Veer (Clayton Falls) by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

Uh, is your father—I mean the other Mr. Morgan — expected in today?”
    “No. I guess I forgot to mention it. He’s actually on a cruise with my mother for the next few weeks . That’s what made it so convenient that you were able to work.”
    “Oh.” He definitely hadn’t mentioned that. No one had. “All right. I guess I’ll just get settled.”
    I loaded the computer, not sure what getting settled really entailed. That was one of those things bosses said that made no sense. I made sure I could access the databases I’d need for res earch, and double checked that W ord functioned before pulling out a legal pad and pen from the top draw of the desk. I walked down the hall to Matt’s office.
    I knocked. He looked up, smiled , and waved me in. “Take a seat.”
    I sat down in one of the large leather chairs across from his desk. It was strange to see someone his age in such a big office. I was used to firms where it took years to make junior partner, let alone to essentially be running the place. Matt couldn’t have been more than four or five years older than me . Although he looked tired, his face still had a really boyish quality. He wore a dress shirt and slacks, but he didn’t seem comfortable in them.
    I noticed a photograph on his desk of a pretty woman with two young children. “You have a beautiful family.”
    He picked up the frame. “Yeah, they’re great.”
    I smiled, not sure what else to say.
    “ I was already a dad when I was your age.”
    Okay, could he make this anymore awkward ? “That’s cool.”
    He laughed. “Sorry, that came out weird. I just mean, you are in such a different place than I was at your age.”
    I decided to help him out. “Yeah, I bet law school was challenging with a baby at home.”
    “Definitely. I never got to party during those years. I bet you have it really different. I bet you’re a wild one. ”
    “Umm, not exactly.” A wild one? Yeah , if studying and taking care of my mom were considered wild.
    “Come on, you can be honest.”
    I didn’t like the way he stared. It really bothered me, and I needed to get the conversation back on my job. “So anyway, when I spoke with your father , he made it sound like I was mostly going to be doing research and possibly helping on some depositions?”
    “Yeah. I mean, I think you should sit in on some client meetings, and if you want, you can definitely come to court with me. You worked in a DA’s office last summer, right?”
    “ Yes .”
    “So you know how courts work, but things run a little differently in a small town than they do in the city .”
    “I bet, but I’m sure I’ll catch on.”
    “I’m sure you will. You look like a fast learner.”
    “Yeah , ” I said quickly . I was ready to get out of his office. “Do you have anything in particular you need me to work on this morning?”
    He went over to a filing c abinet and pulled out a Redweld folder. “Why don’t you start by familiarizing yourself with this case ?”
    “Okay, no problem.” I reached for the folder, but he didn’t immediately let go.
    “If you have any questions , just let me know. Don’t worry about bothering me. I want this to be a good learning experience for you.” He reached out with his other hand as if he was going to touch my shoulder, but then he stopped himself.
    “Great, thanks a lot.” I pulled at the folder again, and this time he let go.
    “I think this is really going to work out,” h e called as I walked out the door.
    I took a deep breath once I was settled behind my desk. I tried to brush off our conversation, but it definitely left me uncomfortable . I wondered if it was all part of the small town friendliness thing.
    I opened the file and pulled out the documents. It appeared to be a fairly straight forward slip and fall case . We were representing the defendant.
    I spent some time reading through the materials, there were some massive deposition transcripts that took a while to get through, and