Audrey changed from her flats to heels. Tim had called that Thursday morning to suggest meeting for a coffee and to ask if she still had her files from that antitrust case she had done years ago. She pulled out the files for Tim. She hoped he hadn’t called her just for her research. It wasn’t the first time he’d asked. To be fair to him, though, others also asked. She had a reputation for thorough research ever since, as a third-year associate, she had found some obscure case for Malaburn that was straight on point that local counsel hadn’t even found. Malaburn had then staffed her on all his cases—and proceeded to make her life hell for eight months. He’d been in the middle of divorce number two. Approaching his door, she’d overheard one conversation when he’d said, “You should be glad law is my mistress. It’s not like I’m cheating on you with a person.” She’d quickly retreated from his door.

Although she’d worried that Tim was staying “out of it,” he had warned her about Colette; he was being there for her. So, she should ask his advice on Malaburn; Tim had never mentioned any issues with him.

The firm’s spacious reception area was on the top floor of the skyscraper so that the floor-to-ceiling windows could impress visitors with the views of the New York City skyline. Tim was on his phone, leaning against one of the marble columns, looking out the windows, one hand in his pocket. Her heart felt a little pang. She still found him attractive, even if she wasn’t sure where she stood with him anymore. And even if he was off-limits for the next six months.

She nodded to the guard at the mahogany reception desk with Howard, Parker & Smith emblazoned across it in brass letters. As her heels clicked on the white marble floor, Tim smiled at her and ended his call. Straightening, their glances meeting, he said, “Glad you could make it. Is that your research file?”

“Yes, but it’s from a few years ago.”

“I’m sure it will help.” He took the file and tucked it under his arm. As the elevator doors closed, he said, “I’m happy you could come. I need the break.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “I worked all weekend and stayed late every night this week. I can’t believe the hours I’m putting in.” That didn’t sound like he and Colette were dating.

Once they were out on the street, with no colleagues around, she asked, “Do you have any advice on working for Malaburn?”

“Malaburn?” He looked at her. “You should be able to knock it out of the park if it’s just research.”

“I hope. But you and he had no issues, right?”