“I’m great thanks,” I said, getting warmed up for round three. “And Judge Friedman is—”

“So incredibly amazing,” Natasha finished my sentence. “I mean, I hope that working here won’t be too much of a letdown after what you’ve just gotten to do for the judge. I know how devastated I was when my clerkship ended.” Letdown and devastated sounded familiar.

“Yeah, you know it really has been just an extraordinary experience. Judge Friedman is basically the best person I’ve ever worked for. I’ve learned so much from her,” I said.

“Wow—especially with the Dell Nelson case,” Natasha said, admiration dripping, “everyone here is rooting for her. You know the ACLU is her biggest fan. And we’re totally disgusted by that Linda Adams. I hope to God someone with half a brain will filibuster her confirmation hearings. Oh wait—does anyone in the Senate have half a brain?” She laughed at her own tired joke, signaling me to do the same. “So, can you give me the inside scoop? How’s the en banc going to shake out?”

“Natasha—honestly, at this point, you know as much as I do. That there are two votes for no resentencing and one to resentence—Friedman’s. The rest are anyone’s guess at this point,” I replied, lying. I knew for a fact that Judge Friedman had all but secured the votes of three of her colleagues. I also knew that Judge Adams had as many in her camp. Twelve judges were voting—whoever got to magic number seven first, won. A handful were on the fence and it could go in either direction. I, however, was not at liberty to divulge this information and therefore had to fib.

But who was I kidding? I’d been telling tales from the moment I arrived at the ACLU. Judging from the foam issuing from Natasha’s, Lexi’s, and Alberto’s mouths, I knew that the truth wouldn’t have gone over well. So, I lied. And got the job on the spot.

“Sheila, we at the ACLU are thrilled to extend an offer to you to be our newest staff attorney,” Anika, the head of human resources, said, beaming.

As my heart did flip-flops, she added: “This is just the best job any lawyer could ever hope for!” The record stopped. I’d heard those words before.

“Well, Anika, you know what? I am so beyond honored, but I need just a few days to think this one through,” I said, surprising even myself.

“Well, um, sure, take all the time you need,” she replied, cautiously. “Is there anything else I can do to help you make this decision, Sheila? I sort of was under the impression that you were quite eager to come here.”