Read Online Driven to Date by Susan Hatler - Free Book Online Page A

too.”
    “Sorry, it’s just . . .” I closed out my emails, so she wouldn’t inadvertently see them. “Nothing. How are you?”
    The phone rang but I let it go to voicemail.
    Sarah eyed me suspiciously. “That could’ve been a client.”
    I held my hands up. “You act like I’m work-obsessed, but I’m not. I’m a changed woman. In fact, Ginger and I want to invite you out with us Friday night.”
    She blinked, then started nodding. “I like this new you. I’m in.”
    “It’s a date.” As soon as she left, I swiveled back to my screen, and opened my emails.
     
    Jill,
    I’ll take that as a yes.
    Ryan
     
    Re-reading his email, I shook my head, but found myself smiling.
    ****
    At exactly five o’clock, I packed up my briefcase. Leaving on time would prove that I had a life, and Ryan wouldn’t know I’d taken work home. As I squeezed files into my large briefcase, I suddenly remembered I hadn’t checked my voicemail. How had I managed a full day without checking voicemail? One vow to have fun and my methodization was all out of whack.
    I shut my door, then pressed the button for speakerphone, dialed my voice box and tapped out my password. The first message rang out from Madison.
    “Hi, Jill. It’s Madison McKenzie. I spoke with my partners and we want to bring you in next week for an official interview. I’m in court for trial Monday through Wednesday, so let me know if you’re free in the afternoon on Thursday or Friday. On a side note, my husband and I are going dancing at The Oasis tomorrow night. Trying to enjoy the nightlife while we still can.” She chuckled. “If you and Ryan aren’t busy, maybe you can stop by? I’d love to introduce you both to Dan. Look forward to hearing from you.”
    I bit my thumbnail, then jotted down notes on my legal pad for the next several messages from clients. With my pen poised over the lined yellow paper, I listened as my mom’s voice filled the room.
    “ Jill, it’s Mom. Dad left me a message that you’re worried, but don’t be. I’m in Arizona. I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, and now I have. It’s breathtaking, honey. I can’t believe I waited this long to go. Not sure where I’m off to next, but I can guarantee one thing: I will not be calling your father. I’m sorry about your losing the promotion. Maybe you need a vacation, too. Call if you want to join me. Love you .”
    My throat tightened as I dropped down into my chair, and gazed out the window. My mom had gone bonkers. She’d completely lost it. Was that what I was doing from working too much, too? Unable to stop them, hot tears slipped down my cheeks.
    Why had I been passed over? Because Jim Shaw decided to hire his nephew when Personal Injury wasn’t even his department. It was Stan Corbett’s. The least he could’ve done was bring his nephew in to help with his own responsibilities.
    Maybe I’d been taking the wrong angle, blaming Ryan. I mean, I’d completely overlooked the people who’d handed the promotion to him. My blood boiled.
    Sure, Ryan had a couple years of experience on me, but I’d worked like a slave for Stan’s P.I. Department for five years. And this was how he paid me back? Dropping my head to my hand, my face crumpled, and my tears streamed.
    What was the best way to handle this?I swiped my cheeks, and sniffed. There was no way they’d ever transfer the position to me now that Ryan was here. That much was clear. But I needed to feel respected as a lawyer—make that as a person . Grabbing a tissue, I dabbed under my eyes, and blew my nose.
    Then, before I could change my mind, I typed up an email to Stan Corbett, requesting to speak with him privately. In the Re caption I wrote IMPORTANT, then pointed the arrow to SEND and double-clicked. A meeting with Stan to give him a piece of my mind. In a professional way, of course. I still had my dignity, and might need a reference letter. And I’d have until the meeting to decide what to demand as a