Keeping Denver

It’s been three weeks since I started working at Hawk Law. Each day passes much the same. I’m bogged down with calls, emails, and appointment scheduling all day, and I like it. Staying busy makes the days go by much faster. Another plus is that I’ve saved the amount needed to put a deposit down on a place of my own. Tomorrow I’m meeting the apartment manager at noon to see a studio apartment. It took me a week to find a place I could afford. It’s not in a great neighborhood and the commute to work will be an hour, but it will be worth it to have my own place finally. The guy told me over the phone that the first month’s rent and deposit are due on the spot. Rent is thirteen hundred a month and the deposit is five hundred. I breathed a sigh of relief when I opened my last check and it revealed I had made just enough over the last few weeks to cover the cost plus a couple hundred left over. I’m so giddy I can hardly contain my excitement. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.

‘Miss Hollis,’ Mr. Hawk gives me a curt nod as he strolls past my desk with his briefcase in hand. ‘Did you get the Braxton file I asked for and email his lawyer’s assistant?’

‘Yes, Sir. I set it on your desk this morning. And I forwarded Granger’s assistants’ reply a few minutes ago.’

Recently Mr. Hawk has been neck-deep into two new cases. So much so he called everyone into the office an hour early this morning. I don’t mind, though. It’s much better here rather than the shelter.

Standing, I round my desk. ‘I’ll have your coffee to you in a minute. Also, Frances brought in some bagels from the bakery on the corner. Would you like one?’

With a jerk of his chin for confirmation, I set out for the breakroom. I sigh when I spot Kelly fixing herself a cup of coffee. I don’t say a word as I patiently wait for her to finish. Once she does, I grab a pod of Mr. Hawk’s favorite brew from the cabinet, and pop it into the Keurig. The whole time I feel Kelly drilling holes into the back of my head. Continuing to ignore her, I grab a napkin and open the box sitting on the table to snag a bagel. Finally, having enough of Kelly’s antics, I turn to face her. She has her hip propped against the counter as she casually sips from her mug.

‘Is there something I can help you with, Kelly?’

‘No. I’m just keeping an eye on you to make sure you don’t steal anything.’

My face heats. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not going to steal anything.’

‘That innocent little act you have going doesn’t fool me, honey. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. You take food from here when you think nobody is looking.’

‘Kelly, I…’

‘It’s only a matter of time before Frances and Mr. Hawk see you for the lying little thief you are.’ Kelly takes two steps in my direction, coming face to face with me. ‘Your days here are numbered. And when you’re gone, I’ll be here to take your place beside Mr. Hawk, where I belong.’ Kelly shakes her head, giving me a look of pity. ‘I see the way you look at him. You’re delusional to think he could ever be interested in a pitiful nobody like you. Someone who can’t even bother to wash the coffee stain from the shirt she wore two days ago. Take a good long look in the mirror, Denver. You don’t belong here, and Mr. Hawk would never look at you twice. You’re his errand girl. His little mouse, which fetches his coffee and bagel.’

With her cruel parting words, Kelly saunters out the door, leaving me feeling ashamed and embarrassed. If she’s noticing the way I look at my boss, I wonder who else has. I look down at my shirt, and notice the stain I tried to wash out in the bathroom sink at the shelter the other day. Laundry day is Saturday. There was no way I could take my things to the laundromat after work and still have time to stand in line at the shelter for a bed.

‘Good morning, Denver. How are you?’ Lucas walks in with a grin on his face. I fix my features and shake off my encounter with Kelly.

‘Hi, Lucas. I’m doing okay. How are you?’ I grab a bagel for Mr. Hawk and one for myself, then finish my task fixing his coffee—black with two sugars.

‘I can’t complain. Not when I get to come to work and see your pretty face.’

I blush at the compliment. Lucas has been friendly since I started working here, but he has never flirted. Or at least that’s what I think he’s doing. I could be wrong.

‘So, how do you like working here, Denver? The boss treating you okay?’

I nod. ‘Yes. I like it here, and everyone has been nice.’ All aside from Kelly, but I don’t tell Lucas that. With Mr. Hawk’s coffee and bagels in hand, I give Lucas a small smile as I head toward the door. ‘Speaking of the boss, I better get him his coffee.’

‘Say, Denver,’ Lucas stops me. ‘Would you like to go out sometime? There is a restaurant two blocks from here I think you’d like.’

I look down at my feet to hide my red cheeks. Lucas is a handsome man with sandy blond hair and kind chocolate eyes. I’m tempted to say yes, but my current situation has me taking pause. I’m just about to turn him down when his deep voice chimes in behind me. ‘She can’t.’

I chance a glance over my shoulder to see Mr. Hawk standing there. His attention laser-focused on Lucas.

‘Oh. I didn’t realize there was a no fraternization policy with the company, boss,’ Lucas states with a puzzled look.

‘There’s not,’ Mr. Hawk confirms with no further explanation.

I watch as several looks cross Lucas’s face before it morphs into a smile. ‘I see.’

I see? What does he see?

‘Well, I better get to work. I’ll see you around, Denver,’ Lucas nods toward me and then to our boss, leaving me confused.

Not knowing what just happened and with really nothing to say, I thrust the cup toward Mr. Hawk. ‘Here’s your coffee.’

He takes the cup from me, his fingertips brushing mine and my lips part. I can’t seem to take my eyes off his striking features—his hard lines and chiseled jaw. When he still doesn’t respond, which is nothing new, I swallow the lump in my throat and brush past him. ‘I’ll get back to work.’

After dropping off some files to Frances, I head back down the hall and notice Lucas standing by my desk. ‘Are you waiting for me?’

Lucas grins. ‘Some of us are going out after work for drinks. There is a bar down at the end of the block we all go to once a week. Do you want to join us?’

My mood deflates when I realize I have to turn his invitation down. I’m just about to decline Lucas’s offer when Mr. Hawk’s office door opens. His eyes dart between Lucas and myself standing within inches of each other, and his eyes narrow. I’m thinking he’s going to be an asshole to Lucas again, but instead, he diverts his attention to me. ‘Grab your things, Miss Hollis. We have a meeting, make it quick.’

My brow scrunches with confusion. ‘You don’t have another meeting scheduled for today.’

‘I do now,’ his curt reply rubs me the wrong way as he heads for the elevator. ‘Now, Miss Hollis.’

‘Okay.’ Walking around my desk, I quickly grab a notebook, pen, and the new tablet Frances gave me this morning for taking notes and dash past Lucas in a hurry to catch up with my boss before the elevator door closes. ‘I’ll catch you later, Lucas,’ I toss over my shoulder. Mr. Hawk’s scowl turns into a look of irritation by the time I step beside him. As irritating as he can be, Mr. Hawk has an effect on me. My heart races and my palms become sweaty. I peek at him through my lashes, letting my eyes roam over his body. Lifting my chin, I catch his eyes on me as well, and my face heats. What is wrong with me? He is your boss. Relief washes over me the moment the elevator doors slide open, and I feel like I can breathe again.

‘Miss Hollis,’ he waits for me to exit, then follows close as we make our way through the first-floor lobby. When the two of us step outside onto the busy street, Mr. Hawk’s driver is waiting for us beside a black car parked on the curb.

‘Mr. Hawk, Miss Hollis,’ he dips his head. A cold breeze causes me to shiver, and Mr. Hawk takes notice.

‘Where the hell is your coat?’

‘I forgot it,’ I lie.

Mr. Hawk grits his teeth. ‘Get in.’

Because I’m cold, I ignore his poor attitude, and slide into the back seat. Once Mr. Hawk climbs in, he addresses his driver. ‘Mitch, stop by the nearest department store. Miss. Hollis needs a coat.’

‘Yes, Sir.’

‘You don’t have to buy me a coat. I’ll be fine,’ I protest.

‘It’s not up for debate.’ At his last statement, he lifts his phone to his ear and turns his attention elsewhere, effectively dismissing me.

By the time we get to the restaurant, we’re fifteen minutes late and I feel a tad guilty for being the cause. Nevertheless, the cream leather coat, with sherpa lining, is one of the warmest pieces of clothing I’ve had against my skin in a long time.

The hostess greets us the second we walk in, her eyes drinking in the sight of the man next to me. My lip curls at the way she eyes him, and an unfamiliar feeling of jealousy settles in my stomach. ‘Good to see you again, Mr. Hawk. Your party is already here. Follow me, and I’ll take you to your table.’

The hostess sashays, adding an exaggerated sway to her hips as she leads us to our table. The older man already seated at our table stands. His eyes light up as he offers his hand. ‘Mr. Hawk, thank you for agreeing to meet with me.’

Mr. Hawk doesn’t offer any pleasantries in return. He nods and gestures for me to take a seat. ‘My apologies for being late, Mr. Dennis,’ Mr. Hawk tells the man. ‘This is my assistant, Miss Hollis,’ he introduces me.

Mr. Dennis, who has yet to take his seat, lingers at my side and places his hand in front of me. ‘Miss Hollis. It’s a pleasure.’

Not wanting to be rude, I tip my head back and look at the man. The vibe he gives causes me to recoil. Especially with the way his eyes linger on my breasts instead of my face. ‘Nice to meet you, too,’ I say, accepting his hand, and he holds on a little too long for my liking. Luckily, Mr. Hawk interrupts.

‘I’d like to get on with the meeting.’

Slipping my hand from Mr. Dennis’s grasp, I maneuver my seat a few inches closer to my boss. I don’t miss Mr. Hawk’s look of approval at my action. Mr. Dennis chooses to take his place next to me instead of the one across the table. I look at Mr. Hawk. The set line of his jaw indicates he is not pleased with Mr. Dennis’s behavior.

A few seconds later, the waiter arrives, takes our drink orders, and I take the opportunity to excuse myself. ‘I’m going to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back,’ I whisper. Moments later, when I return to the table, Mr. Dennis has abandoned the seat next to mine and is now seated across the table. Both men are wearing tight expressions.

Over the next hour, I listen to both men talk. Mr. Hawk grills Mr. Dennis about his wife, whom he is divorcing. Along with asking him a multitude of personal questions. From what I’ve gathered, the guy sounds like a complete tool. He’s painting himself as a model husband while making his wife out to be a cheating gold digger. I don’t know Mr. Dennis or his soon to be ex-wife, but something tells me that everything coming out of his mouth is a lie. I secretly hope my boss doesn’t take his case.

‘Excuse me.’ I look up from my computer hours later, to see a woman standing at my desk.

‘Yes? Can I help you?’

‘I have an appointment with Mr. Hawk. My name is Louise Dennis,’ she offers her tone soft. I immediately recognize the woman’s name. This is the wife of the man Mr. Hawk met with earlier.

‘Yes, ma’am. If you’ll come with me, I’ll show you to his office.’ I knock on Mr. Hawk’s door.

‘Come in,’ he answers.

‘Mr. Hawk. Mrs. Dennis is here for her appointment.’

Mr. Hawk stands from behind his desk and greets his client. ‘Mrs. Dennis, it’s good to meet you. Please come in and have a seat.’

I go to leave, but Mr. Hawk stops me. ‘Miss Hollis. I’d like you to stay and take notes.’

That’s a first. ‘Yes, Sir. Let me grab a notebook and pen from my desk.’ Notebook in hand, I take a seat in front of Mr. Hawk’s desk, next to Mrs. Dennis, and I absorb the conversation between them.

‘First off, I’ll start by telling you I had a meeting with your husband.’

Ms. Dennis’ shoulders sag with a sense of defeat. ‘I figured he would get to you first. I assume you will be representing him during our divorce. I don’t understand why I am here; why you reached out to me.’

‘After talking with your soon to be ex, I politely declined my services. I reached out to you because I’d like to represent you instead.’

Mr. Hawk’s admission stuns Mrs. Dennis. ‘I…I don’t understand. My husband is a very successful man. He also has the means to afford a lawyer such as yourself. I, however, don’t. My husband is leaving me with nothing. After twenty years of marriage, I am leaving the same way I came into it; penniless. He has literally supported me our whole marriage.’

Mrs. Dennis’s confession both shocks and angers me. How, after twenty years together, can a man toss his wife aside as if she were worth nothing.

‘That is precisely the reason I am taking your case, Mrs. Dennis. I also will not be requiring payment for my services.’

My heart warms, and my lips turn up into a smile. Over the past couple of weeks working here, I have begun to see a pattern with my boss. I see how he takes consultations with these rich and powerful men, charging them an extensive fee for his time, only to turn around and decline his services. Mr. Hawk then turns around and contacts the spouses of these men. He takes on all those cases for free. I’m not entirely sure why he agrees to meet with the husbands, but I’m starting to admire the way Mr. Hawk does business.

‘Miss Hollis, please set up another appointment for next week with Mrs. Dennis. And Mrs. Dennis, I’m going to email you a list of things I want you to bring the next time you come in. I’m going to put a call into Judge Franks and have the child support hearing pushed to tomorrow. It’s my understanding your oldest son is away at college, but you have two other children at home? Has he helped support the children since the separation?’

Mrs. Dennis shakes her head. ‘My son’s tuition is paid up for the semester, but my husband has not given me any support since we separated two months ago.’

I watch as Mr. Hawk’s face darkens. ‘That won’t be an issue after tomorrow, Mrs. Dennis. You have my word.’

The three of us stand. Mrs. Dennis looks as if the weight of the world is lifted off her shoulders.

‘Miss Hollis. Call Judge Frank’s office. Tell his secretary I need an early morning meeting tomorrow.’

‘Yes, Sir.’ I shuffle out of his office while Mr. Hawk walks Mrs. Dennis to the elevator. A few minutes later, he returns with Kelly trailing behind. In her hands is two white bags with the TARANTINO’S logo on the front. ‘You can set them down on the table in my office, Kelly.’ The delivery must have come while we were in the meeting with Mrs. Dennis.

Kelly saunters past me with her nose in the air doing what she is told. When she walks back out, she stops. ‘You know Mr. Hawk; Tarantino’s is one of my favorite places to eat. They have the best Chicken Fettuccini in the city.’ She bats her eyelashes, and I duck my head to hide my eye roll.

Ignoring Kelly’s blatant attempt at an invitation, Mr. Hawk addresses me. ‘Denver.’ My name is the only word he says, and I shiver at every use. It’s the same every day since the day I passed out in the office. Lunch is delivered at noon. Mr. Hawk then orders me to eat with him in his office. I have managed to gain a few pounds in the last couple of weeks too. Acknowledging Kelly for the first time since she opened her mouth, Mr. Hawk turns to her, ‘Handle Miss Hollis’s calls while she is at lunch.’

Pursing her lips, Kelly strolls back to her desk. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t enjoy her dismissal.

A small giggle escapes my lips as I take a seat on the sofa and pull our lunch from the bag. I also don’t miss the grin that crosses Mr. Hawk’s face. Our lunch is spent the same as the days before; in silence. That is, until a knock at the door, followed by Joslyn and all her beautiful glory float in. Stopping mid-stride, she accesses the scene in front of her with a look of heated anger, which is quickly replaced with a fake smile. ‘Baby,’ she whines and continues with a pout, ‘I wanted to surprise you and take you out to lunch but I see you’ve already eaten.’ Her eyes cut to me, narrowing to slits. ‘But don’t worry, I can provide you with desert.’ Ignoring me, she saunters over to Callan and drops down in his lap, covering his mouth with hers.

My stomach drops. ‘I’ll finish this at my desk,’ I say, my throat tight.

‘Yeah. You do that,’ Joslyn sneers.

I don’t say anything in return, and I refuse to look at my boss as I close his office door with a soft click. To top it off, Kelly is waiting for me when I exit.

‘As I said, he’ll never choose you over a woman like Joslyn.’

‘I’m not in competition with anyone, so I don’t see how your statement is relevant,’ I fire back. ‘The only person here trying their damndest to get noticed like a cat in heat is you.’ Yeah, I went there. Because even though I am a person who tries like hell to avoid confrontation, I have my limits, and Kelly is testing them all. ‘Don’t mistake my silence as weakness,’ I warn her.

‘You better watch your back around me, Denver.’

‘You know what, Kelly. You sure do talk a lot for someone with nothing to say. Your threats don’t scare me.’ I flick my hand and shoo her away.

‘Whatever. You’ll see,’ Kelly huffs as she’s walking off.

With my appetite lost, I pick up the remainder of my lunch and decide to finish it later, and retreat to the break room for the duration of my lunchtime. No way am I sitting at my desk while Joslyn gives Callan his desert. The thought alone of his hands touching her, and not me, makes me green with envy. Where the hell did that come from? What is wrong with you Denver? Get yourself together. Walking down the hall, I square my shoulders. I have much more important things to worry about besides Callan Hawk, and what he’s doing in his office at this very moment. Focus on yourself. I keep repeating those words in my head as I approach the breakroom. Lucas is sitting there eating his lunch when I walk in.

‘Denver. We meet again.’ He throws another boyish grin.

‘Mind if I sit with you?’

‘A pretty lady never has to ask to sit by me.’

Rolling my eyes, I take a seat. I’m starting to catch on to the way Lucas operates. I have a sneaky suspicion he’s a player. ‘I bet you say that to all the girls, Lucas.’ My retort awards me a full-on smile, dimples, and all. Lucas is cute. In that boy next door kind of way.

‘Only to you, Denver.’

I laugh. ‘Liar. But I’ll take the compliment anyway.’ I don’t know what it is about Lucas, but he’s comfortable to be around. His easy-going personality helps. His compliments make me blush. Not in the, I’m attracted to you kind of way, though. It’s not often someone like me receives a compliment. When Lucas does it, it feels foreign, Yet, makes me feel good.

‘So, you and Mr. Hawk?’

I look up at him, confused. ‘What?’

‘You don’t have to play coy with me, Denver.’ Lucas nudges me with his elbow as he takes a bite of his sandwich.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Lucas grins, a mouth full of food. ‘I’m sure you will soon enough, sweetheart.’

‘Whatever. You’re talking crazy.’ I ball my napkin up and toss it at him.

‘What’s going on here?’

I peer over my shoulder to see Mr. Hawk has yet again busted mine and Lucas’s conversation. ‘Nothing. We’re eating lunch.’

‘I think lunchtime is over. Wouldn’t you agree, Lucas?’

I answer for him. ‘Actually, we still have ten minutes.’

Pushing his chair back, Lucas stands and begins cleaning his mess. ‘The boss is right. I should be getting back.’ Lucas tosses his trash in the garbage bin. When he walks past me, he places his hand on my shoulder and gives it a light squeeze. ‘I enjoyed this. Let’s do it again sometime, sweetheart.’ With a wink, Lucas walks out, brushing past Mr. Hawk and I swear I hear him mumble ‘not fucking happening,’ under his breath.

Following suit, I stand. ‘In the future, if you require me to take a shorter break, can you please tell me in advance so we can avoid confrontation.’

‘In the future, all of your lunches will be spent in my office, with me. Problem solved.’

‘Except on the days your girlfriend is here,’ I let the snarky reply roll off my tongue as I brush past him. Yeah, I went there.