Law and Love

Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!

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Chapter Eight: Saturday to make friends

Jack was in high spirits. Since he had returned home from his date last night, the world was a better place. Or so it seemed to him. There was a peaceful contentment in his heart and a smile on his face. It was like being a teenager again. The hopes and dreams, the fears and doubts, the desire… Yes, Jack Twist was falling hard for a nice, blond lawyer from Texas .

He arrived at the firm even earlier than usual. He couldn’t sleep any longer. Too much excitement. The heart was beating fast and the body could no longer stay still. He kept remembering every single detail of last night.

Stepping out of the elevator, Jack saw the familiar silhouette of Elizabeth buzzing around the empty office. She was talking to herself, desperately pushing all the buttons of the new copy machine. At this hour of the day, the secretaries of the firm hadn’t yet arrived and there was no one available to make photocopies but the younger lawyers who would eventually end up doing a miserable job of it.

The senior attorneys didn’t normally work on Saturdays, leaving the firm for the younger, less experienced lawyers. Jack and Ennis, despite his newness to the firm, were two of the important attorneys who usually didn’t need to work on Saturday. If something important came along, someone would call or e-mail them. Otherwise, they would work at home.

“Good morning, Beth.” Elizabeth jumped from the spot where she was standing and almost fell out of her high heeled shoes. They were light pink that morning, Jack noticed.

“Jesus, kid, you trying to kill me?” She asked, rearranging her long blond curls.

“I would never do that. If you died who would take care of me?” Jack asked amused.

“You have your dad, Matilda and now you have Ennis.” She said with a devilish smile. “Or am I wrong?”

“Well it’s not really “have”. We’re only dating.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“Come on, I want the juicy stuff from last night!”

“You’re dirty, little woman…” Jack laughed and without a word helped her with the photocopies. “I will tell you, just first tell me what you're doing at work at 6 am on a Saturday? Is it your baseball player again? I would kill him if he was my client.”

“I could ask you the same question. I stayed working late on a difficult case, and when I realized it was 4 am, I decided to stay and make some phone calls to Europe. Now I was going to make some copies of a few e-mails and then go home to catch some sleep in my bed. What about you?”

“I couldn’t sleep, then I remembered there were these files I had forgotten in my office. Since I have the key…”

“I see. Okay. I’ll wait for you to pick them up and then let’s go to Starbucks and have a nice long talk while my brain is still functioning.”

“Are you sure you’re ok? You look extremely tired.”

“I feel great. Just don’t be surprised if I call you tomorrow asking you to tell me everything all over again.” They laughed together and then left, engaging in casual conversation.

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It was Saturday afternoon and Ennis was lazily watching a soccer game on TV. He still missed his old friends from the last firm he had worked for. Moving to New York and working for the Magnet meant a better job, more opportunities and challenges, and an amazing salary. But it was also a cold place, full of competition and lies. He couldn’t find a true friend without risking too much of his job. Jack was the exception, but he was the boss’s son and they didn’t stay just friends for long. Now with the scheduled “dates,” they were taking some time alone to settle things until the next time they were together. Elizabeth was a different kind of friend. She was older with different interests and she was his godmother. He couldn’t rely on her for that.

He was feeling terribly lonely and when he felt like this, he would remember the ranch. Yes, he could easily remember how it was when he lived there with his parents . The Sundays passed on the lake fishing and playing with the kids after school. He recalled walking with Spencer, his sweet, old dog, around the house,. Maybe he should get a pet, he thought, but then he rationalized, he didn’t really have the time to keep it. Feeling frustrated, Ennis sighed. He could always find someone to take care of the pet and the house. He was really being paid more money than he could spend. With the exception of his improvements on the ranch, he was a very thrifty man and money had never been an issue since he began working as an attorney.

He'd made up his mind, turning off the TV and picking up the coat he left by the door. He was going to get a pet today.

As he entered the elevator, he immediately noticed her. The young and beautiful woman with whom he'd had a disastrous date, just before the Santos case. He felt utterly embarrassed about facing her. Back then, he thought, the woman would stop the increasing attraction he was feeling for Jack. A small part of him wanted to laugh at the memory. Another small part was terrified. In just over a month, he had become a different person. This woman, who he had once seen as attractive, was a now no more than a laughable memory. He could still see her beauty, he just couldn’t feel the attraction anymore. And that was bringing back a set of different questions about him.

The beautiful brunette finally interrupted his thoughts.

“Hi Ennis? How have you been?” She said smiling. She didn’t look resentful or bitter and Ennis relaxed.

“Good. And you, Veronica?”

“The hospital is still giving me headaches. But everything is pretty much the same.” He remembered that she had told him she was a nurse at the hospital nearby. They arrived aon the ground floor and Ennis felt the need to take action -- do something unlikely.

Lately he was feeling so different, there were so many changes in his life. Maybe it was the moment to change a few things about the way he dealt with people. He wanted to make the most of this change, changing other things in the process too. In the last couple of days, he had learned a few things from Mr. Popularity, Jack Twist.

“Look, I know we didn’t get off to a great start. We tried the dating thing, and that bombed, but I still need a friend around here. You’re a really nice girl and even though the romantic thing didn't work out, I'd like us to be friends, if you'd be okay with that.” He smiled shyly, thinking how ridiculous this offer sounded.

She pursed her lips, thinking for a few moments. “You’re right, Ennis. We both have complicated lives with demanding jobs and little free time. Let’s just forget we ever had that date and concentrate on being friends.” She smiled at him honestly.

“Thank you. It’s… I… I’m at a crossroads in my life. A lot of things are changing around me and I’m making amends. I really hope we can be good friends.”

“Me too, Ennis. So, do you want to come around after dinner and have some hot tea? We could get to know each other better. If that doesn’t sound too girly for you.” She had a curious look on her face.

“No. Not at all. I agree that we should get to know each other better.” Ennis thought for a second that maybe she knew he was gay. But if he wasn’t sure himself, how could a stranger know?

“Then it's a date. Bye Ennis.” She affectionately caressed his arm and moved away.

“Bye Veronica.”

She walked to left and Ennis proceeded to the right, walking in the direction of the pet shop. Another big change in his life, he thought. He was getting a pet after almost fifteen years since Spencer had died. Old age the vet had told him, but Ennis had cried nonetheless.

The question now was what type of pet? He still lived in a small apartment, so the space was limited. There was no way he could get a dog, at least not one that he was used to. Maybe the best idea would be a cat. Not very masculine, he thought. Jack could even joke with him about how pussy he had become. But those were stereotypes he was fighting against now.

He suddenly realized he had been staring at the shop window for quite a long time, so he decided to enter and take a proper look. The shop was all in shades of purple and green, full with posters of cartoon animals. The owner, an old woman with the most perfect long white hair, seemed like the grandmother in the Tweety cartoons. It was a funny place, bizarre even.

“Good afternoon. How can I help you, young man?” Ennis tried hard not to stare at her ridiculous glasses.

“Good afternoon. I’m thinking about getting myself a pet. I just can’t seem to make up my mind about which one.”

“Well, I certainly can help you. Please tell me, do you live in a flat or a house, sir?” She looked at Ennis carefully.

“Flat, madam. I've already icksnayed dogs. I just don't have the time to keep one.”

“Busy man, I see. Of course. There’s also the limited space. How about a cat? You seem like a cat’s man.” She looked at him from the top of her perfectly rounded glasses.

“Really? Why do you say so? I confess, I had thought about a cat, but wasn’t really sure about it.”

“You’re single in your late twenties, trying to find company in a new pet. You’re a busy man with a good life. You’re a loner. Cats are lonely creatures too and they like to be loved but left alone. The concept of personal space doesn’t really end in humans, it exists in all animals. Cats need them to be mentally healthy.”

“I see your point. So what would you recommend?” Ennis was surprised with the older woman and he didn't hide it very well.

“I have just what you need, sir.”

Ennis watched the elderly woman enter a small door behind her. He tried to focus his attention on the cat section, picking up a few items he predicted he would need. This was typical of Ennis. Once he made up his mind about something, there was no need to waste time. He may eventually regret it, but once he made a decision, there was no going back. This time was no different. There would be a cat in his house by the end of the afternoon, no matter what.

“Well, here it is. The little one.” The older woman told him, giving him a small white kitten. It was a ball of fur, slightly bigger than Ennis hands, so fragile and delicate that Ennis felt fear for it. It was incredibly cute, he had to admit. It would look good on every little girl’s lap.

Ennis knew that Jack would love it. But damn it, he thought, it really looked like a woman’s cat. But he felt man enough to have it. Just because he recently realized that he was gay didn't mean he wasn't comfortable enough with his masculinity to own a kitten.

“It’s a white Persian with long fur, not very common and very beautiful. When it gets older, you can even enter it in competitions. It’s a very distinctive friend for a young man who seems to have every thing in life.” She smiled, looking at him wisely.

“Not everything. I’ll take it.” He said, surprising the old woman, who was still watching him with curiosity.

“Ok. Do you want me to help you with the list of things you will need?”

“Sure. That would be nice.”

“Don’t forget that in a few days you will need to find a good vet. Now let’s see what you will need…”

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A few minutes later, Ennis stepped outside the shop with his arms full of bags and a very cute kitten meowing inside of his traveling box. He was almost home when his cell phone rang. He reached into his left pocket and looked at the screen, seeing Elizabeth’s name.

“Ennis Del Mar.”

“Hi kid, it’s me, Elizabeth.”

“Hi. Calling me? Shouldn’t you be conspiring against me with Jack? Don’t tell me -- he didn’t give you all the details about last night and now you’re calling me because you're desperate.”

She laughed. “Of course he told me. He knows better than to say no to me about things like that. Actually, I’m calling to ask you a favor. ”

“Go ahead and ask. I'll see what I can do for my godmother.”

“You’re in good spirits, aren’t you? Well, I need you to bring me some photographs. I’m leaving for Europe this Sunday and with all these last minute things, I forgot to pick up some important photographs from a local detective. Her name is Mary Bingley, I’ll send you the address by e-mail. She'll be waiting for you.”

“Fine with me. Just let me ask you, why are you asking me and not Jack? He knows the city better. What's this all about?” Ennis asked, curious.

“Well… Guess you'll find out eventually. "She sighed and continued." Mary and I got together a few years ago. Then she went to Canada because of work and we split. Jack knows how important she is to me. She was the only woman I had feelings for after Jessica. You can imagine what may happen if Jack finds out she’s back and working with me again. And I don’t want nor need that kind of pressure on me. Can I count on your discretion?”

“Okay, but only because I know how excited he might become and how unpleasant that will be for you. But you’ll have to tell him sooner or later. I can’t afford to keep these kinds of secrets. He will find out, believe me!” Ennis said in a humorous tone.

“Thank you Ennis, I own you a big one. Bye.”

“Anything for my favorite godmother. Bye Elizabeth.”

He reached the front door of the building and a loud meow reminded him that the small, as yet unnamed kitten was impatiently waiting to be released from his traveling box. Ennis unconsciously smiled. He was happy to have a new, small friend. As ridiculous as that sounded, it was the truth. This had been a small pleasure, one he had denied himself for far too long.

Entering the elevators, Ennis heard his cell phone beep. The sound of a text message. God was this day going to get even more busy or what? he thought. He sincerely hoped it wasn’t someone from the firm or anything related to work.

Opening his door, he opened the box and sitting on the sofa, he placed the small kitten on his lap. The cat looked frightened and Ennis knew it would take him some time to get used to his new home. He finally reached for his cell phone. The text message was from Jack, which was enough to make him smile wildly. He eagerly clicked to open it.

JUST TO SAY I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU.

They hadn't talked since yesterday. Ennis understood the need for space that they both were feeling, but he too had been thinking about Jack. The passion he had been feeling, the passion he felt that night in Madrid, was driving him crazy, pushing him to the edge of his free will. He missed Jack, everything about him, and being with him a few hours a day wasn’t enough. It was terrifying to feel this kind of addiction for someone. He felt vulnerable, like he’d never been before.

Ennis had been a lonely man all his life. He'd had friends and girlfriends but he never had someone to truly trust and therefore no one he truly loved. It all began many years ago, when Ennis was nothing more than a young boy of 10 years old. He lived on the ranch with his parents and his favorite uncle, Jeremiah Del Mar. Jeremiah was Ennis’s idol. He would usually ride with him and help him with all his duties at the ranch. Uncle Jeremiah worked with the horses and the cattle. Ennis learned everything he knew about horses with his uncle. The older man had an infinite supply of patience with which to answer Ennis’s infinite questions. He loved to hear his uncle’s stories about the time he rodeo'd and about the time he had left to work in the city as a teenager.

Everything was great until one morning, Ennis woke up and Jeremiah was gone. His parents never told him why, but he heard in town that his uncle had robbed some of the neighbors and had even stolen a large amount of money from the ranch. All of this to run away with some married lady. Ennis was profoundly disappointed and the feeling of betrayal never really went away.

From that day on, he was a different person. The result of this childhood episode in his adult life was profound and even knowing the source of the feeling, the reason for the fears, Ennis couldn’t help but feel insecure about trusting anybody.

Maybe it was time to tell somebody about this story and maybe Jack was the right person, but it had to wait till Ennis felt more convinced. It was all still so new. Right now he had a text message to answer and he was happy about it.

I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU TOO. YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO BELIEVE WHAT I JUST BOUGHT. WANT TO COME OVER TOMORROW TO SEE IT? FOR LUNCH MAYBE?

Ennis knew how curious Jack was, how he loved a good mystery. Even being careful about the need for small steps in their relationship, he would still accept Ennis's invitation. He was too curious and Ennis was thankful because he couldn’t seem to pass another day without seeing him. The beep of his own cell phone woke him from his thoughts again.

OK. BUT ONLY BECAUSE I CAN’T RESIST A SECRET OR BEING WITH YOU. SEE YOU TOMORROW 1 PM. I’M NOT EATING YOUR COOKING. BYE

Ennis caressed the little kitty, thinking that Jack was going to change his mind about his cooking tomorrow. After all, the message almost sounded like a challenge. He looked at his lap, thinking about a name for the kitten.

The old lady from the shop told him that it was a healthy male of six weeks, still without a name. He looked into its clear grey eyes. They were almost white.

“What are we going to call you?” He said the sleepy cat. “Maybe Jack will have a good idea or maybe Veronica because I don't seem to have one.”

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Later that day, Ennis was ringing Veronica’s bell, and a few seconds later, Veronica opened the door. She was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans. The casual style made her look more relaxed and less stressed.

“Hi. I hope its ok with you that I brought a friend.” Ennis said hiding the kitten behind his back.

“A friend?” Veronica looked confused, trying to find someone behind Ennis.

“Not that kind of friend. It’s my new cat.” Ennis said showing her the small kitten in his arms.

“I didn’t see him. Is it a male? Looks like it.” She said holding the cat in her arms.

“Yes it is. But he doesn’t have a name yet.”

“No name?” She said waving her hand and stepping away to let Ennis enter the living room.

“I don’t have any good ideas for a name yet. I brought him with me because I was afraid of leaving him all alone at the apartment. He’s too young.” Ennis sat down on the couch and looked around, observing the room. Ennis didn’t care for interior design, but there was something about this place that screamed modernity and a little bit of Asian style. He was fascinated. Never had he seen a room with so much black furniture or red and white decors.

“I can see you are fascinated by the decoration. I could give you the name of the designer if you would like.”

“I guess it’s a bit too much for me. But I’m surprised. Don’t remember the last time I was impressed with a home interior design. I’m not much of a fan.”

“It’s a pity. I just love it. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to do it as a hobby. Do you have any interesting hobbies, Ennis?”

“Not really, but when I was young, I used to collect bugs that I found on the ranch. You remember? I told you about my childhood in Texas.”

“Yes on that unforgettable date.” She laughed at the memory, looking at Ennis. “I guess it’s okay to laugh now. I had never been on a date with so little chemistry, or physics or anything else. But I do believe it was my fault. When I saw you move in, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to find a date. I wasn’t expecting you to be so quiet and calm, so dissimilar from me. All your interests were so different, your background so unexpected. I felt so disappointed that I didn’t even make an effort to look at you as a friend.” She stopped to look at Ennis eyes. “I hope you're not insulted, Ennis. I’m being honest because I do feel that we can become good friends. You must see that I’m nothing more than a spoiled city girl.”

“We’re very different and anyone can see that. I’m not insulted at all. But if we're being honest, I must tell you something… I went on that date with you because I was trying to forget someone else.” He looked to the floor feeling suddenly very shy. “More like, trying to prevent having feelings for someone else…”

“I’m sure you weren’t successful. But let’s talk about less serious things. I doubt we feel comfortable enough with each other yet to discuss our love lives.” She laughed a little. “I know I don’t. It’s going to scare you, I believe!”

“You’re going to be bored with mine, so don’t worry. I’ll probably have your pity by the end of that tale!” They both laughed. “Don’t forget I need your help naming this little thing.”

Ennis and Veronica proceeded to engage in a lovely conversation that in the end left Ennis with the feeling that he had begun a good friendship, the first of many during his long stay in New York, he hoped.

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On the next chapter: Ennis and Jack had lunch together and everything seems to be getting better between them. The problem seems to be now, Enrique Twist! Also Ennis’s new case is getting slightly personal.