Rendezvous

| the epilogue

TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER

| FORBES HQ

"How was it to be selected among Forbes 30 under 30?" the interviewer asks as I sat across from her.

"I had never really thought about the Forbes '30 under 30' list before, so I can say that it was quite a surprise when I got the news of my nomination," I say confidently with a smile.

"It is no surprise that a young woman such as yourself has earned such success in a male-dominated career, I might add, has been nominated," the interviewer says. "Can you tell us more about Humes & Marshals?"

After going back and forth with different questions about the company, the interviewer came in with the hefty ones.

"A rumor is circulating that you and your business partner, Stella Marshals were romantically involved at one point," the interviewer says as she reads down on the cue card, causing me to cuss internally. "Is that true?"

I look up and lock eyes with Stella behind the glass for a few seconds and she gives me an apologetic smile along with a supportive nod.

we knew something like this would come up

"That is true, yes," I say as I swallow the lump in my throat but continue nonchalantly. "That was before we started this company. Stella and I have worked together in the past and were good friends way before we became business partners."

"I've seen both of you in a professional setting, and I must say that you both exhibit a high level of professionalism," the interviewer and I was relieved she moved onto another subject. "Victoria Secret model Amelia Armstrong recently made her relationship with Stella Marshals public. But the people want to know whether you're on the market."

I let out a little laugh, "I generally like to keep my personal affairs private and away from the media, but I've been in an committed relationship for a while now," I smile at the thought of her.

"I'm sure your partner knows how lucky they are to be with one of the best female lawyers in Los Angeles!" she says with a smile. "Speaking of the best, throughout the past years, you were seen out and about with "Best Female Artist Of The Year" nominee Lana Del Rey, how did you two meet?"

"Lana and I go way back... Our families were friends and so we kind of grew up together," I say casually.

"Wow. The fans have noticed how close you too are. I'm sure she's been a huge help while dealing with the amount of press seeing as though you're new to the scene," she says.

"Oh, totally. She's been super supportive, showing me all the ropes, I'm so lucky," I say with a smile. "I'm really proud of all her accomplishments."

"We love seeing successful women support each other," the interviewer says enthusiastically. "Moving on to your area of practice, what is your view on the franchising of legal aid firms?"

The interviewer concluded the interview after a few follow up questions and I made my way out of the the studio after they ended the stream and the crew took off my microphone.

I grabbed my phone from my assistant as I made my way toward Stella, reading my notifications before I clicked on her texts.

L: I'm the lucky one
L: I'm so proud of you baby

"Well done back there, you handled it perfectly," Stella says pulling my away from my phone causing me smile at her. "Romantically involved at one point, really?"

"Jesus, don't get me started," I say with a scoff as we walk together. "I'm glad I got this over with. Wanna get brunch before our press shoot?"

Me: i love you