“Now to visit an old friend” Bette mumbled as she put her car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot.

———————–

”So based on the financial records and documentation presented to the court your Honor, my client deserves full custody of the two minor children. My client is also seeking future child support once the defendant can find gainful employment. We are confident your Honor that you will rule in our favor ” Tina explained as she walked back to the table taking the seat next to her client.

The judge leaned forward in his chair and cleared his throat.

”I have heard both sides of this custody case and I’m prepared to render my decision. It is obvious that the Defendant has not provided a safe, stable home and financial environment for the minor children involved. The Plaintiff has demonstrated and adhered to the terms outlined in the divorce decree so this court finds in favor of the Plaintiff and is awarded full custody of the two minor children. The Defendant shall be awarded visitation rights to be arranged and filed at a later time with this court. The Defendant is ordered to pay the Plaintiff’s court costs and legal fees. The Defendant is also ordered to find gainful employment and to pay child support for the two minor children. This court is now adjourned” The judge said banging his gavel.

Tina turned to her grateful client who engulfed her in a hug.

”Congratulations Gena. Now you go get those two beautiful children of yours and take them home” Tina said as she pulled out of the hug Gena had her wrapped up tightly in.

”Thank you so much Tina. I don’t know how I could ever repay you for all that you did for me and my girls. You are truly a gift.” Gena replied giving Tina another hug before heading up the aisle out of the courtroom.

Tina sighed in relief that she was able to win another case for a client. She loved practicing law. The adrenaline she got from ripping the other party to shreds on the stands or arguing a point in her favor was like an aphrodisiac to her. She lived for it and she had a reputation for being a bulldog in court. Now that she had another victory to hang in the notch of her belt she was ready to celebrate.  But just as fast her happiness faded as she thought about Haleigh.  She knew she had to let Haleigh learn on her own and not rely on her to bail her out all the time..But she was sure her old colleague Jason Simmons would take care of her and keep her updated.  But it didn’t make her feel any better about it…This was her baby sister after all not just some client.

She sighed as she turned and headed out of the courtroom, she pulled her phone out seeing that she had a message and hit the play button to hear it.

Tina stopped and felt goosebumps spring out on her neck as the voice that could literally make her heart melt steadily traveled in her ear. She listened as Bette told her about getting the job with Steve which didn’t surprise Tina of course but what did surprise her and almost made her drop her phone was Bette asking her to lunch after their meeting tomorrow. Once the message ended, Tina put the phone in her purse and walked to her car getting in and rested her head against the headrest.

”19 years ago I fell in love with you Bette and the more I’m around you the more those feelings are trying to resurface…Of course I am not that scrawny, zit faced, unforgettable girl any longer but you are my client and I need to separate the part of me that has feelings for you from the part that just wants to help you get through your case. I think I can do that” Tina mumbled to herself as she started her car and put it in gear ”Jesus! Who am I kidding! There is no way I can do that.. Damn it! I am so fucking screwed” Tina continued to mumble as she pulled out of the parking lot.