A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing, following and basically hanging in here with me on this Minx adventure! I hope you're enjoying the ride. We're picking up this chapter just a little later than the previous one. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

It was mid-morning when Marissa and Sofia arrived at the Miranda Center. The Center was a client of the law firm of Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt and Tasker with the firm providing guidance on some of the more delicate and complex matters they ran into from time to time. The redhead served as the primary contact in these matters most of the time. In addition to providing this counsel when it was needed, Marissa also served on the Center's board. Bianca had asked her to serve on it some time ago because she recognized that the redhead had a way with people, got them to open up, put them at ease. The Center's staff saw this as well and grew to love her almost as much as they loved their founder. Fortunately, Marissa's role on the board didn't take up a lot of her time so she would still keep it despite her promotion at the firm. As they made their way to Bianca's office, the redhead received congratulatory greetings from the staff they encountered along the way on her pregnancy. Each one saying they couldn't be happier for her and Bianca, and the redhead was truly touched. As well wishes were given and accepted, Marissa also took the time to introduce Sofia. She observed those interactions and knew she had made the right choice in selecting Sofia to be her back-up.

As with most things she did, Marissa had done some research before deciding on having Sofia fill this role for her. The redhead had no doubt that any of the members of her newly formed team could do it. They were all very good lawyers, but she needed to take other things into account for this. Out of the associates that now reported to her, Sofia was the most qualified for this particular task. Her undergraduate degree was in social work. Given the work that the Center did, that was a definite plus. Besides that, there were other things that Marissa took under consideration. Claudia was the most experienced lawyer out of the four of them. Marissa was planning on having her take on a little more responsibility and cover more of her cases and run the team meetings while the redhead was on maternity leave. Brian had just been made a full associate so it was just a little too soon to have him take something like this on. She didn't feel she could ask Brandon because there was a history of abuse in his family. He had confided in her that his father was abusive and that he, his mother and two sisters had spent some time in shelters similar to those the that the Miranda Center operated when he was younger. This assignment might hit a little too close to home for him. Taking all of that into account, Sofia was the right choice in her mind.

/

The arrival of a certain redheaded lawyer did not go unnoticed by Jan. As soon as she caught a glimpse of Marissa, she alerted Aya who immediately made her way to her friend's desk. It was just in time to greet said redhead.

Marissa laughed seeing the friends waiting for her. This was the first time they had seen her since learning about the pregnancy from Bianca, and the two were practically bouncing up and down with excitement. Marissa simply smiled even wider and motioned for them. The pair rushed forward and hugged her.

"Congratulations! We are so happy for you and Bianca!"

Aya nodded happily in complete agreement with Jan. "This is the best news. I don't know that I've ever seen Bianca so happy, not counting your wedding day of course. This is just great. Oh, Kate wanted me to tell you congratulations too when I saw you."

"Thank you both and thank Kate for me too. Yeah, our wedding day was pretty amazing and definitely at the top of my list."

Jan smiled. "Just so you know, we've already talked to Kendall about the baby shower. You should also have fair warning that this baby is going to be really spoiled."

"I have no doubt that all of our little one's aunts and uncles will be up to that challenge." Marissa smiled knowing that in addition to Kendall and Zach, this baby would have a great many surrogate aunts and uncles, a fact for which she was very grateful. "I'm sorry. I forgot my manners. Jan, Aya, this is Sofia Jackson. She is an associate at the firm and will be handling the interactions between us and the Center when I can't."

"Hello, it's nice to meet both of you."

"Sofia, this is Jan Calipari. Jan is Bianca's assistant and right hand. She keeps Bianca on schedule and more importantly, in line."

"Uh yeah, if anybody needs to be kept in line, it's Bianca." Jan smirked. They all knew nothing could be further from the truth. She and Sofia shook hands.

"And this is Aya Kostas."

The two shook hands.

"Aya is the Miranda Center's newly appointed office manager. Congratulations, by the way."

Aya grinned. "Thanks! I'm still a little surprised by it and trying to get used to the new title. Something I'm sure you can relate to, Ms. Partner."

"Yeah, it does take a little bit of time to get used to it."

Jan nudged her friend. "I keep telling her she more than deserves it as do you, Marissa."

Sofia nodded. "I couldn't agree more with you on that. It was definitely a smart move on the partners' part and a huge boost to morale to see someone who came up through the ranks reach the top."

Marissa clearly wanted to change the subject. It was still a little hard for her to be the center of attention. "Bianca said she was going to set up a tour for Sofia."

"Yes, she did, and our new office manager will be handling that while I go take care of a few things for Bianca. She's in her office and said to tell you that you could go right in if you wanted to, Marissa."

"Thank you. With that, I will leave Sofia in your more than capable hands, Aya."

/

Marissa quietly observed her wife from the doorway. Bianca was solidly engrossed in something she was reading on her computer screen. "Have I told you how sexy you are with your glasses on?"

Bianca's head snapped up hearing her wife's voice and flashed her a brilliant smile as she took off her glasses. "I believe you've told me something along those lines before."

"Have I told you how sexy you are with your glasses off?"

Bianca laughed. "I believe you've said something along those lines as well."

Marissa grinned as she crossed the room. "Good. You're sexy as hell no matter how you slice it." The redhead leaned in for a quick but loving kiss. "Hey, beautiful."

"Hey, yourself. So, how'd the meeting go?"

"I think it went pretty well. We were able to get a couple of things accomplished. I have to tell you though that I look forward to sleeping in a little later tomorrow."

"I bet you are. You need the sleep. Did you have breakfast?"

Marissa chuckled. "Yes, I did. I stopped at Krystal's and picked up some muffins and coffee for everyone. I was just about mugged by Opal when I did. She was just a little bit happy for us."

"I'm just checking to make sure you're taking care of yourself. Yeah, I kind of sensed that myself yesterday about Opal." Bianca's eyes rested on her latest rose. "Krystal's wasn't your only stop this morning, was it? Thank you."

"You're welcome. What can I say? I felt inspired this morning. Of course, you always inspire me."

Bianca sighed happily. "Wow. You are good. So, what's on the schedule for you today?"

"I have a couple of interviews for secretaries. Did I tell you that Ellie applied?"

"Really? That's interesting. Do you think she could do it?"

"Well, she does some of the work already in her role as the firm's receptionist, and she does a good job. I won't really know about the other things though until I talk with her on Friday. There are others that have applied that have more experience though …"

Bianca could tell there was something bothering her wife. "But?"

Marissa smiled. "You know me too well. But I can't help but wonder why they would want to make the switch to work for me."

"Well, you're a partner now. Wouldn't that be considered a step up?"

"I suppose, but some of them have been with their particular lawyers for quite a while. It's really not all that common that they would switch."

"What do you think is behind it then?"

"I can't help but wonder if they have their own agenda of some sort. I'm a new partner, the new kid on the block. Maybe, they think they might be able to mold me somewhat. For some, it's kind of a power trip to know they run things, and they use this influence for favors from others and to elevate themselves. It's office politics."

"That's a little specific. You heard something, didn't you?"

"Sometimes, people aren't all that careful when they talk in public places, say like in the firm's ladies room."

"It sounds like they didn't check under all of the stall doors."

"Nope, they didn't. Two of the applicants were talking. This comes from a very reliable source, me. I heard the entire conversation with my own two ears."

Bianca smiled. "Well, it's obvious that they don't know you very well if at all. You may delegate responsibilities, but you still like to know what's going on and make the final decisions yourself."

"Just like someone else I know and love desperately." Marissa grinned.

"What can I say? Great minds. So, what are you going to do?"

"I'll still interview them and keep an open mind while I am."

"All while keeping the other in mind. Sounds like a good plan to me. You've got meetings with the investigator working Sam's case and Gail and Alex this afternoon besides the interviews, don't you?"

Marissa sighed. "Yeah, I do, and I'm not looking forward to either one."

Bianca reached across the desk prompting her wife to take her hand. The brunette squeezed Marissa's hand. "I'm sorry. Is there something I could do to help?"

"You're already doing it." Marissa squeezed Bianca's hand back.

"Will you let me know when you hear something?"

"I will, as soon as I can. That's enough about me. What's your day like?"

"Mrs. Holmes is coming back in."

"Again? Something's going on with her."

"Yeah, I know. There's something extremely personal behind her visits and all of her questions. I can't really do anything to help until she opens up and talks to me though."

This time it was Marissa who squeezed her wife's hand to comfort her. She could tell Bianca was frustrated at not being able to help someone who she was pretty sure needed it. "Hopefully, she'll tell you what's going on today. If she does, there's not a doubt in my mind that you'll be able to help her."

"Thank you."

A knock on the door interrupted the couple.

"Come in."

Jan poked her head inside. "Sorry to interrupt, but it's almost time for the meeting."

Bianca checked the time. "So it is. I guess we should head to the conference room."

Marissa nodded. "I guess you're right. Hey, Jan, are Aya and Sofia done with the tour?"

"Actually, they just finished up and are headed to the conference room."

The three women then followed suit and walked down the hall to the room.

Once inside, Sofia stood and walked over to Bianca and Marissa.

"Bianca, you remember Sofia, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. How are you?"

"I'm good and you?"

"Never better."

"I have to tell you that this place is impressive. I'd heard of some of what you did here, but it turns out that was only a fraction of what actually goes on. I'm really looking forward to working with everyone here. I can't thank you enough, Marissa, for asking me to fill in for you."

Marissa smiled. "I had a feeling you'd be good doing this."

/

Once the meeting broke up, Marissa and Sofia hung back for a few minutes in the conference room to go over a few things. When they wrapped up, they headed back in the direction of Bianca's office. It was there that Marissa saw Bianca talking to an older woman.

Bianca smiled and motioned for Marissa to join her.

The redhead nodded and spoke to Sofia. "I'll be right back."

"Rissa, this is Diana Holmes. Mrs. Holmes, this is Marissa Tasker. She is a partner at Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt and Tasker. They handle legal issues for the Center, and Marissa is their lead representative here and serves on the board as well. She's also my wife."

Marissa couldn't help but return Bianca's smile before extending her hand. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."

The other woman smiled as she took the offered hand and shook it. She remembered Jan telling her Bianca was getting married. "If I recall correctly, the two of you just got married."

Bianca nodded happily. "Yes, we've been married almost two weeks."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you. I need to get back to the office, Bianca. Mrs. Holmes, it was very nice meeting you. I leave you in excellent hands."

"Likewise in meeting you, and thank you."

Bianca looked at her wife. "Call me later if you can, and let me know how it goes."

"I will." The 'you too' was implied by the redhead and understood by the brunette.

After her wife departed, Bianca turned to Mrs. Holmes. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you."

"Okay, let's go into my office then, and we can talk privately."

/

"So, Mrs. Holmes, Jan told me you had some more questions for me. Hopefully, I'll be able to answer them for you."

"Yes, I do, and please, call me Diana."

"Only if you call me Bianca."

"Deal."

"So, Diana, what questions do you have for me?"

"First of all, I feel I should apologize. I can only imagine what all of you think about me, wondering why I'm so anxious and why I'm so set on speaking with you personally."

"There's no need to apologize. I'm sure you have your reasons. I just hope I can help you."

"Well, I have to admit I had some concerns, but meeting your wife helped ease them quite a bit."

"I'm not sure I understand."

"It's the fact that you have a wife."

Bianca began to comprehend what the woman was alluding to. "Oh, I see. My sexual orientation isn't a secret. I've been out since I was teenager. I guess I'm more surprised you didn't know that I was gay, especially given whom my mother is. It's because of her that it's common knowledge and been on the front of tabloids."

"I do know who Erica Kane is and that she is your mother. It's just that I don't follow celebrity news. I'm sure my nieces and nephews would know all about her and you though. They're all on that Facebook and the Twitter. I'm not on any of that. They tried to set me with accounts there, but both my husband and I don't want to deal with all of that. We don't like the idea of other people knowing our business. We like our privacy."

Bianca smiled. She could tell the woman was feeling more at ease and opening up some. "I can definitely understand that. Rissa and I limit what we put out there and keep the kids away from social media as much as possible because they are way too young."

"You have children?"

"Yes, between us, we have three children and are expecting our fourth child in the Spring. Rissa is pregnant."

"Oh mind, that is wonderful news. Congratulations!"

"Thank you."

"Children are such a blessing. My husband and I weren't able to have any so I took to spoiling my nieces and nephews as best I could. The advantage with that was I could spoil them and then send them back home for their parents to deal them." Diana chuckled.

Bianca laughed as well. "True. My sister and I ended up calling a truce for the most part. We realized that neither us would come out ahead there."

Diana admitted to herself that she now felt comfortable enough with Bianca to tell her the reason behind her interest in the Center. "I suppose that brings us to why I'm here and why I've been hesitate to tell anyone. I was concerned how seriously I would be taken with what I need to discuss. It's not something that's all that common or that you hear about every day. Obviously, it happens, but it's not really on the news. I don't know why it isn't. I guess that's why I hadn't really heard about it before. I'm rambling, aren't I? I'm sorry. I know I'm not making any sense."

Bianca simply gave her an encouraging smile. The brunette sensed where this was going. Diana had to be the one to say it though. Bianca couldn't force her because if she was right this was an extremely sensitive and delicate matter.

The older woman took a deep breath. It was now or never. "I have a niece named Kirsten. We've always been close. She's wonderful, so smart, talented, kind, generous, sweet and very outgoing. Kirsten would light up a room. She's a teacher, a very good one, a natural. Her students love her. She lives over in Llanview, and she's … gay. She and her partner Amelia have been together for going on close to four years now. Amelia is the manager of a bank, very smart. I liked her when we first met. Her family is well off. Her father is on the city council."

Bianca mentally noted she said liked instead of like. She could see the concern, the worry in the other woman's eyes. She also noted Diana discussing Amelia's family and their connections. Experience was telling Bianca what the woman was saying without really having actually said anything. She recognized the signs having seen them before. It was all practically screaming at her. That was why she was almost positive why Diana Holmes was there. Bianca still needed her to take that final step though and tell her.