Everything & More (Book 1 in the E.C.N Series)

Chapter 79 - Martha

The conference table was able to fit probably 10-15 people but it was only hosting 5 at the end of it. The room was surrounded by large glass windows, one side with a gorgeous view of the city the other a view of the rest of the office with people constantly walking by.

Ms. Freeman and I were early, she told me to pick a seat I might find the most comfortable. It was a funny way to think of it. She knew in these situations no one was comfortable but she also knew there was strategy to these proceedings. Ms. Freeman suggested facing the office with our back to the view of the city.

The idea made sense; the main reasoning being I wouldn't be taken off guard by Jonathan's arrival. I sat there confirming asset agreements and requests that we had came up with a few weeks ago. The movement of bodies were caught in my peripheral vision, they were growing closer and I knew someone was coming.

When the glass door opened I saw a man in his 50's, wearing a gray suit, about 5'7 in height, with some salt and pepper in his hair. This must have been Donovan Maxwell, the mediator. Both Jonathan and I let our lawyers come to an agreement on who the mediator would be so there weren't any biases. Mr. Maxwell, approached us with a kind smile, "Georgia, good to see you."

"You as well Donovan." Ms. Freeman gestured to introduce me as I stood, "This is my client Martha Carso."

His hand shook mine, firm and confident, "Pleasure to meet you, do you prefer Martha or..." I knew what he was asking, he didn't want to make it awkward by calling me Mrs. Carso given what we were here for.

"Please you can all me Martha, thank you for asking."

With a firm nod he made his way to the head of the table to set up his supplies. Mr. Maxwell open his brief case and pull a few documents, two separate folders that seemed to contain even more documents inside of them, a calculator, a large legal pad with pens and highlighter and a small recording device. It was nice to see how prepared he was but also intimidating. This was becoming so real.

When I looked away from Mr. Maxwell's set up I saw two people down the hallway making their way here. One was clearly Jonathan, I could spot him anywhere. Dark gray suit and tie, nothing he wouldn't wear to work. The other man was about the same height as Jonathan maybe slightly taller. When they stepped through the door I was finally able to take in his features. Light brown hair, hazel eyes, light pepper of freckles were on his face. He had a boyish charm to himself. This was Jonathan's lawyer, James Cunningham, Ms. Freeman said he was one of Jonathan's coworkers though he worked on a different floor and specialized in divorce/family cases.

Mr. Maxwell stood to greet them, "James."

"Donovan, thank you for being our mediator today. This is my client Jonathan Carso."

"Good to meet you, how would you like to be referred to Jonathan, Mr. Carso."

"Good to meet you too and uh... Jonathan is fine."

"Sounds good, let's all have a seat. You know when Ms. Freeman and Mr. Cunningham contacted me needing a mutual party I was honored they both thought of me."

"Well if we are being honest, you were the only one we could agree on." Mr. Cunningham admitted with a coy smile.

"I was the only one two opposing lawyers could agree on, isn't that something." He said with slyly. "Alright I made sure the room had water for everyone, also I will be recording the mediation for our records. Are you both ready to get started?"

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We both signed an agreement at the beginning stating that we were here out of our own volition.