AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Somehow, he knew the conversation was about his job, and he clenched his jaw to keep from lashing out. Didn’t she understand he needed to work, or he’d lose everything? His business? Their future? Everything was all tied together.
“I’ve already offered to assist with your business over the summer,” Lanie piped up. She glanced at Nate. “And we’re happy to help Rose with the wedding planning, as it’s a good chance to learn the business before we plan our own.”
“But you’re going to need to figure something else out soon,” Nate said. He took Lanie’s hand and fixed Steven with a steely gaze. “Lanie starts teaching on her own in August, so you can’t lean on her for too long.”
Steven pressed his fingers into his temples. “I already promised I would cut back.”
“I’m afraid that’s not enough,” Rose said, her tone gentle. “And that’s what we’re here to discuss. How we can pitch in and help you to alleviate as much of your stress as possible.”
“Lanie and Sandra are helping me hire a law clerk.” He met his sister’s gaze. “I’m truly grateful for your help, both while I was in rehab and now. While my staff can handle daily tasks, there’s benefit in having someone who knows me and is aware of my…” He couldn’t say the words. “Condition.”
Rose looked like she wanted to say more, but he held up his hand. “Before you ask me about a partner again, let me explain why that’s not possible. The fact is, I can’t afford to bring on a full-time attorney right now. There’s not enough profit to support something like that at this point.” He sighed. “At the same time, there’s too much tied into this firm to go belly-up so soon.”
“Then what can we do to make sure that doesn’t happen?” Dad asked.
“Finding a law clerk is the first step.” Steven glanced at Rose. “Though it would be easier if I could go into the office.”
“Absolutely not.” She crossed her arms. “Dr. Myers said you aren’t cleared to return to work yet.”
He released a frustrated sigh. “I appreciate everything. And I am aware of the risk of another…” He choked on the words again. “Incident.” Clearing his throat, he pressed on. “But you also have to understand I have a lot at stake, and there are certain things I’m not willing to compromise on.”
Rose clenched her hands into fists. Steven’s jaw ached from grinding his teeth. They appeared to be at an impasse, and he had no idea where to go from there.
“Why don’t we continue with the arrangement we had while you were in the rehab facility?” Lanie asked in a clear attempt to break through the tension. “I can keep you up to date on the goings-on in the office and bring you things to sign.”
Before she finished speaking, Steven was already shaking his head. “I need to start catching up with my clients.” At Rose’s glare, he added, “But I can do that through phone calls and video conferences.”
His sister visibly relaxed and smiled. “That seems fair to me.”
All eyes turned to Rose for her verdict. At first, he thought she was going to keep pushing him to stop working entirely, but then she nodded.
“I won’t stop encouraging you to take it easy,” Rose said, her voice much more tentative than it had been moments ago. “But I understand the need to save your firm.” Her teeth worried her lower lip. “Just… promise me you won’t overexert yourself.”
“I promise.” Steven put his hand over his heart, which felt more than a little overdramatic, but he wanted to assure her of his sincerity.
“But you better believe I’ll be watching you like a hawk,” Lanie said, her hazel eyes darkening.
“I’d expect nothing less,” Steven replied drily. He forced himself not to grin. Against all odds, he’d won. Well, he’d won a battle, but if he knew his family, the war was far from over.
As happy as he was to be out of the rehab facility, Steven had to admit being home wasn’t much better. Despite his pleas, his family refused to allow him to return to the office, not even to visit his staff. And his attempts to convince his sister to bring him work beyond the occasional need for his signature had been met with her threatening to tell Rose. The last thing he needed was another dressing-down from his fiancée. But as the days wore on, his restlessness grew.
To her credit, Lanie was surprisingly lenient with him. She was happy to just sit and talk to him, watch TV together, or play board games. If Rose had stayed, he probably wouldn’t get off so easily. She would play nursemaid and insist he follow every recommendation from the doctor. But as long as he didn’t overexert himself, Lanie didn’t fuss.
“Are you enjoying your summer vacation?” he asked one afternoon while they played Uno.
Lanie shrugged. “I’m not hating it, but since I only got to work a few months before the school year ended, I don’t feel like I’ve earned the break.”
He raised an eyebrow as he considered his next move. “I disagree. After everything you’ve been through this last year, you deserve to relax.”
“What about you? How are you feeling about the forced recovery period?”
For a moment, he didn’t answer, pretending to concentrate on his cards. “It’s nice to be home, but I do worry the work is piling up.”
“I’ve been by the office every day this week to coordinate with Sandra. She said she’s handling your cases just fine, though Mr. Willoughby continues to call daily.”
Steven rolled his eyes. As much as he missed the office, he had to admit he was in no hurry to return to dealing with that particular client. But he kept that to himself.
“I’m glad Sandra is staying on top of things, but it may be too much for her.”
