Page 98 of Dirty Judge

OLIVIA

Hey Sylvia. This is Olivia.

You stalked me in my parking lot a while ago because you’re writing a story about Judge Ashton…

Sylvia (Journalist)

Ah, yes! I’ve been hoping to hear from you.

Do you have anything?

Yes. Meet up next Friday? 6 p.m. at a café I choose?

Text me four hours before and I’ll be there.

Isighed, feeling a slight twinge of guilt about sharing anything about Liam, but I knew this was for the best.

For both of us.

Settling behind my laptop, I clicked on the final page of my application to Hudson Law School.

Please submit at least three letters of recommendation from a professor, lawyer, or legal professional.

Applications without this will not be considered for admission.

Ugh…

I scrolled through my former emails, settling on two professors who I hoped remembered me, but I knew that the person who would help me the most was Judge Ashton.

Then again, maybe I could settle for Judge Ashton-adjacent.

Taking a deep breath, I typed Mara’s name and hit call.

“You’ve reached Mara Banks at Judge Ashton’s office!” Her voicemail picked up instantly. “Leave me your name and number, and I’ll call you right back!”

Beep!

“Hey Mara, it’s me, Olivia.” I paused. “I uh, I know it’s been a while and I’m sure you’re busy, but I’m hoping I could get you to write me a recommendation letter? I’ve been applying to law schools lately and?—”

“That’s all you have to say to me?” Liam’s voice was on the line. “After all these weeks, you’re calling to ask for a favor?”

“I could’ve sworn I was calling Mara…” My foolish heart skipped a beat. “Not you.”

“Well, I’m watching her phone while she attends to some business,” he said. “So, now you’re callingme.”

“I don’t want anything from you, Liam.” I swallowed. “Hang up and don’t interrupt my voicemail when I call back.”

“What law schools are you applying to?”

“None of your business.”

“I’m trying to be nice.”

“Don’t be.”

“This is the part where you can say, ‘I miss you’ and ‘I’m very sorry for all the things I said to you, Liam,’” he said. “And maybe then I’ll take you back.”

“I don’t want you back.” I felt tears pricking my eyes. “Ever.”