“You’ve heard of the Williams case the firm is handling?” Diane asked quietly.

“Yes, of course,” Monica exclaimed. “Who could resist? A nationally beloved minister accused of allegedly misappropriating church funds to squire models and mistresses from Acapulco to the Amalfi. He is gorgeous too!”

“Shh!” Diane hissed, aware of the people listening in. “I’m not supposed to discuss it.”

Monica pantomimed a chastised face as the young waiter brought their salads.

“Oh, sweetie”—she turned to the waiter—“you missed a spot.” She wiped the corner of his mouth with her napkin, removing the last of her red lipstick. The poor puce-faced waiter hurried away from the table. Monica giggled.

Diane felt the blood drain from her face.

“Oh stop acting like such a prude when we both know you’re not,” teased Monica. “Which segues nicely into my search for a new puppy.” She blatantly ogled the waiter’s impossibly tight ass as he walked away.

“Not here, Monica,” Diane warned.

“Right, right. You were telling me about the Pastor of Pleasure.”

Diane choked on her champagne.

“The Minister of Manhood?”

Diane glared at her over her napkin as she tried to regain composure.

“The Priest of Pussy!”

“Monica, shut up!” she hissed.
“Okay, okay, tell me about the juicy bonus.”

Diane was thoroughly annoyed but still wanted to boast. “Reverend Williams publically announced that his choice of defense team was based upon the high moral fiber of partners of the firm. A win for the firm in the Williams case will mean national recognition—not to mention the millions of dollars they’ll earn. In private meetings, the Reverend has made it apparent that any scandal—or even the suggestion of one—would force him to seek legal counsel elsewhere. A divorce for one of the senior partners, mid- case, would be a deal breaker for the Reverend.”

“So why didn’t Michael wait until the case was over before filing?”

“The case could last for a couple of years,” Diane explained. “I think there’s another woman.”

“What? Who?”

“I don’t know and I can’t be sure either, just something he said. We haven’t had sex in years due to our different preferences, so I’m sure he wants to be free to be with her. Always does things by the book, you know? No infidelity, it might harm his precious reputation. This way, if he gets caught, he can prove he’s been divorced.”

Monica rolled her eyes. “He’s so boring. I don’t know how you’ve been able to stand it.”

“The money and lifestyle,” Diane stated frankly.

Monica nodded in understanding.

“If I agree to maintain the façade of a perfect marriage until the conclusion of the trial, I’ll receive two million—regardless of the outcome.”

It was Monica’s turn to choke on her champagne.

“But,” continued Diane, “if an indiscretion of mine comes to light that could or does jeopardize the trial, I won’t receive a penny.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to be discreet.”

Diane smiled. “So, why don’t you tell me about the search for your new puppy?”

A mischievous grin spread across Monica’s face. “The usual. He has to be in his twenties or thirties, the body of Adonis, and preferably already trained. When I find him, I’ll be sure to share.”

“I hope you will.”