Chapter 16

A little over a year later, I was living a much different life. Of course, I had moved into a new home which was amazing. But due to the fact that Michelle was not there it seemed empty and pretentious. I was just going through the motions day by day simply putting one foot in front of the other. As I navigated my building on a daily basis either people would look away from me or give me the pity look as I called it. I tried my best to ignore it but I wanted to say something so many times but always managed to refrain.

The firm hired several new employees about that time and one joined my department. She was a corporate attorney who had left the firm of Johnson, Johnson and Mire because of harassment. I didn’t know the complete story but I’m sure over time it would come out. Kate Jackson was assigned to our floor to give us a resource when we had a legal issue.

I had to admit, I did a double take the first time I saw Kate Jackson walk out of the elevator. Kate was tall, close to six foot perhaps and very well dressed. She had on a business suit and a silk blouse with honey blonde hair. She walked right up to me with all of the confidence in the world.

“Good morning, I’m Kate Jackson. You must be Tim Williams.” she said, shaking my hand.

“Yes, I am. Welcome to Butler, Land and Reyes.” I replied.

“Thank you, I’m happy to be here.” she smiled.

“Well, follow me to your new office.” I suggested.

Kate’s new office was next to mine and both of our office were joined with Brooke’s. For the time being Brook would look after the both of us until someone else would be assigned to Kate if need be. I told Kate whenever she got settled in to meet me in my office and we could get acquainted. I went back to my office and started for the day.

About ten minutes later, Brooke informed me on the intercom that Robin Woods was in her office looking to see me. I told Brooke to let Robin in even though lately our relationship was very strained to say the least. Looking at Robin instantly reminded me of Michelle when as it was I only thought about several hundred times a day, I didn’t need another reminder.

“Hey Tim, how are you?” Robin asked, walking into the office.

“Ok, Robin and you?” I replied.

“Doing ok, I guess.” she sighed.

As usual Robin was stunning dressed in s short white thin strapped dress with white heels on. She took the chair across from my desk and crossed her legs placing her hand in her lap.

“I’m not sure where you’re really at right now but I have wanted to talk to you for quite a while now.” she said.

“About what?” I answered.

“How do you feel about us seeing each other again?” she asked nervously.

“Oh geez ... I don’t know Robin. Honestly, I don’t think I am close to being ready to get into another relationship right now.” I stated.

My intercom went off and Brooke stated that Kate Landry was in my outer office waiting to see me. I told Brooke to give us a minute and I would be right with Kate.

“Oh, I’m sorry ... I didn’t know you have a meeting scheduled.” Robin said.

“It’s ok, we hired a new attorney from Johnson, Johnson and Mire. She started today and we just need to get acquainted.” I answered.

“Tim, look ... Just think about what I said. It can be casual as you want it to be but I miss you. I know I fucked up and I regret it everyday of my life. I’m just hoping you can see past what happened between us. This has nothing to do with Michelle just so you know.” she proposed.

“Let me give this some thought, Robin.” I asked.

“Fair enough.” she replied, getting up and walking out.

Brooke showed Kate Jackson in immediately and rolled her eyes at me for the conversation that obviously both her and Kate had just heard in the outer office. Kate came around and sat down in the chair facing me.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” Kate said nervously.

“No, not at all.” I replied.

I saw Kate glanced over to the frame wedding photo on my credenza then look back at me with a confused look on her face.

“So, where do we start?” I asked.

“Tell me a little about working here and your story I guess.” she said with a nervous smile.

“I’m not sure how things were at Johnson, Johnson and Mire but I am sure they were similar. The place is a gossip mill and everyone wants to know everyone’s business. I don’t get involved in that myself but trust me they will try to pull you in it. The people you will work with on this floor are incredible. I have the best staff of any department in this building and Richard Butler will confirm that.” I began.

“As I sure you know, I am a managing partner, have been for several years. I do work long hours but I have always done that. If anyone in this building treats you badly please let me know, I will handle it. When you want a vacation just give me a month or so notice, it won’t be a problem.” I ended.

“Sounds good.” she replied.

“As far as I’m concerned you can ask me anything, but I am as simple as it’s gets.” I replied.

“Your wife is beautiful ... That a great photo over there.” she said.

“Thank you ... she was the most beautiful woman in the world both inside and out.” I replied.

“How long have you two been married.” she asked.

“Michelle was killed in a car accident a little over a year ago. Some drunk driver ... no need for it really but it happened.” I answered.

“Oh Tim, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” she gasped.

“It’s ok Kate, I know you didn’t.” I replied.

“So what do you want me to start on?” she asked.

“Well, get yourself settled and I’ll get with Terri and Bella and see what they need.” I offered.

Within a few months Kate Jackson had settled in and was becoming a valuable member of our team. She was well versed in corporate law and had already consulted on quite a few cases for me. As for me, I was still going through the motions spending long days at work then going to the gym at night. By the time I got home at night, I would eat, shower and fall into bed. The weekends were the hardest there was way too much time to kill.

I was working a little late on a Friday night when Kate stepped into my office. It was not usual for Kate to work late, she did it most of the time.

“Tim, going to be here for a while?” she asked.

“No, I’m just about done.” I answered.

“How about I take you out to dinner?” she asked.

“Oh ... well, I guess so.” I replied.

Honestly going out to dinner with Kate would be a lot better than going home and eating alone. I had somewhat got used to my solitary lifestyle but it was tough at times. Trying to find different things to get me busy was challenging at times. Several times I even wondered if life was worth living at all. I tried to stay out of that mindset but it was hard.

“Where would you like to go?” she asked.

“I know the perfect place.” I replied, getting up.

Kate followed me to Mon Amor and we both parked in the lot next to each other. She followed me in and Theresa was the hostess for the night. She was a pretty girl with a dark skinned complexion who was a people person.

“Tim, it’s so good to see you. Everyone is asking about you.” she stated, hugging me gently.

“Good to see you, Theresa. Is Ashley working tonight?” I asked.

“Yes, she is ... I’ll put you at one of her tables.” Theresa said.

We followed Theresa to the back portion of the restaurant when the two of us sat down. Theresa handed us the menu and told us Ashley would be with us soon. Sure enough in just a few minutes Ashely walked over to our table.

“Hey sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.” she stated, leaning over kissing my cheek.

“Good to see you to Ash. This is Kate Jackson, she works with me at the firm.” I stated.

“Nice to meet you Kate. Sweet tea all around?” she asked.

“That would be fine.” Kate replied.

Ashley walked off to go get the drinks while Kate was looking over the menu. She did have an odd look on her face.

“You must come here a lot Tim.” Kate laughed.

“You could say that. My wife and I started this restaurant a few years ago. This was her dream.” I replied.

“Oh, wow...” was her reply.

We both ordered and while we were waiting Kate Jackson started telling me her life story to this date. She was an only child of middle-class parents who always did well in school. Kate’s father wanted her to pursue medical school, but Kate didn’t want the burden of medical school tuition bills for years after she graduated. So instead she went to college and got her law degree. She was still in debt but claimed that hopefully in five years she would have it paid off.

She dated the same boy all through high school and despite her father’s objection married him her second year during her second year of college. He worked several part time jobs while she was in school but it was never enough to cover expenses. Kate took on two part time jobs as well to try and make ends meet.

During her senior year in college, Kate came home in the middle of the day feeling sick. She caught her husband Brandon in bed with her best friend Emily. Kate admitted she didn’t handle it well and ran home to her parent’s home. Brandon’s mother and Kate’s mother were life long friends so she convinced Kate that all men cheat but to give him a second chance. A few days later she went back to the apartment and forgave him. He promised it would never happen again and she believed him. Up until she passed the bar their life was a constant struggle barely able to pay their bills. Every time Brandon got a decent job, he either quit or was fired. He always claimed they were treating him unfairly or poorly.

Johnson, Johnson and Mire hired Kate right out of college for their intern program and she had been there until recently. Brandon was still working on and off but with Kate’s salary they were keeping their heads above water.

Sometime about two years ago Kate caught Brandon cheating again and told him she was done. It led to a violent argument and the end result was a fractured cheekbone on Kate’s face. Brandon moved out and went back to his parent’s home where he still lived. Since then Brandon, his parent’s and Kate mother had tried to reconcile them. Apparently, Kate’s father was the only one on her side.

Kate filed for legal separation and had begun divorce proceeding but Brandon was always putting things off. As far as Brandon was concerned, Kate was at her wit’s end with him.

Later in the conversation, I explained my life and the story of Robin and Michelle and how I had arrived at this point. Before we knew it we had been talking for over two hours. We left a few minutes later and went our separate ways.

Several weeks later, Kate came into my office looking a bit nervous. She sat down in the chair across from my desk stating she wanted to ask me for a favor.

“Tim, my parent’s twenty fifth wedding anniversary is coming up and my aunt is hosting a party at her home. I know for a fact she invited Brandon and his parents, but I am not sure I can handle him being around me for hours on end.” she admitted.

“What do you need from me Kate?” I asked.

“Um, could you please go with me to the party. I know he won’t bother me if you’re there.” she asked nervously, looking at the floor.

“Oh, I guess I could but ... how do you explain me to everyone?” I asked.

“I’ll just tell them we have been out a few times but it’s nothing serious.” she suggested.

“Uh, I guess so ... if you think that will work.” I replied.

“Oh my God ... thank you so much.” she sighed

By the time the Saturday arrived for the party I was attending with Kate, I was very anxious to say the least. It was a casual dress event, so I wore a pair of black slacks and a pullover white knit short sleeve shirt. I put on a black pair of loafers with black socks. I picked up Kate at her condo right around five thirty that afternoon. Kate was dressed in a short white dress with white sandals. She looked amazing and this was the first time I had seen her without business attire on. She had long slender legs and a small waist with a great ass. I opened the door for her and she slide into the passenger seat of my vehicle.

“Damn Tim, I knew you were big, but Holy Christ. I think your arms are as big as my legs.” she laughed.

“A lot of long nights in the gym Kate.” I replied.

We drove over to her aunt’s home on the east side of Dallas in a nice neighborhood. We had to park several houses away since quite a few people had obviously already showed up. I followed Kate up to the front door where she rang the bell. An older man opened the door and let us in.

“Hello, Uncle Larry ... this is my friend Tim Williams.” she stated hugging him.

“Nice to meet you sir.” I replied, shaking his hand.

“Oh boy, are you going to be a hit.” he laughed.

We followed him to a large living room that already contained at least a dozen people sitting and standing around. I followed Kate up to a couple I assumed were her parents. She kissed the both of them and then turned to me.

“This is Tim Williams, we work together at the firm. Tim, this is my mom and dad, Ben and Sheila Jackosn.” she said.

“Nice to meet the both of you.” I replied, shaking their hands.

I could see that both of them were surprised at my presence. Ben Landry had a smile on his face but his wife Sheila not so much. We went through that very first awkward pause that occurs when a girl introduces you to her parents.

“So Tim, you’re a lawyer?” Ben Landry inquired.

“No sir. I’m a certified public accountant. I work in the financial department.” I replied.

“Uh Dad, he runs the financial department and he’s a partner at the firm.” Kate giggled.

“Very impressive son.” Ben smiled.

“Thank you, sir.” I answered.

“So Kate, are the two of you dating?” Sheila asked with a stern look on her face.

“I dunno ... This is the first time we have been out together. Tim, come with me. You have to meet Maw Maw and Pops.” Kate stated, grabbing my hand.

She lead me to the other side of the room to an elderly couple who were sitting together on a loveseat against the wall. You could see the both of them light up as Kate walked toward them. She leaned over and hugged and kissed the both of them. She then stood up and grabbed my hand.

“This is Tim Williams. Tim, these are my grandparents, Maw Maw and Pops.” she said beaming.

“Very nice to meet the both of you. I have heard Kate speak of you a few times.” I stated.

“Do you play football son?” Pops asked.

“No sir, I work with Kate at the firm.” I answered.

“Lucky Kate.” Maw Maw laughed.

“Hey, I am sitting right here.” Pops quickly replied.

“Oh, sorry honey, you know I love you.” Maw Maw said, grabbing his hand.

Kate’s mother called her over and they both went into the kitchen. I was guessing Kate was going to get grilled about me being there with no advanced warning. I sat in the chair next to the loveseat being stranded for the moment. Pops lean over in my direction.

“How long have you two been seeing each other?” he asked.

“I see Kate everyday sir, her office is next to mine. But this is the first time we have been together socially.” I answered.

“Oh, well today should be fun.” he chuckled, slapping me on the knee.

“Yes sir, Kate told me about Brandon.” I replied.

“Sorry son but I call him asshole. He punched my Katie Bear in the face. I will never forgive him for that.” he said, somewhat angry.

“I understand sir.” I answered.

Kate stayed in the kitchen with her mother for quite some time before returning to where I was sitting with her grandparent’s. She appeared to be a little aggravated rolling her eyes at her grandfather.

“Sorry about that Tim ... I was getting lectured.” she sighed.

“It’s ok Kate ... I was hanging out with Pops.” I replied.

I noticed Pops was looking over my shoulder and I saw his expression change in an instant. That had to mean only one thing, Brandon had arrived. One look up at Kate and I knew I was right. Brandon and his parent’s made their way around the house greeting everyone and finally made their way over to us. They greeted Kate and her grandparents and finally Kate had no choice but to introduce me. I stood up as she looked at me towering over Brandon and his dad.

“Tim, this is Lynn and Thomas Hill and their son, Brandon.” she said.

I shook his parents hands first then made sure I gripped Brandon hand firmly. He immediately looked at me with fire in his eyes.

“This is Tim Williams, we work together at Butler Land and Reyes.” Kate offered.

Brandon’s dad seemed to be ok but there was no doubt both Brandon and his mother had an immediate dislike for me. But my entire life I had been underestimated and I loved being the underdog. Once again, we encountered that awkward moment. Finally Brandon’s mother Lynn had to ask.

“Kate, are the two of you dating?” she asked, staring at me.

“We went out to dinner once and this is the second time we have been out together.” Kate replied.

“Oh, I see.” she said, turning and walking off.

She immediately went into the kitchen to hook up with Kate’s mother or that’s what I thought. Brandon’s dad walked away as well heading to the rear of the house. That left Brandon standing to Kate and I.

“Uh Kate, can I talk to you in private.” Brandon asked.

“Sure, let’s go to the living room. Tim, I will be right back.” Kate advised.