Different RPs

"Yes...my fathers,..he was always adamant about having a will....made sure I had one too... can't imagine him dying without one. perhaps we can sit in the lounge and discuss this?"

"Of course, where is the lounge?" Vince asked.

"This way. "She went into the hall, went down to the end and made a right into a doorway.

"Are you a dancer?" he asked walking along with her. He could see her natural grace as he followed her.

Rana nodded. "Sort of.I do take dance lessons here."

"I can tell by the way you walk," he said. He followed her to a table and sat down, opening his briefcase.

"Alright, I need as much information on your father as possible."

Rana nodded and told him everything."The accident, I'm told was a hit and run.... ""We were never poor, but not wealthy either," she said softly. "And since it was only two of us, a condo was the right size..he didn't plan on remarrying...." she paused. "He worked a lot with child abuse cases."

Vince took notes as Rana talked to him. "This is very helpful," he said. "You'll be glad to know that I have managed to secure your place for the rest of the year to give time for the investigation into a will. However, the school is refusing to reinstate your scholarship."

"Thank you..." She was upset. "How can they be so cold...I work hard..I get good grades. I've only missed school because of the funeral..."

Vince gave her a sympathetic look. "I am sorry. I haven't had much time to get the ball rolling. I will do everything in my power to make sure it is restored to you." He pulled some documents out and began leafing through them. "I would like to travel to India to see what I can find there, but I would need your permission."

"I understand." She nodded. "Of course," she replied.

"Mr. Davis also has another piece of paper for you to peruse," he said. He slid the paper in front of her. "He gave explicit instructions that you are to be in complete control of this amount." He circled the typed figure of $10,000. "Until such time as you decide if you wish to keep this as a gift or to consider it a loan."

Rana gasped. "I don't believe this," she whispered.

"Rana, you are aware that he comes from a very wealthy family, right? However, he wasn't sure if you would be willing to take it as a gift."

"I haven't known him that long," she admitted. "Only a few days.."

"He seems to have decided you are not some psychopathic killer," Vince teased.

Rana grinned "That or he's looking for an excuse so he can draw me more."

Vince laughed. "I guess if we need a mug shot, he could help us."

"He's talented," Rana agreed.

"So, I can tell James that you have accepted the amount?" Vince pulled some of the paperwork closer, packing it away.

"I'm not sure...." she replied.

Vince paused and looked at her. "He has not put any conditions on the money. You aren't expected to do anything."

"It's just...it's so much money.....' she whispered.

"It is, but college is expensive. He wanted you to be able to finish this year without worrying so much. You could just use what you need and then when you are able pay it back if you don't want to accept it as a gift."

James made his way to the lounge not knowing they were there. He walked up to the counter and got a coffee then turned and looked for a table. As his eyes saw them, he froze, trying to read her expression.

"I don't want to just be a charity case," she said quietly. "He hardly knows me...." She bit her lip. She needed the money. Even with the modeling and maybe being a student teacher...she wasn't sure how that would cover everything...not since they took away her scholarship. She was angry they did that.

"Please say yes," he whispered to himself as he watched her biting her lip.

"Miss Rai, I took the liberty of doing a small background peek. This is normal in these situations. Anyway, what I found is an exemplary young woman. Your grades are excellent and there is not a black mark on your record to show you might be using him. Besides that, I trust his judgement. I've known him since he was born."

'So it's not just charity then?" she asked in a whisper.

"Would you move please, you're blocking the way," a girl said to James.

James jumped. "Er, sorry," he said and moved to the side going by a pillar. He leaned against it watching.

She moved past him mumbling to herself about guys not being able to keep their tongues rolled into their mouth when they saw a pretty girl as she passed the table Rana sat at with Vince.

"I wouldn't say James doesn't do charities, because he most certainly does, but this is not just charity. He feels this is something right and that you will benefit from the money." Vince patted her hand. "You won't prove him wrong, right?"

"No, I won't," she replied. She sighed. "Well, I guess I'll accept it and return what isn't used..I do need the money...I don't want to have to leave school, but I don't want this public knowledge."

"Confidentiality is one of the clauses to accepting the money, Miss Rai. If other students found out they would badger the family and that is not acceptable. The other is that the money will not be used to purchase anything illegal. I'm sure you can agree with that."

James couldn't stand the suspense anymore and walked up to the table. "Is anyone sitting here?" he asked softly.

"Of course! I don't want anyone to know and of this will just towards school and living expenses."

She looked at James and her eyes shone. "No and James.I don't know how to thank you."

"Perfect then," Vince said looking up at James. "Don't you have class right now?" he asked sounding very much like a father.

"I took a sick day," James said, pulling the chair out and sitting down. He grinned at Vince then at Rana. "Rana, you deserve it."

"Are you feeling okay?" Rana asked, worry across her face.

"Just not sleeping well lately," James said. "I slept through my alarm today and only woke up because Darren pounded on my door."

"I hope you aren't coming down with something," she said worriedly.

Vince grinned. "Rana, how much would you charge to babysit him per week?"

"Very funny," James said. He shook his head. "I'll be fine. I just need a good weekend to catch up on sleep."

Rana smiled. "I wouldn't. I'd do it out of the goodness of m heart," she said softly. "People should have people to care of them." She sighed because she didn't have that anymore.

"Done," Vince said and held out his hand. "Shake on it?"

James sighed. "Vince, not funny." He gestured to Rana. "She doesn't need any more responsibility."

It isn't responsibility...it's called being a friend James." she said quietly and shook Vince's hand.

Vince laughed. "She's got you there, James, either way, you've got someone to watch over you."

James smiled. "I wouldn't mind being friends."

"I could use a friend, Rana replied.

"An odd way of making friends, James. Most people don't need their lawyer to help them make friends," Vince said.

James turned a deep red color.

Rana would have giggled if she hadn't been in mourning.

James looked at her face. "Well, it's settled then? You'll take it and stay at school?"

Rana nodded. "Yes I will....but I want it to be kept quiet. Others don't need to know."

"I don't want them to know," James said. He wiped his face with a napkin. "I just want you to stay."

"Well, I'm done here unless either of you needs something else," Vince said as he finished packing up his briefcase.

"I'm staying," she promised. She smiled at Vince. "Thank you sir. I really appreciate this."

James looked relieved at her words. "I'm glad. I need a good muse."

Vince moved from the lounge to head back to his office.

"I'm a good muse, huh?"

"Are you kidding?" James asked in mock disbelief. "I dream you at night in different poses."