Did the sadness come from the “what could have been” between him and Hannah? Or maybe it was that Eric and Hannah had fallen in love right under James’s nose? Part of it was definitely that his friendship with Eric had taken a hit because of it all.
“Anyway,” Ryan went on, “when you’re done making the bar your bitch, you’re taking that vacation, right? Where are you going again?”
His cousin’s words registered and James blinked away the memories to focus on the future. The timeafterthe bar.
“Once I know I’ve passed, I’m going to the Oregon Coast.”
“Nice.”
It would be, but it was a lie. He wasn’t going to the Oregon Coast. The truth was, he was flying to Idaho for the Gem State Comic Con. There wouldn’t be a beach in sight. But it would be the perfect way to decompress from the bar exam and indulge his geek side.
He’d been planning his cosplay since he’d bought a ticket months ago.
Not that he could admit any of that to his older cousin. Ryan had no interest in Marvel, DC, or any other comics or movies of the kind.
The guy was all about expensive food and cars, exclusive parties, and sporting events no one could get tickets to.
You’re not really into this kind of stuff, are you?
James had been twelve when his big cousin had laughed and uttered those words. From then on, James had kept himself from ever referencing comic books or movies again when he was around Ryan.
Who needed that kind of judgment?
“Well, I’m glad you’re taking a vacation—you haven’t taken any days off since you’ve been working here.”
Was that really true? Damn, maybe.
Ryan gave him a considering look. “I’m proud of you, James. You’ve really stepped it up and are holding your own here at the firm. People love you. You pass that bar and you’re legit. None of this unspoken probation stuff.”
“That’s my plan.”
Just imagining how it would feel to know he’d passed left a hopeful smile on his face.
It’s different this time. There are literally no distractions. You eat and breathe law.
“Oh, actually, before you start on those, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Ryan’s gaze was on a group of people gathered on the other side of the office. “We have some new hires. The new girl in HR helping out with the recruiting is... wow. She’s pretty hot.”
“Yeah?” Already James had lost interest.
Nothing new there. Being hot was practically a job requirement for the recruiting coordinator position.
His cousin had hooked up with more than one employee at Wright and Williams, and while it was generally frowned upon, there wasn’t really a rule that forbade it.
Still, it always left him a bit uncomfortable.
“Come on.” Ryan urged him to follow, so he reluctantly rose to his feet. “And I know I just tried to tell you to get a girlfriend and all, but stay away from this one. I’m calling dibs.”
Dibs. Right. Like they were eighth graders fighting over the last slice of pizza.
Amusement lanced through him, and James let his gaze drift out the window to Puget Sound off in the distance. The office had a fantastic view that he hadn’t tired of yet. Probably never would.
“I’m not sure you can call dibs on a human, cuz.”
“I can, and I just did.” Ryan adjusted his tie and stood up taller—which still left him a couple of inches shorter than James. “Now watch and learn, junior.”
Learn how to be a charming, confident player? Yeah, not really my thing.
He kept his mouth shut and put on a polite expression instead.