyears,butnotwithstandingthatfact...”Heranhishand
throughhishair,thenheldhishandsup.“WhatcanIsay?Ifuckedup.I’msorry.Reallysorry.”

Paytonsoftenedalittleathisdirectness.Sheknewhowharditwasforhimtoapologize,especiallyto
her.Andhewasright—regardlessofhowitstarted,oncetheirfightinghadbegunshe’dhardlybeen
aninnocentbystander.

“It’sjustthat...”shebitherlipnervously.“Ilikedyoufromthestart,J.D.Ireallywishthingshad
beendifferent,that’sall.”

J.D.staredherstraightintheeyes.“YouhavenoideahowmuchIwishthat,too,Payton.”

Helookedsoseriousrightthenthatitwasimpossibleforhertostaymadathim.Plushewasstillin
hisboxersandthatwasbecomingadefinitedistraction.Withasmileofacquiescence,Paytonpointed.
“Areyouplanningonblockingthatdoorallnight?”

J.D.relinquishedhispostattheslidingdoorandjoinedheratthebalconyrail.“Notifyoupromise
thatyou’renotgoingtoleave.”Heslidhisarmsaroundher.

“I’mnotgoingtoleave,”shesaid,leaningbackagainsthischest.

Theywatchedthewavescrashagainstthebeach,andPaytonlacedherfingersthroughJ.D.’s.“You
know,Ithinkthatwasthefastest,mostrationalwaywe’veeverresolvedafight.We’resomuchbetter
here.”

“It’sbecausewe’reawayfromtheoffice,”J.D.said.Hesoundedfirmlyconvincedaboutthat.

Paytonclosedhereyes.“Theoffice...don’tremindme.”Shehadn’tthoughtaboutthepartnership
competitionbetweenthemforthepastseveralhoursandwantedtokeepitthatway.

J.D.spokesoftlynearherear.“I’vebeenthinking—tomorrowisSaturday.Whydon’twespendan
extranighthere?Frankly,ifoneofusdoesn’tgointotheofficetomorrow,thentheotheronedoesn’t
haveto,either.”

Paytonturnedaroundtofacehim.“Stayheretogether?”

J.D.shrugged.Nonchalanceorfeignednonchalance?Itwashardtosay.

“Ifiguredyoucouldmoveyourthingsintomyroominthemorning,”hesaidcasually.

Paytonthoughtforamoment.Orrather,shepretendedtothinkforamoment.Sheshruggedaswell.
“Sure.Whynot?Ilikeithere.”

“Fine.That’ssettledthen,”henodded.

“Fine.”

“Good.”

“Okay.”

Paytonheldupherfinger.“ButIpayforhalfoftheroom.”

J.D.grinned.“Youknowwhat,Payton—yougorightahead.Atfifteenhundredbucksanight,you
won’tgetanyargumentfromme.”

Hereyeswidenedinshock.“Goodgod—that’showmuchyou’repaying?”Shepaused.“Hmm.”

“Hmm,what?”

“Hmm,sincetheroomcoststhatmuch,it’sagoodthingIdidn’tplantodomuchsleeping.”

J.D.laughedandpulledherclose.“Ireally,reallylike...thewayyouthink.”

Paytonsmiled.Shesuspectedtheremighthavebeenalittleslipandcover-upthere.Andthetruthof
thematterwas,shereally,reallyliked...thewayhethought,too.

SoshetookthehandJ.D.heldouttoherandfollowedhiminside.

Twenty-three

THEYSLEPTINthenextmorning.

Paytoncouldn’trememberthelasttimeshehadsleptpastseven—shewokeupwithastartsometime
aftereightandnearlypanickedwhenshesawthealarmclockonthenightstand.ButthenshesawJ.D.
sleepingnexttoher.

Hestirred—he’dhadhisarmwrappedaroundherandshehadthrownitoffwhenshesatupafter
seeingtheclock.Paytonquicklynestledbackin,hopingnottowakehim.Shewantedhimtosleep.He
neededthesleep—hell,theybothdid.Andnotjustbecauseithadbeenaverylatenight—althoughthat
probablydidn’thelp—notthatshewascomplainingonebit—butmorebecausethey’dbothbeen
throughanexhaustingcoupleofweeks.

Anditwasn’tover.True,byagreeingtostayinPalmBeachuntilSunday,theynowhadonlyone
moreactualworkdaytogetthrough.ButthehardpartwouldcomeonTuesday,DecisionDay,theday
thefirmchoseoneofthemovertheother.Decidedwhowasbetter,inessence.

SheandJ.D.hadn’tspokenmuchaboutthefirm’simpendingdecisionsincethey’darrivedinFlorida.
ButitwasaconstantnaginthebackofPayton’smindandshesuspectedhefeltthesameway.

Itwaskindoffunny,thethoughtofspendingtheentiredayandnightwithJ.D.Notfunnyinabadway,
justnew.Amonthago,Paytonneverwould’vebelievedshe’dbehere,inanoceanfrontsuiteatthe
Ritz-Carlton,sleepingnexttothemanwhohadbeenherswornenemyforthepasteightyears.But
now,itfelt...right.

Thatwasperhapsthescariestpartofall—justhowrightitfeltbeingwithJ.D.Because,whetherthey
talkedaboutitornot,theyhadabig,bigproblemfacingthemonTuesday.

PaytonsnuggledintothecrookofJ.D.’sarm.Thesewerethingsshedidn’twanttothinkabout,atleast
notyet.Fornow,themostseriousissueshewantedtotacklewaswhetherthetwoofthemweregoing
tostraggledownstairsforbreakfastonthehotel’soceanfrontterraceorsimplyorderroomservice.

AsPaytonclosedhereyesandbegantoletsleepretakeher,shecouldn’thelpbutthink:normally,it
would’vegoneagainstallherprinciplesandbetterjudgmenttospendfifteenhundreddollarsanight
onahotelroom,orevenhalfthat.Ontheotherhand—andthiswasherjustificationandshewas
stickingtoit—she’dbarelytouchedanyofthethreeweeks’vacationthefirmgavehereachyearand
shethought—Whatthehell?—shewasallowedtohavealittlefunforoneweekend.

Fun.PaytonopenedhereyesagainandglancedatJ.D.Wasthatallthiswasbetweenthem?Fun?

Sheknew,forherowngood,thatsheprobablyshouldrunrightoutofthathotelroom,headstraight
fortheairport,andgetonthefirstplanebacktoChicago.Therewasadefinitedangerinextending
things.

ButthenshewatchedasJ.D.’seyesflutteredlightly,thenrelaxedagain,deepinsleep.She’dnever
seenhimlooksocalm.

PaytoncurledupclosertoJ.D.andyawnedsleepily.Ah,screwit—shewasstaying.

Iffornootherreason,shewascurioustoseehowthewholeoceanfront-terrace-breakfast-versus-
room-servicedilemmaturnedout.

“SOWHATWOULDyouthinkabouttryingyourhandataroundofgolfthisafternoon?”

Paytonfinishedhersipoffreshlysqueezedorangejuice,settheglassdown,andlookedacrossthe
tableatJ.D.

“Ithinkthat’snotverylikelytohappen,”shetoldhim.Butshesweeteneditwithasmile.

Roomservicehadwonoutforbreakfast.Actually,ithadturnedouttobetheonlyviableoption—
whilethehotelprovidedeverytoiletryimaginableforguestsstayingintheirsuites,theonlyclothing
currentlyavailabletoPaytonwasablackdresswitharippedzipperandaRitz-Carltonbathrobe.And
whiletherobewasperfectlyacceptableforbreakfastonthebalconywithJ.D.,amoreinteresting
questionwaswhatthehellshewasgoingtoweartowalkbacktoherownroomtogetherthings.

MaybeshecouldborrowJ.D.’sjacketoraT-shirttothrowoverherdresswhensheheadeddownto
herroom.Sure,andmaybeshecouldalsojusttackasigntoherassthatsaid,Hello,richpeople,Ijust
spentallnightinsomeoneelse’sroomgettingfu—

“ButIwasthinking,”J.D.cutintoPayton’sthoughts,stillonthegolfthing,“thatitcouldbefunifI
showedyouhowtoplay.”

Paytongrinnedasshebutteredherblueberrymuffin.“I’msurethatwouldbefun.Foryou.”

“Comeon,Payton,”hebaitedher,“don’tyouwanttobroadenyourhorizons?Trysomethingnew?
Getalittleinsightinto‘myworld’asyouliketocallit?”

Shecockedherhead.“Youknowwhat—you’reright.Let’sbothbroadenourhorizons.I’lllearnhow
toplaygolfthisafternoonandthenyoucan,well,letmesee...”Shepretendedtothinkfora
moment,thenpointed.“Igotit:youcaneatvegetarianallweekend.”Sheshruggedmatter-of-factly.
“Seemslikeafairtradetome.”

J.D.thoughtaboutthis.Thenhegrinned,holdingouthishands.

“Ormaybewecouldjustgotothebeach.”Hepickedalargepieceofbaconoffhisplate,bitinwith
relish,andwinked.

“NowthatideaIlike,”Paytonagreed,tuckingherlegsunderneathherandleaningbackinherchair
totakeintheviewofthewavesbreakingagainstthesand.Yes,definitely—thebeachsoundedgreat.

Ashortwhilelater,Paytonwalkeddownthefourflightsofstairstoherroom.Notthemost
comfortablethingtodoinheels,butshefiguredshe’drunintofewerpeopleinthehotel’sinternal
stairwellthanintheelevators,whichinturnlessenedtheoddsthatanyonewouldnoticethepatchwork

jobsheandJ.D.haddoneonherdress.

Luckily,they’dfoundasafetypintoholdthezippertogether.Whenpinningher,J.D.hadkissedher
neckandhishandshadbeguntoroam,anddespitethefactthatPaytonknewsheneededtocheckout
ofherroombeforethetimeexpired,hepushedheragainstthewallandtheywereontheirwayto
someseriousmischiefwhenthetelephonerang.Itwasthetravelcompany,callingbacktoreschedule
theirflightsforthefollowingday.Paytonsnuckout,leavingittoJ.D.toexplainthatyes,theyboth
wantedtochangetheirflightsbut,no,onlyoneofthemneededtobookanothernightatthehotel.Fill
intheblank.

WhenPaytongottoherroom,sheglancedattheclockandsawshehadjustenoughtimetosqueeze
inaquickshowerbeforecheckout.Butfirstthingsfirst.ShepulledoutherBlackBerryandscrolled
throughheremail.LuckilyitwasSaturdayandthingsseemedrelativelyquiet.Whenshegottothe
end,shesawshehadanemailfromJ.D.—onethathe’dsentaboutfiveminutesearlier.Sheopenedthe
messageandread:

Stopcheckingyouremailandgetbackhere.

Paytonlaughed.Wow—forJ.D.thatwaspracticallymushy.Sheshowered,gotready,threwherthings
intohersuitcase,andbeforesheknewit,shewasbackonthe“Clublevel,”openingthedoortoJ.D.’s
roomwiththesparekeyhehadgivenher.

Althoughnow,shesupposed,itwastheirroom.

Giventheirhistory,itwaskindofsurrealthatsheandJ.D.hada“their”anything.Paytonshovedher
suitcaseintothecloset,figuringshe’ddecidelaterwheretoputherstuff.Shepausedinthemarble-
tiledhallway,suddenlyhesitatingbeforeenteringthemainpartofthesuite.

Maybethiswasabadidea.

MaybesheandJ.D.shouldhaveleftthingsonahighnote.Lastnightwasperfect,andmaybethat’sall
theyweremeanttohavetogether—justonegreat,crazynight,95percentofthedetailsofwhich
wouldhavetobeeditedforcontentwhenshegotbacktoChicagoandtoldLaneyaboutit.Maybe
now,inthelightofday,thingsweregoingtobedifferent.

PaytonheadedintothelivingroomandcouldhearJ.D.inthebathroom.Fromtheintermittent
splashingofwaterfollowedbypauses,itsoundedlikehewasshaving.Shepeekedaroundthecorner
andsawthatthedoortothebathroomwasopen,sosheknockedlightly.Hetoldhertocomein,soshe
didand—

—nearlydidadoubletake.

“Hey,you,”J.D.saidwithasmile,ashewipedhisfacewithatowel.Hehadhisshirtoff,butPayton’s
shockedeyeswerefocusedelsewhereonhisbody,alittlefarthersouth.

Hewaswearingjeans.

J.D.Jamesonwaswearingjeans.

HecaughtPayton’sexpressioninthemirror.“What’swiththelook?”

Paytonproppedherselfagainstthedoorway,enjoyingtheview.“Nothing—Ididn’tthinkyouowned
jeans,that’sall.”

Nowhegaveheralook.“OfcourseIownjeans.”

Paytonsteppedintothebathroom.“Ididn’trealizetheQueen’stailorsworkedwithdenim,”she
teased.Butthetruthwas,shelovedit:verysexy-conservative-businessman-gets-down-to-earth-on-
the-weekendchic.Andhadshementionedthathewasshirtless?

“Veryfunny.”J.D.reachedfortheshort-sleevedpoloshirthe’dtossedontothemarblevanitybefore
shaving.

Oh,hell,no.Intwostrides,PaytoncrossedthebathroomandputherarmsaroundJ.D.’swaist,
stoppinghimfromputtingonhisshirt.Shestooduponhertoesandkissedhim.

“Whatwasthatfor?”J.D.asked.

Paytonsmiled.“Idon’tknow—IthinkImissedyou.”

Wow.Thathadjustflownrightoutofhermouthbeforeshe’dhadachancetothinkaboutit.She
quicklycovered.“OrmaybeIjustreally,really,likeyouinthesejeans.”

J.D.peereddownather.Hiseyesprobedhers,andshehadafeelinghewasdebatingwhethertocall
heronherslipup.Butthenhegrinned.“Inthatcase,maybeIshouldnevertakethemoff.”

Paytoninwardlybreathedasighofrelief.Banter.Flirtation.Good,thisiswhatsheknew—theywere
onequalgroundagain.SheranherhandsalongJ.D.’schest.Whethersheadmitteditornot,shehad
missedhim.Andithadonlybeenanhour.

“IhaveafeelingIcouldgetyououtofthosejeansifIwantedto,”shesaid.

“You’recertainlywelcometotry,”hereplied.Heleaneddowntokissher,andPaytonknewthather
earlierhesitationhadbeenwrong.

WhateverthiswasbetweenherandJ.D.,itmostdefinitelywasnotoveryet.

THEDAYFLEWbyfartooquickly.

Itwasafteroneo’clockbythetimetheyfinallystumbledoutintothebrightFloridasun.Although
eachofthemhadpackedextraclothes,neitherhadaswimsuit,andwhileJ.D.wasthoroughlyinfavor
ofseeingPaytoninabikini,therewasnowayhewasabouttowearanyswimsuitthatcamefroma
hotelgiftshop.Paytonlaughedandcalledhimasnob,butdidn’tseematalldisappointedwhenhe
suggestedtheywalkthebeachinstead.

Thewalkledthemtoanearbybeachsidecafé,whichledtolunchandafternoondrinks—Payton
lookedasshockedwhenheorderedabeerasshehadwhenshe’dseenhiminjeans—andbythetime
theyheadedbacktotheirhoteltheywerebothfeelinggoodandwarmandmaybejusttheslightestbit
sunburned.

Partlyoutofconvenience,partlyduetolaziness,andfranklybecausetherewasnobeatingtheview,
theyhaddinneronthehotel’soceanfrontterrace.The“sceneofthecrime,”Paytoncalleditasthey
orderedabottleofwine.Inonesense,J.D.agreed—thatwaswherethingshadallstarted.Butnot
really.Intruth,thingshadstartedeightyearsago,atawelcomeorientation,whenhewalkeduptothe
mostbeautifulwomanhe’deverseenandintroducedhimself.

J.D.neverwould’vedescribedhimselfasaparticularlysensitiveorromanticguy—andevenifhedid
haveanytendenciesofthatsort,hedefinitelywould’vehiddenthemfar,farbeneathhisrational-
mindedlawyerexterior—buthewasintouchwithhisemotionsenoughtoknowthat,simplystated,
everythingabouthisweekendwithPaytonhadbeenperfectandhewantedmoretimewithher.

Theproblem,ofcourse,wasthathehadnocluewhethersheheldasimilaropiniononthesubject.He
sensedthatshewasholdingback,andheunderstoodthatbetterthananyone.Possiblyhisfavoritepart
oftheweekendhadbeenearlierintheday,themomentinthebathroomwhenshesaidshe’dmissed
him.Itwasararethingforhimtoseeherletdownherguardlikethat.

J.D.realizedthat,soonerorlater,heandPaytonweregoingtohavetohaveASeriousTalk,andifshe
didn’tinitiateit,thenhewould.IfhehadlearnedanythingfromtheClarkKentStupid-Fuck-Up-
Beyond-All-Stupid-Fuck-Ups,itwasthathewasn’tabouttowasteanymoretimewonderingor
assumingwhatPaytonKendallmightbethinking.

“ADMITIT—YOUwerealittlespitfireinlawschool,weren’tyou?”

PaytongrinnedatJ.D.’squestion,shakingherheadno.“BythetimeIgottolawschool,my
rebellious,instigatingdayswereprettymuchover.Myfreshmanyearofcollege,perfamilyinfluence
nodoubt,Ijoinedprotestsover...well,everything.Butbymyjunioryear,IguessIjustgottiredof
beingso...”Shesearchedfortherightword.“...angst-yallthetime.”

Theylayinbed,againwithslidingglassdooropen,sotheycouldhearthecrashingofthewaveson
thebeach.Thisbeingtheirsecondnighttogether,theyhadaroutinenow,away“they”likedtodo
things.Theyhaddriftedintotheairy,sentimentalkindofconversationthatloversdoaftereightyears
ofwantingtothrottleeachotherandthenrealizing—oops—maybeweshouldjusthavesexinstead.

“IwishIcould’veseenyoubackinyourangst-ycollegedays,”J.D.said.

Curledinthecrookofhisarm,Paytoncouldn’tseehisface,butshecouldhearthesmileinhisvoice.
“Youreallydon’t,”sheassuredhim.“You’vemetmymother—pictureherscaleddownjustanotch
ortwo.”

“Consideringthatwe’relyingherenaked,IthinkI’llpassonpicturingyourmotherdoinganything,

thankyou.”J.D.tiltedherfaceuptowardhis.“AlthoughIamkindofcurious—didshehatemeas
muchasIthinkshedid?”

“MymothergenerallydislikeseveryoneIintroduceherto,”Paytonsaidevasively.

J.D.gaveherapointedlook.

“Okay,fine—youweren’texactlyherfavoriteperson,”sheconceded.

“Doesthatbotheryou?”heasked.

Paytonthoughtthatwaskindofacuriousquestion.“No,itdoesn’t.”Alongwithherangst-ydays,her
attemptstofollowinhermother ’sfootstepshadendedlongago.

PaytonnoticedthatJ.D.relaxedagainafterherresponse,andwhileshehadsuspicionswherehe
mighthavebeengoingwithhisquestion,shewasn’t100percentpositive.Whichmeant,onceagain,
thatshewentforalightandteasingtone.

“Doesthismeanwecannowtalkaboutwhatyouwerelikeincollege?”sheaskedhim.

“No.”

“No?”

Inonesmoothmove,J.D.suddenlyrolledPaytonover,tanglingthembothinthesheetandtrapping
herbeneathhim.Hestareddownatherwithsortofahalf-coy,half-seriousexpression.“Iwanttotalk
aboutwhat’sgoingtohappenwhenwegetbacktoChicago.”

Paytonmethisgaze.Okay.Good.Frankly,shewasrelievedtheywerefinallygoingtotalkaboutthis.

“Idon’tknow,”sheansweredhimtruthfully.

Nowthatanswerhedidn’tseemaspleasedwith.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthis,”Paytoncontinued.“Alot,actually.”

“And?”

“AndIthinkthishasprobablybeenthemostamazingtwonightsofmylife,”shetoldhim.“I’dlove
tofigureoutawayforthistoworkbackinChicago.ButI’mworriedaboutwhat’sgoingtohappen
afterTuesday.”

ShesawtheacknowledgmentinJ.D.’seyes.

“I’mworried,too,”headmitted.

“Ican’thateyouagain,J.D.”Paytontouchedhisfacegently.

Hetookherhandinhis.“Ithoughtyousaiditwasneverhate.”Hesaiditlightly,buthisexpression

remainedserious.

“Theproblemisthatwe’rebothinthisracetowin,”Paytonsaid.“What’sgoingtohappentotheone
ofuswhothefirmdoesn’tchoose—theonewhohastoleave,whohastogooutandinterviewand
startalloveragainsomewhereelse?I’dliketotellyouthatIwon’tberesentfuliftheychooseyou—
thatIcouldswallowmyprideandnotbeangryorembarrassed—buthonestly,I’dbelying.Iknow
myselftoowell.AndIknowyou,too.”

ShesearchedJ.D.’seyes,tryingtogaugehisreaction.Hewasquietforafewmoments.Thenhe
rolledoffherandlayonhisbackwithonearmfoldedbehindhishead.

“Soareyousayingthisisit?”heasked.

Paytonfeltsomethingtugather.“I’msaying...thatIthinkweneedtoseehowthingsgoonTuesday.
Thenwetakeitfromthere.”Shemovednexttohim,wantinghimtolookather.“Don’tbemadat
me,”shesaidsoftly.

J.D.turnedhisfacetowardhers.“I’mnotmadatyou.Justmadatthesituation.”

Notknowingwhattosay,Paytonkissedhimwhileholdinghisfaceinherhands,hopingthegestureat
leastsomewhatconveyedthewayshefelt.Andwhenhewrappedhisarmsaroundherandpulledher
closer,withhischinnestledagainstthetopofherhead,Paytonclosedhereyestosavorthemoment
andforcedherselfnottothinkaboutwhatmightlayahead.

J.D.MADEUPhismind:Paytonhadgivenheranswerandthatwasthat.

Truthfully,hewasn’tsurehedisagreedwithherconcerns.ComeTuesday,oneofthemmightvery
wellresenttheotherformakingpartner,and—giventheanimositythathadbeenthecornerstoneof
theireight-yearrelationship—whoknewwherethatcouldtakethem?

WhileitwastruethatJ.D.hadsomedefinitereactionstoPayton’s“waitandsee”approach—toputit
bluntly,hehatedit—hedidn’twanttohavetotellherthat.Andhecertainlydidn’twanttospendany
partoftheirremainingtimetogetherarguing.Sofortherestofthenight,hesaidnothing.

Similarly,thenextmorning,whenhewokePaytonupbyslidingoverher,whenhelacedhisfingers
throughhersandkissedherneck,notwantingtowasteanothermomentwithsleep,hesaidnothing.

Duringbreakfast,astheyjokedaboutwhethertheycouldbilltheirtimefortheweekend,andabout
howBenandIrmaandKathyandeveryoneelsebackintheofficewouldreactiftheyonlyknewwhat
theyhadbeenupto,hesaidnothing.

Duringtheairplaneridehome,whenPaytonleanedherheadagainsthisshoulderandkeptitthere
nearlytheentireflight,J.D.mayhavereachedoverthearmresttotakeherhand,buthestillsaid
nothing.

Andfinally,whentheplanelandedatChicago’sO’HareAirport,andPaytongavehimasad,regretful

smile,J.D.’sheartsankbecauseheknewhewaslosingher.

Buteventhen,hesaidnothing.

ASTHETOWNcarpulledtoastopinfrontofherbuilding—anddespitethefactthatitwasonly
mid-afternoon—itfinallystruckPaytonthattheweekendwasover.SheturnedtoJ.D.,nothavinga
cluewhatshewasgoingtosay,andwassurprisedtoseehimalreadygettingoutofthecar.Hetook
hersuitcasefromthedriverandaskedhimtowait,sayinghewouldonlybeafewminutes.

Onceinsideherbuilding,J.D.carriedhersuitcaseupstairsanddepositeditonherdoorstep.Butwhen
Paytonunlockedherfrontdoor,hedidn’tfollowasshesteppedinsideherapartment.

“Ishouldgetbacktothecar,”hesaid.

Shenodded.“Thanksforhelpingmewithmysuitcase.”Lame.Theyhadbeenhomeforallofabout
thirtysecondsandshealreadyhatedthewaythingswerebetweenthem.

Sheleanedagainstthedoorway.“Idon’twantthingstobestrangebetweenus.”

“Idon’twantthat,either,”J.D.said.Hehesitated.“There’ssomethingI’vebeenwantingtosay,Payton,
somethingIneedyoutounderstand,andthatis...”

Paytoncaughtherselfholdingherbreath.

“...thatI’mnotgoingtochaseyou.”

Paytonblinked.WhatevershethoughtJ.D.wasgoingtosay,thathadn’tbeenit.

“You’vemadeyourdecision,”J.D.said.“Youwanttoseehowthingsturnoutoncethefirmmakesits
decision,andIgetthat.AndwhileI’mnotangry,atthesametimeIdon’tknowwhatyouexpectmeto
doinresponsetoyourdecision.SoIjustfeltlikeIneededtosay,fortherecord,Iguess,that—”

“You’renotgoingtochaseme,”Paytonfinishedforhim.“Igotit.We’reallclear.”Shetriedto
decidehowannoyedshewaswithJ.D.forthinkingshemightbethetypeofgirlwhowantedtobe
chased.Thenshetriedtodecidehowannoyedshewaswithherselfforsecretlythinkingthatmaybe
shedid.

J.D.gaveherahalfsmile.“Okay.Ijustdidn’twantyoutobeexpectingmetoshowupoutsideyour
windowblastingPeterGabrielfrommycarradiooranything.”

Paytoncouldn’thelpbutlaughatthat.ThethoughtofJ.D.standinginfrontoftheBentleyholdinga
boomboxoverhisheadwasjusttoopriceless.“Areyoutooproudforthatkindofthing,J.D.?”she
teased.

She’dmeantitasajoke,butJ.D.suddenlyturnedserious.

“Yes,”hesaidsoftly.Hegentlytouchedherchin.“Withyou,Payton—actually,onlywithyou—Iam.”

Asheheldhergaze,Paytonrealizedthathemighthavebeentryingtotellheralotmorethanshe’d
initiallythought.Butshedidn’tgetachancetodoanythingfurther,becauseheturnedandheaded
downthestepsandoutthefrontdoor.

Paytonshutherdoor,walkedovertothewindow,andwatchedasJ.D.steppedintothetowncarthat
waitedbelowforhim.Foralongwhileafterthecarhaddrivenoff,shecontinuedtostareoutthe
window,runningthroughhiswordsagainandagain.

Sheknewshewasinoverherhead.Afteraweekendliketheoneshe’djusthad,sheneededinput.
Guidance.Sheneededsomeonewithanobjectiveeyewithwhomshecouldreviewthepasttwodays,
someonewithwhomshecouldconducttheproperanalysesoftoneandfacialexpression,someone
whoseskillsshetrustedinthatnebulousandprecariousartknownasReadingIntoEveryWord.She
neededsomeonewhonotonlyunderstoodher,buttheenemyaswell.

Inshort,thingsweregoingtogettoughandsheneededherwartimeconsigliere.

SoshepickedupthephoneandcalledLaney.

Twenty-four

LANEYOPENEDTHEfrontdoortothetownhouseshesharedwithNate.Paytonquicklystepped
inside,eagertogetoutoftherainthathadsetdownuponherassoonasshe’djumpedinthecabto
comeover.

Theyhaddecidedtoskipthecoffeeshop,theirusualmeetingplace,sinceNatewasoutwithsome
friendsandbecausePaytonwasalreadywiredandcouldprobablydowithouttheadditionalbuzzof
caffeine.

ShehadbeenvagueonthephonewithLaney—sayingonlythatsheneededtotalk—becauseshe
wantedtosaythisinperson.Butunabletowaitanylonger,shehadbarelysteppedfootintoher
friend’simmaculatelydesignedMarthaStewartLiving-esquehomebeforeshegotrightdowntoit.

“IhavesomethingIneedtotellyouaboutthisweekend,”Paytonsaid,settingherpurseontheconsole
tablenexttothefrontdoor,neveragainmakingthemistakeoftossingitontothecouchasshemight
havedoneatherownhome,because—asLaneyhadmosthelpfullynotedtheoneandonlytime
Paytonhaddoneso—thiswas,indeed,notherhome.

“AndIknowthisisgoingtocomeasashock,”shecontinued,“soI’mjustgoingtocomerightout
andsayit.”Shestopped.“Wait—IjustrealizedthatInevertoldyouthatIbrokeupwithChase.”

“No,youdidn’t,”LaneysaidpointedlyassheoversawPayton’seffortstodryhershoesonthemat
nexttothedoor.“IhadtolearnaboutitthroughNate.”

“Iknow,Iknow,I’msorryaboutthat—everything’sbeenhappeningsofastthesedays,andImeantto
tellyou,butthenthetriptoFloridacameup.”Paytontentativelysteppedoneshoeoffthemat.When
Laneysaidnothing,Paytontookthisasanindicationthatshehadbeengrantedaccesstothetown
houseproper.

Shesteppedintothelivingroom.“Butifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,youarethefirstandonly
personwhoI’vetoldthisto.”SheturnedandfacedLaney.

“IsleptwithJ.D.”

Laney’smouthdroppedopen,stunned.

“Iknow.”Paytonsmiled.“Holyshit,Laney—IsleptwithJ.D.”

Laneyshookoffhershock.“Where?When?”

“Thisweekend.PalmBeach.WeflewdowntomeetJasperConroyandthenewgeneralcounselof
Gibson’s.”Paytonlookedherfriendintheeyes.“Laney—itwasincredible.”

Paytonpointeddownthehallway,inthedirectionofthekitchen.“Doyoumind?I’mgonnagraba
glassofwater.”Hell,shewasalreadygettingflushed,relivingtheweekendinhermind.Asshe
headeddownthehall,shebeganthepostgameanalysis.“Ibarelyevenknowwheretostart—”

“Actually,Payton,youmightwantto—”

“—Imean,wehadsex,like,abilliontimes.AndI’mtalkingeverywhere—inthebed,onthefloor,on
thedesk,intheshower—I’msuretheunluckypeopleintheroomnexttousheardthatone—which
remindsme:DoyouandNatehaveoneofthosebenchthingiesinyourshower?”

“Asamatteroffact,wedo,but—”

“Good—becauseI’vegottatellyouaboutthistrickIfiguredoutthatmakesitahelluvaloteasierto
—”

“Ireallydon’tthinkyouwanttogetintothatatthisparticularmoment—”

Paytonwavedoverhershoulder.“Fine,laterthen—anyway,IhadnoideahowridiculouslyhotJ.D.is
—andIdon’tonlymeanhisbody,which,yummy—thethingsIdidtothatman,that’sallI’llsaythere
—butalsothewayhelookedatmeand,ho-lyshit,someofthethingshesaidweresosexytheyblew
mymind,likethisonetimewhenhepinnedmeagainstthewallandtoldmehewantedto—”She
stoppedassheturnedthecornerintothekitchen.

Nateandfiveotherguyswerestandingaroundthecounter.

Havingjustheardeverything.

ThesixmenstoodmotionlesswiththeirmouthsagapeasLaneycamenextaroundthecorner.

Paytonglaredather.“IthoughtyousaidNatehadasoftballgame.”

Laneygesturedtothewindow,attherainfallingsteadilyoutside.“Canceled.”

Payton’smouthformedanO.Canceled.Bugger.

Suddenlyfindinghisvoice,Nateturnedtohiswifewithaquestionofhisown.“Isthishowyoutalk?”
Hegesturedbetweenthetwowomen.

Laneyshrugged.“Yes.”

Nateandhisfriendswhisperednervouslyamongsteachotheratthis.

Men.

Iftheyonlyknew.

PaytonglancedoveratLaney.“Maybeweshouldgotothecoffeeshopafterall,”shesuggested,with
araisedeyebrowthatspokevolumesincode.Me:Embarrassed.You:Deepshit.Nexttime.Tryharder.
Towarn.

“InlightofwhatI’veheardsofar,IthinkI’mgoingtoneedsomethingstrongerthancoffee,”Laney
said.ShegrabbedherkeysofftheorganizerthatsheandNatehadbuiltintothewall,thenwalked
overandgaveherhusbandachastekissonthecheek.“Imightbelate.There’salasagnainthe

fridge.”

Natenodded.“Okay—callmefromthecabonyourwayhome.”Thenhepaused,glancedbrieflyin
Payton’sdirection,andloweredhisvoiceashewhisperedinhiswife’sear.

“Andfindoutwhatthetrickiswiththeshowerseat.”

GIVENTHERAIN,theydecidednottogofarandtookacabtheshortdistanceto404WineBar.The
intimateatmosphereofthebarsuitedPayton’sconfessionalmood.SheandLaneysankintoaleather
sofainfrontofthefireplace.Whenthewaitressarrived,Paytonorderedoneoftheredwineflights,
thinkingmultipledrinksspreadoutallatoncewastherightwaytogothatevening.Laneyorderedthe
same.

Paytonthrewheralook.“Bytheway,Inearlyhadaheartattackwhenyousaidthoseguyswerefrom
Nate’ssoftballteam.IwaswaitingforChasetocomeoutfromaroundthecornerhavingheardwhatI
saidaboutJ.D.”

“Actually,NatementionedthatChasehadadatetonight.That’showIknewyoutwoweren’tseeing
eachotheranymore,”Laneysaid.“I’mguessing—inlightofeverythingthat’shappenedwithJ.D.—
thatyou’reokaywiththat?”

Paytonnodded.“Definitelyokay.I’mgladtohearit,actually.”ShelikedChase.Andmaybeifthe
circumstanceshadbeendifferent...well,probablynoteventhen.Butregardless,shestillthoughthe
wasagoodguy.

Thewaitressarrivedwiththeirflights.Aftershesetfourglassesdowninfrontofeachofthemand
explainedthewines,PaytondecideditwastimetotellLaneyeverything.Oratleast,thePG-13
versionofeverything.Laneylistenedcarefully,thenfinallyjumpedinwithaquestionthatwas
surprisinglybluntforher.

“Sowasthisallaboutsex?”Laneyheldupherhand,herexpressionsoftening.“ThatsoundedlikeI
wasjudging.I’mnotjudging.”

Paytonshookherhead.“No,itwasn’tonlyaboutsex.”Sheknewthatmuchwastrue.“That’sjustthe
partthat’seasierformetotalkabout.”Shehesitated,thendecidedtocomeoutwithit.“IthinkI’vehad
feelingsforJ.D.forawhile.”

Laneylaughedatthat.“Oh,really?Youthink?”

Paytonsatupright.“Wellifyouknewsomuch,whydidn’tyoueversayanything?”

“Idid.ForyearsI’veurgedyoutogetalongwithJ.D.”

“IthoughtthatwassomeweirdRepublicanloyaltything.”

“No,it’sbecauseI’vealwaysthoughtyouandhejustneededtogetbackontherighttrack.”Laney

tookasipofthesecondwine,aSouthAfricanpinotage.“Bytheway,whileyoutwowerebonking
yourbrainsout,didyouhappentofigureouthowyourfeudevenstarted?”

“Youwouldn’tbelievemeifItoldyou.”PaytonthrewLaneyanamusedlook.“‘Bonkingourbrains
out’?Really?”

“It’sastawdryasweRepublicansget.”

PaytonthoughtbacktocertainportionsofherweekendwithacertainRepublicanthathadbeencutout
ofthePG-13recap.“Oh,Idon’tknowaboutthat,”shesaid.“Ididn’tgettotellyouaboutthetimeon
Saturdaynight,whenwegotbacktotheroomafterdinnerandJ.D.pushedmeupagainstthedeskand
said—”

Laneyheldupherhand.“Don’t.Ican’tknowthesethings—I’llbeblushingeverytimeIseetheguy.I
havetoworkwithhim,remember?”

She’dmeantthecommentinjest,butithadanimmediatesoberingeffectonPayton.

“Doyouthinkyou’llstillworkwithhimafterTuesday?”shequietlyasked.

Seeingthelookonherface,Laneyfellserious,too.“Ihonestlydon’tknowwhothey’regoingto
choose,Payton.”

Paytonswirledherglass,pretendingtostudythelegsofthewinerunningdownitsside.

“Iftheydon’tchooseme,I’mnotsureIcaneverlookhiminthefaceagain,”shesaid.“Icouldn’t
standitifhefeltsorryforme.”Shetookasipofherwine.“Ofcourse,iftheydochooseme,then
that’sexactlyhowhewillfeel,andI’llprobablylosehimanyway.”

Laneysighed.“Thatisapredicament.”

“Youhavetogivememorethanthat,Laney.You’remywartimeconsigliere.”Paytonsawherfriend’s
cluelesslook.“It’sfromTheGodfather.”

Laneyfoldedherhandsinherlap.“Oh.Neversawit.Toomuchviolence.Butremindme—who,
exactly,areyouatwarwith?”

“It’sjustanexpression.”

“Aninterestingone.Ithinkmyfirstpieceofadviceasyourwartimecounsel-whateveristostop
thinkingofJ.D.astheenemy.”

Paytonthoughtaboutthis.Goodpoint.

Laneypressedharder.“Seriously,howdoyoufeelabouthim?You’vealreadysleptwithhim,Payton
—Ithinkit’sokaytoadmititnow.”

Paytontookinherfriendassheconsideredthequestion.Afteramoment,shesmiled.“I’mcrazy
abouthim.”ShesawLaney’sgrin.“Andinmanyways,Imeanthatliterally,youknow.Thereare

times—many,manytimes—whenhedrivesmeabsolutelynuts.Butstill.”

“Areyouinlovewithhim?”Laneyasked.

Paytonblushed.“That’salittlepersonal,don’tyouthink?”

Laneythrewupherhands.“Oh,mygod—wefinallyfoundtheonewordthatmakesPaytonKendall
blush.Love.”Shepointed.“It’sbecauseyourmotherdidn’tletyoureadfairytaleswhenyouwerea
kid.”

“AndjustwhenIthoughtIunderstoodallthelevelsatwhichshemessedmeup,anewissueemerges.”

Laneychuckled.“So,doyouwantmysecondpieceofadvice?”

“Don’tlistentoanythingmymothersays?”

“Okay,maybemythirdpieceofadvice.”

NowitwasPayton’sturntolaugh.“Sure,goahead.”

Laney’sexpressionwasmatter-of-fact.“Ifyou’reascrazyaboutJ.D.asyousayyouare,then,well,
don’tyoukindofhavetotrytomakeitwork?WhoknowswhatwillhappenafterTuesday?Maybe
he’llsurpriseyou.Maybeyou’llsurpriseyourself.”

Paytonthoughtaboutthis.Maybe,justmaybe,Laneywasright.Sheeyedherfriendwithfaux
suspicion.“Areyousureyou’renotjustsayingthisbecauseyouwanttostartmakingplansfor
Sundaycouplesbarbecues?”

“Well,yes,”Laneysaid.“You’remybestfriend,Payton.OfcourseIwantyoutofindthatoneperson
whoreallymakesyouhappy.”

Touched,Paytonreachedoverandhuggedher.“Thanks,Laney.”Whenshepulledback,shesqueezed
Laney’shandsheepishly.“I’vebeensocaughtupineverything,Ididn’tevenaskhowyou’redoing.
AlthoughIdidnoticeyou’redrinkingwinetonight.”

Laneysighedwistfully.“Yes,itdidn’thappenthismonth.”Thensheperkedup.“That’sokay.Thefun
isinthetrying.”

“Wow—you’realmostapproachingaPG-13ratingyourselfwiththatcomment.”

Laneysatupandsmoothedbackherhair,seeminglypleased.“Me?PG-13?Inthatcase,sincewe’ve
alreadycrossedtheline,Isupposeweshouldjustgetthisoutoftheway.No,wait—”

PaytonwatchedinamusementasLaneyquicklydownedtherestofherdrink.Thenshesettheglass
downandpeeredover.

“Theshowertrick.Let’shearit,Kendall.”

Twenty-five

ONEDAYLEFT.

Payton’sworriesoverwhattosaythefirsttimesheranintoJ.D.atworkonMondayhadbeen
needless.Whilethingsmayhavechangedforthetwoofthemovertheweekend,lifeatthefirm
remainedconstant,businessasusual,whichmeantthatshebarelyhadtimeforlunch,letaloneastroll
acrossthehallforatête-à-tête.

Itdidn’thelpthatIrmawasuncharacteristicallyanxiousandjumpy.Asifsuddenlyrealizingitcould
betheirlastfulldayworkingtogether,Payton’ssecretaryhaddroppedbyherofficeeveryfifteen
minutes,askingwhatelseshecoulddoto“help.”

“Seriously,Irma—you’remakingmenervous,”Paytonsaidafterthetenthdrop-in.

“Don’tyouneedmetogetstartedonyourtravelreimbursementsfromtheweekend?”Irmaworethe
I’m-worried-but-trying-not-to-show-itexpressionsomeonehadwhendistractingafriendwho’djust
hadseriousmedicaltests.

“Yes—thanksforthereminder.Hereyougo.”Paytonhandedherthepileofreceiptsfromthe
weekend—theonesshewasseekingreimbursementfor,thatis.

Irmanodded,appearingappeasedbythebusywork,andleftPayton’soffice.

Shewasbackinfiveminutes.

“Thesereimbursementsdon’tmakeanysense.”Irmaleafedthroughthereceipts.“Thereceiptfrom
theairlinesaysthatyourreturnflightwasSunday,butyou’veonlysubmittedahotelbillforFriday
night.”

Peskyindustrioussecretary.Sittingatherdesk,Paytontriedtokeepherexpressionindifferent.“I
decidedtostayanextranight.I’mnotbillingtheclientforthat.”

“Anextranight?”Irmaasked,confused.

“I...decidedtorelaxforaday.”

Atfirst,Irmalookedsurprised,thenshenoddedapprovingly.“Really,Payton—whatever ’sgotteninto
youthesepastfewweeks,Ilikeit.”Shepointed,suddenlyremembering.“Iforgotyourtimesheets.
I’llberightbackwiththem.”

“That’sokay,”Paytonsaid,gettingup.“Icansignthematyourdesk.”Thiswascodeforsettingupa
potentialjust-happened-to-be-walking-bydrop-inonJ.D.

PaytonfollowedIrmatoherdesk,wheresheskimmedthroughhercompletedtimesheets.Shewason
thelastonewhensheheardKathycalloutfromthedesknexttoIrma’s.

“Oh,good,J.D.,you’rehere.Doyouhaveaminute?”

WhenPaytonheardJ.D.’sreplycomingfrombehindher,shewilledherselftobecoolandcasual.
Afterall,theyhadbeenperformingforaudiencesforyears.Thisshouldn’tbeanydifferent.

Sheglancedoverhershoulderandsawhimstandingnexttoher.Shit—itwastotallydifferent.
Wehadsexwehadsexwehadsex.

“Hello,Payton,”hesaid.

“Hello,J.D.,”sherepliedinthesameinnocuoustone.

Kathyriffledthroughthepaperssheheld,thankfullypayinglittleattentiontotheirawkward
interaction.“I’mconfusedaboutthesetravelreceipts,”shesaidtoJ.D.,“particularlythereceiptfrom
thehotel.IknowyousaidthatIshouldsubmitareimbursementforFridaynightattheregularroom
rate,whichIdid,butdon’tyouneedtobereimbursedfortwonights?Youdidn’tcomebackuntil
Sunday.”

Certainshewasblushing,Paytondidn’tdarelookupfromthetimesheetshewasreviewingatIrma’s
desk.

“Thesecondnightwaspersonaltravel.I’lltakecareofthatmyself,”J.D.said.

“Personaltravel?”Kathyrepeated,surprised.

Outofthecornerofhereye,PaytoncouldseethatIrmawaslisteningintentlytotheirconversation.
Shedecidedthatnowwouldbeanextremelygoodtimetoreturntoheroffice.

“Idecidedtostayandgolf,”sheheardJ.D.saytoKathy.“Youknow,takeadayto...relax.”

“Oh.My.God.”

Paytonstoppedinthedoorwaytoheroffice,turnedaround,andsawIrmastaringatJ.D.withher
mouthhangingopeninshock.

Irma’swideeyesdartedovertoPayton.Shecoveredhermouth.“Oh,mygod,”sherepeated,
giggling.

Paytoncrossedtohersecretary’sdesk.“Irma,canIseeyouinmyoffice?Now?”

Nodding,stillwiththeCheshire-catgrin,IrmafollowedPaytonintoheroffice.Shekeptherhand
overhermouthasiffearingwhatmightcometumblingout.

PaytonclosedthedoorbehindthemandturnedtofaceIrma.“Whateveryouthinkyoujustlearned,I
needtoaskyoutokeepthatinformationtoyourself.”

Irmatookherhandawayfromhermouth.“AtleastIknowwhat’sgottenintoyoulately.Literally.”

“Allrightythen,”Paytonsaidinresponsetothenot-at-all-subtleinnuendo.“Wow,Ireallydon’tknow
wheretogofromthere.”

“YouandJ.D.didthedeed.”Irmaloweredhervoicetoaconspiratorialwhisper.“Oooh...wasit
angrysex?”

“I’mgoingtopretendIdidn’thearthat.”

“Doesthatmeanit’sseriousbetweenyoutwo?”Irmaasked.

ButPaytonremainedfirmonthis.“Irma,Ineedyoutodothisfavorforme.Please—don’taskme
anymorequestions,becauseyouknowIcan’tanswerthem.Andpleasedon’tsayanythingtoanyone
aboutwhatyouheard.Youknowhowbadofficegossipcanget.”

SeeinghowimportantthiswastoPayton,Irmasighed.“Fine.”

Paytonsmiled.“Thankyou.”Sheknewhowdifficultitwasforhersecretarytobitehertongueabout
anything,letalonesomethingasjuicyasthis.

Irmanodded,sizingPaytonupwithalook.“Boy,youtworeallydecidedtogooutwithabang,didn’t
you?”

“Irma—”

“Sorry.Itwasjusttooeasytopassup.”

ATTHEENDoftheday,IrmadroppedbyPayton’sofficeonherwayout.Sheheldamidsizedboxin
herhands.

“Themailroomsentthisupwhileyouwereonyourconferencecall,”shesaid.“Theyneeded
someonetosignforit,soIwentaheadandtookcareofthat.”ShesettheboxonPayton’sdesk.“CanI
seethem?”

Distracted,Paytonglancedoverfromhercomputer.“Canyouseewho?”

Irmagesturedtothebox.“Theshoesyouordered.”

“Ididn’torderanyshoes.”

Irmapointedtothereturnaddresslabel.“TellthattoJimmyChoo.”

Paytonpickeduptheboxandopenedit.Shesiftedthroughabouttwentypoundsoftissuepaper,which
ofcourseledtoanother,smallerbox.Whensheopenedthat,shediscoveredanewpairofblackheels.

Irmaleanedovertoinspectthem.“Don’tyoualreadyhaveapairlikethat?”

“Iusedto.Ibrokeoneoftheheels,”Paytonsaid.

“Oh,right...whenyourippedyourskirtincourt.Afriendofmineworksintheclerk’soffice,and

shesaideveryonetalkedaboutthatforweeks.”IrmalookedPaytonover.“Thatmust’vebeenreally
embarrassing.”

“Yes,thankyou,Irma,itwas.”

“Shealsosaidthatthethingtheytalkedaboutmostwashowwellyouhandledit.Shecalledyouatrue
professional.”

Irma’sexpressionturnedproud.“Whatevertheytellyoutomorrow,Payton,youcanwalkoutofhere
withyourheadheldhigh.Icouldn’thaveaskedtoworkwithabetterlawyerthesepasteightyears.”

Paytonfoundherselfalittlemisty-eyed.Everyonewasgettingsodamnmushythesedays.“Thanks,
Irma.”

“Ofcourse,ifyoucouldsomehowmanagetowalkoutofherewithyourbunsstillinyourskirt,that
probablywouldbebest.”

Paytonlaughed.Withaquickwavegood-bye,Irmaturnedandheadedoutthedoor.

Oncealoneinheroffice,Paytonpickeduptheboxandpulledoutthesmallenvelopethathadbeen
tuckedinsidewiththeshoes.Sheopenedthecardandsmiledwhenshereadit.

Youalreadyknowwhothey’refrom.

PAYTONWAITEDUNTILthesecretarialstaffhadleftfortheeveningbeforeshemadeherwayto
theofficeacrossfromhers.

SheknockedonJ.D.’sdoorandwassurprisedtofindhimpackinguphisbriefcasefortheevening.

“You’releaving?”sheasked.

J.D.nodded.“I’mdone.Foronce,Iwanttoleavethisplacewhileit’sstilllightoutside.”

Paytonpulledthedoorshutbehindher.“Igottheshoes.Ican’tacceptthem,J.D.”

Hegrabbedhisbriefcase.“Ofcourseyoucan.”Hepeereddownatheronhiswayoutthedoor.
“Besides,theyweremyfavorites.”

“J.D.—”

“There’snothingyouneedtosay.Really.”Hereachedaround,andatfirstPaytonthoughthewas
goingtokissher,butinsteadheopenedthedoor.Hesteppedoutintothehallway.

“Goodlucktomorrow,Payton.”Hiseyesmethers,thenheturnedandleft.

PaytonstoodinJ.D.’soffice,alone.Messagereceived.Loudandclear.Itbroughttomindanother

time,notallthatlongago,whenhehadleftherapartmentonasimilarnote.Shehadn’tgoneafter
himthen.

Butthistimeshewould.

Amongotherthings,she’dbedamnedifshewasgoingtoletJ.D.Jamesongetinthelastword.

ASJ.D.REACHEDforthehandleonthedriver ’sdooroftheBentley,heheardaslightlypissed-off
voicecalloutfrombehindhim.

“You’rearealpainintheass,youknowthat?”

HeturnedandsawPaytonstridingacrosstheparkinggarage,comingfromthedirectionofthe
elevatorsandheadingstraightforhim.Shecarriedherpurseandjacketoveronearm.

“Isthatwhatyoucamedownheretosay?”hecalledback.

“Yes,thatisoneofthethingsIcamedownheretosay.”Paytonstoppedbeforehimandfoldedher
armsacrossherchest.“Ialsocameheretosaythat,contrarytoyourbelief,Idon’tneedtobe
chased.”

“Oh?”

“Don’tgivemethatlook—infact,it’sprobablybetterifyoudon’tsayordoanything.Ineedtoget
throughthis.”

J.D.watchedasPaytontookadeepbreath.

“Thissituationbetweenusistotallymessedup,”shebegan.“Frankly,Ihaven’tchangedmymindin
thinkingthatwhateverdecisionthefirmmakestomorrowisgoingbeaproblemforus.Abig
problem.”

Shetookastepclosertohim.“Buthere’sthething—thealternativemeansnotbeingwithyou.And
I’vebeennotwithyouforyears,J.D.Idon’twantthatanymore.”Paytonpeeredupathim,herblue
eyesdarkandexpressive.“Ithinkwecangetpastthispartnershipthingifwegointoittogether.”She
paused,thenblushedandlaughednervously.“Nowwouldbeareallygoodtimeforyoutosay
something.”

J.D.’smindracedwiththethousandthingshewantedtosaytoher.Wasittime?Hethoughtmaybe,
finally,itwas.

“Payton,I—”

Buthestoppedwhenhesawsomething—orsomeone,rather—overhershoulder.“Shit.”

Paytoncockedherhead.“‘Payton,Ishit,’”sherepeated.“That’sgoodtoknow.I’mgladwecleared

thatup.”

J.D.hadtobitehistonguenottolaugh.“No,it’sBen,”hetoldherunderhisbreath.“Hejustgotoff
theelevator.”

Payton’ssmileturnedintoafrown.“Crap.Idon’twanttodealwithhimrightnow.”

“He’swalkingstraightforus.”

“Youknowwhat?Sinceyoutwoaresuchgoodbuddies,youdealwithhim.Justfigureoutsomeway
togetridofhim.Quickly.”

J.D.watchedasPaytonhurriedoff,carefultoneverlookinBen’sdirection,andheadedovertoa
stairwelljustafewfeetaway.

“Jameson!”Bencalledouttohimfromacrosstheparkinggarage.

AsJ.D.waitedwhileBenapproached,hewasstruckbyasuddenfear:WhatifBen—either
purposefullyoraccidentally—saidsomethingabouttheoneofthemthefirmhaddecidedtomake
partner?Andinthatmoment,whetherJ.D.wantedtoadmititornot,hebegantowonderifPaytonwas
rightinthinkingthetwoofthemcouldgetpastthefirm’sdecision.

Pushingthisaside,J.D.smiledasBenwalkeduptohim,hopingtoplayitcasualandinnocent-like.
“Ben,hello.”

“WheredidPaytonrunoffto?”Benasked.

“Payton?”

“Yes,Payton.Shewasstandinghere,talkingtoyou,justasecondago.”

Somuchforcasualinnocence.

“Oh,Payton,”J.D.said.Baddinnertheaterthreatenedtorearitsuglyheadagain.“Sheforgotherkey
cardupstairs.Shesawmeandaskedtoborrowminesothatshecouldgobackupandgetit.”Notbad,
J.D.thought.Thatactuallysoundedplausible.

Bennodded.“Right,right,herkeycard.”Thenhecockedhishead.“Youdon’treallythinkI’mthat
stupid,doyou?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Isawhowcloseyoutwowerestanding,thewayshewasleaningintoyou.”Benwinked.“Iguessyou
decidedtogobacktothatwellonelasttime,huh?”

J.D.felthisheartstop.

“I’mnotsurewhatyou’retalkingabout,Ben.”

Thepartnergrinnedslyly.“Youcandropthecharade,Jameson.It’sjustthetwoofushere.It’snotlike
I’mgoingtocallHumanResourcesandtellthemthatyou’rebangingPaytonagain.”Heloweredhis
voice.“Didyoutwoatleastmakeitoutofyourofficethistime?”Chuckling,hegaveJ.D.alittleslap
ontheshoulder.

J.D.closedhiseyes.

Fivefuckingminutes.

Ifhehadlefthisofficejustfiveminuteslater,hewould’vebeenintheclear.

“Allright,fine,”Benwassaying.“Youkeepthedirtydetailstoyourselfthistime.It’sprobablybetter
thatIdon’tknow.”Withawink,hetoldJ.D.tohaveagoodevening,thenheadedoffinthedirection
ofhiscar.

J.D.waited,watchingasBenroundedthecornerandfinallydisappearedoutofsight.Thenhewaited
somemore,tryingtodecideiftherewasanychancePaytonhadn’toverheardtheirconversation.He
walkedslowlytothestairwellwhereshehadhidtoavoidBen.Assoonasheturnedthecorner,he
knewtherewaszerochanceshehadn’toverheardabsolutelyeverything.

Payton’smouthwassetinagrimline.“TellmeImisunderstood.”

Morethananything,J.D.wishedhecouldtellherthat.“Itwasalongtimeago,Payton,”hesaid
quietly.

Hereyesdarkenedwithanger.“Itwasalongtimeagothatyou—what?—liedandtoldBenthatwe
slepttogether?”

“Yes.”

Shepulledbackinsurprise,andJ.D.knewthatpartofherhadhopedtherewassomeother
explanationforwhatshehadoverheard.Shelookedhimoverwithanexpressionofbetrayal.“Tell
mewhatyoutoldhim.”

“It’snotimportant,”J.D.toldher,eventhoughheknewthatwasn’ttrue.

“IheardBenaskifweatleastmadeitoutofyourofficethistime.Whateverlieyoutoldhim,Iwant
know.Ithinkyouowemethatatleast,”Paytonsaidcoldly.

J.D.hadtolookaway,unabletomeethergaze.Whenhehesitated,heheardthepaniccreepinto
Payton’svoice.

“Oh,god,J.D.He’smyboss.Whatdidyousaytohim?”

J.D.turnedtofaceher.Shewasright;sheshouldknowexactlywhathadbeensaid.Andheneededto
ownuptohismistakes.Sohesteeledhimselffortheinevitable.

“Itoldhimthatwehadsexontopofmydeskonenightaftereveryoneleft.”

Paytonblinked.“Why?Whywouldyoudothat?”

J.D.hatedthathewastheonewhoputthathurtexpressiononherface.Hetriedtolookawayfrom
her,butshewashavingnoneofthat.Shestormedover,confrontinghim.“Youknowwhatgossiplike
thatcandotoaperson’sreputation—particularlyawoman’sreputation,”shehissed.“Whywouldyou
saysomethinglikethattoBen?Tohelpyougetahead?Lookatme,J.D.Tellme.”

WhenJ.D.peereddownather,hesawallthefamiliarangeranddistrustinhereyesonceagain.He
clenchedhisjaw.“Idon’tknow,Payton.MaybeIamtheassholeyoualwaysthoughtIwasafterall.”

Itwasacop-out,heknew.Butthealterativewasthetruth,andthetruth—atleastwiththewayshewas
lookingathimrightthen—didnotappeartobethemostviableoption.

Paytonstaredathimwithanexpressionofdisbelief.“That’sit?That’sallyou’regoingtosay?”

“IstherereallyanythingIcouldsaythatwouldmakeadifference?”J.D.wasprettycertainhealready
knewtheanswertothat.

Andherehe’dthoughthereyescouldn’tgetanycolder.

AsPaytonbackedawayfromhim,hergazewasabsolutelyicy.“Iguesswe’llneverknow,”shesaid
inaflat,emotionlesstone.

Thensheturnedandwalkedaway.

Twenty-six

“WHYTHEHELLdon’tyouhaveyourcellphoneturnedon?”

OutsideWrigleyField,J.D.stormedovertothewill-callboothwhereTylerwaited,tooangryto
botherwithagreeting.

Tylerdidn’tappeartonoticethefrustrationinJ.D.’svoice.Hepulledouthisphoneandlookedatit
matter-of-factly.

“Wouldyoulookatthat—thebattery’sdead.Imust’veforgottochargeit.Oh,well.”

J.D.could’vestrangledhim.Threeweeksago,Tylerhadsuggestedtheycatchagamethenightbefore
thepartnershipdecision,asadistraction.Atthetimeithadseemedlikeagreatidea.Butnow,after
everythingthathadjusthappenedwithPayton,baseballwasthelastthingonhismind.

“‘Oh,well?’”hesaid.“I’vebeentryingtocallyouforthepasthour.”

“Sorry.”Tylercockedhishead.“What’dyouwant?”

“TotellyouthatIwasn’tgoingtomakeittonight.”

“Youcameheretotellmeyou’renotcoming?”Tylerasked.

“Yes,”J.D.said,exasperated.

“Butifyou’renotcoming...thenhowareyouhere?Wait—isthisatime-travelkindofthing?Ifso,
you’vegottotellmehowthatworks,becauseIwouldreallylovetogobacktoSaturdaynightand
tellmyselfnottobringhomeMs.LooneyTunes,becausethatgirlhas—”

“Screwthis.”J.D.whirledaround,cuttingTyleroff.“Ishould’veletyousitouthereallnight
waiting.”Hebeganwalkingbacktohiscar.Normally,hecouldtakealltheshitTylerwantedtodish
out.Butnottonight.

“Hey,J.D.—comeon,”Tylersaid,followinghim.“I’mjustmessingwithyou.Holdupasecond.”

J.D.sloweddown,thenfinallyturnedaround.

Tylersawthelookonhisface.“Whathappened?”

J.D.lookedupatthesky,shakinghishead.Hestillcouldn’tbelieveithimself.

Seeinghisreaction,Tylertookaguess.“Thefirm.Theytoldyoutheirdecision,”hesaidinasomber
tone.

J.D.laughedbitterly.“Iwishthatwasit.”Hewasstruckbyhischoiceofwords.Thatwasquitea
statementtomake.

Tylerseemedlesssurprised.HesteppedoverandputhishandonJ.D.’sshoulder.“So,then.Doyou
wanttotellmewhathappenedwithPayton?”

J.D.didn’tknowwheretostart.Heranhishandthroughhishair.“I...wow,Itotallyfuckeditup.”

Tylernodded.“I’lltellyouwhat—we’rebothhere,andI’vealreadygotthetickets.Let’sgoinside,
haveabeer,andyoucantellmeeverything.”

J.D.knewthatTylerhadsprungforclubboxseats,justfiverowsbackfromthedugout,andfeltbad
lettinghisfriend’smoneygotowaste.Plus,thepartaboutthebeerdidn’tsoundlikeabadidea.He
wasgoingtoneedsomethingalcoholic—probablyseveralsomethingsalcoholic,infact—justtoget
throughthisconversation.

“Okay,”heagreed.HefollowedTylerinsidethestadium.

STAYINGTURNEDOUTtobeasurprisinglygoodidea.

ItwaseasierforJ.D.totalkwhilepretendingtokeepaneyeonthegame.Discussinghisemotions
wasn’texactlysomethingthatcamenaturallyforhim,andthegamegavehimtheopportunitytolook
awayfromTylerduringcertainkeypartsoftheconversation.

HetoldhisfriendabouttheweekendinPalmBeach,aboutPaytons’shesitationsconcerningthe
partnershipdecision,andwhatshehadsaidtohimintheparkinggaragejustacoupleofhoursago.

WhichthenbroughthimtotheconversationPaytonhadoverheardbetweenhimandBen,andmore
important,totheliehehadtoldBenseveralyearsago.

ItwasherethatJ.D.stopped.Asmuchashemight’vewantedtoglossoverthatparticularpartofthe
story,heknewthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.

Tyler,whohadbeenrelativelyquietupuntilthispoint,ranhishandoverhismouth,andthenexhaled
loudly.“J.D....that’sprettybad.”

“Iknow.”

“HowdidPaytonreactwhenyouadmittedwhatyou’dtoldBen?”

“Notwell.”J.D.peeredoveratTyler.“Shewantedtoknowwhy.SoItoldherthatI’manasshole.”

“I’mguessingthatdidn’tgooveranybetter.”

“No,itdidnot.”

TylerlookedatJ.D.expectantly.“So?Areyouatleastgoingtotellmethetruth?”

J.D.tookamoment,thenlookedbacktowardthegame.“Itwasafewyearsago,atthefirmholiday

party.Paytonhadbroughtadate,somewritershe’dmetatthegymorsomething,andtheywere
standingatthebargettingadrink.AndIremember,asIwatchedher...Iguessitwasthewayshe
smiledattheguy.Thewayshelaughedatsomethinghesaid.Itmademethink,itmademewonder
whatitwouldbeliketo...”Heclearedhisthroat.“Anyway,Bencaughtmestaringather,andhe
corneredmethenextdayattheofficeandmadesomejokesaboutit.Ipanicked,thinkinghemightsay
somethinginfrontofPayton,soImadeupastorythatIthoughtwouldgethimoffmyback.Astory
thatwould...makethingsseemlikelessthantheywere.”

“Makethingsseemlikelessthanwhat?”

J.D.paused.ThenheslowlylookedoverandstaredTylerstraightintheeyes.Hedidn’tsayaword.
Hedidn’thaveto.

“Forhowlong?”Tylerasked,shocked.

J.D.consideredthis.“Abouteightyearsnow,Iguess.”

“You’rekiddingme.”Tyler ’sexpressionwasoneofdisbelief.“Allthistime.”

“Prettymuch,yes.”

“Thiswholeentiretime.”

“Whatdoyouneedtoknow,like,theexactmoment?”J.D.asked.

“Well,nowthatyoumentionedit,Iamkindofcurious.Wait,letmeguess—fromthefirstmoment
youmether,”Tylerjoked.

“Actually,no,smart-ass.”J.D.paused.“Itwasthesecondmoment.”Iguessyou’llhavetofindoutfor
yourself,J.D.Jameson.Yep—hehadspentyearstryingtodenyit,eventohimself,butthatslylittle
lookofhershadprettymuchdonehiminforgood.

Tylerlaughed.“Nooffense,J.D.,butisn’tthatalittledeepforyou?”

“I’vemanagedtoremainremarkablyshallowinprettymuchallotheraspectsofmylife.Ifigureit
balancesout.”

Tylernodded.“Goodpoint.”

Thecrowdaroundthemsuddenlyroaredandthingsturneduglyaspeoplebeganbooingtheumpire.
Forafewminutes,J.D.andTylerweredistracted,sweptupinthegame.Thenthefansquieteddown,
satisfiedthattheirindignationhadbeenproperlyexpressed,andeveryonewentbacktotheirbeers,
hotdogs,andpeanuts.TheywereCubsfans—theygotoverdisappointmentquickly.

TylerandJ.D.orderedanotherroundofbeersfromavendorpassingby.Aftertheyshuffledtheir
moneydowntherow,andthebeersmadetheirwayback,Tylersettledintohisseat.

“Youhavetotellher,youknow.”

“Iknewyouweregoingtosaythat,”J.D.said.“Idon’tthinkshe’llcare.Youdidn’tseethelookon
herfaceasshewalkedaway.”

“Butbeforethat,shecameafteryoutotellyoushewantedtobewithyou.There’shopeinthat.”

J.D.tookasipofhisbeer.“EvenifshecouldforgivemeforthethingItoldBen,Ithinkshe’sright.
Attheveryleast,it’sgoingtobeawkwardbetweenusafterthefirm’sdecision.Andtherewillbe
tension,lotsofit.Maybeevenresentment.”Heswitchedhisbeerbackandforthbetweenhishands.“I
don’twanttostartsomethingwithherthat’sdestinedtofail.Thatwouldbeworsethannotbeingwith
heratall,Ithink.”

Tylershiftedinhisseat.“Haveyouconsidered...”hetrailedoff,uncertainwhetherheshouldeven
suggestsuchanidea.

“Yes.”J.D.hadalreadyconsideredthepossibility,eventhoughhecouldn’tsayitoutloud.Heraked
hisfingersthroughhishair.“I,uh...whew.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Ireallydon’tknowthatIcould
dothat.MaybeifIknewitwouldmakeadifference.Maybe.”

“There’snowayofknowingthat,J.D.”

“I’vegraspedthat,yes.”

TylergrabbedJ.D.’sshoulder.“IwishtherewasmoreIcouldsay,buddy.ButIthinkyou’rejustgoing
tohavetoaskyourselfwhatyou’rewillingtoriskforachancetobewithher.That’sreallywhatit
boilsdownto,isn’tit?”

J.D.tookamomenttoconsiderhisfriend’swords.“It’snotjustthejob,youknow,”hefinallysaid.
“I’dliketoatleastwalkoutoftheretomorrowwithmypride.I’mnotexactlygoodatputtingmyself
outthere.”

Tylerlaughed.“Youdon’tsay?”

“Doyouhaveanyadvicethat’sactuallyconstructive?Don’tgetmewrong,Ienjoytritecommentary
andrhetoricalquestionsasmuchasthenextguy,butcanyouatleastthrowmeabonewithsomething
helpful?”

Tylerturnedserious.“Listen—Ican’tgiveyouanyadviceonwhattodoaboutthethingyoudon’t
knowifyoucando.Onlyyoucanmakethatdecision.Butintermsofwhetheryoushouldputyourself
outthere,I’lltellyouthis:IfIwasPayton,andIhadoverheardwhatyou’dsaidtoBen,Iwouldn’t
evenhavebotheredtogiveyoutheopportunitytoexplainyourself.Iwould’vepulledoutmywhite
gloveandslappedyouacrossthefaceandwalkedaway.”

“Ijustwanttoclarify—inthisscenario,arewealsoinaBugsBunnycartoon?”

“It’sametaphor,J.D.”

“Iwouldguessso.”

“Fine,I’llbemoreblunt:Youdon’tliketoputyourselfoutthere?Well,toobad.Fuckyourpride—

it’stheonlychanceyou’vegot.”

“You’reaskingmetosacrificethetwothingsthathaveprobablymostdefinedmyentireadultlife,”
J.D.said.

“I’mnotaskingyoutodoanything,”Tylertoldhim.“I’mjusttellingyouwhatIthinkhastohappenif
youwantanychanceofmakingthingsworkwithher.”

J.D.noddedandfellquiet.Therereallywasn’tanythingelsetosayonthesubject.

Likeitornot,heknewTylerwasright.

Twenty-seven

PAYTONSTAREDOUTherofficewindow.

Shehadjustdiscoveredthatshehadaviewofthelake.

True,itwasn’tagoodview.Infact,itwasn’tevenamediocreview,butifshelookedtotheright,
thereitwas:breakingbetweentwoblackskyscrapers,anarrowsliverwherethecrystallinewaterof
LakeMichiganmetthebrighter,lighterblueofthesummersky.

Strangethatshehadnevernoticedthatbefore.Thenagain,maybenotsostrange—shehadn’texactly
spentalotoftimeinherofficegazingoutthewindows.

Laneyhadcalledandofferedtowaitwithher,andthoughappreciative,Paytonhaddeclined.This
morningwassomethingsheneededtofaceonherown.Besides,shewasn’texactlygoodcompany
rightthen.

Asshe’dalreadydoneseveraltimes,Paytoncheckedtheclockonherdesk.Sheclosedhereyes.Ten
o’clock.Finally.

Itwastime.

Asifoncue,sheheardaknockonherdoor.Paytonturnedaround,sawIrmathroughtheglass,and
nodded.

Irmasteppedinside.“Bensaidyoucancomedowntohisofficenow.”

Paytoncouldn’thelpit—sheglancedacrossthehall.ShesawKathyleaveJ.D.’soffice,presumably
havingjusttoldhimthesamething.ShecouldseeJ.D.throughtheglassandnoticedthatheappeared
tobehesitating.

Ifhewaswaitingforher,thinkingtheywouldwalkdowntoBen’sofficetogether,hewasgoingtobe
waitingalongtime.Inlightofwhathadhappenedyesterday,shehadabsolutelynothingtosaytoJ.D.
Jameson.

Afterafewmoments,PaytonsawhimleaveandturndownthehallwaytowardBen’soffice.Shegave
himamoment’sheadstart,thennotwantingtodelayanyfurther,strodeoutofherofficewithwhat
shehopedwasanexpressionofoptimisticconfidence.Evenifshedidn’tfeelit,shewasdetermined
tolookthepart.

WhenshegottoBen’soffice,shefoundnotonlytheheadlitigationpartnertherebutalsotheother
sixmembersofthefirm’sPartnershipCommittee.TheysatinchairsflankingBen’sdesk,forminga
semicirclewithhiminthemiddle.Twoemptychairshadbeenplacedinfrontofthepartners,
presumablyforherandJ.D.

“Comeonin,Payton,”Bencalledfromhisdesk.

Surprisedtoseebothchairsempty,PaytonlookedaroundandsawJ.D.standingofftothesideofthe

room.Helookedupassheenteredandforamoment,Paytonwastemptedtoaverthergaze.Thenshe
thought—Thehellwiththat—andstaredhimstraightintheeyes.Withherheadheldhigh,shetooka
seatinoneofthechairsinfrontofBen’sdesk.

Benglancedover.“J.D.?”

PaytonkepthergazefixedonthepartnersasJ.D.tooktheseatnexttoher.

“Payton,J.D.—youobviouslyknowwhywebroughtyouhere,”Benbegan.

Outofthecornerofhereye,PaytoncouldseeJ.D.glanceinherdirection.

“Weknowhowimportantthisistobothofyou,howmuchdedicationeachofyouhasshowntothe
firm.AllofusonthePartnershipCommitteedeeplyregretthecircumstancesthathaveforcedusto
makethischoice.”

PaytoncouldfeelJ.D.’seyesrestonherasBencontinued.

“You’rebothverytalentedlawyers,andthathasmadeourdecisionextremelydifficult.Nevertheless,
itwasadecisionwehadtomake,andwehavedoneso.”

PaytoncouldseeJ.D.shiftagaininhischair,andshenoticedthathebouncedhislegnervously.
Finally,unabletoresist,shelookedover.

Asifhe’dbeenwaitingforjustthat,J.D.heldhergaze.Hiseyessearchedhers,andhehadan
expressiononhisfacethatshehadneverseenbefore.Oneofuncertainty.

Thensomethinghappened.Paytonsawaflashinhiseyes,andheclenchedhisjaw.

“Allright,Payton,”hesaid.“Fuckit.”

HeturnedtoBen.

“Iquit.”

Payton’smouthdroppedopen.“What?”

Thatwasthecollectivereplyfromprettymucheveryoneintheroom.

J.D.stoodupfromhischair.“Iresign.Effectiveimmediately.”

“Oh,no,youdon’t,”Paytontoldhim.

J.D.lookeddownather.“Yes,Ido.”

NowPaytonstoodup,too.“No,really,youdon’t.”SheturnedtoBen.“Ignorehim,hedoesn’tknow
whathe’ssaying.AnyonewhoknowsJ.D.knowshe’swillingtodoanythingtogetthis.”

J.D.movedtoherside,speakinginalowervoice.“CanItalktoyouforasecond?”

“No.”

“Thanks.”Withoutfurtherado,hetookherbytheelbowandledhertothecorneroftheroom.

Whentheygotthere,Paytonfoldedherarmsacrossherchestandloweredhervoicesothatonlyhe
couldhear.“Howdareyoueventhinkabouttryingthis,”shehissed.“Itoldyoubefore,Iwon’twinby
default.”

“I’mresigning,Payton,”J.D.saidfirmly.“Eveniftheydidchooseme,Icouldn’tacceptit.Notafter
whatIsaidtoBen.”

“Fine,Igetit.Meaculpa.Idon’tcare—I’mreadytoacceptthefirm’sdecision,whateveritis.Atleast
aftertoday,I’llneverhavetoseeyouagain.Socanwegetonwiththis?”Sheturnedbacktowardher
chair,butJ.D.grabbedherbytheelbowagain.

“No.Iwanttotalktoyou.”

“Sorry—youhadyourchancetotalkyesterday.NowI’mfocusedonmoreimportantthings.”

“Whathappensbetweenusisn’timportanttoyou?”

“Areyoukiddingmewiththisshit?”Paytongesturedtotherowofpartnerswhowerestaringatthem
inutterconfusion.“Seriously,J.D.—youwanttotalkaboutthisnow?”

“Yes.Now,”hesaid.

“Oh,inthatcase...sorry—stillno.”Paytonpointed.“Andbytheway—Iforgottotellyouthislast
night:you’reanasshole.”

Overathisdesk,Bensatuprightinhischair,obviouslyhavingatleastcaughtthatpart.

“Whoa—Payton,J.D.”Helookedbetweenthem,confused.“Whenthehelldidyoutwostartfighting?”

AthousandsnideretortscametoPayton’smind.Shewasquicklyscrollingthroughthelist,debating
whethershecouldgetawaywithanyofthem,whenshefeltJ.D.’shandonherarm.

“Iwanttotalktoyou,Payton,”herepeated.“Wecaneitherdothishereorsomewheremoreprivate.
Youdecide.”

Fromthedeterminedlookonhisface,Paytoncouldtellhewasserious.Sheturnedandsawseven
pairsofstunnedandextremelycuriousPartnershipCommitteeeyesonthem.

Shesmiledpolitely.

“Wouldyouexcuseus?We’llonlyneedamoment.”

PAYTONANDJ.D.steppedoutofBen’sofficeandturnedthecornerintothemainhallway.Theyboth
stopped,surprisedbywhattheysaw.

Acrowd—ithadtobeatleasthalftheoffice—hadgatheredinlarge,gossipinggroups.Attorneys,
secretaries,legalassistants,everyone.Theyallfelltoahushassoonasthetwoofthemcamearound
thecorner.

J.D.noticedaparticularlytightgrouphuddledaroundIrmaandKathy’sdesksthatincludedavery
sheepish-now-that-I’ve-been-busted-lookingTyler,theBrandon/Brendankid,andwhatlooked
suspiciouslylikethetopofLaney’sheadpeekingoutfrombehindtheplantonIrma’sdesk.

Everyonewassilent,staringatthem.

J.D.feltcompelledtosaysomething.“We’reonabreak.”

Heheardtheconfusedwhispers.

Thinkingitwasbesttokeepingmoving,J.D.guidedPaytontowardanemptyoffice.Onceinside,he
shutthedoorbehindthemandlockedit.

Paytonmovedawayfromhim,towardthevacantdesk.“Thanks.Doyouthinkyoucouldpossibly
drawanymoreattentiontous?”

“IthinkIprobablycould,sure.”

Sheturnedaround.“Haven’tyouprettymuchlosttherighttobesarcasticwithme?Ormaybeyou
thinkI’msupposedtojuststandherewhileyou—”

J.D.puthishandoverhermouth.“Normally,Payton,Iwouldlovetodothiswithyou.ButI’vegot
severalthingsIneedtosay,andyou’renotmakingthisanyeasier.Soforrightnow,Ineedyoutojust
sitdownandshutup.”Withhishandsonhershoulders,hepressedherdownintothedeskchair.

Paytonstaredupathim.“Well,Inever,”shesaidinhermostindignanttone.

Butinterestingly,J.D.noted,shesaidnothingfurther.Althoughshereallydidn’tneedto—thelookin
hereyessaidmorethanallthechoiceprofanewordsoutthere.

Notparticularlyencouraging.

Hebeganpacingtheroom.HefeltPayton’sgazeonhimashemovedbackandforth.

“Allright,letmestartwiththethingItoldBen.Iknowthatwasinexcusable—Iregretteditthe
momentIsaidit.Ipanicked.”J.D.glancedoveratPayton.“Apparently,Ihavethiswayoflookingat
youthatgivesitaway.”

Hestoppedbeforeher.“MaybeyoucouldjustnodyourheadyesornoifyouunderstandwhatI’m
saying.”

Paytonshookherheadno.Stillwiththeglare.

J.D.wentbacktohispacing.“Youdrivemecrazy,youknow.Thewayyousnaparoundhereinyour
heelsandyourlittleskirtsuitsandyoursassyquipsandcomebacksandthewayyoualways,always
havetochallengemeoneverythingIsayanddo,andforeightyearsIhavetriedtogetaheadofyou,
I’vetriedtobreakawayfromyou,Payton,andIcan’t.”

Hestoppedbeforeherhopefully.Again.“NowdoyouseewhereI’mgoingwiththis?”

AndagainPaytonshookherheadno.Butshedroppedtheglareatleast.

J.D.nodded.Crap.Hetookadeepbreath.

“I’minlovewithyou,Payton.”

Hermouthfellopen.Thenshutagain.

J.D.figuredtherewasnoturningback.“I’vebeeninlovewithyousincetheverybeginning.You
askedwhythereisn’tanyoneelseinmylife,andthereason...isyou.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Iknow
I’veactedotherwise.IknowI’vebeenterribletoyouattimes.That’sjustadefensemechanism.
Becausethetruthis,everysingledayforthepasteightyearsI’vewantedyoutolookatmetheway
youdidwhenwefirstmet.”

Hewaitedforhertosaysomething.“Ifthisstrikesanysortofchordwithyouatall,feelfreetojump
in.”

Paytonnodded.Sheseemedshell-shocked,andforJ.D.thesilencewasagonizing.

Thentheunthinkablehappened.

Atearrandownhercheek.Shelaughedinembarrassmentandwipeditaway.“Sorry.Ijustkeep
thinking”—shelookeddownatherhands—“howwe’vewastedsomuchtime.”Sheglancedupathim.
“Whydidn’tyoueversayanything?”

Theteartotallydidhimin.J.D.gotdownononekneebeforeher.“Iknow,Payton—IwishIcouldgo
back,IwishIcouldtakeitallback.”Hewipedthetearfromhercheek.“ButI’msayingitnow.Don’t
tellmeit’stoolate.”

Suddenlytherewasaknock,andBen’svoicecalledthroughthedoor.“Payton?J.D.?Iseverything
okayinthere?Thisisextremelyunusual.”

J.D.watchedasthedoorhandleturned.HeheardBencalltosomeoneinthehallway.“Call
maintenance.Findoutiftheyhaveakeytothisdoor.”

Realizinghewasrunningoutoftime,heturnedbacktoPayton.“Youwererightwhenyousaidthat
thispartnershipdecisionwoulddivideus.Lettingthefirmchoosewillneverwork—we’rebothtoo
proudforourowngood.That’swhyI’mresigning.”

Paytonshookherhead.“Tooproudornot,Idon’twanttomakepartnerthatway.”

“Iknow.Soinstead...Iwashopingyou’dwanttocomewithme.”

Hereyeswentwideatthesuggestion.Shebitherlipanxiously.“Ireallydon’tknowthatIcoulddo
that,J.D.”

Therewasanotherknockatthedoor,firmerthistime.“Allrightyoutwo—I’dlikeyoutoopenthis
door.Whateverthisis,it’sgettingridiculous.”

J.D.heldhergaze.“Wecandothis,Payton.Wedon’thavetoletthemseparateus—thatwastheir
decision,notours.ThebestpartofthisjobisthatIgottospendeverydaywithyou.Idon’twantto
losethat.”

“Whatareyousaying,thatwetrytogosomewhereelse?Doyoureallythinkwecouldfindaplace
thatwouldtakeusbothonaspartners?”

“Yes.Ourplace.Iwantustostartourownpractice.”

Paytonlaughed.“That’sridiculous.”

J.D.shookhishead.“No,it’snot.JustlookattheGibson’scase—weworkgreattogether.Anddoyou
honestlywanttogosomeplacethat’sgoingtobemoreofthesamething?Thesamelifestyle?The
samehours?Wouldn’tyouratherworkforyourselfandcontrolyourownschedule?Maybeevenbe
abletotakeavacationforonce?”

“Sure—thosethingsallsoundgreat.Butit’stoobigofarisk,”Paytonsaid.

“Isitreally?YouandIareprettydamngoodlawyers.Startingourownfirmisprobablythesmartest
movewecouldmake.”

Anotherknock.Bythispoint,Bensoundedextremelypissedasheshoutedthroughthedoor.“Ijust
thoughtIshouldletyoutwoknowthatamaintenancemanisonhiswayuptoopenthisdoor.”

J.D.turnedback.“We’reoutoftime,Payton.Yousaidityourself:theonlywaywe’llmakeitisforus
togointothistogether.Iknowwecandothis.ButIneedyoutobelieveit.Youneedtobelieve...in
us.”

Paytondidn’tsayanythingforalongmoment,andJ.D.couldliterallyhearhisheartbeating.

Thenshefinallyanswered.

“ItwouldhavetobecalledKendallandJameson.”

IttookJ.D.amomenttocatchon.Thenhegrinned.“Noway.JamesonandKendall.It’salphabetical.”

“Youtoldourbossthatyoubangedmeontopofyourdesk.”

“KendallandJamesonsoundsgreat.”

Paytonsmiled,victorious.

“Sowe’rereallygoingtodothis?”J.D.asked.

Shestuckoutherhand.“Shouldweshakeonit?”

HetookPayton’shandandstoodup,pullingherwithhim.“Iwanttohearyousayit,Payton.Arewe
reallygoingtodothis?”

Shenodded.“Yes.”

“Good.Thenyoushouldknowthatstartingtoday,Inever,everwanttospendanotherdaywithout
you.”

Payton’sexpressionchanged,andthelightheartedsmileturnedintosomethingdeeper.Shemoved
closertoJ.D.,takinghishandsinhers.

“Done,”shesaidsoftly.

J.D.broughthishandtoherfaceandkissedher,moregentlythaneverbefore,morelingering,
becauseforthefirsttimehefeltabsolutelynothinghangingovertheirheads,nothingstanding
betweenthem.Theyhadallthetimeintheworldtothemselves.

Exceptfortheangrymanbangingincessantlyonthedoor,thatis.

Andthecrowdofatleastahundredpeoplewaitingimpatientlyinthehallwayoutside.

Withalltherumblingscomingfromtheothersideofthedoor,Paytonpulledback.“Ithinkweshould
probablygooutthere.”

J.D.grinnedslyly.“Actually,there’ssomethingI’dliketodofirst.”

“Isthatso?”sheasked.“Oh,Isee...didtheemptydeskgiveyousomeideas?”

“JustsoIhaveasense,howlongisthatgoingtobeheldagainstme?”

“Longerthanaday,Icantellyouthat.”Butshesweeteneditwithasmile.

“Well,yourmindmaybeinthegutter,butIhadbeenthinkingofsomethingelse.”J.D.pulledhiscell
phoneoutofhissuitjacketpocketandscrolledthroughtofindanumber.Heheldoutthephoneto
showher.“Whatdoyouthink?”

Paytonlookedatthenumberonthescreen.“Ifwedothat,there’snoturningback.”

“Iknow.”

Shegrinned.“Ireallylikethewayyouthink,J.D.Jameson.Let’sdoit.”

Twenty-eight

WHENTHEDOORopenedandPaytonandJ.D.steppedout,thecrowdthathadgatheredinfrontof
theofficeimmediatelyquieteddown.

FrontandcenterstoodBen,whowalkedovertothemwithalookthatsaidhewasthoroughly
annoyed.“Arewedonewiththetheatricsnow?Canwefinallyfinishthis?”

Paytonnodded.“Actually,Ben,wearefinishedwiththis.BecauseIresign,too.”

Shecould’veswornsheheardseveralpeoplegasp.

Ben’seyesnarrowed.HeglancedbetweenherandJ.D.“Whatsortofbullshitisthis?You’reboth
resigning?”

“Sorry,Ben.Butyouforcedourhand,”J.D.said.“PaytonandIhavedecidedtostaytogether.”

Paytonheardan“awww”comefromthecrowdbehindherinavoicethatsoundedsuspiciouslylike
Irma’s.

ButBenwasnotreadytobeoutplayedyet.Heheldupasealedenvelope.Histrumpcard.“I’vegota
letterofferingpartnershipthatIthinkwillchangeoneofyourminds.”

NeitherPaytonnorJ.D.moved.

Benlookedbetweenthem,stunned.“Don’tyouatleastwanttoknowwhowechose?”

Hell,yes.Paytonwouldn’tdenythatpartofherwastemptedtograbtheenvelopeoutofBen’shand
andripitopenrightthere.

But.

SheglancedoveratJ.D.,whoglancedoverather,andsheknewhewasthinkingthesamething.

Somequestionswerebetterleftunanswered.

Realizingthatneitherofthemwasgoingtobite,Benshovedtheenvelopeintotheinsidepocketofhis
jacket.“You’rebothfools,”hesnapped.

“Yes.Butonlyfornotdoingthisearlier,”J.D.said.

“Youshouldn’thaveletitcometothis,Ben.J.D.andIbothdeservethis,”Paytonsaid.“Andifthis
firmvaluesstrategicleveragingoverthecommitmentwe’veshownoverthelasteightyears,then,
frankly,youdon’tdeserveus.”

J.D.peereddownatherwiththat“amused”look.“Nicespeech.”

“Thanks.Iworkedonitwhileyouwereonthephone.”

J.D.cockedhisheadinthedirectionofthehallwaybehindthem.“Shallwe?”

“Yes.”Unabletohelpherself,Payton’seyeswenttothepocketofBen’sjacketwherehehadstashed
theenvelope.

J.D.laughedandheldouthishand.“Comeon,cupcake—let’sgo.”

Paytonthrewhimalook.“Ican’tbelieveyoujustcalledmethatinfrontoftheentireoffice.”

Shetookhishand,andsidebysidetheywalkedthroughtheofficecorridor,pasttheiroffices,tothe
elevatorsandtheexit.

J.D.smiled.“Itoldyou,it’sendearing.”

“No,it’spaternalisticandquasi-sexist.Ican’tthinkofonecomparablenameawomancancalla
man.”

“Iknow.That’swhatmakesitsogreat.”

Etcetera.

ASSOONASthedoorsshut,theofficebrokeintocompletepandemonium.Ofprimaryconcern,of
course,wasthebettingpool,andhowtoaddresstheissueofthedoubleforfeiture.

TheKendallcamp,ledbyLaney,dulynotedthatPayton’sstatementtoBenhadbeen“Iresign,too,”
evidencingthatJ.D.had,infact,resignedfirst,thusmakingPaytonthedefactowinner,evenifonly
forafewbriefmoments.

TheJamesonfaction,however—headedbyTylerandrelyinguponsecretlyprocuredhearsay
testimonyfromoneofthemembersofthePartnershipCommitteewhohadbeeninsideBen’soffice
—arguedthatalthoughJ.D.hadattemptedtoresignfirst,Paytonhaddemandedthatsaidwithdrawalof
employmentnotbeaccepted,thusherstatementtoBenof“Iresign,too”was,infact,thefirstand
onlyofficialresignation,makingJ.D.thewinner.

Inthemidstofthechaos,Marie,Ben’ssecretary,walkeduptohimandwhisperedthathehadaphone
call.

“Takeamessage,”Benbarked.Whoeveritwas,itcouldwait.

Marielookeduncertain.“Heinsistedonspeakingwithyouimmediately.”

Benwasn’tinthemood.“Dealwithit,whoeveritis,”hesaid,brushingpasther.

“It’sJasperConroy.”

Benstoppedinhistracks.

Theycouldn’thave.

HenoddedtoMarie.“I’lltakeit.”Notwantingtowasteanotherminute,heheadedintohisoffice.He
sawtheblinkinglightonhisphoneandimmediatelypickedupthereceiver.

“Jasper!Goodtohearfromyou.HowarethingsdowninPalmBeach?”

Jasper ’sdrawlcameovertheotherendoftheline.“Ben—gladIcaughtya.Listen,I’vebeenthinking
latelyaboutdoingalittlerestructuringofGibson’strialteam...I’mconcernedthatwe’releveraged
alittletooheavilyonthelawyerside.SoI’vedecidedtotakemybusinesselsewhere,toasmaller
firm.”

Benlookedupattheceiling.“Andwhomightthatbe?”

“Anewoutfit,actually.Justgotthecalltoday,sayin’thatthey’reopenforbusiness.”

“Jasper,youcan’tseriouslybecon—”

“Loyalty,Ben—Iwouldn’thavegottenwhereIamtodaywithoutit.That’ssomethingyoumightwant
tolookinto.”

“Don’tbeanidiotjusttoproveapoint,Jasper.Youcan’thandthemoveratwo-hundred-million-
dollarcase.”

“Oh,IthinkIcan,”Jaspersaid.“Itoldyou,I’vegotafeelin’aboutthosetwo.Ithinkyou’regonnabe
seeingbig,bigthingsfromthem.”Hechuckled.“Catchyouaround,Ben.Oh,yeah—andthanksfor
theintroduction.”

BenheardtheclickasJasperhungup.Hesetthephonebackinitscradleandstaredatit.

Theyreallydidit.

Sonofabitch.

ASSOONAStheelevatordoorsshutbehindthem,PaytonfacedJ.D.,rubbingherhandstogether
eagerly.“So.We’regoingtohavetohireassociatesrightaway.Howmanydoyouthinkweneedto
start?Five?”

“Ten.”

“Hmm...you’reprobablyright,”shemused.“Icertainlydon’tplanforJaspertobeouronlyclient
forlong.AssoonaswefileamotiontosubstitutecounselforGibson’s,peoplewillwanttoknow
whoweare.”

J.D.leanedbackagainsttheelevatorrailing.“Wecanreleaseashortpressstatementwithourcontact
information.”

“Whichmeanswealsoneedofficespaceandanadministrativestaff,”Paytonnoted.

“I’msurewecangetIrmaandKathytocomeover—they’llbeenoughtocoverusfortheshortterm.”

Paytonnodded.“Yes.Good.Okay.”Shetookadeepbreathandsmiled.“Ican’tbelievewe’redoing
this.”

J.D.raisedaneyebrow.“Anysecondthoughts?”

Paytonshookherheaddefinitively.“None.”Alothadhappenedinthelastfewminutesandshewas
stilltryingtoprocessitall.ShereachedupandtuggedthelapelsofJ.D.’ssuit.“You’resocalm.”

“AndIplantostaythatway,atleastforthenextfewweeks.NotthatIthinkthatwillbeparticularly
difficult,consideringwherewe’regoing.”

“Wherewe’regoing?”Paytonrepeated.“Ooh...wherearewegoing?”

“Haveyouforgotten?”J.D.asked.“Youmadepartner—albeitofadifferentfirm—butyousaidit’s
whatyouwanted.”

Paytonhadtothink.Thenitclicked.“Bora-Bora?”

J.D.grinned.“AndI’mlayingdownthelawrightnow:therewillbeabsolutelynovoicemail,email,
BlackBerrys,orlaptops.”

“Wow.Whatarewegoingtodowithallthatfreetime?”

J.D.grippedPayton’ssuitjacketandpulledhercloser.“I’msurewe’llcomeupwithsomething.”

Paytonslidherarmsaroundhisneck.“Aslongasweactuallymakeitintothewaterthistime.”

“I’msurewecanmanagethat.”J.D.saidwithagrin.“Ihearthoseoverwaterbungalowsarevery
private.”

“Anoverwaterbungalow?”Paytonasked.Criminy,shehadforgottenabouttheJamesonstyleof
doingthings.“Idon’tthinkIevenwanttoknowhowmuchsomethinglikethatcostspernight.”

J.D.pulledbackandlookedherintheeyes.“Allright,Payton—let’sjustdealwiththisnow,getitout
oftheway.YouknowtheestimatesaswellasIdo—Gibson’slegalfeesforthefirstyearaloneare
expectedtobesomewherearoundtwentymilliondollars.Andnow,thankstoourbrilliantmaneuver
—whichwas,fortherecord,initiatedbyme—thereareonlytwopartnerswhowillsplitthosefees.
YouandI.”Hetookherbytheshoulders.“Whichmeansthatyouaregoingtobeavery,veryrich
woman,PaytonKendall.”

PaytonstaredatJ.D.asthissankin.OfcourseshehadknownthatlandingGibson’sasaclientwasa
coupforthetwoofthem.Butshe’dbeensocaughtupinwhatwashappeningbetweenherandJ.D.that
shehadn’tstoppedanddonethemathonjustexactlyhowgreatacoupithadbeen.

SheandJ.D.wouldbesplittingnearly$20millioninlegalfeesinthefirstyearalone.

Sure,therewouldbebusinessexpenses,associateandadministrativestaffsalaries,officeoverhead,et
cetera.Butstill.

Twentymillioninlegalfees.

Twentymillion.

J.D.grinned.“Saysomething,Payton.”

Sheclosedhereyesandgroaned.“Mymother ’sgoingtokillme.”

J.D.laughedatthat.“Buyherathousandcarboncredits.She’llgetoverit.”

Theelevatorcametoastop,andasthedoorsopened,hetookPayton’shandandsteppedout.Theycut
acrosstheparkinggaragetoJ.D.’scar.“Andifthatdoesn’twork,thenIwilltalktoyourmotherand
smooththingsover,”hesaidassuredly.

TheystoppedattheBentley.J.D.unlockedthecarandopenedthepassengerdoor.

Paytongrinnedasshestartedtoclimbin.“Iloveyouforyourconfidence,J.D.Asmisplacedasit
mightbeinthisparticularsituation.”

J.D.suddenlyblockedherwithhisarm.

Paytonlookedback,surprised.

Hecockedhishead.“Whatdidyoujustsay?”

Paytontriedtothink.“What?WhatdidIjust—ohhh...”Shecoveredhermouth.“Isaidit,didn’tI?”

“I’mnotsure,”J.D.said.“Therewasalotofotherramblinggoingonthere.Couldyourepeatit?”

Paytonfeignednonchalance.“Isthatnecessary?Imean,don’ttheysaythatactionsspeaklouderthan
words?”

Withalook—probablytheonethatwasconstantlygettinghimintrouble—J.D.tookastepcloserto
her.“Andwhatactionsmightthosebe?”

PaytonwassuddenlyawarethatshewastrappedbetweenJ.D.andtheBentley.Thiswastypicallythe
partwherebothofthemgotintotrouble.

“Well,forstarters,Iwouldn’thavewalkedoutofthefirmifIdidn’thaveatleastsomefeelingsfor
you,”shepointedout.

“Youcould’vedonethatbecauseitwasasmartmoveforyourcareer,”J.D.said.

“True,true,”Paytonconceded.“ButI’mgoingtoBora-Borawithyou—thatsayssomething,doesn’t
it?”

“Maybeyou’rejustusingmeforsex.”

“Thatisapossibility...”Paytonmused.Sheheldoutherhands.“TherehastobesomethingIcan
pointto.Wait,Iknow—”

ShetouchedJ.D.’sface.“Whataboutthefactthat,throughthegoodandthebad,youareprettymuch
theonlymanI’vethoughtaboutforthepasteightyears?Doesthatsayanything?”

J.D.gentlytuckedastrandofhairbehindherear.“Ithinkitdoes.”

“Good.Orinstead,whatifIjusttoldyouthatIloveyou?”Paytongazedintohiseyes.“Whatwould
yousay,J.D.Jameson,ifItoldyouthat?”J.D.smiled.HetouchedhisforeheadtoPayton’s,closedhis
eyes,andansweredherwithoneword.

“Finally.”

TableofContents

TitlePage

CopyrightPage

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Epigraph

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

Document Outline

Table of Contents
Praise for Julie James’s debut romance
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Epigraph
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-one
Twenty-two
Twenty-three
Twenty-four
Twenty-five
Twenty-six
Twenty-seven
Twenty-eight
Chapter 35
Table of ContentsTitle PageCopyright PageDedicationAcknowledgementsEpigraphOneTwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineTenElevenTwelveThirteenFourteenFifteenSixteenSeventeenEighteenNineteenTwentyTwenty-oneTwenty-twoTwenty-threeTwenty-fourTwenty-fiveTwenty-sixTwenty-sevenTwenty-eight

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