Page 1 of Finding Redemption

1

“Mr. Pennington, you have a call on line one.”

“Thank you, Donna,” I answer the intercom as I reach for the receiver. “Pennington.”

“Asshole.” Riley’s baritone voice booms through the phone.

“What makes you think I’m alone?”

“Cause you suck.” Riley chuckles.

“Fuck you,” I snap. “What’s up?”

“Wondering if you’re still coming for the tux fitting tomorrow?” He sounds almost giddy. I guess I would be too if I were marrying the love of my life.

“It’s on my calendar.” I double-check it on my cell phone.

“Good.” He pauses. “Everything all right?”

“Stellar. I’m packed with appointments until after the first of the year, and most of my clients followed me here.”

Riley’s words come out no more than a whisper. “And you’re doing okay with the move?”

Mom must be within earshot. “I’m happy to be home. I’m putting everything in order and moving forward. It’s time,” I say, looking around the room.

“Damn straight, you deserve to be home. You have nothing else to prove.”

I shake my head. “I’ll always blame myself, Riley.” I sigh. “It’s what I deserve.” I leave it at that. He doesn’t get to know everything.

“Whatever, asshole.” Riley irks me.

I hang my head. “Can you swing by after the appointment and help me move a few things around?”

Riley perks up. “Be happy to. Later.”

As the phone goes silent, I lift my eyes, looking over the room. Moving back home from Charleston felt right, but I’m having second thoughts. I’m positive Riley knows what I’m thinking. Being here, where my demons haunt me, may not have been the best of ideas.

A cough from the door jerks me back to the here and now.

“I’m so sorry, sir. I did call your name several times,” Donna says from the door. She’s a petite woman with graying hair that frames her face.

I wave her apology off. “Perfectly fine.”

“Of course. I have a few more things in the file room. I’ll finish tomorrow before starting on my office,” she explains.

Turning to my phone, I see it’s seven in the evening. “Yes, Donna, please go home. I suppose we lost track of time,” I say as I walk around my desk. “Thank you for all your help today. I couldn’t have done it without you.” I reach for her hand.

She looks from me to my hand and back before taking it. We shake as her smile grows. “You’re welcome. I’ll be here at nine in the morning.”

“I have an appointment around ten. I’ll be in after.” I return her smile. “And please, call me Walker. I look for my dad every time you say Mr. Pennington.” I chuckle as she smiles.

“I can do that. I’ll see you in the morning.” Donna turns to leave before pausing. “I’m bringing coffee. It’s my life source. How do you like yours?”

“Oh, I—don’t drink it.” I wince as her eyes grow wide.

“A lawyer who wants to be called by his first name and doesn’t drink coffee. Where were you twenty years ago?” She smirks.

I laugh. “Third grade?”