“No, I mean I was a second year. I don’t think I wowed him as much as you did, and he was quite fine to see me go onto another case. He yelled at me for my formatting. I think I underlined something that was capitalized and that ticked him off.”

“Yeah, he’s got a thing for formatting. When he explained his formatting peeves, I couldn’t believe he was serious.”

Starbucks was around the corner, so it was a quick trip. She wished that they were walking slower so she could enjoy the warmth of the sun on her face and arms before they had to return to the air-conditioned offices.

Tim held the door for her as they entered the crowded shop. She offered to grab a table while he put in the orders. The free table was wedged between a man working intently on his laptop and an older woman, wearing three colorful scarves and a bright yellow muumuu, reading a newspaper. A shopping cart filled with newspapers was parked next to her. Audrey slid into a seat against the wall facing the counter. A mothball odor drifted over from the older woman. Tim was giving their orders to a barista, who seemed to be flirting with him.

“I always take this seat,” the woman said, unsolicited. “Gives a great view of all the action.”

“It does,” Audrey said.

“Waiting for someone?” the woman asked.

As she said yes, Tim strode up and put the folder and his phone on the table. “Do you need sugar or anything?”

“No thanks.”

The older woman spoke up as he left: “Ooo, he’s a keeper, honey.”

“He’s not mine,” Audrey said.

“Don’t let that stop you,” she said. “He’s yours at the moment.”

Audrey looked at her, bemused.

Tim returned with the drinks. “One chai tea for you and one big bolt of caffeine for me.” He sat down and pushed back his chair so he had room to stretch out his legs. “I’ve got friends coming into town this weekend. I wanted to get ahead so I’d have time to hang out with them. But working for Dan is pretty intense.” He pulled the cases out of the folder. He flipped through the stapled documents and asked her which ones he should start with. She examined the cases, reviewing her notes at the top of each case, and suggested various avenues to pursue.

“Did Malaburn call you all the time when you worked for him?” she asked.

“No, but I was junior. Stacy was the senior associate on the case. She definitely complained about him. Is Hunter taking you as his guest to the business development conference at the Marriott?” Tim asked. “Alastair just invited me.” Alastair was Tim’s partner mentor—a similar relationship to hers with Hunter.

“No, at least he hasn’t invited me yet.”