Page 21 of Tell Me Something

“So I’m going to read the document, sign, and then verbally agree?” I questioned.

Mark appeared hesitant. “Actually, I’ll read each paragraph to you, and then you’ll verbally agree.”

Annoyance fueled my next words. “I don’t need to be read to like a three-year-old. I can read it myself, sign it, and then verbally agree while recorded.”

Josh came up behind me. He and Mark shared a look.

“Haylee, I have no doubt that you’re smart,” Mark started and then paused.

Josh tried to explain. “This is to ensure you understand—”

I could only be condescended to so much. “I have a 172 on the LSAT and graduated with a 4.0 from Stanford. I think that I’ll understand it fine without having it recited to me. We can go paragraph by paragraph with me reading it, but I’m not going to be treated like I don’t know what a legal document is or what it means.”

Mark looked surprised, his mouth twitching with amusement as he waited for Josh’s response.

“Fine.” Following this concession, Josh took his seat back by the window.

In the end, it took twenty minutes. Then I signed and watched while Josh took the papers and headed out, presumably to fax or scan them from his hotel room office.

“Once I receive the document, I’ll acknowledge receipt,” Mark explained looking as awkward as I felt.

“Sorry you were woken up for this.”

Blushing, he dismissed the burden. “I can assure you that I’m accustomed to a lot of middle-of-the-night calls from Mr. Singer.” He must’ve seen my expression, for he turned an even brighter shade of red and apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this particular thing, never for this before. I only meant that we’ve worked together many years, and with international business as it is, I keep different hours.”

I put him out of his misery. “It’s all right. This is uncomfortable for me, too, to say the least, but I appreciate your discretion. Thank you.”

He seemed genuine when he nodded. Probably to pass the time, he asked, “So, what law school are you looking at?”

Smiling, I appreciated the change in subject. “My father went to Stanford, and I liked it there for undergrad. But I may be leaning more toward Yale or Harvard.”

“I’m a Yale alum and still live in New Haven. I love it here. But with your scores and undergrad GPA, you should have no trouble getting in wherever you want. Matter of fact, do me a favor?”

“Uh, what’s that?”

“Send me your application essay once you’ve finished it. I sat on the board of admissions a couple years back and can tell you what works and what doesn’t.”

That was huge, bigger than huge, and my smile must’ve showed it. “Mark, I don’t know what to say, except thank you.”

“It’s not a problem. We lawyers have to stick together. But I have a feeling you’ll do great.”

Neither of us had noticed Josh reenter the room. “I certainly hope that wasn’t a pep talk for entering into a sexual relationship with me.”

I was mortified, but Mark seemed to take it in stride.

“We were talking law schools. As for the other, I can offer no comment. I’ve received the email, so let me print and verify all the pages were received.” He stood up and went to his printer.

One look at Josh, and I felt like he’d pounce the moment Mark was done.

Mark confirmed receipt and gave a brief good night, obviously anxious to get back to bed and end the awkward call.

“So, are you properly turned off yet?” Josh asked once the laptop was closed.

Laughing, I joked, “Uh, well, Mark was a nice fluffer, so I’m good.” I could thank Angela for the knowledge of that word and many others like it.

He seemed to appreciate my humor, throwing back his head and laughing. “You do know that you can change your mind.” His voice was now the honey tone that turned me much the same.

“Having you wake up your attorney in the middle of the night because you couldn’t stand to wait any longer to touch me is honestly a huge turn-on.”