Page 22 of The Defense Rests
I'm licensed to practice law in the state, and since I don't have a firm to work with, I could relocate. Open my own practice. This thought has been circling around in my brain more and more lately.
I park my car outside the community center where I'm volunteering today. I've been giving back for a couple of years now, helping youth get back on their feet legally. It feels good to see them start out on a new path with hope and acceptance. Most of what I provide is assistance with legal name changes, helping gather birth certificates or social security documents, and, in some cases, helping teenagers file emancipation papers. Those are always the most heart-wrenching. It's as if being disowned is so final. I offer comfort in letting them know that this will allow them to rent an apartment, get a job, and start living the life they deserve without anything or anyone holding them back since typically one needs to be eighteen.
Stepping inside the center, I notice a few more vendor tables set up than usual. My heart explodes with happiness as the community shows its support.
"Kai!"
I look around for the familiar voice. When I look over, Ben is talking to no other than Shaun. My smile falters. What the hell? Shaun's eyes widen as he takes me in. Is this the meeting he had scheduled, and why he couldn’t head back to Rockport Ridge until later this afternoon?
"Hey, Ben. Glad to see you here," I tell him as he steps up to give me a hug. Ben was one of my clients a few years ago. He's a fantastic kid. Well, young adult now. He had a rough time after coming out, and I became his mentor while still in law school.
"You, too. I was wondering if you'd make it." He tells me as he steps back to Shaun's side, looking a bit too cozy for my comfort. "Oh, this is Shaun."
Between their body language and the way he said,'Oh, this is Shaun,'my stomach instantly knots. Are they here together? Like, together together. I shake my head and plaster on a smile that I know doesn't reach my eyes.
And why does Shaun have that look on his face? Guilt?
I cock my head to the side when I look over at him. "Nice to meet you, Shaun." I hold out my hand to shake, and he looks as if I wounded him.
"You're such a smartass," he mutters before grabbing my hand and pulling me into his chest. Wrapping his arms around me and holding me tightly. I let out a deep sigh. "There is no need to be jealous, I only have eyes for one boy," he whispers in my ear before kissing my cheek and letting me go.
My fake smile gives way to a genuine one as I turn to address Ben. "Shaun and I have known each other for years. We just reunited not too long ago."
"Con…grats?" Ben hesitates.
We both laugh. "Yes, it's a good thing," Shaun tells
him.
"Okay, good. Well, I have a few deliveries to make, but first…these are for you guys." Ben reaches into a box and hands us both a small vase with flowers. The look of confusion on Shaun's face causes Ben to laugh this time. "I work in a flower shop and make these as an appreciation gift for all of our volunteers. It’s my little way of giving back to those who helped me." Ben offers me a wink.
"That's so thoughtful," Shaun tells him. "A friend of mine has a flower shop in Rockport Ridge. The two of you have a lot in common and would get along famously. If you're ever up for a move, let me know. I can see if he could use some help."
A lot in common? I wonder who Shaun’s talking about. I'll have to interrogate him later.
"That sounds great. We'll catch up before the event is over, I'm sure. In the meantime, I don't want these flowers to wilt." He offers us a wide smile before picking up his box and heading to a nearby table.
"Sweet kid," Shaun says, looking down at his flowers.
"He really is. He has gone through a lot and emerged victorious. He's one of the success stories from this event," I inform him.
"You know…this is the first time I've ever received flowers from someone who wasn't a patient or a staff member at the clinic on my birthday."
Well, that sucks that it wasn't me giving him the flowers.
"I'm sure you'll get plenty of flowers in the future," I give him a side hug, and we separate as the event starts.
I head over to my typical table, and as I get set up, I look across the aisle. Shaun is setting up his makeshift clinic, which consists of a couple of chairs and a homemade, painted sign withAmber's signature scroll all over it. If he's going to participate more frequently, we need to get him a more professional sign.
As the day goes on, I speak with several teens; two who were seeking help with name and gender change forms, and one who had questions about emancipation. My heart clenches for her. Across the way, I see Shaun talking to the same teenagers, offering them both gentle smiles. He genuinely cares about his patients.
"I heard his bedside manner is top-notch," Amber tells me, interrupting my thoughts.
"He's an amazing man," I tell her fondly.
"Is there something between the two of you? I saw you both together earlier, and it looked like there may be some chemistry there." She offers a sly smirk. “Besides, you haven’t taken your eyes off him all afternoon.”Nosy, this one.
"Yes. We have been spending some time together and getting reacquainted." I can't tell her that I am his lawyer and what we're currently working on. It's not fair to Shaun, and it really isn't any of her business.
