Taking a deep breath, she leans forward, grasping her hands on top of her desk. “Are you okay?”
I blink. “I’m fine. Just frazzled.”
“It’s not like you to miss a meeting.”
“I know. Again, I’m so sorry. I would have called, but when I woke up my phone was dead, which is why my alarm didn’t go off. I got here as soon as I could—”
“Take a deep breath. It’s okay, you’re not in trouble. Everyone oversleeps from time to time. It happens.”
I slump in relief. “It won’t happen again, I promise.” I make a mental note to order a battery-operated alarm clock as soon as I get to my desk.
Andréa nods once. “Big law life is hard. It’s a high-stress job, and the work is arduous. I just want to be sure you’re balancing everything well.”
“I am. Honestly.”
Her chair squeaks when she leans back. “Good. Because I spoke to Glenn Boone about you the other day.”
I sit up straighter. “Really?”
“He asked me what I think about renewing your offer to start as a first-year associate in the fall. I told him you were my top choice.”
“Wow, Andréa. Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
She waves me away. “You deserve it. Your work product is excellent, and you have a knack for litigation. Your brief for the Lebow case was outstanding. Truly brilliant, creative legal reasoning. Smith & Boone would be lucky to have you.”
Pride swells in my chest. “I appreciate it. I won’t let you down.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now, as you know, we like to give our summer associates a chance to gain experience in different types of law…”
My eyebrows fly up my forehead. “You’re moving me out of litigation?”
“Only temporarily. Mercedes Trowbridge has expressed an interest in shadowing me, so I’d like to cycle her in for few weeks and give you exposure to the public law group.”
I nod, mouth dry. “Of course, whatever you want.”
“This isn’t a punishment, Cass. It’ll be good for you to experience a different practice area.”
“I understand, and I’m grateful. My undergraduate degree is in public administration, so a foray into public law should be pretty interesting for me.”
“That’s the spirit. And don’t worry, I have full confidence in you. I know you’ll continue your top-notch work and wow Frank as much as you’ve wowed me.”
“Thank you, Andréa. I won’t disappoint you. Or Frank.”
Her eyes shine with pride. “I know.”
* * *
I leave Andréa’s office and trudge to my cubicle, emotions swirling and colliding like a paper boat pitched on storm-tossed waves. My shoulders tense when I spot Mercedes sitting at her desk.
She peers at me over her shoulder when I plop my bag onto the floor.
“Are you okay? You don’t look so good,” she simpers.
“Fine,” I grit.
“Are you sure? I have concealer if you want some for those dark circles under your eyes.” Her voice is nothing but pure concern, but I don’t miss the infinitesimal curl to her lips.
Anger pounds hot and heavy through my veins. “Cut the crap, Mercedes. How long did you wait this morning before running off to Andréa’s office when you figured out I was late? Was it thirty seconds or did you wait a whole minute?” Glaring, I sit heavily in my chair.
Her icy blue eyes flash. “Excuse me, it’s not my fault you didn’t show. And in fact, she reached out to me. If you don’t like me covering for you, how about you do your job.” Snagging a notebook from her desk, she storms away without a backward glance.
Groaning, I let my head fall on my desk with a plunk.
She’s right. Even though I could have done without the hefty dose of smug satisfaction, it’s not her fault I wasn’t there and Andréa asked her to sub for my meeting.
Jiggling the mouse to wake up my computer, I punch in my password like I’m hammering nails. If only I hadn’t stayed up late last night to paint.
I pound my armrest with my fist. This is all Perry’s fault. I have one heartfelt conversation about art, and all sense flies out the window. I should have rewrapped that easel as soon as I opened it and delivered it straight back to Perry with a note: Thanks, but no thanks. I’m too busy. This is exactly why my mom has always cautioned me against distractions: they really do affect your career.