Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 3

The following Sunday everyone met in the park for breakfast, laughing at how they were earlier than usual in response to their collective jet lag. Allie hugged Robyn enthusiastically in the Californian sunshine and said, "We missed you so much" before bending to release Jack from his stroller. Lifting him into her arms for a cuddle, she added, "And you little man." Having kissed Robyn Daniel held his arms out for the baby who squealed in recognition and Allie shouted to Rose and Emmie that they could go to the play area as long as they stayed where they could be seen. Allie moved over to Jeremy who was with John, and she held them both warmly before asking, "How was the conference?" Jeremy nodded, "Good yeah. I'm glad I had those extra couple of days at your place though. Some of the other US guys were dead on their feet." John nodded, "Talking of that, I'll go make sure I've got everyone's caffeine orders with Dan." Left alone Jeremy smiled, "How was the rest of your stay?" Allie stuck her bottom lip out, "Fine, but you missed Liverpool Jem." Jeremy laughed, "Next time. It was great getting just to kick back for a couple of days with you guys, and I think Robyn enjoyed having a few days with Jack to herself." Allie smiled, glancing at Max who now had Jack. She changed tack, "I'm having coffee with Nathan tomorrow." Jeremy raised his eyebrows and hummed, "Tom told me a few weeks ago they agreed to take it really slow, but then they kissed and it all went out the window." Allie laughed, "I'm going to tell Nathan, but you tell Tom to come for breakfast next week." She rubbed his arm, "I'd better just go and grab the girls. John and Dan are heading back over with the food and drink."

Coming back from the play area she saw Chris had arrived, already carrying his coffee, and she shouted over as Rose ran towards him lifting her arms up. Grinning he hoisted her up and leaned to give Allie a brief hug. "So Rose, did you enjoy your trip to where Mommy used to live?" Rose nodded, "Yeah, Uncle John and I played castles, and Mommy had big sausage!" Daniel brought the food over and burst out laughing as Allie went red and explained, "Sausage and mash, British pub food." Daniel clapped Chris on the back, still laughing, "To be fair Rose, that's not a bad summary." Max came to claim his coffee, "Dan quit yapping and hand that coffee over before I die. Chris, I'll be back tomorrow firing on all cylinders, so I hope you guys have been billing." Allie put an arm around his back and kissed him, "He'll also be much less grumpy tomorrow Chris." Max shook his head as Chris and Dan, laughed and retorted, "Yeah alright, I will. In fact I'll be less grumpy when Dan hands that freakin' coffee over!" Despite his words he bent to kiss Allie lovingly and then took the coffee winking at Chris.

When Allie had sorted the children she sat leaning back on Dan's chest. Chris sat in front of them and Allie could tell he had something on his mind. Catching his eye she said, "How's things with you Chris?" He smiled, "Good yeah, actually I've met someone while you guys were away." Everyone looked over and he went red before continuing, "Her name's Shannon, she's an associate at Baker Ellis." Allie sat up and reached to grab his hand, "That's lovely news Chris." He smiled gratefully, "Thanks, we've gotten close really quickly." Max glanced casually at Daniel, "Landon's having that reception on Thursday for his office refurbishment. He's invited all of us, so why don't you bring her along?" Chris nodded, "Yeah, I will then as long as that'll be okay?" Max waved a hand, "Sure, I'll let Landon know you're bringing a friend."

The next day Allie was sitting in a booth of one of the cafes in the streets near both of their offices when Nathan arrived. He hesitantly leaned over to kiss Allie apologising for being late. She waved it off saying she'd only been there a few minutes and he asked about her trip. Allie smiled, "Yeah, it was good. Anyway how are you?" He broke into a genuine smile, "I'm good Allie." They ordered and Allie asked, "So how's it going with Tom?" Nathan's face lit up, "It's really good Allie, he's just amazing. Just feels like my life's come together you know, work, Tom," He hesitated and added "you." The server brought their food and drinks and as she left Allie reached across the table to take his hand, "I'm so pleased for you." He smiled as she released his hand and asked, "How did you feel about going home?" Allie took a mouthful and looked directly at her companion, "It was fun, but it's not home. Dan and I wanted to make the trip for Michael really. He always wanted to take Susan and John over because he knew they'd love it, but we just never got around to it. Having the others along for the ride was a bonus." Nathan looked pained, "Michael really loved those guys didn't he." She smiled, "He did." He took a bite and said miserably, "I wish he hadn't died thinking I was a jerk." Allie's eyes filled and she grabbed Nathan's hand again, "Listen, none of us can go back and change the past, but we can make the most of the people who are still here." Nathan looked up and blurted out, "I liked him Allie and I couldn't take the fact he'd never feel the same. When he started seeing you I saw just how different he was around you, how much he loved you, and I just wanted to hate you for having that from him when I never would. I'm so sorry, Tom's been telling me I should explain that since we met. I wanted to, but it's not easy to admit you know." Allie got up and slipped into Nathan's side of the booth and put her arms around his neck. "It's okay, I understand and I'm so sorry you had to carry that around Nathan. I was in the wrong too, prancing around thinking I knew all about people like Solomon when I actually didn't have the first clue. You had every right to dislike me since that's all you knew of me." She pulled back realising his face was wet with tears and she kissed his forehead as his voice caught in a sob, "Oh my god you have no idea what a relief it is to tell you Allie, to have you say you understand. I thought you'd be horrified, never want to talk to me again. I'm trying to be a better person Allie, I really am." Allie wrapped her arms back around him and he relaxed as she whispered, "You are a good man Nathan, and you need to forgive yourself because there's nothing to forgive on my side." Squeezing his hand she returned to the other side of the table and picked at her food while Nathan scrubbed his face.