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' ' ` ' , ' - 4 XX Discovery -XD6X
4 ' ' ` ' , ' b
------ _ B y _ -portia '
Law,-like-any-other-profession,-has-unspoken-rules,-social-more-and-undercu
rrents.-As-I
paralegal-in-a-massive-Philadelphia-defense-firms,-I-had-been-navigating-th
e-unknowable-for-ten years.-Don
t-compete-with-attorney,-work-you-butt-off-and-be-courteous-but-unobtrusive
-with clients. '
The-unknowable-included-my-boss,-Grant-Cleary.-Senior-litigator-in-products
-liability,
thousand-dollar-suits,-Italian-shoes-and-a-hatred-for-being-called-Mr.-Anyt
hing.-I-was-informed-in
a-disinterested-tone-of-voice-on-my-third-day-of-work-that-his-personal-lif
e-was-not-part-of-my-job
description.-Considering-the-amount-of-traveling-we,-I-was-relieved.-I-also
-had-confirmation-of this-theory-when-I-intruded-upon-Grant
s-merchant-banker,-blonde-trophy-wife-burying-her-head
in-his-lap-while-working-late-one-night.-Excuse-me. '
We-had-a-number-of-complicated-drug-cases-representing-the-company-that-pro
duced-the
latest-red-hot-pharmaceutical.-Grant-tried-a-lot-of-them,-usually-with-Stev
e-Graham-and-Liam
Neely-representing--defendant-chemical-producers.-These-were-tough-cases:-I
-organized-the
scientific-research,-summarized-technical-bulletins-and-generally-became-th
e-walking-data
source.-All-social-barriers-were-suspended-during-trial.-The-attorneys-and-
staff-crammed-down
lunch-and-dinner-together.-It-was-only-in-the-more-leisurely-discovery-stag
e-that-senior-attorned
did-not-associate-with-faceless-associates-who-would-not-speak-to-staff.
'
I-was-involved-in-yet-another-drug-case,-which-was-working-up-to-a-depositi
on,-or preliminary-testimony-of-the-Plaintiff
s-expert-in-Chicago.-Graham-and-Neely-were-also-on-the
case-and-I-spent-considerable-time-on-the-phone-with-their-paralegal-Margar
et-and-Karen.
Everyone-defending-was-on-a-first-name-basis:-the-Normandy-invasion-was-eas
ier-than
scheduling-four-senior-attorneys,-associates,-staff-and-an-expert-to-be-in-
the-Midwest-at-the-same time. ' We-engaged-in-a-process-called-
discovery ,-which-prior-to-trial-allows-each-side-to
discover-the-other-party
s-theory-before-testimony-at-trial.-I-thought-about-the-term-as-I-packed:
three-days,-three-suits.-Between-my-work-up-and-Grant
s-scorched-earth-approach,-there-would be-little-about-the-case-to-
discover .-I-looked-in-the-mirror.-About-me,-either.-Peter-Paul-Rubens
would-love-me,-but-in-this-anorectic-culture,-I-hid-my-pronounced-curves-un
der-lots-of
conservative,-expensive-fabric.-I-dress-to-blend-with-the-wall-paper '
Gant-with-entourage-flew-into-Chicago-and-set-up-the-war-room-in-the-hotel
s-conference
center-at-6-am.-My-responsibility-was-linked-to-the-materials-used-at-the-d
eposition.-Grant-never
asked-me-to-carry-his-briefcase-or-to-share-a-room.-Even-the-associates-fle
w-coach.-Grant-was-of
the-opinion-that-this-installed-the-proper-humility-in-young-lawyers-who-we
re-after-all,-a-lot easier-to-find-than-good-staff.-I-agreed. ' The-
_ dep _
-began-at-nine-after-huddling-with-co,,defense-lawyers-and-my-opposite-numb
ers.
Margaret-and-Karen-brought-their-smaller-materials-and-Steve-and-Liam-would
-follow-Grant-in
the-exam.-After-four-hours,-everyone-but-Grant-was-bored.-Pharmaceuticals-a
re-high-stakes litigation,-but-technical,-highly-scientific-and-eventually-
_ sophoric _ .-Eyes-in-the-room-wandered up,-down-(Steve
s-on-my-hemline:-I-smiled-blandly,-redressed-my-legs-and-handed-Grant-anoth
er folder)-and-even-half,,closed.-The-expert-wasn
t-bored:-he-was-sweating- '
After-8-hours,-we-were-closed-to-finished-with-Grants-exam.-He-was-reasonab
ly-pleased,, h-,(+
the-client-was-there-.-Grant-led-the-upper-echelon-with-clients-for-an-expe
nsive-dinner-and
strategy.-We-plebs-went-to-the-hotel-restaurant,-and-the-junior-associates-
did-not-sit-with-the staff.-Stratification-in-action. '
Karen-wanted-to-eat-at-an-expensive,-exclusive-steak-house-the-following-ni
ght.-Without counsel. L- ''"""%h3L '
-I-always-wanted-to-go-there,-All-that-wood,-leather-and-money. '
Margaret-had-a-better-idea.- Why-don
t-we-dress-up?-Going-to-a-place-like-that-always
makes-me-want-to-misbehave-.Do-something-outrageous. '
I-could-see-Margaret-showing-up-in-a-black-leather- _ bustier _
-with-a-17,,year,,old-beach-boy on-a-leash.- '
-The-prices-are-outrageous-enough,-I-can
t-see-sending-a-perverse-proposition-to-a-guy-at the-bar. '
Come-on,-Tanya,-loosen-up.-We re-not-proposing-you-strip-on-the-bar
- .We-can-stay-here and-eat-soggy-burritos,
-Karen-poked-at-the-mess-on-her-plate,- or-do-something-different.-Los
_ jefes _
-will-be-elsewhere-and-the-juniors-will-sneak-out-to-a-club. '
Margaret-joined-the-chorus -Haven
t-you-ever-wanted-to-do-something-a-little-edgy-in-a city-where-you-didn
t-know-anybody?-Just-dress-up-a-bit. ' p ' ' ' x '
-" ' I-thought-about-it.- Not-my-style. ' No-
shit ship :-you-sleep-in-your-suit.-Don
t-you-own-party-clothes? Z ' '
Just-a-little-black-dress-that-covered-a-lot.-I-reluctantly-agreed-but-priv
ately-resolved-to
duck-out-to-one-of-the-hundreds-of-expensive-small-boutiques-in-downtown-Ch
icago.-Low-cut
grey-flannel?-I-would-still-look-like-I-was-attending-my-own-funeral.
'
The-next-morning,-Grant-leisurely-feeding-the-expert-his-own-reputation.-I-
was-yawning
and-not-surprised.-Another-six-am-rehearsal.-During-the-break-Steve-and-Lia
m-huddled-with-their
staff-and-the-Plaintiffs-attorney-began-mumbling-number-for-a-demand-that-w
as-several-places
left-of-the-decimal-less.-Grant-was-good.-He-also-knew-it,-so-before-sweepi
ng-away-the-client
(who-after-all-was-paying-for-all-this),-he-presented-me-with-his-credit-ca
rd. ' Go-treat-yourself.-I-always-appreciate-hard-work
-he-said-on-his-way-out-the-door. '
The-associates-sneered-but-went-away-unrewarded.,-I-went-shopping...with-my
-credit
card.-Grant-might-be-disconcerted-if-he-saw-charges-for-an-emerald-lace-gar
ter-belt,-black-high lace-to-p-stocking-and-a-silk-blouse. '
Black-skirt,-new-toys,-white-silk-blouse,-no-bra.-I-checked-the-mirror.-The
-curves-of-my
breasts-and-dark-pink-nipples-were-clearly-visible.-I-slid-into-the-black-j
acket.-Not-noticeable
when-buttoned.-When-open,-just-a-peek...?-If-I-took-it-off..-No,-I-wasn
t-that-brave. '
I-sallied-forth-alone-in-a-taxi-at-&:30.-I-was-reasonably-sure-none-of-the-
attorneys-would
be-anywhere-near-there.-The-restaurant-was-clubby,-conservative,-comfortabl
e-and-dim.-I
smelled-roses-but-could-only-remotely-see-the-arrangements-Each-table-had-a
-suspended-lamp that-offered-a-subdued-glow.-My-friends-probably-wouldn
t-even-notice-my-minor-acts-of rebellion. ' ` ' , ' ' h ' '
' ' p ' ' '
I-gave-my-name-and-the-waiter(only-males,-all-in-tuxes)-and-was-led-to-a-ta
ble...for-two.
No-Karen,-no-Margaret.-Only-Steve-Graham.-I-sat-only-because-it
s-awkward-to-get-in-a-snit-
with-the-wing-chair-pulled-out-and-your-dinner-partner-standing. '
Steve-sat,-looking-entirely-at-home.-He-fit-the-setting:-lots-of-well-cut-b
lond-hair,-slouchy suit,-trendy-tie. -
I-was-irritated-by-that-ease. ' This-is-a-set-up -I-said-flatly.
Is-everyone-going-to-jump-out-and-yell- surprise! ?We l- (,
won t-have-enough-chairs. '
Nope.-Margaret-told-me-you-were-thinking-about-a-change.-I-told-her-I-want-
to-take-you to-dinner-if-you-were-looking-for-a-different-situation -
'
Not-exactly-.I-ordered-Bordeaux-just-to-be-perverse-and-looked-around-the-r
oom.
Expensive,-tasteful-and-attractive-just-like-the-men-with-whom-I-spent-too-
many-hour-every
week.-Just-like-the-man-sitting-across-from-me,-politely-waiting-for-me-to-
open-the-discussion.-I suddenly-understood-Margaret
s-urge-to-misbehave-and-to-shock.-I-took-my-jacket-off,-draped-it >
over-the-back-of-the-chair-and-leaned-back-in-the-armchair. '
The-restaurant-may-have-been-dim,-but-there-was-certainly-enough-illuminati
on-to-see
what-was-and-was-not-under-my-blouse.-Certainly-enough-light-for-me-to-masc
uline-heads-turn-at
adjacent-tables,-then-remembering-their-manners,-sneaking-covert-looks.-Ste
ve-had-no-such
inhibitions.-His-stare-was-direct,-heated,-appreciative-and-accompanied-by-
a-grin. ' Perhaps-I-may-have-misunderstood-may-paralegal '
I-stared-right-back. If-this-bothers-you,-I
ll-put-my-jacket-back-on.-I-wouldn t-want-to-ruin your-appetite. -
' Don t.-I-want-to-look.-My-appetite s-fine.-In-fact,-I
m-getting-more-hungry-all-the time
Steve-leaned-forward-to-pour-more-wine-and-to-get-a-closer-look. -"
'
I-have-no-ideas-what-we-ate.-I-do-remember-that-I-have-never-had-a-more-att
entive-waiter absolutely-loved-the-feeling-of-being-stared-at,-of-the
-the -thoughts-that-must-be- occuring occurring -to-any
Z '
number-of-the-men-there.-When-we-left,-I-tossed-my-jacket-over-my-should-an
d-left-at-a-stroll. '
Steve-discovered-the-rest-of-my-purchases-before-the-taxi-hit-the-second-li
ght.-His-hand
was-under-my-skirt,-fingers-sliding-along-the-stocking-top-then-the-skin-of
-my-inner-thigh. ' What-other-surprises-do-you-have -he-
murmered murmured -in-my-ear-then-flicked-his- tounge
tongue -along the-lobe. '
He-found-out.-I-had-been-wet-since-halfway-through-dinner.-My-nipples-had-r
esponded-to
the-attention.-The-cab-ride-seemed-too-damn-long.-I-was-betting-we-wouldn
t-make-it-to-my-room on-the-15 th
-floor.-The-elevator-was-glass-and-even-in-my-haze,-I-couldn
t-face-sex-in-a-display ' case. ' We-didn t-.Steve-hit-
2"-and-almost-kicked-the-war-room-door-open-without-the-benefit
of-the-key.-I-at-least-remembered-to-shut-it.-He-half-unbutton,-half-ripped
-open-my-blouse-while-I
dragged-his-mouth-to-mine.-He-buried-his-head-in-my-breast,-licking-and-suc
king.-I-vocalized-my
frustration:-I-wanted-to-taste-his-skin,-impossible-through-suit-jacket-and
-shirt.-He-came-up-for-air
and-undid-his-belt-and-trousers-one-handed,-while-yanking-up-my-skirt.-I-re
ached-and-filled-my
hands-with-him,-definitely-hard-and-more-than-enough.-Steve-must-like-green
-and-black-lace:-he lifed lifted
-me-on-the-conference-table-and-buried-his-head-between-my-thighs.-I-pulled
-his-head-up and-kissed-him,-tasting-myself-on-his-mouth.-I-couldn
t-wait-and-told-him-so. '
Steve-moved-over-a-desk-chair,-sat-and-pulled-me-on-his-lap,- slidding
sliding -into-me.-I-hissed-as-I began-to-move. '
I-almost-didn
t-hear-the-voices-in-the-hall,-but-Grant-is-never-quiet-when-he
s-talking about-his-own-performance.-I-froze,- paniced panicked
-about-my-own-performance.-Steve-merely-wrapped
my-legs-around-him,-stood-and-backed-into-the-shelved-exhibit-closet,-closi
ng-the- doo door .-He stettled settled
-me-with-my-rear-on-a-shelf-and-continued. ' No-need-to-stop,
-he- wispered whispered -and - moved-faster. '
I-wasn t-able-to-pay-attention-to-what-was- goin going
-on-in-the-room.-Between-the-fast-pace-of , '+ his-thrusts- qand
and
-the-excitement-of-imminent-discovery,-I-came-explosively,-burying-my-face-
on-his l- (, shoulder.-Steve-slowed-but-didn t-stop, ' We
re-not-done.-Just-wait-until-they-leave. ' I-didn
t-have-a-choice-as-I-was-pinned-against-the-shelf.-It-took-about-10-minutes
,-which
felt-like-an-hour-before-we-heard-the-door-close.-Steve-let-me-down,-and-we
-covered-up-only enough-to-get-to-my-room. '
I-never-got-out-of-my-clothes-faster,-although-Steve-demanded-I-leave-the-g
arter-belt-and
stockings-o.-I-finally-got-to-touch-and-taste-all-his-smooth-skin. '
-I-intend-to-see-how-many-times-I-can-make-you-come. -He-announced.
' I-left-off-sucking.- Not-that-I-mind,-but-why? ' I
m-an-over,,achiever: - so-sue-me. ' I-certainly-didn
t-feel-like-it-at-about-3-am.-All-I- cound could
-do-was-purr-and-bury-my-head-in B
the-pillows.-Steve-slipped-out,-with-the-parting-shot,- We-talk-next-week
'
I-showed-up-at-the-airport-midmorning-with-the-exhibit-boxes-and-repressing
-a-smug,
satisfied-smile.-Travel-days-were-business-casual,-even-though-Grant-was-in
--full-court-drag--and already-pacing. ' Sleep-well? '
I-nodded-and-shifted-in-the-hard-plastic-seat.-I-was-SORE. ' We
re-probably-going-to-get-out:-the-last-demand-I-heard-was-about-a- thenth
tenth -of-the original.-Steve- _ Grahm _
-called-me-this-morning.-He-wants-to-know-if-we d-sub,,contract-you-when
he-tries-this-case.-Margaret-doesn
t-have-your-grasp-of-the-technical-details. '
I-desperately-wanted-to-laugh.-Was-last-night-Steve
s-idea-of-recruitment?-I-had-had-a
grasp-of-a-lot-more-than-technical-details. ' Sure,-if-you-won
t-need-me-for-three-weeks.-I-assume-the-confidential-stuff-remains-with
our-client ' Of-course.-I ll-be-on-vacation
-Grant-stared-at-his-watch. So-lets-board-already.
I-took-several-trips-hopping-before-trial.-I-don
t-think-I-wore-a-bra-the-entire-three-weeks.-