Breath Of Life

My father laughs. “Yes, many in fact. How’s business for you, Oliver?”

“It’s going really well. The money we invested in public relations has tripled out business.”

“That’s impressive.”

“Thank you,” I choke the words out and force a small smile.

Quinn rubs my knee and squeezes, silently lending her support.

“You’re welcome. I-I’m really proud of you and all you’ve accomplished, Oliver.”

My jaw drops, and I have to force it to shut. I could be knocked over with a pin right about now. Those are words I never expected to hear coming from my father. He was always so against every move I wanted to make.

“T-thanks, Dad.”

He nods. “I don’t tell you enough, and while I have you here, I just wanted to make that clear to you.”

Silenced, I shovel eggs into my mouth to stall until I can compose myself.

“How’s the law practice, Dad?” I ask.

His head swivels. I never ask him about work. I think I resented how much time it took away from us growing up and never grew out of it.

“It’s doing really well. We’ve taken on some young lawyers who I think will really do us proud.”

“That’s good.” We’re rebuilding our foundation one brick at a time. It feels good. This isn’t what I expected at all. My father’s not the austere man who demanded perfection and tried to punish me for being different because he couldn’t open his mind. This is a person I could have a meaningful relationship with. Not just could have. I want one with him. I started the day off dreading the time I’d spend with him. Now my eyes are opened, and I’m equally hopeful. There’s been a piece of me missing over the years. A part of me longed for his approval and acceptance, whether I admitted it or not. Having it now clicks something into place for me.

“We’ll have to do this again. Soon,” Dad says as they walk us to the door.

“I agree.”

He claps my back, and I guide Quinn to the car.

“How do you feel?” she asks.

“I’m not sure. It was surreal. I couldn’t have imagined have such a quaint brunch with my father before now.”

“Is that a good thing?” she asks cautiously.

“Yeah, it is. I needed this more than I realized.”

“Then I’m glad you came.”

“Thank you for doing this with me.” I kiss her hand.

She gives me a blinding smile as I help her into my truck and my heart beats faster. I’m head over heels in love with the girl and still falling.

“THINGS STILL CRAZY your way?” Houston asks as I walk into his office.

“Yeah, man. I imagine it will be until we take this shit to trial. They went after Quinn hardcore, and I think she might be close to breaking. She’s terrified to speak up against them.”

“Can’t blame her after they rolled up on her. What are you going to do?”

I shrug. “What can I do? I have her over at my place to try to keep her safe. We’re double checking everyone who hires her. If she bails on the testimony, I might be flying solo, and it may not be enough to get this guy sentenced.”

“Have you talked to her about it?” Houston asks.

“Mostly we avoid the subject as much as possible. There’s no way in hell I’m not going to testify, so we’re at odds.”