When the Family Feuds

CHAPTER 2

The Efron family considered themselves lucky. They beat the odds and the statistics. Owning a brownstone in Georgetown was rare in itself. They were a successful black Jewish family living in America and they were superior at what they did. Having one lawyer in the family wasn't enough. Everyone was on the same path towards greatness.

At the long dinner table, Jonathan Efron Sr. sat at the head and enjoyed weekly dinners with his entire family. He took the time to reflect on everything it took to get them there. The blood, sweat, and tears of his past life that he tried hard to forget. When he originally met Ruth, his now wife, in Law School, they initially despised one enough. But their love story blossomed into something unique. They soon after got married and combined what at the time felt like a mountain of debt.

But early in his career after passing the Bar, Jonathan was given an opportunity, a blessing in disguise. At the end of 2001, he was allowed to represent companies and corporations who were faulted for the tragedy of 9/11. A situation that many established lawyers ran from, he approached head-on and in turn, became a very wealthy and ruthless lawyer. His latest gig was prosecuting attorney in yet another scandal.

Ruth Efron sat on the opposite end of the table and admired her husband. Sometimes she questioned how she was a Divorce lawyer yet had what she felt was a perfect marriage. They made it. They were living the American dream. Their dinner was catered by a chef who cooked the meal fresh in the kitchen and served them like they were in a gourmet restaurant. She rarely had to lift a finger. Being an equal partner and lawyer in the Efron family law firm was harder than it seemed. Being a black woman she had to work twice as hard.

Scattered around the table were their children, Ariel, Shira, and Chuck, and nephews Cain and Abraham. Jonathan Sr. and Ruth did their best to raise them. All of which they were equally proud of. At times the family feuded over the pettiest of things but they always found a way back to one another.

Their oldest son, Jonathan Efron Jr. was an immigration lawyer, who graduated from an HBCU. Charles Efron, who insisted on being called Chuck, had what he argued was the best job ever as a Sports and Entertainment lawyer. Shira Efron was the firm's Paralegal while finishing Law School at MIT, and Ariel was the youngest, who applied to Yale Law School, was awaiting her decision, and hoped to one day be a Cyber Crime lawyer. Lastly, Cain and Abraham owned a trucking and transportation business.

Shira rolled her eyes and said, "Why do we do these stupid dinners anyway? Junior doesn't even bother to show up."

Ariel snapped back, "Do you have somewhere else you'd rather be?"

"Anywhere but here."

Chuck interrupted, then looked at Ariel. "I read the latest gossip...Austin's ring shopping. Do you think he's going to propose?"

Ariel blushed, "I don't know. But he's hiding something I can tell."

"Doesn't it ruin the surprise if you already know?"

"Maybe I should say what we're all thinking...Austin's a tool," Shira answered.

Chuck snapped back, "You're dating a Barber, chill."

"The Barber has a name," Shira folded her arms, "And that's why you're single and lonely."

"Surprise or not, I think it's sweet," answered Ruth. She smiled at Jonathan Sr. "I went ring shopping with your father. Picked out the most precious diamond myself."

"Yeah, real romantic." Shira shook her head.

Ariel replied, "Maybe if you stopped dating the Barber you'd stop asking mom and dad for rent money, and you'd have someone ring shopping for you."

As much as Jonathan Sr. loved watching his kids bicker back and forth, he tapped a knife against the wine glass next to him. "Your mother and I have news," he smiled at his wife.

Ariel rolled her eyes. "You're not having another kid are you?" She loved being the youngest.

"Ew," Chuck looked disgusted. "Why would you say that?" He tried to get the disturbing picture of his parents even kissing out of his head.

Ruth finally said, "We're thinking of moving HQ to New York. Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?"

Jonathan loved the idea for many reasons. Mostly because Cain and Abraham's business needed access to water. The ports in NYC offered them the location and convenience. It was a steal. "Well, what do you think?" He could tell that they all were speechless.

"I'm not moving," Chuck replied, "New York is filthy."

"You're all adults and free to make your own decisions." Ruth continued. "However, should we move forward, we would close the DC location permanently."

"So we'd be...jobless?" Shira looked confused.

Jonathan Sr. looked at his wife and then at each of them. "Should you choose to stay, you'd have to explore other employment opportunities, yes."

The move to NY took the family by surprise and ended what barely started as a lovely dinner. After, in the breezeway, Jonathan Sr. looked over his shoulders as he led his nephews to the front door.

"Same time next week alright?"

Cain nodded. "What about that other thing?" He looked at Abraham.

Jonathan Sr. looked over his shoulders again then whispered to them, "Patience. I have a client who needs a package to be transported to the Freeport in the Caymans. We'll connect when I know more." After he kissed his nephews on the head, he loudly said, "Get home safe, boys. I love ya."

Across the city, Jonathan Efron Jr. was at the same place he was every week. There was a young college student who hoped to be him one day who he met weekly to have sex with. After the act was done, every time, they fought.

Francine Tucker said the same thing every time. She looked around the studio apartment that Jonathan paid the rent for then blabbed, "Give your wife my best."

That's when Jonathan rose from the bed, redressed, grabbed his wedding band from the dresser, and put it back on his finger. "Don't be like that. You know my situation is complicated." he kissed her on the cheek. "I'll call you tomorrow."