Legal Prejuduce 3 - Lessons In Life

Chapter 51

They had a final run through of the planning materials ahead of a meeting with Cannon the following day, and Simon had a productive session with Wendy on more general employment law matters where they could leverage the two teams. Chris dropped Simon back at the hotel where he managed to call Julia just as she was heading for bed, and the junior partner came back to collect him for dinner over at Dan and Allie's. As they drove, Simon turned to Chris and said, "Thanks for coming to get me Chris." He grinned, "It's no problem. Robyn, Dan and Allie have the kids to organise. Did you manage to speak to your family?" Simon nodded, "I did a quick video call with my boys from the office when they came home from school, and I just caught Ju before she went to bed." Chris smiled, "My girlfriend Jess is coming tonight. She's looking forward to meeting you, got a thing about British accents, James Bond." Simon laughed, "I could be quite the disappointment! Who else is coming?"

"Robyn, Jem and the kids, Max, Margie, Landon, oh and Susan and John." Simon looked confused, "So who's Landon, and who are Susan and John?" Chris tried to explain, "Landon is a friend of Max's, and Susan was the real estate agent Max got to help Allie find her first apartment. She and John were really close to Allie's first husband, Michael. Jeremy said they got close to Max and Margie when Allie got shot. They all helped take care of her when she came out of the hospital. That was long before I knew anyone. You'll love 'em. We've all just been for a break in a giant beach house Max hired. The only guys you won't meet are Nathan and Tom because they're getting married next week, so they're tied up with last-minute plans. Nathan used to work with Michael and Tom's my girlfriend's brother, works with Jem." Simon rubbed his forehead, "I'm jet lagged, and my head is spinning with all that information Chris." He laughed in response as they pulled up in the large driveway.

Allie had appeared at the front door hearing a car draw up, and once Chris had hugged her she held her arms out to Simon and pulled him through the front door towards the large family room which was open plan to the kitchen. Daniel grinned and passed him a cold beer and Rose flew in from the upstairs and flung herself at Chris, squealing in excitement. Max and Margie had arrived and taking the five year old from Chris to kiss her Max said, "You trying to perforate my ear drums Rosie?" Kissing Max enthusiastically, Rose said, "Sorry Maxy." Daniel smiled indulgently and said, "Hey my little Rosebud, come here, remember Simon?" She came and put her arms around her Mommy's waist as Simon crouched down and said, "It's very nice to see you again Rose." Rose looked curious, "Where are the boys?" Emmie had appeared much more quietly, and Simon laughed, "They aren't with me this time, too busy with school. Hi Emmie, How are you?" Emmie smiled shyly and came to stand between her parents as he added, "They said to say hello though, and actually they've sent something for you." He pulled two plastic bags filled with chocolate bars from where he'd dropped them by the couch and passed them to each of the children. As their eyes shone, he added, "They tried to remember which you said were your favourites, so hopefully we got it right."

They said thank you, and Allie put the chocolate away until they'd eaten dinner. A yell at the door announced two and half year old Jack's arrival, swiftly followed by Robyn and Jeremy, who was carrying Aiden. Jeremy came over to enthusiastically greet Simon, passing Aiden to Daniel as the baby squealed with excitement to see him. Allie came out of the kitchen where she'd been prepping bowls of salad with Margie and hugged Robyn before leaning into Jeremy and accepting a kiss. Max came and pulled her close, "Allie honey Susan called Margie to say John's finishing a bit late, so to go ahead and start, and they'll get here whenever." Allie nodded, "In that case, will you and Dan start the barbeque stuff? Steaks and chicken are in the fridge." Daniel passed Aiden to Robyn with a kiss and said, "Sure can, I'm starving!" Max winked at Simon, "Dan, just don't eat John's before he can get here." Daniel nudged him playfully, "Relax, Allie's catering for a small army." Jeremy took a bottle of beer from Allie and took a bowl she passed him to take outside. She passed Simon another, and he followed the others out to the garden gasping when he saw it. Daniel grinned, "Like it Simon?" He nodded and said, "We've just had this outdoor kitchen put in. Allie'll show you the beach later. It's her favourite part of living here."