Chapter Thirty-Seven
"I almost forgot how exhausting cooking can be," Diane admits with a deep sigh as she takes the seat next to Lynn on the couch.
Even if she feels exhausted, it doesn't mean she didn't enjoy the day that turned out to be even better with Lynn's mother being present. Diane doesn't know any details about the conversation that took place after Rita arrived, but it obviously put Lynn in a better mood and Jo's cheerful spirit also helped a lot. All in all this day couldn't have been more successful.
"I thought the whole point of inviting Jo was to have someone cook for us," Lynn says jokingly, looking just as exhausted as Diane.
Their guests left only a short while ago and the kitchen is in the same condition now as it had been in the morning, but they will surely need a long night's sleep to relax.
"I hope you didn't mind the surprise," Diane turns to Lynn hitting a serious tone.
She wasn't entirely sure how Lynn would feel about Jo's company, but she decided to take the risk and hoped for the best.
"It was exactly what I needed," Lynn convinces her with a wide grin. "And I'm glad you were okay with my mother's company."
Diane really enjoyed having Rita around, getting to know her a little better and also appreciated that she came to talk to her daughter, to show her support.
"I thought mother-in-laws are usually worse than father-in-laws," she jokes, careful not to offend Lynn, but she doesn't seem to mind.
"Welcome to my family," she replies with a smile. "But dad will come around, mom said she'll try to do what she can and she thinks it could also help if you two met."
"Me and your father?" Diane is a little surprised by the ill-timed suggestion. Not so long ago she thought it would have been the best solution, but she isn't sure anymore.
"Yes. It's entirely up to you and you have enough time to think it through. Mom invited you to our next family dinner, two weeks from now."
"I'll think about it," Diane promises, because there's really no point in making a decision about it now. If Lynn thinks it's a good idea, she will probably go with her. She has no reason to be afraid of looking the man in the eye, even if he doesn't approve of their relationship.
"I'm sorry it's so complicated," Lynn takes Diane's hand between her palms.
"You know I don't startle easily," she responds with a confident smile and to show her she means it she leans in to kiss her.
It was meant to be just one kiss, to show her she is here, because this is where she wants to be. But Lynn's lips demand more and don't let her move away. And when Diane feels Lynn's hands on her back she already knows it's not only her kisses she wants.
"Does this mean you want me to stay the night?" Diane smiles into their kiss, merely to tease her with the question, since she already knows the answer.
"Am I not making myself clear?" Lynn chuckles before she captures Diane's lips once more in an even deeper kiss, depriving her of the chance to answer.
o-o-o
"I heard you had lunch with your future mother-in-law yesterday," Will enters Diane's office and as she looks up to remind him he should be more careful with such statements where anyone could accidentally overhear them, her eyes fall on his smiling face.
She recognizes that smile, it's not a teasing one, it's the one that shows he is happy for her and she forgets about the scolding and smiles back at him instead. They might have troubles at the firm now with Jonas being back at the table and she might not always be on the same page with Will professionally, but one thing hasn't changed, their friendship.
"Yeah, your girlfriend was cooking for us," she replies, taking off her glasses while he approaches her desk.
"I heard a different story," he smirks.
"Okay, I may have helped a little, if you can call that help," Diane chuckles, remembering the fun time they had in the kitchen, trying Jo's patience a couple of times. "Hope we didn't keep Jo away from you for too long."
"Actually I enjoyed watching sports all day without anyone dragging me to the kitchen or making me do anything," he admits.
"You're welcome," she smiles at him, then her gaze shifts to the folders in his hands. "What are those?"
"The candidates for the associate position. You said you'll have a look," he hands her the folders and takes a seat in the armchair opposite from her. "The one on top is Stern's protégé."
Diane puts her glasses back on, but instead of opening the top folder she tosses it aside.
"I won't waste time with this, let's just pick our own candidate," she glances at Will before opening the next file.
"Thos two are the ones that came out on top during the interviews," Will explains about the two other folders.
Diane opens the first one to come across the picture of a young woman with mousy features and short dark hair. At first glance she looks more like an elementary school teacher than a lawyer, but according to her CV she's recently graduated from Yale Law School with excellent grades. She also listed several publications and summer internships at prestigious law firms.
"This is impressive," she smiles and looks up to catch Will's reaction.
"I saved the best for last," he grins and now Diane reaches for the third folder, curious how anyone can top that.
Her picture looks like she stepped out of Vogue magazine and Diane's gaze shifts to the CV suspiciously.
"Are you kidding me?" she glances at Will confused after she gets to the end of the page. Another Yale graduate, but with average grades, nothing really impressive in there.
"Don't be fooled by the looks, she is indeed smart. She came from nothing and put herself through law school working as a model. I think that shows ambition, determination, exactly the person we need here," he tries to convince Diane, but her eyes land on the girl's photo once more.
"And of course the fact that she looks like a young Sharon Stone doesn't factor in at all," she shakes her head, claiming to see through his intentions.
"I thought you wouldn't mind some eye candy either." Will's remark makes Diane burst out in laughter. He couldn't seriously think she'd support such a decision. Sure, they need a suitable candidate to put up against Stern's and they might have a better result with the second women in front of the hiring committee, but with the other candidate being more qualified, they might choose Stern's guy over her, no matter how sexy her picture is.
"You are shameless," she closes the folder and places her glasses on top of the pile.
"So who should it be?" he asks with a hopeful smile on his face.
"Since this isn't the Miss America pageant, I'd pick the first one," she states. "She is more qualified."
"Okay," Will nods, looking slightly disappointed.
"I heard you're planning to hire a new associate," David marches in through the side door without announcing himself.
"I've just showed Diane our two final choices," Will replies as David comes closer to them.
"I think you should go with this guy," he drops a file on Diane's desk. "He's not Stern's choice, and he's good. This way, I won't be voting for a new associate who could be distracting either of you," he winks at Diane and walks out of her office without another word.
Diane keeps staring at the folder, because she doesn't dare to look at Will. She believed it's her well kept secret and then it turns out more people know than she assumed. And it freaks her out. Who else could know beside David? She doesn't suppose he told anyone, but she cannot be sure either.
"Are you okay?" Will's hesitant question gives away his slight worry.
"Will you give me a moment?" she glances at him.
"Of course, I'll take these with me," he grabs the folders and stands up, while Diane turns around with her chair to face the window.
She hears Will's footsteps, but they indicate that he is approaching instead of leaving and suddenly she feels a hand on her shoulder.
"You know you are at home here, you don't need to hide who you are."
His voice couldn't be more comforting, but even if Diane appreciates his words, she is unable to reply. She just silently places her hand on his until he moves it away.