–Me: Yes. But I want some of my money to go toward a very particular recipient.
–Sebastian: Who?
–Me: Aspen.
A small pause.
–Sebastian: Isn’t that the assistant you’re trying to get rid of?
Of course he’d remember that.
–Me: Yes, but things are different now. She worked out.
–Sebastian: I can see what I can do, if you can get Jeremiah to take a case for me.
–Me: Why don’t you ask her directly?
–Sebastian: I did, and she said no.
Whoa.Jeremiah wouldn’t turn one of us down. Not because she’s fond of us, but because she knows we can afford her rate. On top of that, we aren’t idiots who bring her migraine-inducing cases.
–Me: Did she say why?
–Sebastian: I already know why. But I want you to convince her.
–Me: That’s an unfair trade. You know she never changes her mind.
–Sebastian: I can’t get married! I refuse!
I stare at the screen, at a loss for words. Finally, I type:
–Me: I’m at a loss for words.
–Sebastian: It’s complicated, but I need Jeremiah and her minions to undo a stupid contract my grandparents signed! They did it without consulting me! It’s gotta be illegal.
Poor Seb. At least none of the Grants signed me away in a contract.
–Me: I’ll lobby via Hux. He might get a better result.
–Sebastian: Tried that. She told him to mind his own business or join the firm if he wants to help out.
Hux will never join Huxley & Webber, not even for Sebastian. He fought so hard for the freedom he has, away from the family law firm.
–Me: Okay, I’ll TRY. I’ll ask Jeremiah, but no guarantees.
–Sebastian: Thanks. It means a lot. She won’t even answer my calls. I think she’s blocked my number.
Ouch.
–Sebastian: I’ll talk to the foundation people. Just send me the details.
–Me: Okay. I’ll send everything over before lunch.
I pull up Aspen’s HR files and grab the info she filled out to get the eldercare benefits. I forward that to Seb, along with instructions to my accountant to distribute some money to the foundation. This should lift the financial burden on Aspen. And I’m donating enough to pay for ten other needy families, so it’s a good outcome. On top of that, Aspen’s situation qualifies for the foundation’s criteria for helping out, so it isn’t like she’s getting assistance she doesn’t deserve. She just didn’t know about the program. I make a mental note to see if Huxley’s agency will take on the foundation’s PR to promote what they do.
After work, I drive over to Aspen’s place. I don’t bring anything, since I don’t know what she needs. But I want to check and make sure she’s okay.
But the lights are out in her apartment. Maybe she’s resting…?
