The One that Got Away

Rex Nathaniel Barnes

 

Rex Barnes has always been destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, such as his older sister, Melanie, has followed in their mothers. Rex and Melanie are what some would call trust fund babies. The Barnes family comes from ‘old money’ and is very strict with tradition. Rex’s father, Dean, is one of the top partners at a law firm his father’s father created with his select group of socialite friends. Jennings, Gambet, Richter, Barnes, and Associates also known as JGRB, is one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City in which they handled cases of all magnitudes. Dean Barnes specializes in criminal defense, something he hopes his son will continue.

 

Andrea Barnes, Rex and Melanie’s mother, also comes from old money. Just like her sisters and mother, she became a socialite who spends more time with her charities than her family. Melanie enjoyed the spotlight her mother was always in and although neither one has very special talents to become professional celebrities, they are known in elite circles across the U.S.

 

As tradition would have it, Dean and Andrea were introduced by their parents during their second year at Columbia University as well as Melanie and her husband. Two short years ago, Rex was introduced to Chelsey Blaine who grew up in the socialite circles, but became a celebrity during her teen years for her dynamic vocal chords and stage presence. As much as Rex finds Chelsey attractive and fun, her career takes her on the road so often, rumors of betrayal and infidelity for both parties have plagued their relationship.

 

Rex is in his final leg of his law school career at Columbia University in which he and his best friend, Jase Jennings, will soon graduate, take the bar, and became associates at their family’s law firm.

 

Both Rex and Jase have grown up together and so far, have enjoyed the perks of being wealthy, sophisticated, well-traveled, and of course, attractive. It’s easy to live life when every step has been planned and paid for you, but neither one appears to mind.

 

Jase’s taste for women varies and he has rarely held a relationship which lasted any longer than a few months. Rex, who has only dated women his parents set him up with, doesn’t find much excitement in the ‘thrill of the hunt’ as his best friend would say. He’s content with seeing Chelsey when she swings through New York on tour or when traditional family get-togethers bring her home for a weekend. He’d much rather spend his time playing or watching sports as well as helping his Mom and sister with their charities.

 

Rex has often been told he’s like a drone. He does just what he’s supposed to do even when he might not want to. He originally wanted to attend Harvard for his law degree, but as his entire family has gone to Columbia, he didn’t want to be the first Barnes man to break tradition. He never breaks tradition or the values he’s grown up with. His vision for the future is such as all males in his family has been. He will take the associate position at JGBR which will turn into partner status when his Dad retires, take on high profile cases, and have a trophy wife with a few kids to carry on the legacy.

 

Rex is an all-around decent guy who enjoys his somewhat extravagant life and his traditional plans for the future.