The Christmas Wishing Well by Gary Robert Muschla

Author:Gary Robert Muschla [Muschla, Gary Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781622104482
Publisher: Blue Swan Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Jenna placed a cardboard box containing some of the oldest files against the wall behind her desk. She straightened up, looked around the office, and smiled at the wide sections of open area. The office was becoming less cluttered and disordered every day.

She turned as Dan came out of the back room with his briefcase.

“I’m off to the Miller house closing,” he said, getting his overcoat from the rack by the door. “I shouldn’t be gone long.”

“I’ll finish packing away files,” Jenna said.

“Good,” said Dan, putting his coat on. “By the way, Leah’s driving up for lunch. If I run late, she’ll probably arrive before I get back.” He paused, seeming to reconsider what he was about to say. “Can you entertain her?”

“Entertain?” Jenna said. Spending time with Leah wasn’t something she wanted to do.

“Yeah…entertain is probably the best word. Will you?”

“Ah, sure…”

“Thanks.” He appeared relieved. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He headed out the door.

Hopeful he would be there when Leah came, Jenna turned to the work of organizing and packing files. By noon, she was sitting at her desk checking the last few. She was impatient for Dan to return and thankful Leah hadn’t yet arrived, and then the door opened and Leah stepped inside.

“How delightful it is to see you again, Jenna,” she said.

“Hello, Leah,” said Jenna. “Dan’s at a house closing, but he should be back soon. Have a seat.”

Leah smiled. She took off her coat, draped it over a chair in front of Jenna’s desk, and sat.

She scanned the room. “Oh, my, this place is quite messy.”

“It was worse before Dan came,” Jenna said.

“Poor Dan,” said Leah. “I worry about him working here and trying to keep up with his real work. Did you know that he’s being considered for a partnership?”

“No, he didn’t tell me,” Jenna said, surprised.

“Should he make partner,” Leah said, “his future is very, very bright. Unfortunately, since he came to Carrston Lake, there’s been growing concern about his dedication to the firm. I’m afraid that he’s jeopardizing his position every moment he’s here. I don’t think he should be here at all.”

“Dan has been a big help in closing this practice,” Jenna said. “I’m sure he’s aware of his position.”

“I’m not,” said Leah. “At least not anymore…”

Unwilling to discuss Dan with her further, Jenna shifted in her chair and offered Leah the best cursory smile she could manage.

“Did you have a nice drive?” she said.

* * * *

Dan and his clients, Tom and Susan Miller, left the office of the attorney who represented the sellers of their new home and walked across the parking lot to their cars.

“It’s finally ours,” said Susan, a petite, middle-aged woman with short dark hair.

“Will you be moving in right away?” Dan said.

“As soon as we can,” said Tom, her husband, a lanky fellow whose wire-rimmed glasses made his eyes seem big.

They stopped at the Millers’ gray Mercedes.

“Which means as soon as we can furnish and decorate the house,” Susan said. She looked at Dan.

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