Rob clicks off before I can even answer.
Okaaaaay.
I suck in a deep breath, willing my nerves to placate, before I pick his coffee back up and head down the hallway to his office. Through the glass, I see him talking to a guy in his mid-forties, I’d say, short, with dark hair that’s tousled. My boss is wearing his “fuck I hate my life” smile, so this should be a great day.
I knock lightly, then enter when he signals for me to come in.
“Good morning.” My voice is sing-songy, and I clear it quickly. “I brought you your favorite coffee, Rob.”
I place the still hot coffee in front of him on the conference room table and turn to the client.
“Hello, I’m Emery Davidson. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Ah, Emery, Rob told me that I’ll be working closely with you on my case. It’s nice to finally meet you. My name’s Zack.” He extends his hand for me to shake, so I do.
“Take a seat Emery,” Rob says.
I sit across from Zack and Rob who is next to Camden, who tosses me a quick smile.
“I was just telling Rob that I’m glad we are finally working together. I know you guys mostly handle divorce and family law, but Rob assured me that although this isn’t your guys’ wheelhouse, you are more than capable of handling the situation.”
Nodding, I smile. “Of course. It would be an honor to work together. Rob’s said a lot of great things about you.”
“Rob and I go way back. We graduated high school together, and our wives have been friends, for hell, a decade at least I’d say. There’s one thing you should know about me, Ms. Davidson.”
“Please, call me Emery.”
His lips tug into a warm grin while he adjusts the button of his suit jacket. “Emery, I’m a family man. I love that Rob and I have a connection that goes beyond business. It makes me more confident in working with him because I truly know the kind of guy that he is. Do you know what I mean?”
I nod.
“It took me a long time to decide to pursue this, and our connection is what solidified things and made me call this impromptu meeting with his firm. I’m a big family guy, and it’s important to me that I do business with a firm that understands those values. I have twin boys, and I’m trying to instill those values in them, even at a young age. Both my wife and I value that connection over everything.”
Before I even think about it, the words come tumbling out of my mouth like word vomit. “I completely understand Zack. This is crazy, but my… fiancé Graham and I just found out that we’re expecting twins as well.”
Rob’s eyes go wide, and Zack’s face lights up.
“Congratulations! What a blessing. Fate as it may have it. This is exactly what I was just talking to my wife about.”
Inwardly, I say a prayer, thanking God for aligning the stars for me here.
“Wow. Can you believe it?”
I glance at Rob, and he nods ever so slightly.
“This is incredible. I believe paths cross for a reason, whether it’s professionally or personally. There’s a reason for every single person you encounter, every person you meet. This is one of those situations. Without a doubt.”
He turns to Rob and claps him on the back. “My man. You know what we should do? We should meet up for dinner. All of us, the wives, Emery’s fiancé and Camden’s girlfriend too. Before I leave next week for Rome. My treat. We can get to know each other a bit better, and then we can discuss business whenever I’m back.”
“Yeah, that would be great. Emery, Camden, would Friday work for you?”
Chewing my lip, I think for a brief second if I have anything planned, except you know, going to Graham’s families house this weekend.
“Nope, Friday works for me perfectly.”
I smile at Zack who returns it widely.
“Perfect. I’ll have my assistant book it, and I’ll see you guys then. It was a pleasure to meet you Camden, and Emery, congratulations again. I wish you a healthy, happy pregnancy.”