Blended TML Ch 7

Gurlberg is a small town, and there are only two “big” law firms, each with half a dozen attorneys. The pool of lawyers in the whole county is probably only about 40 deep. Mary recently became a partner, which is a big deal, but has largely gone under the radar in the Jameson-Dunham household. Piper has no difficulty reading between the lines, but she doesn’t like what she sees there, so she chooses to read other books. Things are rarely black and white. Kayla creeping into her bed has ample downsides, but it can also be a distraction. Piper tries to focus on the positive as she pulls to the curb. Mary’s office is just down the street from the courthouse, and sure enough, her car has a nasty dent in the side that probably means more than body work.

It’s on the tow truck now, and Mary’s speaking to the driver. She looks rough. The Jameson women all have a serious frizzy hair problem that the Dunhams thankfully do not, but Mary’s the most diligent about keeping hers under control. It’s not under control. There are sweat stains on her blouse because she’s been outside, and her feet must be killing her in those shoes.

Piper climbs out, but Mary’s already hurrying over, waving her back to the car.

“We’re out of here,” she says.

“OK,” Piper agrees hurriedly, climbing back in. Mary flings her purse into the back and straps in. “Anywhere we need to stop?”

Mary sits for a second, gazing at the tow truck as it pulls away. “Um… no. No.” She shakes her head. She’d like to hit the liquor store, but she’s not going to say that to Piper, and it’s not appropriate for Piper to offer it. She’ll have to make do with whatever wine they have at home. “Home. How are you?”

“I’m fine. What happened?”

Mary shrugs. “Someone hit it.”

“Just while you were parked?”

“Yeah. Probably high as a kite, on the way to drug court.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s not a big deal. I just gotta get these shoes off, these contacts out, and burn this bra. Everything OK at home?”

“Yeah. You’re in luck, nobody’s there,” Piper says.

“You’re saying I don’t want to be around my family?” Mary asks wryly.

“I’m saying you look like you could use some quiet.”

Mary smiles at Piper. “You’re going to be a good therapist.”

“Aww,” Piper says, smiling back. “Kayla went over to Himbo HQ, I haven’t seen Riley all day, and Bella went to CCL.”

Mary settles back in her seat, eyes closed, letting the AC blow on her. “Do Ash and Graham count as himbos, Piper?”

“Once you get to know them.”

“Talk to Graham lately?”

“Oh, p’shaw. Talk to my mother lately?”

Mary’s eyes open and her expression becomes murderous. “Matter of fact, I have.”

“Oh jeez. Just tell me.”

“She’s going to a new job in Fort Worth. Straight there. Right now.”

“She’s not coming home this weekend?”

“Piper, she won’t be home until the 30th.” Today is the 5th.

Piper is startled. “Cheese and crackers.”