“The thing is, I don’t see the benefit to scoring points off Colette. That won’t help either of us to make partner. Even if I make her look incompetent, which she isn’t, I’ll look bad. And that’s not the way I want to make partner. But I also don’t want to be a total wimp and pushover for her. I get so annoyed with my mom when I think she is being too accommodating so as to not ruffle any male feathers in her department. I need to convince Colette that we should work together.”

“Good luck with that.” Eve poured more tea. “What’s happening with Jake?”

“Jake told his sister that he wants to stay single when I was with him at his sister’s. I thought he was romantically interested before, but I think now it’s just friends. He hasn’t called to set up a date, and he seems like he’s the type who would if he was interested.”

“He definitely seems like the go-getter type.”

“And frankly, how can I date him now when I’m up for partner? Work is crazy right now,” Audrey said.

“If he was interested, I’d say you still need to go for it, even with work.”

“And lose out on making partner?”

“You’re not going to lose out on making partner by dating someone. He’ll support your goals.”

Audrey nodded. Even if Jake did not support the goal of making law firm partner, she still couldn’t help liking him. “Hey, I was planning to throw that party in October to showcase your catering. Do you still want to do it if you’re about to become an executive pastry chef?”

“Yes, definitely. I’m closer to my dream, but I’m not there yet. And I like keeping my options open.”

“Except for Pete.”

“Well, Pete stole my heart on our third date when he convinced the bread chef at our favorite bakery to give us a lesson. Sometimes it’s pretty clear when they’re keepers.” Eve yawned.

“Pete’s definitely a keeper.” Audrey stood. “I’ll let you get to bed. But thanks for listening to me.”

Eve rose too and gave Audrey a hug. “Any time. I’m here for you. And you’re in the home stretch—only three more months until the announcement, and then you won’t have to worry about that.”

“Unless I don’t make it.”

“Don’t even go there.”

“I know. As Mom would say, eyes on the prize, don’t let doubts deter you.” Audrey washed her bowl in the sink.

“Well, your mom’s right that you have to think positively, but your mom also knew exactly what she wanted, I mean, in terms of her career. She wanted to be a professor of French literature.”

“What are you trying to say?”