Page 96 of Trials of a One Night Stand
As he takes a deep breath, I steel myself for what he might say.
“Because I want to help you start your own firm. Chloe told me about it, and you have my full support. I’ll take time off work, share my connections, and give you whatever you need, even if that means just being your personal cheerleader. I could get pom-poms and everything. Though, fair warning, I’ll look terrible in a skirt with my hairy legs. But your dreams are as important as mine, Jayne, if not more important. I see that now.”
He’s caught me off guard, so I struggle to make sense of what’s happening. “You’d… you’d do that for me?”
“In a heartbeat. I’ll also take paternity leave so you can get back to work sooner.”
I’m stunned speechless. Silence envelops the table, but Nate doesn’t say anything. He’s waiting for me. I search his eyes, and all I see is sincerity. I so want to believe him, but I’m still wary. He couldn’t change that quickly, could he?
I take a breath and another. “I appreciate what you’re saying, but—”
“No buts.” He interrupts gently. “I mean it, Jayne. Every word. And I even have it in writing.”
“In writing?”
“You’re a lawyer,” he explains. “I—well, some friends and I—felt you might feel more comfortable with what I’m saying if I laid everything out on paper.”
He’s surprised me yet again. “Like a contract?”
“It is a contract.” He sounds almost proud as he takes a folded piece of paper from his back pocket and smooths the sheet out. “It got a little wrinkled. Sorry.”
“You’re quick to apologize.”
Nate shrugs. “It’s easy when I’ve been so wrong.” He hands me the paper. “Feel free to ask me any questions.”
My gaze bounces from him to the page. I’m so curious what’s in the contract. I start to read…
AGREEMENT FOR A LIFETIME PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT
This Agreementis entered into by and between Nathaniel Lowe, hereinafter referred to as the “Party of the First Part,” and Jayne Everton, hereinafter referred to as the “Party of the Second Part,” collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, the Party of the First Part has, on multiple occasions, exhibited behavior akin to a hostile corporate takeover, including but not limited to unsolicited life planning, emotional micromanagement, and general CEO-level presumption of authority over personal affairs;
WHEREAS, the Party of the Second Part is with child, hereinafter referred to as “The Upcoming Joyful Bundle,” and desires to embark on a new venture by establishing her own law firm, free from unwanted oversight and unsolicited advice from the Party of the First Part;
WHEREAS, the Parties are desirous of entering into a binding agreement to establish terms for mutual support, understanding, and comedic misadventures for the foreseeable future;
NOW, THEREFORE,in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PRIOR MISCONDUCT
1.1 The Party of the First Part hereby admits, confesses, and acknowledges that he has, in previous instances, acted in a manner comparable to a bull in a china shop, hereby committing to cease and desist from any future attempts at unilateral decision-making, particularly concerning life plans involving The Upcoming Joyful Bundle and the Party of the Second Part.
ARTICLE II: SUPPORT FOR LEGAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
2.1 The Party of the First Part shall provide unwavering support to the Party of the Second Part in her pursuit of establishing a law firm. This includes, but is not limited to:
Providing emotional support in the form of cheering, applauding, and other motivational expressions as required.
Serving as an unofficial mascot or brand ambassador if the Party of the Second Part deems necessary, with enthusiasm akin to a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory.
