She was employed by the latter of the law partners, a swarthy woman named Aletia “Ally” Kokkinos with a commanding voice but a sweet disposition. Ms. Kokkinos’s second legal assistant, Carmen Thomas, a mousy redhead who could be easily confused for a tenth grader wearing a business suit, stopped by Veronica’s desk. “Hey, Carmen. What’s up?”“I finally finished drafting some subpoenas. You know how I love writing up subpoenas. Gag. Thought I’d take a break, see how you’ve been doing, and gossip a little.”“Gossip?” Veronica wiggled her eyebrows. “Dime, por favor.”“Later. Let’s talk about you first. Seriously. How are you feeling today? Better?”Veronica tossed her pen to the side. “No. Still fighting with my stupid thoughts and my even dumber heart.”“Don’t say that. You’re not stupid. It’s natural to think about someone you care about.”“I’m tired of caring, you know?”“Yeah, I feel ya. Time, plus a new cutie, will heal your wounds.”
