Page 85 of Quintessentially

“I don’t see that happening, but I will remember that. Thank you.”

“Tell Ginny I’m sorry.”

“Like I said, she gets it.” I shrug. “Dad, not so much.”

After Jane leaves, Gena enters.

“I just saw your recommendation to the partners. Thank you.”

Gena is fifteen years my senior and has been my assistant since I started the firm. My decision to leave shouldn’t be the end of her future within this firm. “I meant every word. You’re talented and have invaluable experience. I wish you all the success you want. You’d make a great attorney yourself.”

Her lips come together in a sad smile. “You’ll be missed.”

“Maybe, but not by the people who matter most.”

“I guess this means I have to break in another recent graduate.”

That makes me laugh. The truth is that I learned more from Gena in my first two years at this firm than I did in law and business school. The education is important, but real life is a whole new world.

“Thank you for breaking me in.”

“Give that little girl a big hug and tell her that she has a great father.”

“I’ll give her that hug. As far as her father, the jury is out, but he wants to be worthy of the title.”

Once I’m back to my apartment, I call Kandace. She picks up on the second ring.

“Hi.”

Simply hearing her voice makes me smile. “Hi, back. How’s your dad?”

“He’s doing better every day. I took Molly to see him last night. He was out of bed and sitting in a chair. Mom says he’s not eating like he should. Dad says he wants real food. In other words, he wants Mom’s cooking.”

“Is he going home soon?”

“Yeah,” she says, “they think Thursday…that’s tomorrow. What’s up? You caught me with the store a bit slow.”

“How about phone sex?” I say, imagining Kandace’s cheeks turning pink.

“The store isn’t that slow.”

I take a deep breath. “I called because I wanted you to know I won’t be back on Friday.”

For a moment the line is quiet. Finally, she says, “Okay.”

“I’m coming back today.”

Kandace lets out a breath. “Don’t do that to me, Dax.”

“I’m coming back and staying, Kandace. I gave the firm a business proposal. They rejected it. I gave my notice.”

“You what? You quit your job? Dax, it’s your dream.”

“It was one of them and I did it. I told them that I’d finish the projects I’m working on from Riverbend. Once those are done, I’m one hundred percent out.” Before she could speak, I went on, “Dreams change. My new dream is with you and Molly. We can talk about it when I’m there.”

“What time do you think you’ll get in?”

“I’m going to throw as much as I can into the car and take off in an hour or so. The lease on my apartment doesn’t end until next May. I figure I’ll keep it until then, and we’ll have a place to stay when we bring Molly to the museum.”

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