“This is Justin Sterling, Vanessa Pryce’s husband. I
want to arrange to have your mother’s cancer treatment taken care of.”
“Oh. Hi. I…didn’t realize she’d involve you.”
Justin frowned. What had she thought Vanessa would do? Take care of the matter on her own? He was her husband. “Can you send the details to my assistant?” He gave her the email address.
“Of course.” There was a pause. “Would you mind if we meet in person?”
Justin considered. “I have some time this afternoon, but it’ll have to be quick.”
“Sure. Do you mind if I pick the time and place? I’m returning to Provo to check up on my mother later today.”
“That’s fine.”
“Can I text you at this number?”
“Use this one.” Justin rattled off the public mobile number that he used with his executives and workers. “I’ll bring Vanessa as well.”
“No, please don’t. Thanks, Justin.” She hung up.
* * *
As soon as they arrived back at the condo, Vanessa changed into a casual dress and went out again. She didn’t think she could talk to Justin without losing control. The conversation between him and his mother echoed in her head. She’d overheard it from the living room; when he had emerged from the kitchen she’d pretended to be asleep instead of confronting him in his mother’s home. And now the things he’d said were simmering in her mind like a witches’ brew.
She spotted Felix the moment she entered the Starbucks near the office. She waved at him while standing in line to get a decaf latte, then went over to his table.
“What’s up? Hope it’s not an emergency,” he said. “I was surprised to get your call.”
“It’s not. You look good.” And he did, sitting there in his conservative, perfect-for-the-office suit. Bitterness spread in her heart. Unlike her, he had a career of his own, without anybody meddling in it.
“Can’t believe you’re still in town. I thought you’d be in Acapulco or somewhere by now.”
She forced a laugh. “Just because I have two weeks off doesn’t mean Justin does.” She leaned forward. “Hey, I know you’re busy, but I need to talk to you about something you said.”
He frowned. “Okay.”
“You remember how you said how that silly forty-hour work I was doing was more important than it looked?”
“Yeah…”
“What made you say that?”
He shrugged. “I heard rumors that the work had something to do with Sterling & Wilson. A couple of the secretaries were talking about it.”
The latte sat like poison in her belly. “The secretaries know too?”
“Well, it’s just a rumor. But yeah, they’re plugged in. All the work they do for the partners.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t believe this.” Her cheeks flushed as humiliation mixed with anger.
“Why are you so upset?”
“Do you know why I wanted to keep my marriage to Justin quiet?” She didn’t wait for a response. “I didn’t want it to affect my career at the firm. Justin knew that too, but he hired Highsmith, Dickson and Associates anyway, and I’m sure the partners figured out there was something between us.” Highsmith hadn’t become head of the firm by being slow. “When I’m offered a partnership, I want it to be because I’m good at what I do, not because I’m married to Justin Sterling!”
“People knowing who your husband is doesn’t make you a bad lawyer all of a sudden.”
“No, but the—”