Page 59 of Stepping Up to the Plate

“Shortly after leaving her husband, Mrs. Robinson started a blog and social media accounts talking about her marriage and alleging misconduct by my client and defaming him. Her statements have affected his business and standing within the community.”

“Mrs. Mercer, do you have anything to say before we review the inflammatory statements your opposing counsel is referring to?”

“I do, Your Honor. I would like to state on the record that nowhere on her blog or on its related social media accounts does my client ever mention Mr. Robinson by name or use defamatory language in reference to him. The focus of the account is to show my client’s growth and transition as she moves into a new phase in her life.

“The further we get from this relationship, the less Mr. Robinson would appear in the content, but even if all she did was write about him and use his name, there is nothing illegal about discussing your personal experiences. Sharing her own story is her constitutional right. Any issues of slander or libel should be taken care of in a separate suit, not in these proceedings.”

“I can’t help but agree. This is an issue for another court. Why is it being brought up in mine?” the judge questions.

Mr. Acron interjects, “As part of the divorce decree, my client requests Mrs. Robinson cease posting about their relationship and delete the accounts entirely.”

“And ordering her to do so would violate her First Amendment rights,” my lawyer chimes in.

“Indeed, it would. This is a divorce hearing. I have no interest in dealing with constitutional liberties, Mr. Acron. Your client can take up his issues with his ex-wife’s internet profiles in a different court. Are there any issues relevant to this court you want to bring up before I make my decree?”

“No, Your Honor,” he says sullenly. Phil is turning red as he whispers to his lawyer and gestures at me.

“Very well,” the judge accepts. “Mrs. Mercer?”

“All good over here.”

“Wonderful. I have the recommendation for division of assets from the mediator and as the petitioner’s counsel stated it is pretty straightforward. I am ruling that the house be sold and profits be split 50/50 as well as their joint savings account. Each individual will take with the assets they brought into the marriage, retirement accounts, and sole ownership of their personal vehicles. If that’s all, we can get out of here.”

“One thing, Your Honor.”

“Yes, Mrs. Mercer?”

“We would like included in the decree that Mr. Robinson has no vested interest or ownership of my clients’ social media accounts or blogs. While they were technically created during their marriage, it was after months of separation.”

“So included. I am hereby granting this divorce and I wish both parties the best as they move forward with their lives.”

ChapterTwenty-Eight

• LOLA •

Phil storms out of the courtroom followed by his brother who eyefucked me the entire time. The way he leered at me makes me shiver in disgust. I guess he didn’t have the same qualms as Phil did in regard to ‘debasing’ me. I am grateful to be done with this family.

“Is that it?” I ask my lawyer.

“That’s it. You are officially a free woman,” she congratulates.

“Thank you, Carolyn! I couldn’t have made it through all this without you.”

“Of course, honey. I’m glad you’re free of that toad. I was happy to help. Your Uncle Steve was one of my close cohorts in law school. Are you driving back to Nashville today?”

“I think so. If I grab a quick bite, I can get on the road by two and make it back before sunset. There is nothing left here for me. I want to get home as soon as possible,” I say.

“I don’t blame you. Safe travels.” With a pat on the shoulder, she says goodbye and heads out of the courthouse.

As I pull out my phone to search for a place to eat, I see Brady texted me earlier this morning.

8: 57 AM

Brady Bear

Good morning, sweet girl. I hope you slept well. I’ll be sleeping good again once I get back home to you and my bed. Call later?

12:13 PM

---