You Needed Me | Oscar Diaz [EDITING]

39 - We got a lawyer!

Rio opened up the office door and we both walked in. I was really nervous. The last meeting that I had with a lawyer went just about as bad as it could go. We both sat down and the lawyer, Mr. Perez, seemed to be finishing up a phone call. He smiled once he hung up the phone. "My apologies, some last minute filings for another case."

I nodded.

He stood up from behind his desk. "Rio? Long time no see mano." They both dapped each other up and then his attention turned to me. He squinted a little and leaned in to whisper to Rio. "Is that your new girlfriend?" I smiled shyly and pretended not to hear him. Rio shook his head and looked over to me. He licked his lips and smiled, "Unfortunately no, she isn't. This is Spooky's best friend, Riella. She wanted to talk to you about his case. See if there's anything that we can do to get him out."

Did he just say?

Mr. Perez stretched his hand out for me, "Hello Riella. It's a pleasure to meet you." I shook his hand, "It's nice to meet you too." He sat back down in his chair. "So you're here for Spooky?" I nodded, "Yes." "Alright, let me look at his charges."

I sat there nervously in my chair. Fidgeting with my fingers while he looked at everything that was listed as charges for Oscar. I bit my lip and rolled my fingers around each other. Just as I was about to put my finger in my mouth to bite my fingernail, Rio reached over and held my right hand with his left hand. He gave my hand a squeeze and looked at me, "It's going to be okay." I looked up at him and I don't know if it was my nerves or the way Rio made me feel, but my heart was beating incredibly fast.

"Okay so, he does have some pretty serious charges." 

I took a deep breath.

"But! He only has substantial evidence." "What does that mean?" "It means that, if I'm able to prove Oscar guilty of lesser crimes than the ones they are charging him with now, then I could get him home as early as say, a few weeks from now." I felt tears coming into my eyes, "Really!?" I swallowed, "How much would it cost to have you represent him?" Mr. Perez shook his head, "For this type of thing, I usually charge one hundred an hour with a retainer." 

Once he said that my shoulders fell. 

"But since Oscar is the leader of the Santos and seeing how much you mean to Rio, I'll take this case on pro bono." 

"Oh my gosh! Are you serious?!" He nodded, "Yes. The only thing I ask is that you two make sure to show up for every court appearance. Okay?" 

I shook my head, "Of course!" I looked over at Rio, "Oh, I mean, is that okay with you?" He nodded, "Of course it is." I smiled and then I reached over and hugged him. "Thank you Rio!" I let go and looked at Mr. Perez, "Thank you Mr. Perez!" "Not a problem Riella. Oscar is very lucky to have a friend like you." I smiled. Rio stood up, "You ready to go?" I nodded and stood up. "Thank you again Mr. Perez." He nodded, "You should be hearing from me later this week. I'll also try to set up a visit with Oscar tomorrow. I'll let you know how things go." "Okay."

Rio took my hand in his again, "Come on, let's get you home."

I held onto his hand as we left Mr. Perez's office. I was just so happy that I was able to find a lawyer to take Oscar's case, and take it pro bono. Today was one of the best day's that I've had in a while. Rio looked down at me and smiled, "Somebody's happy." I nodded and smiled back. "How about we go get something to eat? To celebrate?"

"Oh, I don't know. I should really get back home probably." 

"So how did it go you guys?!" Minnie asked as we got near the front desk. "Perez said he'll do it. And pro bono." "Oh congratulations! Riella I know you're happy!" I nodded my head, "I am." "You know what? You two should go out to eat to celebrate!" Rio looked at me, "See, I told you." "It's the least you could do Riella. To say thank you to Rio for helping you, right?" 

She was right. If it wasn't for Rio, I wouldn't have met Mr. Perez. I would still be out searching for a lawyer. 

I nodded, "You're right." I turned to Rio. "I do owe you." Even though I didn't want to, I agreed to go with him. "Let's go celebrate. I am kind of hungry." Part of me felt like I was being made to do something that I didn't really want to. But the other part of me felt like if I didn't go I was being ungrateful. 

"Cool, I know a nice spot. They've got the best dippable tacos around." 

I smiled at Rio and waved bye to Minnie. Once we were back in Rio's truck, he reached over to grab my hand again, but I pulled it back this time. Something about Rio was making me feel weird. Not uncomfortable, but weird. Like there was something he wasn't telling me.

He smiled at me, "Everything okay?" I nodded, "Yeah, just excited."

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Okay, so how are we feeling about Rio now?

Questions? Comments?