Page 61 of Because of You
“But what’s going to happen with the practice?”
“One of my associates has already started taking over all my divorces and non-adoption matters, and he will stick with them when I leave. The reason I want to talk to you is to ask if you would take over my adoption practice.”
My mind blanks out for a second. “Take over? Like, all of it?”
He chuckles. “Yes, Hallie. All of it. I have never in my entire career seen a young lawyer more dedicated to this kind of work. I know you have stuck with estate planning for all kinds of reasons over the years, and I respect that. But, Hallie, this work is your calling. I knew it the first day I met you when you were a second-year law student, and I know it today. Not everyone can handle the kinds of cases that we see here every day, but you can. It’s in your bones, my friend. There is no one I trust to do this more than you. If you take over, I can leave knowing that my clients and the kids are in the best of hands.”
I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately, but having another important person in my life give me that kind of validation makes my eyes fill with tears. It’s Charlie, so I let them spill over. He just hands me a tissue, pats my hand, and waits for me to collect myself.
“I’m so sorry. These are happy tears, I promise.”
“Hallie, I practice in one of the most tear-soaked areas of the law. I know happy tears when I see them.”
I give a watery laugh and try to collect myself.
“Thank you so much, Charlie; you have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that. I would love nothing more than to take over your cases, but I’m supposed to open an estate planning practice with my friends in January. There’s no way I can do both.”
“I thought you might say that which is why I’ve been doing some planning. If you can give me a few more hours today, I have some ideas on how we can make it all work.”
At Charlie’s words, I feel a shimmer of excitement, and I pull my phone out of my bag.
“One second, let me tell my partners I’m not coming in today.”
Me
Hey ladies. Charlie asked me if I could cover a case for him today. I know we’re going over client files and I wouldn’t have said yes, but it’s an emergency.
My stomach clenches a little at the lie, but it also feels good to be doing something for myself and not worrying, too much, about how I’ll explain it to anyone else. Who knew?
Julie
On Monday morning after two weeks at the lake? Not ideal, Hallie.
Molly
Don’t listen to her Hal. You stay there and help whatever kid needs help. We can go over your files tomorrow.
Emma
What Molly said.
Julie
Fine. But come in early tomorrow so we can stay on schedule.
Molly
Don’t come in early tomorrow. The schedule will be fine.
Emma
It really will be. We have plenty of time.
Julie
Ugh. Fine. But don’t come crying to me when we’re working on Christmas because you all fucked with my schedule.
Molly
