Alice and Mel decided to take what they considered to be a gigantic step forward in their relationship. They decided to open a neighborhood diner together.

They hired a lawyer to draft up a contract setting out the terms and conditions of the arrangement. It seemed like it would be a simple task that would limit the downside exposure of both parties.

“All modesty aside,” the lawyer told Alice and Mel, “In the unlikely event that the wheels come off the bus on this joint venture of yours, nobody will be able to straighten things out better than me.” And hearing that, Alice and Mel felt confident that their selected attorney would be vigilant and diligent when creating the contract for their partnership.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in such matters, the wheels did come off the bus in both the business and personal relationships between Alice and Mel.

And equally unfortunate, they discovered, much to their chagrin, that their attorney was neither diligent or vigilant. As a consequence, both Alice and Mel were exposed to total financial ruin due to their attorney’s incompetence.

Written for today’s Three Things Challenge from Teresa. The things are Alice, Mel, and diner. Also for today’s Word of the Day Challenge, “exposure.” Also for for RayNotBradbury Cool Writing Prompt, “modesty,”and for Scotts Daily Prompt, “straighten.” And for July Writing Prompts, “vigilant.” And for Written for Daily Addictions prompt, “gigantic.”

And, of course, for my own Fandango’s One-Word Challenge, “contract.”