Friends With Extra Benefits

by Luke Young

  “Thank you, Jillian,” Stanley said proudly.

  She nodded. As she headed past Stanley, Jillian stuck her tongue out at Natalie. Natalie’s jaw dropped in shock. Then Jillian turned, shared a smile with Brian and Victoria, and made her way back to the restroom.

  Turning toward Maxwell, Stanley smiled. “And on that… the defense rests.”

  The judge held back a chuckle but grinned instead. “Good.” He moved his eyes to Josh. “Mr. Roth, do you wish to recall anyone?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Adjourned until two o’clock, when we will begin closing arguments.”

  After the break, Josh Roth approached the jury. He held the fingertips of both hands to his chin for only a moment before he began, “Ladies and gentlemen, Jillian Grayson held a grudge against Natalie Brookhart. That is clear. She was jealous of her youth and the fact that both her son and her boyfriend were obviously still smitten with her. The Rebecca character in her novel, The Leg Thing, was undoubtedly based on Miss Brookhart. Both her character and Natalie have similar physical appearances, both were college students and both were ballerinas who could perform this advanced pose.

  Josh smiled at Natalie and then glanced back to the jury. “It has been established that the novel is torn from Ms. Grayson’s real life. Characters based on herself, her son, and her new husband are all central to the narrative. You heard Jillian Grayson herself testify to this fact. The actual events of early 2011 are also depicted in the novel. Miss Brookhart was the catalyst of those events. Without her, none of this would have happened. There would have been no novel. She dated both Rob Grayson and Brian Nash in real life and in the novel. The evidence is abundantly clear.”

  Josh turned away from the jury and took a few steps toward the defense table. He turned back. “Albert Blair, Jillian’s former agent, is being blamed for not securing the proper release from Miss Brookhart. And while Ms. Grayson claims that she had no knowledge of what Mr. Blair was planning, he certainly knew what he was doing; he’s a smart publicist. Now whether Ms. Grayson knew or didn’t know that Albert had obtained a release doesn’t matter. Ultimately it is not Mr. Blair’s responsibility; it is the responsibility of Ms. Grayson herself to ensure that the proper release is granted.”

  Josh stared at Jillian. “There was no such release, and that’s why we’re here. After Mr. Blair’s little publicity stunt in St. Barts, sales of the novel exploded.”

  Moving his attention to the jury, he paused a moment to emphasize the point with his hands mimicking an explosion. “The book’s been number one on Amazon for months. Over three million copies of The Leg Thing have been sold worldwide, placing seven and one half million dollars into Ms. Grayson’s pocket and earning her publisher approximately another fifteen million dollars.”

  Josh scoffed and shook his head slowly as he looked at the jury. “Twenty-two million dollars.” He pointed to Miss Brookhart. “Twenty-two. So they have all that money, and what did Miss Brookhart get out of all of this?” He paused for effect and repeated, “What?”

  “Humiliation, embarrassment, and ridicule, that’s what.” Josh stared at Natalie, who painted on a sad face as he continued, “Somehow, that just doesn’t seem fair. My client was defamed in this novel. Lies were spread about her; she was mischaracterized with clear malice on the part of Ms. Grayson. And for this reason, we feel punitive damages are also due to Miss Brookart. Put yourself in Miss Brookhart’s shoes… How would you feel if someone got rich while they destroyed you, or perhaps your daughter, in their novel and just sat back and collected millions?”

  Josh glared at Jillian, and she returned a sneer. Turning back to the jury, he said, “Maybe you should send Ms. Grayson a message before she… she writes a book about you.” Josh’s eyes traveled over the jurors as he shook his head slowly.

  “Thank you.”

  He moved to his seat and gave Natalie a supportive smile before placing his hand atop hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

  Stanley Parrish stood and slowly made his way to the front of jury box. He began, “This case is not about Miss Brookhart being defamed in Jillian’s novel; it’s about revenge. Miss Brookhart’s revenge for not getting what she wanted. She wanted Brian Nash, that was clear. She still appears to want Brian Nash, based on his testimony of her confrontation with him just a few days ago. There was no malice here; there was no attempt to defame or libel Miss Brookhart. All that you have here is a writer who wrote a fictional story inspired by…” Stanley paused a moment as he glanced at Jillian and then back to the jury. “… a fictional story inspired by true events.”

  Motioning to Natalie, he continued, “What’s truly amazing here is that many lies have been told during this trial that have been proven false. You’ve all watched it unfold. Miss Brookhart is arguably a man-manipulating, lying, spoiled woman who’s used to getting her way with anything and everything she desires.”

  He scoffed. “And she was anything but a virgin during the spring of 2011. It could be argued that Miss Brookhart was painted in a slightly more positive light within Jillian’s novel than she actually was in reality.”

  Stanley paused a moment to let that sink in. “As absolutely ridiculous as that sounds, it’s true. The definition of libel is a false and unprivileged publication, which exposes any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule. The circumstances in this case in no way rise to meet this burden. Additionally, the plaintiff’s attorney was required to prove that a reasonable person reading the book would recognize that the fictional character in the novel represented Miss Brookhart. They didn’t even come close to proving that. No one would have recognized Miss Brookhart as the Rebecca character in the novel, without her announcing it to the world. The only reason we are here is that Miss Brookhart herself decided to bring this to the attention of everyone who would listen. In addition, no proof was presented as to the damages that Miss Brookhart has suffered as a result of this supposed representation of her in the book.”

  After taking a deep breath, Stanley added, “Miss Brookhart is angry that she didn’t get a chance to break Brian Nash’s heart for a second time back in the late spring of 2011. That’s when he decided to break up with her, and this is her desperate way of getting him back. No one breaks up with Natalie Brookhart… no one.”

  Stanley glanced at Natalie, who returned an evil look and the jury caught the exchange. He turned back to the jury. “Natalie… always gets what she wants… always… but you, you can put a stop to that.”

  Stanley’s gaze traveled over the twelve jurors with a determined nod as he repeated, “You can put a stop to that.”

  He returned to his seat as the jurors sat in quiet reflection.

  Judge Maxwell read the jury instructions, and the jurors were led from the courtroom to begin deliberations in the late afternoon. When no decision had been reached after nearly three hours, the jury was dismissed and told to report the next morning.

  39

  The next morning, the chosen twelve returned to the jury room. About an hour later, several jurors (the men) requested the pictures of Miss Brookhart’s photo shoot, but Judge Maxwell denied the request.

  Deliberations continued until just after noon, when a vote was taken. The results were nine to three on one of the questions and eleven to one on the remaining question. The jury broke for lunch and returned for another hour-long discussion. Afterward, they put in a request to confirm the retail price of Jillian’s hardcover novel. Once this information was delivered, another vote was taken. This time, a unanimous agreement on both questions was reached.

  All parties were contacted and assembled in the courtroom. The jury took their seats, and when the room was quiet, the judge made his way to the bench. The foreman handed the written verdict to the clerk, who brought it to Judge Maxwell. Maxwell read it and said, “The verdict appears to be in order.”

  As the clerk returned the verdict to the foreman, Jillian sat at the defense table with her heart pounding. Behind her, Brian rubbed his hands togeth
er nervously as Victoria held her hand over her mouth to hide her worried expression. The foreman stood and read, “On the issue of defamation, we, the jury, find in favor of the defendant.”

  Jillian turned to Brian, and they shared a smile. The foreman said, “On the issue of invasion of privacy and appropriation, we, the jury, find in favor of the plaintiff and award compensatory damages in the amount of $125,000.”

  Jillian’s head dropped in despair as Natalie and Josh’s faces both brightened. Stanley didn’t react but listened closely as the foreman continued to read, “… and punitive damages in the amount of $26.95.”

  Natalie’s jaw dropped as Josh scoffed at the odd figure. Jillian lifted her head up, confused. Stanley leaned over and asked, “Twenty-six ninety five?”

  Jillian’s eyes widened. “That’s the price of the hardcover.” A huge grin spread across both their faces while behind her, Victoria and Brian shared a hug.

  The Judge thanked the jurors and released them from service. After court was officially adjourned, Jillian jumped up and hugged Stanley. Brian rushed over, and they shared a kiss. Next to them, Natalie began letting Josh have it.

  Jillian and Brian turned to watch as Josh put his hand on Natalie’s shoulder. She pulled away from him and headed out of the courtroom. Jillian and Brian turned to one another and fought to suppress their smiles. Lifting Jillian into his arms, he squeezed her tightly.

  An hour later, Jillian, Brian, Victoria, Rob, Bridget, and four members of Jillian’s legal team were sitting around a large table at the Sunset Grill in Key Biscayne, just outside of Miami. The mood was, of course, festive. Jillian stood and held her glass high. “I realize I’ve been a bit moody for the last few months, and I’d like to apologize and thank you all for your support. And even though it wasn’t a complete victory, with the fact that Butt Girl was awarded damages today, I think this is the best possible outcome.”

  Brian lifted his glass. “It’s over.”

  “It is,” Jillian added, and then she paused. “Well, I was thinking of writing a sequel, and—”

  “Oh, no. Please, don’t,” Brian said with a grimace.

  Victoria smiled and shook her head in complete agreement. Stanley called out, “Brian, we already discussed this, and there will be no sequel without a signed release from… Butt Girl.”

  Everyone cracked up. When they composed themselves, Jillian lifted her glass and said, “Cheers.”

  Adam Rawlings, the owner of the restaurant, was moving from table to table to check on his guests. He stopped at Jillian’s table and smiled brightly. “Excuse me for interrupting. I hope you’re enjoying your evening.”

  Jillian replied, “Yes, everything is wonderful.”

  “I’m glad. If there’s anything else you need…” Adam began and glanced around the table. When his eyes met Victoria’s, he stopped for a moment and then added, “Please, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thank you,” Jillian replied.

  Nodding, Adam returned his attention to Victoria. He moved to her and smiled. “Have we met?”

  Victoria smiled up at him. “You do look—”

  Adam’s eyes brightened. “I know. I met you on a flight back from Philadelphia.”

  She smiled. “Yes, I remember.”

  “Adam Rawlings, and you’re… Victoria, right?”

  “Yes.” Victoria glanced to Jillian who returned wide eyes, which screamed, “He’s cute.”

  Victoria looked back to Adam as he added, “You said you might stop in, but that was, what, last summer? I figured you would a little sooner.”

  “Sorry, I’ve been a little busy.” Victoria looked down to her round belly and pointed.

  “I can see that.”

  “It’s great to see you again.”

  “And you.”

  Adam glanced down at her hand and noticed the absence of a wedding ring. He moved closer to her, leaned down, and said softly. “You look spectacular. I mean, pregnancy really agrees with you. Just stunning.” He shook his head and smiled.

  Victoria blushed. “Thank you.”

  Glancing quickly around the table, Adam said, “But I’m sure you hear that a lot from your boyfriend.”

  “No boyfriend.”

  “Husband?”

  She shook her head no.

  “Well, you look fantastic.”

  Victoria smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

  Adam stood just gazing down at her, wearing almost a silly look. “It’s really great seeing you again.”

  “You also.”

  Adam gave Jillian a polite nod and slipped away. Jillian looked at Victoria and opened her mouth wide. She leaned over and whispered, “He’s gorgeous. Why didn’t you grab hold of him on the plane?”

  “I was sorta throwing up.”

  “Oh… He likes you.”

  “You think?” Victoria gave her an unsure look. “I’m huge.”

  “He’s right; you look amazing.”

  Victoria glanced over at Adam as he chatted with another party. Her eyes traveled down his body. She took a deep breath and smiled. God, she missed being with a man, but seeing one that attractive made her remember exactly how much.

  Adam sent over complimentary after-dinner drinks along with dessert, and when Jillian and her group were ready to leave, he was working behind the bar. Victoria walked up to him and smiled. “Thank you for everything.”

  “My pleasure, Victoria. I would love to see you again.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Perhaps I could take you out to dinner sometime?”

  She glanced down at her pregnant form and then back up to his face. “You really want to be seen out in public with this?”

  He chuckled. “I do. You’re sure the baby’s father won’t mind?”

  “No, we have an… understanding. He’s a great guy, but we’re not going to ever be together. No…” Her expression grew solemn until she shook it away and painted on a smile. “How about I call you after I get settled with the baby and everything and can actually fit into some normal clothes?”

  “Sure, whatever works for you.”

  “It was good seeing you again,” Victoria said.

  Adam nodded as he stared deeply into her eyes. She looked away, embarrassed. When she looked back at him, he said, “Sorry, I’m… I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been hoping you’d walk through that door since we met.”

  The good-looking restaurateur and the single, hot pregnant woman exchanged cell numbers, and when Victoria finally made her way to the car, Jillian grilled her all about him.

  Adam called Victoria a few days later, and for the next week they spent a lot of time chatting on the phone. Victoria shared the details with Jillian, and Jillian decided to invite Adam to Victoria’s somewhat-surprise fortieth birthday. Victoria had already been invited to Jillian’s under the guise of a small dinner on that Friday night, but she wasn’t told it was a party until about an hour before the event. They didn’t want to shock a woman in such a fragile state once again, especially after what they put her through at her baby shower. Rob and Bridget were leaving for a two-week cruise to the Mediterranean, which they booked to celebrate her promotion, using the generous donations sent to Rob by several of Wealth Stone’s most affluent and now grateful ex-investors. All told, he had collected just over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

  40

  In New York, Jillian and Stanley Parrish waited in a conference room in the law offices of Albertson, Wyatt, and Price. Josh and Natalie entered the room, and the two women exchanged evil glares. After the lawyers shared polite greetings and settled down at the table, Stanley began, “We understand you are considering appealing the decision.”

  “That’s right. I feel that the appeals court will easily find that there was actual malice under the New York Times standard, and the ridiculously-low punitive damages award will be thrown out,” Josh said.

  Natalie nodded confidently with her arms crossed over her chest.

  “We b
elieve you’ll lose on appeal.”

  Josh shot him an incredulous look. “Mr. Parrish, then why are you here?”

  Opening his briefcase, Stanley pulled out a document. “If you move forward with the appeal, Miss Brookhart won’t be seeing the settlement money for many years. We would like to make an offer that will enable both parties to resolve this matter and move on with their lives.”

  “We’re listening.”

  Stanley glanced at a document. “The jury awarded $125,000 to Miss—”

  “And twenty-six dollars and ninety-five cents,” Natalie shot back sarcastically.

  Stanley smiled, “Oh yes, sorry. You are correct… one-hundred twenty-five thousand twenty-six dollars and ninety-five cents. We’re prepared to double that figure and have a check cut tomorrow if you agree to accept the jury’s decision and cancel the appeal, and if Miss Brookhart will sign a release to permit Ms. Grayson to publish a second book in this series featuring the Rebecca character, which, as we know, is based on Miss Brookhart.”

  Natalie’s mouth shot open, and she glared at Jillian. “You want to write another book? After all this crap, you want to write another book?”

  “I do,” Jillian replied smugly.

  Natalie shot back sarcastically, “What does Rebecca do in this one? Kill someone… or maybe she could screw the entire—”

  “Okay,” Josh interrupted, and he put a hand on Natalie’s shoulder. She glared back at him, fuming. “I don’t think a quarter million dollars is going to do it. I’m not going to permit Ms. Grayson to continue trashing my client.”

  Stanley slid a stack of papers to Josh. “In this release, we’ve outlined the context in which the Rebecca character will be portrayed throughout the rest of the series. We believe Miss Brookhart will find it acceptable.”

  After pushing another document to Josh, Stanley added, “And here is the settlement agreement. As I said, accept this, and we’re prepared to cut a check immediately, or you can take your chances with the appeals court and wait years for this to be over.”