Holding On by Deborah Heal

Author:Deborah Heal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian romance, inspirational romance novels, Second chance, Inspirational, inspirational mystery small town, romance small town setting, country man romance
Publisher: Write Brain Books
Published: 2017-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

On Monday morning Julia arrived at the law office feeling more poised and put together than she had Friday. Her clothes had already arrived via priority mail. Some of her things were showing a little wear, but they still looked pretty good and definitely more suitable than the clothes she’d brought with her. And although her mom had made most of the skirts, Cheryl always swore they didn’t look homemade.

Wearing her favorite outfit had been a boost to her confidence, but it hadn’t lasted in the face of Christine Butler’s constant but subtle hostility toward her. She was wearing all black again. Lots of women did as a fashion statement or for the slimming effect. In Christine’s case, the color also matched her personality.

But she typed like a speed demon, worked like a maniac answering four million phone calls a day, and knew everything there was to know about Phillip Ashe’s law practice. Christine was, in fact, clearly its heart and soul. And it was obvious she didn’t want Julia’s help.

She had, however, asked her to go out to Burgermeister’s and pick her up a hamburger and fries. When Julia returned at twelve fifteen and looked cautiously into Christine’s office she was still frowning near-sightedly at her computer monitor as she typed. Julia dreaded every time she had to interrupt her. But, since she dreaded losing her job even more, she took a breath and said, “Here’s your lunch. No onions and extra pickle just like you wanted.”

“Great,” Christine said without looking up. “Set it there.”

Julia set the bag on a relatively uncluttered spot on Christine’s desk and turned to leave.

Her clicking keyboard went silent. “I went to high school with Neil and Michelle.”

Surprised, Julia stopped mid-flight and turned back. “Really?” She wasn’t really interested. What was interesting was that Christine felt the need to tell her. Had Philip said something that gave her the impression she and Neil were a couple? A second even worse thought came to her—had Philip told Christine that Neil pressured him into hiring her?

Christine unwrapped her sandwich. “Neil was a senior when I was a freshman. He’d flash that smile of his and have the girls at his feet three deep.” She looked to see how Julia was responding to that statement and then added, “He’s thirty-eight and they’re still throwing themselves at him. I saw Connie Barrows drooling over him at the post office just the other day.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Just a friendly warning—since you aren’t from around here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do I have to spell it out, Julia? I mean Neil Ashe isn’t exactly known for his fidelity. Everyone knows he cheated on Michelle.” She glanced at the hall outside her office and lowered her voice. “And Philip’s the same way. Well, he’s not married so I suppose he’s not bound by vows, but still...”

“That’s none of my business.” And none of yours, Julia wanted to say.

“Isn’t it?”

“I don’t know why you think I care. I’m just here to work.

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