“Yes, that’s right. Peter and Molly just purchased a home in NoVa, so they may be a better fit for this.”

Henderson’s a smart man. He wouldn’t dare say outright that I’m not a good fit for the task because I’m unattached, but the implication is there just the same. It truly burns that I’m in this position. If Ella had stuck to her end of the bargain, I would be a shoo-in for this assignment. Instead, I’m scrambling to make myself relevant. And sure, I could try to persuade Henderson to disregard my newly single status, but I know he’s looking for any reason to box me out of opportunities whenever Olney isn’t around to run interference. Henderson’s considered me a threat ever since a major client dropped him from a trial team because they wanted me to handle the case on my own. Embarrassing for Henderson, sure. Still, I didn’t orchestrate that shitshow, so this personal vendetta is uncalled for. If he’d just give me a goddamn chance, I’d do a bang-up job of selling Kimberly Bailey on both the firm and DC life. Unfortunately, Henderson doesn’t want to give me a chance, and now he has a decent excuse for his decision.

Michael’s crass prediction flashes in my brain. On the eve of associate evaluations, what could be better than having my bosses so far up my ass that I’d need an enema to flush them out? Metaphorically speaking, of course. I’m already on shaky ground with the firm, which means I need this assignment. Without it, I’m unlikely to turn things around to make partner by thirty, and if I don’t, what the hell was the point of never deviating from my plan for success all this time?

A woman with curly hair and chocolate-brown eyes immediately comes to mind, and my solution tumbles out effortlessly, pure adrenaline fueling my pitch-perfect delivery. “Sir, I didn’t bring this up earlier because it didn’t seem relevant, but since you mentioned wanting these outings to be with our significant others, now’s an appropriate time to tell you that I’m in a serious relationship with someone, and I think she’d be a real asset to our effort to recruit Kimberly Bailey.”

“Bullshit,” Peter coughs into his hand.

Henderson cocks his head. “You’re in a serious relationship? Less than two weeks after you canceled your wedding?”