J'adore New York Read Online Free PDF Page B

senior partners are the warlords. They lead their battalions—their departments—into battle to gain control of more territory: clients, files, and billable hours. The victory is a major payout at the end of the year.”
    Warlords? Battles for more territory? Paris was competitive, but this is nuts! I stare at Antoine, wondering if he strips off that Paul Smith jacket at the end of the day to play World of Warcraft. I giggle, assuming that he must be joking, but his expression remains severe.
    “You need to form an alliance with a warlord who will continuously supply you with work and protect you when times get tough. No warlord, no future at Edwards and White.”
    He’s dead serious. What does this mean for me?
    “There’s a lot going on right now at the firm. You need protection.”
    Protection? This is starting to sound more like a mafia ring than a feudal system.
    “Who’s your warlord?” I ask.
    “Scott.”
    “Who should mine be?”
    “I think it should be Bonnie.”
    Bonnie? But he seems to hate her. Is he trying to trick me?
    “I don’t think she’d be my warlord. She seems way too busy.” And, I don’t mention, bitchy.
    “Catherine, you need to get real,” he says, looking exasperated. “Everyone around here is very busy. You need Bonnie toprovide you with a steady stream of work. A steady stream of work means a clear route to partnership.”
    “Okay, I get it.” I think.
    “Good. One last thing. Did Scott talk to you about doing pro bono work?”
    “No, he didn’t.”
    “We’re all encouraged to do some, Catherine. But it’s not a substitute for meeting the billable hours requirements.”
    “Have you done any?” I ask, trying to find out whether this is actually something successful associates do—or just something they pay lip service to.
    “Yes, for a school in Harlem for kids with learning disabilities. They’re moving into a new building to accommodate their expanding art program and I’m helping them negotiate the lease.” His voice softens. “It’s extremely rewarding.”
    I’m surprised that an apparent workaholic like Antoine takes time out of his busy schedule to help Harlem school kids.
    “That’s amazing! I’d love to be involved in something that important. But, honestly, when do you find the time?”
    “I just make the time—mostly on weekends.”
    My weekends in Paris that I didn’t spend at the office were mostly filled by browsing at Le Bon Marché, checking out art galleries, or occasionally lying in bed recovering from a bit too much red wine after a night out with my girlfriends. I feel embarrassed by my lack of altruism.
    This unanticipated piece of information makes me want to know more about Antoine and I have an urge to dig deeper into his private life.
    “Can I be nosy? Why are you leaving for Paris?”
    “For personal reasons.” He looks away before responding.
    Feeling awkward about his closed response to such an intimate question, I cover my tracks with flattery. “The Paris office can definitely use the bench strength. They don’t have anyone of your calibre.”
    He responds with a grateful smile.
    Leaving his office, I can’t stop wondering about the reason for Antoine’s upcoming move. Whatever it is, he’s a bit of a mystery.
    I take the long way back through the reception area and catch a glimpse of Bonnie’s office. Unlike the other darkly ornate offices, hers is sleek and modern. A long white leather couch sits in front of the window and two matching Barcelona chairs face her glass and stainless-steel desk. The look is cool and icy and from what I’ve seen so far matches her personality.
    Back in my office, I find my agenda placed in the middle of my desk with Rikash’s Birthday in big red letters covering today’s date. Ah, merde . I need to do something about this tout de suite. Any lawyer knows that a good rapport with her assistant is crucial. It’s like the relationship between an actress and her makeup artist.
    I scurry