Together Again(17)
“Stupid woman.” Beth cocked her head and smiled. “There couldn’t be somebody, maybe not in Philly, who’s standing in the way of local talent getting his attention, could there?”
Margo looked her classmate in the eye. “Sorry, Beth, I don’t know.”
“Yeah, I bet.” Beth was smirking and Margo was trying as hard as she could to keep her expression neutral.
The subject of their conversation returned and they moved on to safer — at least in Margo’s opinion — subjects. After promising to keep in touch, Margo hugged Beth again and headed to the elevator with Tony.
“So,” he said, “you know Beth. She’s built a good reputation in a short time.” He punched the button to call the elevator.
“Of course she’s good. You get great lawyers from Berzerk-ly.”
“What were you two talking about so intently? Didn’t know law school gossip was that interesting.”
“Nothing much. Just what she was doing here.” She hit the button a couple more times. Unable to get the elevator to provide a diversion, she changed the direction of the conversation. “We kicked ass in our presentation today.” Margo put up her hand for a high-five. “We were much better than any of the other speakers I’ve heard this week.”
He touched the palm of her hand with the flat of his. “I’m shocked, counselor, shocked to find out you’re so competitive.”
“Yeah, it’s a recent development in my personality.”
Tony laughed. “But you said you were nervous. If that was nervous, I hope to hell I never have to work with you when you’re confident. No one would notice I was in the room.”
“Thanks.” She looked up at him. “That was a compliment, wasn’t it?” Before he could answer she said, “Never mind, I’m taking it as one.”
The elevator arrived and he held the door open for her to enter. “Have dinner with me at our table tonight?”
“I promised Danny Hartmann and Greer Payne I’d join them.”
“Who’re they? I’ve never heard you talk about him — her — them before, have I?”
“Both are shes. Danny’s a Portland detective, a good one, and Greer’s another deputy DA. Also a good one.”
“At least let me walk you back to the Convention Center.”
“Sounds like a plan.” The elevator stopped and they went out into the late afternoon sun. When they reached her hotel, they agreed to meet in the lobby at six.
Once in her room Margo took advantage of the time difference to call Portland and catch up on how her cases were doing. Just before she was due to meet Tony, she exchanged the tailored jacket of her black suit for a white camisole and black and white silk kimono jacket, the bottom of which she tied loosely around her waist. She put on silver hoop earrings and the Manolo Blahniks. A few minutes before six, she went down to the lobby.
He was waiting for her in a re-run of the Saturday night before, down to the Italian loafers and the spicy cologne he’d splashed on after shaving again. And like that night, he took her breath away. If only the week wasn’t just about over.
The unexpected reception they got at the cocktail party was as close to rock star level as either of them was ever likely to experience. Word of their entertaining presentation had apparently spread to those who hadn’t been in the room and multiple hugs, handshakes and words of congratulation were offered.