ONE:
The appointment was set for 9am but the traffic and weather delayed me by Β½ hour. When I arrived, the receptionist informed me that my attorney assigned a junior associate to meet with me. Apparently he was due in court at 10 am which left little time to discuss the merits of my case.
I was seated in the conference room when an attractive young woman introduced herself as Ms. Brenda Thomovich and proceeded to discuss my impending lawsuit. During our discussion, she seemed to scrutinize me carefully; perhaps a little too carefully.
As Ms. Thomovich finished writing some notes on a yellow legal pad, she looked at me and asked if I was any relation to a Mrs. Macalino who taught fifth grade at Walton Street Elementary School.
The sudden change in direction surprised me but I was more than familiar with this type of question. My ex wife was a very popular teacher at the aforementioned school and former students often inquired about her.
"Yes, ah, well I was." I answered in an uncharacteristic stammer.
Ms. Thomovich was regarding me with cold eyes and when I briefly explained that we had recently divorced, her demeanor changed and a chilly air descended on the room.
Many of my ex wife's former students idolized her and she was indeed an exceptional teacher. However, our marriage was much less than idyllic and especially so towards the end.
My ex wife, Kate, threw herself into her job with total abandon and it left little time for anything else. Our social life was sporadic and sometimes non-existent. Her off hours were spent correcting papers and in general, doing something school related.
Ms. Thomovich was regarding me with a cool stare and I got the impression that she was hesitant about accepting the case. But, her expression softened and she indicated that another appointment was necessary before she could reach a decision.
A couple of days later, I was seated in the same conference room waiting for Ms. Thomovich to appear. The receptionist popped he head in and explained that she was on her way back to the office and if it wasn't an inconvenience, to wait for her arrival. I expressed my desire to remain and the receptionist handed me a cup of coffee.
At 5:30pm, Ms Thomovich was an hour overdue when she walked into the conference room. She didn't apologize for her tardiness and her demeanor bordered on unpleasant.
For five minutes Ms. Thomovich bombarded me with questions and in a manner I would associate with opposing council. I probably had a disgusted look on my face because she stopped her questioning blitzkrieg.
"Do you treat all of your potential clients in this manner?" I asked coldly.
Ms. Thomovich had a surprised look on her face.
"Perhaps I should seek council elsewhere." I stated and stood up.
Ms. Thomovich had a look of regret on her attractive face but it did little to soften my anger.
"Please accept my apology." She said with sincerity.
"It's just that..." she stated but I interrupted her before she was finished.
"...you can't believe anyone would divorce dear, sweet Mrs. Macalino. Am I correct in that assumption Ms Thompson?" I questioned with conviction.
Ms. Thomovich was staring at me in disbelief and appeared to be thinking of an answer.
"Ms. Thomovich..." I started to say.
"Call me Brenda. It's less formal and considering your age more appropriate." She stated with wit and humor.
The effect on me was instantaneous and I smiled at her.
"Ok. BRENDA." I stated with emphasis on her name.
"Given the late hour, we should probably meet for further discussion at another time." I finished with sincerity.
"Would it be a terrible inconvenience if we discussed the matter at a quiet restaurant about a block from here? My treat" She said factually.
I studied Brenda's face for a moment but accepted. Looking for another law firm to handle my pending legal matter would be time consuming and possibly more costly.
At the restaurant we finished discussing the details.
"There's a very high probability that an out of court settlement can be achieved." She said coolly and continued.
"If their attorney is smart, he'll push for that and in the amount that the insurance company is willing to pay." She said flatly.
Brenda accepted my case and with the formal business portion of the dinner completed, visibly relaxed. For the first time, I looked her over. Her creamy complexion, blonde hair and brown eyes were attractively packaged with a slim body.
While we waited for coffee, we talked informally but I sensed something was on her mind.
"Mrs. Macalino was by far my favorite teacher. She was patient, kind, understanding and thoughtful toward each student in her class. I achieved a level of academic success that had escaped me with previous teachers." She said with admiration and pride.
"And, she would be very proud of you. It's a testament to her teaching skills." I stated firmly.
After several meetings with Brenda to discuss the aspects of the suit, I got to know her. She was witty, charming and intelligent. But, she also exuded a sex appeal. Sex appeal is a trait that exits effortlessly inside an individual and is part of their personality.
I started looking forward to our meetings and made every effort to engage Brenda in conversation after the business portion was concluded. After one late meeting, I invited Brenda to dinner as repayment for her earlier kindness.
At the same restaurant, I couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted to ask me something that didn't pertain to the lawsuit. It was the same feeling I got at the previous dinner. I tried to shrug it off but it persisted.
"Is there something you want to ask me?" I questioned searchingly.
Brenda stammered a little but as I scanned her facial expression, I knew I was right.
"Is it about Mrs. Macalino and our divorce?" I asked quietly.
Brenda blushed and I objectively stated what I believed were the causes for our divorce.
"After twenty years of playing second fiddle to her job, I wanted more out of life. She was rarely interested in my thoughts, wants or needs. I remember one Saturday afternoon, she brought lunch home but only for herself. When I asked why, she stated that she didn't know what I liked. Twenty years of marriage and she didn't know what I liked to eat! But, in all fairness, for most of the marriage, I overcompensated by doing almost all the household chores and grocery shopping." I explained with sadness.