Mary had always been smart and naturally stylish. She loved word games and witty retorts. She favored dramatic dark eyeliner and mascara below naturally arched brows and red lipstick that somehow never smudged. Her long nails were always manicured in a neutral color that went with everything. Her closet was filled with the latest fashions, and she had a nose for hitting the best sample sales that she heard about through following the coolest influencers and their secret network of stylists.
She picked up the charger on her way out, placed it in her red leather tote, and headed to the courthouse.
Out on the street, the wind was whippy, and the air smelled like autumn. She shivered in her coat and picked up her pace, careful not to catch the sidewalk cracks in her spiky heels.
On her way, she passed a Legal Aid office she’d never noticed before, though she’d made this trip several times. She stopped to read a sign taped to the window that read in capital letters:VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FAMILY COURT.
A young man sat inside and caught her attention when he waved to her. She waved back and quickly scanned the QR code onto her phone intending to look it up later.
“Hi. Please tell me you’re a lawyer who wants to do a good deed. We really need more help,” said the man after he’d gently opened the door. She noticed his looks right away. He was slightly taller than she was, fit like a boxer, with broad shoulders, dark brown eyes, and very white teeth. He had on straight dark-blue jeans, stylish Veja sneakers, and a snug navy quarter zip.
“I am, but not this kind. Went the corporate route. Don’t hate me.” She shielded her eyes with her hand in mock shame. “Do you take volunteers with no experience in family court—beyond the class we took in law school?”
“We take anyone. Even corporate lawyers.” His wide smile showed he was in on the joke. “We just need people with a pulse. And a heart. There are so many foster children who need an advocate. And there are many moms and dads who could use some help, too.” He handed her a brochure. “There’s a seminar this weekend for new volunteers.”
She took it and skimmed the contents.
“By the way, I’m Manny Rios.” He stuck out his hand.
She took it and gave it a firm handshake and met his eyes, just like her dad had taught her.
“Mary Russo.” She smiled, feeling a stirring of purpose. And maybe something else.
She hadn’t dated anyone since getting herself out of a terrible relationship with her law school boyfriend who had turned possessive. It got scary. Restraining-order scary. That had put Mary off men for a long while, though her family was really pressuring her to get set up and find someone. They wanted her to settle down and start having children as two of her three older brothers had. Her eldest brother, Gabe, had become a priest, so he got a pass.
“Hope to see you there, Mary Russo.”
“You just might.” She started to walk backward, not wanting to break eye contact with Manny, and nearly got hit by a tourist riding a Citibike on the sidewalk.
Manny reached out and grabbed her. Then he made sure she was steady before letting her go.
“Thank you.” She felt the heat of his touch through her jacket.
“Those bikes are so dangerous. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me. Not just potentially my life—but from severe embarrassment.” She looked around to see if any other bikes were coming their way. “Tourists on Citibikes... the worst.”
“You should sue.”
“Not a bad idea. Know any good lawyers?” She knew time was getting on and that Mr. Rickleman would be wondering where she was. She didn’t need trouble with one of the managing partners, but she liked talking to Manny.
“I might have just met one.”
Okay, he was flirting with her. And she kind of liked it.
She turned and started to walk away, waving to him over her shoulder.
“Hey, Mary Russo!”
She stopped and turned around.
“Yes?”
“You were going that way.” He used both hands to point in the opposite direction.
“Oh right. Right. Thank you. This way.” She turned on one spiked heel and flashed him a smile as she passed him, now toward the courthouse.
“Well, that was unexpected,” she thought. Meeting Manny had put a spring in her fall step.