Finally, he turned to look at me and then at Philip, pursing his lips.

“Philip, I have no idea how things like this could potentially play out in a law firm setting, so I’m not going to think aloud on what this could mean, let’s face it, for Harley,” he started out, in thoughtful tones, as he stroked his chin slowly.

He then dropped his arms his hips, arms akimbo. I braced myself. Was he now deciding to drop me from the team? Was he going to end his relationship with the firm?

My thoughts were racing as he remained silent and he continued to contemplate me.

And then he said quietly, “But I meant what I said earlier, Harley. I think you’re someone special, and I don’t want to risk losing you as a member of my team because of any complications that could arise out of all of this.”

And then he folded his arms across his chest, and continued, “I don’t know how my divorce will go, but that’s not all that I can see in the immediate horizon where I will need a sharp, strategic legal mind like yours, that is also skilled with financial matters. So I have a proposal …”

Philip stood and interrupted him, “Now hang on, Matt, before you decide on anything, I just said that I would stand up for Harley …”

Matt smiled and looked at Philip, “I know Philip, and understand the implications of what you said. That’s great, for Harley, but I have a bigger picture in mind.”

He turned back to look at me again. “So here’s what I’m thinking. You can choose to grapple with issues that could arise by staying in the firm, albeit with Philip here at your side, and deal with all the politics and drama there … or you can join me.”

I swallowed drily, stunned. Of all the scenarios I imagined that would play out, this was not of them. It wasn’t even a remote possibility. Work for Matt Desmond? After what I’d just said?

Even Philip was looking at him with a frown in forehead. “Wait a second, are you … are you making Harley an offer?”

He nodded and faced Philip, and then asked, “You remember that I told you about a month ago that I didn’t think I would need to fill Gavin’s position when he left to pursue his dreams to do that start-up?”