Summer Escape with the Tycoon

Molly was prevented from asking the natural next question when her dad came in, also holding a glass of wine. “Had to go to the kitchen for my own,” he grumbled, but he was smiling. “Hello, pumpkin. Look at you, all tanned from your trip. You survived, I see.”

She kissed his cheek. “I did. Even without my phone. And I notice the firm stayed afloat without me, too.”

“Barely.” But he said it with a smile. “We missed you.”

“Dinner will be ready soon. Do you want to go through to the dining room?” her mother asked.

Charles was ready but Molly stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Could we wait a few minutes? I want to talk to you both about something and it might be better done in a room without knives.”

“Sounds serious,” Charles answered and patted her hand. “Let’s sit down, then. Let me guess. You met someone on the trip and you’re going to run away.” He laughed, clearly joking, but when she didn’t laugh back his face fell. “Oh, dear. Did you meet someone and are you going to run away?”

“I’m not running away. Not really,” she replied. “And I did meet someone, but it was very clear it was only a vacation romance. So no worries there.”

Olivia took the chair to the right of the sofa. “That wouldn’t be a worry. It’d be nice to see you in love, honey.”

They couldn’t know how much those words hurt, so she brushed them off with a small smile. “Believe me, you don’t want to hear about my love life. I want to talk to you about my role in the firm. Or rather... Dad, I know you’re going to be upset and disappointed, but I want to leave family law. I just... It’s soul-sucking.”

Charles sat back with a sigh and a look of consternation on his face. “But...it’s Quinn and Quinn. I built this firm for my children...”

“And I’m the only child left. I know that, Dad, and that’s

what makes this so hard. I know you put all your hopes and dreams on me when Jack died, and I’ve tried so hard to make you proud. Maybe for both of us.”

She’d never said those words aloud before, and Olivia’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, Molly. We never intended to make you feel that kind of pressure.”

“It’s true I always wanted to see another generation on the sign,” Charles said and let out a sigh. “But more than that, you’re damn good at it, Molly. You always had a ton of potential. If I pushed, it was because I wanted you to realize it.”

She uncrossed her legs and leaned her elbows on her knees for a moment. “When Jack died, the house was so quiet. Sometimes I could hear Mom crying. Once I saw you, Dad, sitting at your desk, weeping. I didn’t know how else to make it better...”

Her lower lip wobbled. “I missed him, too. And as I got older, and you kept talking about law school...”

She looked up at her dad, surprised to see tears in his eyes. “You would look over my briefs in the evenings,” he said raggedly. “I loved those hours, because that was when I missed Jack the most. And you had a knack for understanding. I probably pushed too hard...but, Molly, you don’t have to leave. We can cut your hours. I know you’ve been working extra hard.”

“You called me about cases while I was on my vacation,” she chided gently. “I want off the merry-go-round, Dad. I’m tired of doling out the spoils of marriage and sorting out custody battles of people who act more like children than their own kids. I want to use my superpowers for good.” She tried a smile. “You brought me up to be smart and independent, but I’ve made all my life decisions so far based on what would make you and Mom happy, and to somehow atone for what happened with Jack.”

“Atone?” Olivia’s perfectly plucked brow wrinkled. “What on earth would you have to atone for?”

She would not cry. She wouldn’t. She looked up and said clearly, “He saved me, and then he died. Maybe it should have been me.”

Charles went over and sat next to her, reaching for her hand. “God, no. What happened to him was an accident. Have you carried this around all this time? Sweetheart, you deserve to be happy and fulfilled. Don’t you ever think differently. And if we somehow added to any pressure, I’m so sorry.” He squeezed her fingers. “We love you...for you.”

“Even if that means leaving the firm?”

“Even then, though I’ll hate it.” He smiled tenderly. “I’m sorry for being a grouchy old bear about you going away.”

“It’s not your fault, Dad. I just want to choose me for a while.”

They all took a moment to wipe their noses and regain their composure. “Does that mean you’re leaving law behind?” Olivia asked. “What will you do?”

Molly shook her head. “Not leaving it behind. The first thing I’m doing is helping out a new opioid center on the Cape. I learned about it at the charity event where I bid on the trip. It’s a good cause and I can be of use there.”

“And after that?”

“I don’t know. I thought I had another project, but it turns out it’s a conflict of interest. I’m going to take some time to figure things out.” She looked at both of them. “This vacation was the first one I’ve ever taken on my own, and I’m nearly thirty. I went from high school to college to law school to work with no breaks. I want to take one now. Really have a look at my options and go from there.”

“You’re sure you can’t do that while staying at the firm? We can reduce your caseload.”

She met her dad’s gaze and guilt slid through her. “Dad, I’m so sorry. I know this is hardest for you. And I love that you want me there and that you have so much faith in me. I feel like in order to follow my dreams, I’m crushing yours.”