“I always believe the truth is the best choice, but in court… You never know what might happen. Surprises are always around the corner.”
“Then we have another problem.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re prepared.”
“Are you telling me you took my case?”
“Wasn’t it obvious?”
“No, not at all.”
“In that case… Congratulations, Mr Graham, you’ve just found a lawyer.”
“Seth.”
“Mmm?”
“Just Seth, please.”
I sigh again, softly this time.
“Seth. I’m…”
“Rowan,” the way he says, it’s like a caress down my back. It takes me a few seconds to recover from this feeling.
“Why... Uhm... Do you think you are replaceable?”
“Oh, well… First, I’m a bad bartender.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“I swear. I really do suck. But Ross, my friend, the one you saw at the firm with me. He put in a good word with the owner, and so…”
“And you and this Ross…”
“Friends. We are just friends.”
“It’s for the file. The information, I mean. It’s not personal.”
He laughs nervously. “I hadn’t thought of that. Don’t worry.”
Now, I feel uncomfortable with his answer. I don’t want to offend him, but I don’t want to create misunderstandings. I’m his lawyer, after all. And I’m here to win, not to make friends or anything like that.
“And then,” he continues. “I’m certainly not the most attractive.”
“What do you mean?”
“The bartenders at the club must be… how shall I put this… Good-looking, sexy… hot. Well, I think you get the idea.”
Suddenly, my throat is dry. I take a sip of water to soothe the feeling, but it doesn’t help much.
“I like it, though. I feel good here. Everyone is nice, and the customers are very generous. They always leave good tips. I have three kids to raise, so that helps.”
“I understand that, but?—”
“But it doesn’t help my position.”
“No.”
