Page 17 of Breaking the Lawyer

Brooks Lang:Speaking of partners, how does one become a partner around here? Asking for a friend.

Christian Johns:Your friend should probably learn the dress code first.

Brooks Lang:My friend is a fast learner. Other skills too.

Christian Johns:What kind of skills?

The question hangs there, loaded like a machine-gun ready to be used.

I should probably stop. Any rational person would stop.

Unfortunately, my fingers aren’t rational and dance across the keyboard on their own accord.

Brooks Lang:Persuasion. Negotiation. Stamina.

I press send and dip lower in my chair so that my face is covered while I can still see him from above the screen.

Christian Johns:Stamina?

Brooks Lang:For long hours. Intense cases. Demanding clients.

Christian Johns:Of course. What else would you mean?

’Nothing. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have important policies to get to’, would be the appropriate response.

My fingers have better ideas.

Brooks Lang:I'm very thorough. I like to make sure I finish what I start.

There's a longer pause this time, and I watch Christian shift in his chair.

Shit. I’ve crossed the line, haven’t I?

Of course you did, you moron.

I’m about to spiral, when—

Christian Johns:How thorough?

It’s like I’mwatchingmyself type, the words coming out of me not really mine.

Brooks Lang:Depends on the job. Some things require a delicate touch. Others need a more... aggressive approach.

Even from a distance I spot his Adam’s apple bob as he types.

Christian Johns:And which approach do you prefer?

My heart is hammering so hard I'm surprised it's not audible across the office.

Brooks Lang:Whatever gets the best results. I'm very good with my hands.

Christian's jaw tightens visibly, and I watch him loosen his tie.

Christian Johns:I'm sure you are.

Brooks Lang:I could show you sometime. My technique.

I hit send and immediately want to crawl under my desk. What am I, twelve?

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