Julie James Practice Makes Perfect

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TableofContents

TitlePage

CopyrightPage

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Epigraph

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

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Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

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PraiseforJulieJames’sdebutromance
JusttheSexiestManAlive

“WittybanterandamazingchemistrybetweenTaylorandJasonbringthisdelightfulstoryto
life.”—ChicagoSun-Times

“Fantastic,frolickingfun...ReadJusttheSexiestManAlive,andyouwillbeaddingJulieJamesto
yourautomaticbuylist!”

—NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorJanetChapman

“Inherdebutnovel,Jamesshakesuptheworldoflawyersandcelebrityromance,producinga
captivating,beautifullywrittenstory.Thefireworksbetweenthecharactersfueltheplotandwillkeep
readersflippingthepagesatadizzyingpace.”

—RomanticTimes

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

“Wittyandromantic.”—PublishersWeekly

“JusttheSexiestManAlivebyJulieJamesisalaugh-out-loudfunnyread...Itisnicetoseesucha
down-to-earthheroineandaherothathastoworktogetwhathewants.Ms.Jameswritesveryhuman
charactersthat,likewedo,havecommunicationproblems...ThisismyfirstbookbyMs.James,but
itwilldefinitelynotbemylast!”—FallenAngelReviews

“[A]smartlywrittencontemporary.”—AllAboutRomance

“Thesparksflybetweenthe[heroandheroine]inthisengagingromance...Thesupportingcastis
greataswell...AuthorJulieJameshasdoneanexcellentjob,givinguscharacterswereallycare
aboutandanunlikelybutrealisticromance.”

—TheRomanceStudio

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“Isanyoneabletoresistthesexiestmanalive?Youmightbesurprisedinthisfunnystory...Evenin
theimprobableworldofHollywood’stopactors,JulieJamesintroducesbelievablecharacterswith
realmotivationsbehindtheiractions.Withtwowittyandcharmingmaincharacters,thedialogueis
suretokeepthereaderentertained.”—FreshFiction

“Ifyou’veeverwonderedwhatitislikehavingtheHollywoodspotlightonyou,thisisthebookto
read.Eachwordandsituationislovinglycraftedandis,happytosay,perfection...JusttheSexiest
ManAliveisaspectacularbeginningofwhatIhopeisastellarcareerofdebutauthorJulieJames...
MyheartbeatfasterandIfeltasthoughIwereinterruptingthesexiestcoupleIeverreadabout.I’m
jumpingupanddownhereaskingyounottomissthisawesomenovelthatrightlydeservesmy
Perfect10award.”—RomanceReviewsToday

“Isthereanywomanalivewhohasn’tdreamedoflandingtheabsolutesexiestHollywoodstar?...In
JusttheSexiestManAliveJulieJamesspinsataleofthatdreamcometrue...Alarger-than-lifehero
andanunlikelyheroinewhoseliveswouldnormallyneverintersectandyettheyturnouttobeperfect
foreachother...Ifyou’relookingforafeel-goodromance,youcan’tgowrongwiththis
story.”—QueueMyReview

“Thesparksfly,hilarityisplentifulwithalloftheone-linersinthestory,andunderneathitallisa
touchinglookatfameandfortuneandhowitcanbecometheonlyreasonpeoplegetclosetoa
person.JusttheSexiestManAliveisnowresidingonmy‘keeper ’shelf.Onceyoureadtheexploits
ofTaylorandJason,youwillfeelthesameway.Bravo,Ms.James.”

—AffairedeCoeur

“Ihadalmostgivenuponromanticcomedies.Exceptfortheoccasionalwriter(SusanElizabeth
Phillipsbeingtheonlyonewhoimmediatelycomestomind),Ifindmyselfcringingatwhatpasses
forhumorthesedays...Then,IreceiveddebutauthorJulieJames’sfirstbooktoreview,andhope
sprunganew.JusttheSexiestManAliveisawitty,competent,andthoroughlycharmingescapist
fantasy!”—TheRomanceReader

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Copyright©2009byJulieKoca.

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ForJackson

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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.

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Isnotgeneralincivilitytheveryessenceoflove?

—JANEAUSTEN,PRIDEANDPREJUDICE

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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

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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

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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.

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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.”

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“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.

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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

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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.

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“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.

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“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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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?”

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“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

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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.

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“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

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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.”

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“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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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—”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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?”

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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?”

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.”

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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.”

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“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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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?”

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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.

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“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.”

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“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

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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.

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“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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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

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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

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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-

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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?”

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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.

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“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.

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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

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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.

Herasshadbeenhangingoutinopencourt.

Clompingalongthesidewalkunevenlyinherbrokenheel,stompingpastinnocentpedestrianswho

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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.

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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?”

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“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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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“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.”

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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.

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Paytonthoughtaboutthis.Maybeshehad.

Hermother,ofallpeople,hadoncefalleninlovewithahigh-societyrichman.Atthispoint,anything
waspossible.

EvenbeingciviltoJ.D.

Maybe.

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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.”

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“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?”

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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.”

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“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.

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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

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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.

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“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.”

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“—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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.”

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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

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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.”

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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

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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

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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—”

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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

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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.”

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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.”

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“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

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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?

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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.

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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?”

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“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.

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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.

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“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.”

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Bensmiled.“Great.I’llcallJasperandlethimknowtoexpectyouboth.”HeglancedoveratJ.D.
“Yougetthereearlyenough,Jameson,youmightevenbeabletosqueezeinaround.PalmBeachhas
somegreatcourses.IthinkthelasttimeIwastherewasoverthreeyearsago.WewentinMayandit
wasnearlyninetydegrees.Andhumidasallhell.”Hepointed.“Youtwobetterprepareyourselves.It’s
goingtobeahotandsteamytrip.”

IttookeveryounceofPayton’sstrengthnottoreacttothat.

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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?”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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“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,

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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?”

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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.

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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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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

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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

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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.

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“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?”

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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

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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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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,

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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

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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

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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.

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“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.

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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—”

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“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

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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

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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

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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.”

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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?”

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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.”

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“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

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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

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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

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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“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—

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it’stheonlychanceyou’vegot.”

“You’reaskingmetosacrificethetwothingsthathaveprobablymostdefinedmyentireadultlife,”
J.D.said.

“I’mnotaskingyoutodoanything,”Tylertoldhim.“I’mjusttellingyouwhatIthinkhastohappenif
youwantanychanceofmakingthingsworkwithher.”

J.D.noddedandfellquiet.Therereallywasn’tanythingelsetosayonthesubject.

Likeitornot,heknewTylerwasright.

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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

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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?”

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“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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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“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.

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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?”

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“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.”

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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

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Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight


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