“Okay. When is he expecting me?”

“He said whenever it’s convenient.”

That’s code for Right Now. I’m already late.

“Perfect. I’ll head in.” I stand, hoping my voice conveys a sense of calm and not the terror I’m currently experiencing.

“He asked for Henry, too.”

Apprehension morphs into trepidation and fear, covering me in an invisible cloak of nerves. “Lovely,” I croak, my throat suddenly dry and scratchy. “Can’t wait.”

I try to squash the anxiety zipping through me as I stride down the hall, hesitating for a fraction of a second outside Wallace’s office. Steeling myself, I knock with confidence. I’m good at my job, dammit, and I have no reason to be afraid.

“Come in.”

I open the door, greeted with the sight of Henry sitting in a chair, his ankle resting on the knee of his other leg and wearing a smirk on his face. Guess we’re back to carefree and aloof, the rigidity that encompassed him yesterday long gone.

“Emma! Come in! Take a seat!” Wallace motions toward the free chair and I slip into it ungracefully, perching on the edge.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” I ask. I can feel Henry’s piercing gaze on me, eyes burning my skin as they watch me cross my legs and fold my hands into my lap.

“Indeed. I haven’t shared this news with anyone else yet. Richards is planning on retiring next month.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I offer, unsure of how to react to the departure of one of the four partners of our firm.

“I’m not. I won’t have to hear about the stupid sailboat he’s going to buy anymore.” Wallace leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers together. “With him gone, we’ll have a partner spot opening up.”

The world around me freezes. Henry’s posture shifts, both of his feet now firmly planted in a more professional, dignified pose.

“What does that mean exactly, sir?” Henry asks, his low, gravely voice causing me to shiver involuntarily.

He sounds different whenever he’s speaking about a serious topic; the tone drops an octave and his inflection becomes stern. Commanding. Like he could demand the attention of a crowded football stadium and they would all listen. I wiggle in my chair at the change.

“It means we’re going to be looking for someone to take on his role. You two are my top candidates.”

I blink, unsure if I heard him correctly. “Pardon?”

He’s considering me and Henry to replace a man who’s been with the firm for 20 years? Partner positions are rare and nonexistent. Offering one to a person with less than a decade of experience is preposterous and unheard of, especially at a firm this size. It never happens.