You, Me, and Her

Verse 32: Irresistible

Nia stood in front of one of the high-rise buildings in the city and walked inside one of the private offices designed primarily for lawyers and law firms. Her high heels were clicking on the floor and several employees paused to stop and admire her beautiful figure, gliding on the hallway with her head held high.

Many of the lawyers who were coming back to the office were younger associates eager for exposure to more senior colleagues to gain mentorship and advancement opportunities. Linda Pryce was aware of this and had found a design solution for her office and brought down the visual barriers within a space, so workers felt more seen and the connection wouldn't interfere with work.

"You're early," Linda was surprised to see the young woman in her office all snazzy, her clothes, attractive and glamorous, adding more appeal to her already outstanding physical appearance. She waited until Nia was sitting before her. "I trust you have read the email I sent you yesterday."

"I did," when the smile froze on her face and she earned a glare from the barrister, Nia quipped, "Barely. I went out with a couple of friends yesterday and tried to get your son to go out with me but he was nowhere to be found."

Linda gave her a long look before speaking. "Naturally, he must be with Hal."

The mention of the name changed her whole countenance and mood. "How long have you known, Halwyn Yale?"

"Since he was a child," Linda pulled up the email she sent the woman yesterday since she had a feeling none of the contents were understood by the other. "Nia, I want you to take this seriously."

"I am taking this seriously."

"Are you? Pardon me for saying this but for someone filing for divorce due to domestic violence, you are sure not acting the part."

Drawing a deep sigh, Nia leaned her back on the chair and crossed her left leg on the other. "I don't want to talk about the same thing over and over."

Linda slowly took off her glasses and spoke, "Whether you like it or not, that's how it is going to be. This is going to be a long and painful process and should be taken seriously if you want to be freed from that man."

Nia peered outside the window and noticed the sky was somewhat gloomy, signaling an incoming rain. "Why is Aidan not talking to me?"

"I don't know. Regardless, my son had nothing to do with your divorce. You asked for him to help you and he brought you to me."

"A favor for an old fling..." she muttered but Linda ignored her. "Do you trust Hal with Aidan?"

Linda wore an expression of intolerance. "Why are we talking about my son and his best friend when we should be discussing your divorce proceedings?"

Nia tittered and leaned forward, "Best friends. Do you truly believe that?"

"That they are best friends? Yes."

"Don't you feel anything strange about their relationship?"

Linda was no fool and could perfectly tell the woman knew more than what she let on. However, this wasn't the time or place to discuss unrelated topics and she would prefer to be a professional first and foremost. "Whatever is my son's relationship with his best friend is none of your concern. Now, on your case..."

"Hal is gay, do you know that?"

Linda's patience was running thin---fast. Clasping her hands on the table, she faced the young lady. "What is your intention for telling me those things, Ms. Hier?"

"I'm just worried..."

"Of what?"

"That Hal might be leading your son astray."