Her eyes blurred. The document open on her laptop screen went completely out of focus. Molly snapped her laptop closed and rubbed her eyes. “I can’t decide on a logo.”
“We’ll look over the options later on Thursday.” Gina checked a calendar she’d tacked temporarily to the wall. “Narrow it down to your top three. Then make suggested changes to those and submit our feedback to the freelance designer.”
“That works.” Molly pressed her palms on the closed laptop. “He sent more than two dozen options and I want to change something on every single design.”
Gina peeked out the floor-to-ceiling window in the reception area and grinned. “The furniture is here.”
Molly had chosen to keep things minimal and only have a few vintage-inspired pieces for the office. Simple but elegant and, importantly, affordable. The coordinating file cabinets, bookcases and other accents continued the theme and brought a sense of charm to the historic space.
THE FURNITURE FINALLY in place, Molly sat in one of the twin ivory-and-gray-striped wingback armchairs reserved for clients. Molly’s gaze skipped from the reception area to the round table in the small conference room. The glass walls dividing the rooms kept the entire first floor feeling open and airy. It was an office Molly wanted to return to. It was her office. Her practice to run.
Pride and pleasure washed through her, dousing any twinge of uncertainty or worry. “It’s coming together rather well.”
“It’s a vision realized.” Gina dropped into the armchair beside her.
“There’s a certain satisfaction in that.” Perhaps she wasn’t completely satisfied with her life, but she was making strides in the right direction. That direction was forward. Not backward. She had a future to plan, not a past to miss.
“We should have an open house. Bring in a caterer. Welcome ourselves to the neighborhood.” Gina drummed her fingers on the arms of her chair in an upbeat rhythm that matched the enthusiasm in her voice. “Invite local business owners and your peers.”
But not Drew. The one peer Molly wanted there. The one man she wanted but couldn’t have. “Maybe we should wait until later.”
“You mean until after the Cory Vinson appeal hearing.” Gina reached over and touched Molly’s arm. “I’m not scared, Molly. For the first time in years, I’m not afraid and I have you to thank for it.”
“Me?” Molly shook her head. “You were the one who testified. Shared your story and continue to share it.”
“More people are coming forward with evidence against Cory.” Gina tipped her head back and sighed. “I’m not alone.”
No, Gina was not alone. Molly was not alone either. And yet there was a loneliness that twisted through her chest as if intent on revealing every empty space inside her.
Gina continued, “I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone until you presented me with that choice and gave me the courage to speak out.”
“I gave you a double macchiato and strawberry lemon scones.” Molly lifted her voice into a tease, but then turned serious. “You always had the courage inside you, Gina, don’t ever forget that.”
“Well, you gave me a job that I am inspired to do. I can look forward again.” Gina aimed a half smile at Molly. “I love my family’s restaurant. But being a waitress wasn’t my passion.”
The buzzer chimed, announcing another arrival. Gina rose and hit the button to open the door on the street level. “That should be the electricians. I’m looking forward to the cameras, so we know who’s really downstairs.”
Brad and his team would be installing those later in the week. He wouldn’t allow Molly to have anything other than the finest in security equipment installed at no charge. She would find a way to pay Brad back, even if it was in babysitting hours.
Molly stood. “Hazel’s nanny has an early class this evening, so I’m heading home to relieve Rebekah. However, Hazel and I can come back here.”
“I’ve got this. Stay at home with Hazel.” Gina typed on her phone, then grinned at Molly. “Your ride will be here in eight minutes. A white mini-SUV.”
Gina was turning out to be as strong-willed as Molly. Molly appreciated her even more. “You’ll call me if anything comes up.”
“If you promise to enjoy Hazel and not worry about anything here.” Gina opened the office door for the electrician. He carried in a ladder and left to retrieve more tools.
“I’ll try.” Molly slipped her laptop into her briefcase.
“I’ll call after the telecom technicians finish.” Gina walked over to her desk and sat. “It’ll be the first call from McKinney Legal Solutions.”
Molly left Gina organizing her desk and the reception space, went outside and scanned the street for a white mini-SUV. Her ride-share car arrived exactly on time. Things were falling into place.
Molly knew where she belonged. Right in this community. On her own. Doing things her way for a change. She had Drew to thank for that really. He’d accepted her just as she was, and she’d discovered a power inside herself. A strength she hadn’t known was there.
Molly, like Gina, had had a choice to make. She could own her decisions and her life as a mother and a lawyer. She knew now she possessed the courage to be the best in both roles. Not perfect, but the best she could be.
The car pulled to the curb outside Brooke and Dan’s house. She thanked the driver and got out.
Rebekah and Hazel were in the backyard on a blanket, surrounded by Nala and her puppies. Wesley and Ben played basketball. Brooke waved and carried a snack tray for the boys to the table near the firepit. Rebekah greeted Molly with a warm
