Page 92 of Turnabout Is Fair Cosplay
“Something you want to share with the class?” Mike asks before the chop saw growls into action.
“She’s completely into you,” Adam shouts. “In love with you probably.”
Sounds of tools dropping. “Sorry,” Mike mutters.
“How have you not chopped off your foot by now?” Adam asks.
“I know, right?” Vlad adds. “Lover boy should have lost a finger at least. But it’s like this,” Vlad continues. “Successful, self-assured, good-looking chaps like us are often unaware of the subtleties of the fairer sex.”
“Vlad. Stop talking,” Mike says.
“He’s on to something.” Adam sounds like he’s closer. “Bea has never been one to show her hand. Strategy has always been a strength. But I guarantee she didn’t help out Thursday night for me.”
“She seems to be in the business of collecting favors,” Mike says, a little bitterly.
“True. But she also wouldn’t return any of the junior partners’ calls at my Dad’s firm after she met you last spring.”
I feel sick. I mean, I wasn’t feeling great before.
Mike is silent for a beat. “Are you serious?”
“Heard it from my old man himself.”
“Lawyers are tools,” Vlad says.
“Bea’s a lawyer,” Mike says.
“No, she’s not,” Vlad says before falling silent. “Shut up. For reals?”
“She’s on a sabbatical. But yes,” Adam concedes. “Once a lawyer, always a lawyer.”
No! No, that’s not fair. I was so lonely as a lawyer. I don’t want to stay lonely. Tired too. And bored. Don’t doom me to such a miserable fate, Adam!
“Where’d she go to school?” Vlad asks.
“Berkeley Law.”
“Pretty and smart.” He mutters a swear. “Do you have any other sisters, bro?”
“Two. But they’re happily married to other lawyers who worship them.”
I hear paper rustling. “The hard copy of the tax info you requested. I asked Stacey to give it to you last night.”
“She did. I lost it in a car chase.”
Vlad laughs. “Hope the play goes well.”
“Thanks, man. And thanks for the bike.”
“Escape room is waiting for you when it’s over,” Adam says.
“Right.” Vlad laughs. “And the hordes of adoring fans who have a kink for villains.”
“And here I thought it was my boyish good looks.” I can hear the smile in Mike’s voice.
“You wish,” Vlad says. “Catch you later, bro. Thanks for the ride, Adam.”
“See you, Vlad.” Mike again.
