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“There’s something we can both finally agree on.” I chuckle. “But now she’s living here, I’m not sure I can stay away.”
“Can’t say I blame you, but you’ll be sharing your first date with half of Stoney Creek’s nosy neighbors.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Or you could skip ahead to the good stuff. Recreate New York. I mean, you fed her first. Chicks dig that.”
“This isn’t Dolly Simpson,” I say. “Hartley has many layers to her. The fact she’s here in town still blows my mind. I don’t wanna scare her off by coming on too strong.”
“You really like this chick?”
“Yeah, but considering I know nothing about her, that makes things difficult, because now I can’t get to know her.”
“Unless you do it behind closed doors. You need to think outside the square.”
“Now we’re talking.”
“Gotta go. Horses are giving me dirty looks. You know how they get when I keep ‘em waiting for their feed.”
“Got it. See you Sunday.”
“With bells on.”
22
Hartley
I was hoping my conversation with Keira’s lawyer would go smoothly. Just because we’re on opposite sides of the spectrum, doesn’t mean that we can’t come to some resolution. But it seems working cooperatively isn’t on the cards with this divorce. I was hoping we could communicate effectively, without emotion muddying our judgment. But John Steeples is a man who likes to win at all costs.
He also seems to like playing dirty. Little does he know, I don’t play dirty, but I do play hard ball…
“I’ll be sending over the new proposal on Monday, Mr. Steeples. Please let me know within seven days if your client agrees to the new terms. Mr. Bassett has, however, made some changes to the original agreement of the joint property in Nashville.” I keep my tone professional, though I can’t help but feel a little bit smug. I hope his client is going to suck it, for want of a better term. “We both know the property pertained in your documents known as ‘Coyote Run’ was purchased by Mr. Bassett prior to his nuptials, therefore seeking claim of compensation is outside the terms of the prenuptial agreement.”
“A judge may see it differently, Miss. Chambers. I’m sure none of us wants this dragging out any longer than it has to.”
“So take Coyote Run off the table. The prenuptial is legally binding.”
“It is, if all the steps were followed and none were broken.”
“Let’s break them down,” I say. “Mrs. Bassett was never coerced into signing it, nor were there any physical or emotional threats. There are no hidden assets, assuming that is also the case with your client. At no point were the terms unconscionable; Mrs. Bassett wasn’t unfairly disadvantaged…”
“I know what it means.”
“Both parties had a lawyer present at the time they signed the agreement…” Try and make that stand up in front of a judge, asshole.
“Then there are the terms of Mr. Bassett’s business assets.”
“Of which the settlement was agreed on with alimony. The business is owned by several parties. Mr. Bassett remains a partner for the foreseeable future. The business has seen marginal growth, all detailed in the existing settlement.”
“Which was fair,” he says, surprising me. “But my client would be at a disadvantage now that Coyote Run’s value has increased. It is only fair to give some compensation.” This man is unbelievable. She’s already getting an eye watering amount thanks to Grayson’s successful business. This woman is a goddamn nightmare.
“Your client gets half of the Nashville house as part of the alimony. Mrs. Bassett has no legal rights to Coyote Run. If you plan on bringing it before a judge, be my guest, but we both know this won’t stand up in court.”
“Did you say half the Nashville house? Mr. Bassett was talking of gifting her the house, so Keira doesn’t have to move.”
I feel like slapping him, but I keep my tone neutral. This is the problem when you represent somebody you know, inadvertently or not. Your heart strings get in the way no matter what.
“It’ll be in the new papers on Monday. Mr. Bassett has since had a change of heart. Since they didn't acquire the house together, she isn't entitled to half of it. However, since they both lived there as a married couple, my client feels it's more than fair to offer her fifty percent as part of the alimony agreement. Unless Keira would prefer to sell it and pay Mr. Bassett his share?”
