Fortunate Sum by M. Ullrich

Author:M. Ullrich [Ullrich, M.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781626395312
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2016-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Catherine spent more time on personal calls that week than she ever had, making plans with Imogene and Alice for the Valentine’s function. Everything was working out perfectly, until Catherine had an unexpected Thursday-evening date with Richard Thorton. At the end of a particularly long, drawn-out meeting, Catherine found herself in dire need of a drink. She surprised herself by asking Richard, but the fact that his excitement seemed genuine shocked her more.

That excitement didn’t translate into reality. Once they got to a bar and ordered drinks, they stared at each other blankly across the small candlelit table. The uncomfortable silence stretched on and Catherine found herself wishing an empty glass would replace the full one that sat in front of her so she’d be able to excuse herself.

“So,” Richard started, “that was some meeting.” He straightened his burgundy tie.

“Sure was.” Catherine ate the olive off the small martini pick. “One of the job hazards, I guess.”

“I have a real love / hate relationship with this job,” Richard confessed eagerly. “I enjoy what I do, but I hate having to explain it to other people, especially in a proposal that sounds a lot like ‘please trust me with your millions.’” He took a healthy swig of his scotch.

“I know what you mean,” Catherine agreed, relaxing as she treaded lightly on their singular common ground. “It’s still better than what I originally thought I’d be doing with my life.”

“And what was that?” Richard asked.

“Defense attorney,” she said. “It’s easier to convince people to trust you with their money than their lives sometimes.” She laughed at her small joke.

“You made the right choice,” he replied. “Most lawyers I know are terrible people.”

Catherine stiffened defensively.

“You’re incredibly talented in this field,” Richard said. “You’re brilliant with your numbers and very well accomplished amongst our most prestigious clients. Very impressive.”

“Thank you.” Catherine bowed her head modestly. Deep inside, she was uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going. She had asked him out in hopes of getting to know him personally, not to give him the green light to kiss her ass. “Tell me more about yourself, Richard.”

“What would you like to know?” He looked at her over the rim of his glass.

“Family? Hobbies? Favorite sport?” Anything?

“Only child, parents are back in Chicago, and I’m not much of a sports guy.” He kept looking at his drink after he spoke.

This is like pulling teeth, Catherine thought as she took another sip of her still-full martini. As the silence stretched on, her thoughts strayed, and she starting thinking about plans for the next evening. She knew what she was going to wear, but Imogene hadn’t told her what she planned on wearing. No matter what Imogene chose, Catherine knew she’d look stunning. And she’d be better company than Richard. Hearing her name, Catherine felt Richard and the waiter staring at her.

“Would you like another drink?”

“No, thank you. One is enough for this lightweight.”

He gave her a small smile before ordering a refill. Catherine silently calculated how much longer that additional drink would keep her there.

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