When Milly’s emotions come to the surface, our connection is strongest and most efficient. But what she’s actually feeling behind those big pensive eyes is only inference. Time skips. Like you, we float from scene to scene. Connections often happen amid a moment — glimpses.
As the nameplate hit the floor with a clang, Milly startled.
The woman rearranged paper stacks on her desk. “I don’t do ‘collaborative divorce.’ I represent my client’s interests.”
Milly picked up the nameplate and handed it back.
“If and after you hire me: attorney-client privilege. But first: questions. Where’d you find me?”
“The library.”
“Excuse me?”
“Damien, my husband, logs searches from home and my phone. I looked you up at the library.”
“Prince Charming isn’t such a prince anymore?”
Milly nodded.
“Typical.” The lawyer showed a screen. “Here’s my fee. Can you pay it without him noticing?”
“Through my stepsister, I can — she can. But what about my things? And the mortgage?”
“We don’t care about his debt. We care about assets considered yours. Show me the list you made.” The lawyer scrolled her screen. “OK, that’s a joint account, and it’s significant.” She rubbed her chin. “You pregnant?”
Milly scoffed. “No.”
“Your soon-to-be ex — is he making any money right now?”
“Damien’s had a bad year.”
“We’re done with excuses. It’s a big moment when you realize marriage isn’t a commitment to someone, but a financial contract with something. Lucky for you, that thing is Hawai’i. You follow me?”
“I think so.”
“You’ve heard the saying ‘possession is nine-tenths of the law’?”
“Yes.🎵”
“You know what a trust is?”
“Sort of.”
“You mostly have your shit together. I have a plan but it’s not ‘Keep in touch and be friends.’ And I don’t play nice. All that said, do you want me as your lawyer?”
“Yes!” Milly sighed in relief. “I like you very much.”
“Let’s begin.”
Sis paid the retainer fee on Milly’s behalf.
Milly rose and gripped the doorknob. “Thanks for meeting me in person.”
Her lawyer nodded, then smiled for the first time.