Page 29 of Always Beth
‘You seem a little distracted.’
‘What? No. I’m fine. Why are you here again?’ I say in a rush.
He smiles against the rim of his glass, and it melts my insides, but I daren’t let him see what he’s doing to me.
‘You’re always so welcoming.’
I hurry past him, ignoring his smile and his attitude. His voice pushes through as I try and block out every last distracting thought I’m having about him.
‘…so it’s just not a wise decision.’
‘What isn’t?’ I stammer as I turn to find him lingering in my lounge doorway.
‘To have another solicitor take care of this for you.’
Oh that.Relief washes through me as I remember the small matter of my divorce. It’s the first time I’ve found myself pleased to think about it, because I think if he had doubts about yesterday, that would actually be worse right now. As his words settle, I remember the reason I politely declined in the first place. Money.
‘James, I don’t think I can afford you. You’re a barrister. I think your skills lie a bit above my requirements.’
He frowns as he takes a small sip of his wine. ‘I know what I am, Beth, I studied for it. Anyway, I already told you I’ll have a colleague look after you. I don’t specialise in family law as it is. You still need a solicitor, but I’ll sort that. They’ll refer your case to my colleague for the representation in court.’
‘Your colleague?’
‘Yes, I’m actually not the best person for the job.’
‘And the fee?’
‘We’ll worry about that later. I’ll take care of you. I promise.’
I roll my lips as I try and contain my smile.
Collapsing into the chair opposite, he glances up at me. ‘What are you smirking at?’
‘Do you wear the wig?’
Throwing his head back, he laughs heavily. ‘Would it do it for you if I did?’
‘What? No. I just—’
‘I’m teasing, Beth. Although, you do have me intrigued.’
He slides to the edge of his seat, and I find myself mesmerised once more as his large hands grip his firm quads.
‘Intrigued?’ I force out.
‘Yes. I want to know what a woman like you is doing getting divorced?’
My body stills. I can’t tell him what an utter disaster my marriage was, how I let him take everything from me both physically and emotionally. I stare into my empty glass. I don’t even think the wine can help me out of this one.
James
Her breath steadies as she slowly fills her glass once more. Just as I think she’s about to confess all, she stops herself.
Sinking back into the chair, I apologise. ‘Sorry. It’s none of my business.’
She swallows hard and clears her throat. ‘You’ll find out eventually.’
‘But if you’re not ready—’
