Colette’s shiny brown hair was pulled back in a tight ballerina bun. Tim bent his head slightly as if to catch what Colette was saying. Even though she wasn’t close enough to see Tim’s eyes, Audrey could visualize his chocolate eyes giving that cozy “we’re in this together” feeling.

“They look rather together,” Winnie said.

Audrey bit her lip, considering this. Colette would definitely appeal to someone like Tim; Colette was so polished and sure of herself. Her breath hitched and she felt a slight ache of disappointment. Colette wouldn’t wait around for two years, content with casual stop-bys. Audrey waved as they neared. Tim said hello with an intimate smile at Audrey.

“Congratulations on getting the Popflicks case,” he said. “I could tell the GC liked you.”

“I’m sorry it’s just me.”

“It’s okay. Gives me more time to focus on my current case,” Tim said.

Exactly. He had only one case and she, three very busy ones. She wiped a trickle of perspiration away from her brow. She seemed to be the only person sweating. Tim was wearing a highly starched, still-crisp white shirt, and Colette’s sleeveless silk shift looked cool in the heat.

“I’m taking Tim to lunch.” Colette placed her hand on his arm. “I found this charming French bistro that opened last week. I met the French owner, so it might be authentically good.”

“Your father’s French, right?” Winnie asked.

Colette stilled. “Yes.”

“I didn’t realize your father was still alive. But you’re visiting only your mom this weekend?” Tim asked. Audrey glanced at Tim sharply. He seemed interested, if he was asking about her parents.

“I am visiting only my mom this weekend. My father’s still alive, physically speaking, but we don’t talk.” Colette smoothed into place a stray shiny brown tendril escaping her sleek bun.

“That’s terrible,” Audrey said. She would give a lot to have one more chance to speak with her father.

“It’s not a loss. He slept with his assistant, divorced my mom, didn’t always pay child support, but appears demonstratively physically happy with his new wife.” Colette shuddered.

“That would do it,” Winnie said.

“Yeah,” Audrey said.

“I don’t need him.” Colette shrugged. “But I do need to find a new partner to work for. My case just settled. Maybe I can get your thoughts on which one over lunch, Tim.” She gazed up at him. “It has to be someone whom I haven’t worked with before. But someone influential who will advocate for me for partner.”

“I’d be glad to help.” Tim patted her hand on his arm. “Will you be in the office tomorrow, Audrey?”

“Yes, after lunch,” Audrey said. Their body language was certainly giving an impression of being more than office colleagues.

“I thought you were taking Saturday off?” Winnie asked.