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really
want to do is exactly what you did.  I want to go out on my own.”
              “My
best advice would be to make sure you research the need for your type of law. 
You want to make sure there is a crowd who needs representation.  In order to
stand out among the competition, you must offer something that no one else is
providing.  That could be something as simple as reducing your fee.  Once you
build up your client base you can raise your fee on new clients only.  I have
to tell you, I love it and I would never go back.  If I can do it, I know you
can too.  Lauren, when you go out on your own, if you ever have any questions,
feel free to reach out to me.  I will be more than happy to help you.”
              Paul
had always been so nice to me in college.  Since he and Jake were frat brothers
I saw him a lot because I spent a lot of time at their frat house.  And now he
was turning out to be an invaluable business contact. 
              “That
would be awesome.  Thank you so much Paul.”
              We
both pulled out our phones and exchanged numbers, email addresses and LinkedIn
info.  I could see Jake watching us out of the corner of my eye and he did not
look happy.  He started to walk toward us so I changed the conversation to a
subject that I knew would rattle Jake.  He wasn’t the only one who knew how to
push buttons. 
              “So
Paul, how’s the love life?  Is there a wife?  Kids?  Girlfriend?”  I asked my
questions playfully not wanting to be too flirtatious but wanting Jake to hear
so he would think I was flirting.  It was time he had a taste of his own
medicine. 
              Just
as Paul began to answer me, Jake walked up.  “You two look like you are deep in
conversation.  I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”  He tried to sound
light-hearted but I could hear the strain in his voice.    
              “Love
lives, dude, we’re talking love lives.  To answer your question Lauren…no wife,
no kids and no girlfriend.  I haven’t met the right woman yet, but I know she’s
out there.”
              “She
definitely is.  When it’s right it will happen.”
              “Yeah,
and what about you?  Husband?  Kids?  Boyfriend?”
              I
hesitated as I glanced at Jake who was practically burning a hole right through
me.  My throat was dry and my heart was pounding as I glanced at Jake again
before answering Paul.
              “No
husband or kids, not yet anyway.”
              “ Oh ,
but a boyfriend, huh?”  Paul gave me a teasing smile.
              Jake
was not amused.  His tone was cold as he chimed in.  “Yes, let’s hear about
your boyfriend Lauren.”
              I
could feel myself getting upset and I didn’t want Jake to see the way he
affected me.  I cleared my throat and tried to excuse myself.
              “My
throat is really dry.  I’m going to go get a drink.  Excuse me.”  Before I had
a chance to leave, Paul chimed in.
              “I’ll
get it for you.”  Just as I was about to protest, he was gone.  My heart was
pounding as I realized that Jake and I were standing there alone together.  I
cautiously looked up at him and he turned his stony gaze toward me.  I searched
his eyes looking for a hint of the man I fell in love with in college.  He had
to be in there somewhere.  When I saw that cruel look again, I had to say
something.  This had to stop.  I wasn’t going to go the entire trip with him so
angry at me.
              “Why
do you keep looking at me like that Jake?”  The irritation in my voice was evident.
              “Like
what Lauren?”  Sarcasm dripped from his words.
              “You
look so angry, like you hate me and it is killing me.  I was hoping we could
get past what happened between us.”  I felt so sad and I could feel the