Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
But today, we’re going to do something normal for once. New York has street fairs in the summers, and we’re headed to St. Mark’s Place to enjoy the Pride Parade. There are tons of displays from local vendors, and of course, rainbow colored condoms are being handed out like candy on every street corner. Food stalls abound, with the smells of sizzling sausage and buttery popcorn filling the air.
I take Tanya’s hand in my own as we make our way to the crowd. She’s gorgeous in a tight top and cut-off shorts which show off her long legs and big bust. Her blonde hair is in a careless topknot, with wispy tendrils dangling over her ears.
“So honey,” I begin, squeezing her hand. “Tell me: what brought you to NYC?”
The pretty blonde giggles a bit.
“School at first, and then a job. The usual.”
Carl nods next to us.
“You went to NYU?”
“Yup,” she says. “I graduated with a degree in human psychology, and while I was in school, I interned with the Department of Health. They didn’t have a position after graduation, but fortunately HRA did, and so I started with them. It’s been a couple years now, and it’s good.”
I nod.
“What do you do for HRA?”
Tanya goes somber for a moment.
“I help folks access benefits. You know what HRA stands for right? Human Resources Administration. New York City has a lot of programs for those experiencing poverty, and I help people understand what’s out there, and how to get help.”
Chris lets out a low whistle.
“That’s wonderful, honey. You’re a real do-gooder because it can’t be easy. NYC is known for being a fucking maze when it comes to bureaucracy.”
The pretty blonde nods quickly, eyeing a hot dog stand with a red-and-white striped awning.
“Oh yeah, definitely, and accessing benefits is no exception. There are a billion hurdles to jump through, and a billion difference pieces of paperwork to fill out. Of course, a lot of it can be done on-line, but some folks don’t have access to computers, so we actually have a lab at my office for walk-in use.”
Carl nods thoughtfully.
“That does sound like a good idea,” he muses. “Did you guys get busier during the pandemic?”
Tanya pauses to think.
“Yeah, because we were concerned that undocumented New Yorkers were being left out of federal benefits programs. As a result, we worked with City Hall to push through a couple of our own programs to make sure everyone got the help they needed. Now, can I get one of those Polish sausages?” she giggles. “Two of them, actually. I’m real hungry because of the workouts you guys have been putting me through.”
I nod, already reaching for my wallet.
“Of course, honey. We’ll get five of them, but let’s not eat here okay? There’s no place to sit, and besides, I want to chat with you more about HRA. You know my law firm does some pro bono work, right? Maybe we can figure out some way for Stand and True to contribute to your efforts fighting poverty.”
Tanya breaks into a big smile then.
“That would be great,” she murmurs. “So many folks need representation, and I know there’s some way you guys could help. Stand and True, you said? That’s the name of your firm?”
I grin.
“Yep. Attorneys of law, at your service.”
“Do you do divorce law, by any chance?” she asks in an arch tone.
I frown as the vendor hands us a paper bag filled with Polish sausages.
“Oh and a pickle too!” Tanya interjects, pointing to a giant jar filled with greenish liquid and blobs bobbing around inside. “The biggest one!”
The vendor reaches for a set of tongs while I shake my head.
“We don’t do family law, I’m afraid. Why? Do you have a friend who needs a referral? I could ask around.”
The pretty blonde shakes her head slowly.
“No, it’s for me. I’m the one who’s divorced.”
Carl, Chris and I are surprised.
“You are?” Carl asks. “I had no idea.”
“I thought you were only twenty-five,” Chris adds.
“I am,” Tanya says in a soft voice, suddenly looking ashamed. “I’m divorced twice, actually, and each marriage only lasted a couple months, so yeah. My marital history isn’t great.”
I frown.
“Divorce is no one’s fault,” I say. “And it’s certainly not our place to judge. But what happened?”
Tanya’s narrow shoulders slump, the energy fizzing out of the pretty girl.
“Well, basically, I got married straight out of college to the first husband. He’s a nice person, but we grew apart. So we got divorced, and then I married an older dude, who was also very kind. He’s actually how I got the money for my apartment. He gave me a nice settlement as part of our divorce, but yeah, that’s the problem now. I guess he’s hit upon hard times, and he wants me to sign the apartment over to him.”
I snort.