Page 16 of Breaking the Lawyer

Yeah, maybe insulting your coworker on your first day isn’t the brightest idea.

But he’s not just a coworker, is he? He’s…Christian.

He’s already typing, so I send a quick follow-up to distract him.

Brooks Lang:How old are you, anyway?

Christian Johns:Old enough.

Oh, cryptic. How very him.

I minimize the chat and open a new browser window, navigating to LinkedIn. It takes me about thirty seconds to find his profile, and I do some quick math based on his graduation year.

Brooks Lang:Thirty-two, then. Interesting.

Even from a distance I can see the corner of his mouth twitch as he types.

Christian Johns:Thirty, actually.

Brooks Lang:Liar. I've seen your LinkedIn. Can't hide the truth from me.

Christian Johns:I skipped two grades.

I make sure our eyes meet before I roll mine theatrically, enjoying the way his shoulders shake with silent laughter.

Brooks Lang:Of course you did.

Because of course the guy who looks like a model and talks like a walking law textbook was also a child prodigy. The universe really went all out when it made him.

Christian Johns:Shouldn't you be reading the company policy instead of stalking me online?

I glance at the document I've been ignoring, trying to look productive.

Brooks Lang:I'm multitasking. Very efficient.

Christian Johns:Uh-huh. What have you learned about our dress code?

I quickly scroll through the document, skimming for relevant information.

Brooks Lang:Business professional. No sandals. Ties required for client meetings.

Christian Johns:And?

Brooks Lang:And what?

Christian Johns:Keep reading.

I scan further down the page until I find what he's referring to, and my stomach drops.

Brooks Lang:Ties should extend to the belt line.

Well, shit.

Christian Johns:Might want to invest in some properly sized neckwear.

Brooks Lang:Or I could just wear a bow tie. Very avant-garde.

Christian Johns:I'm sure that would go over well with the partners.

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