Whitney wondered when she lost sight of the ability to chase more than one dream. It all used to seem so easy. “How do you do it all?”
“Oh, Whitney, having Chloe when we did was horrible timing, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Honestly, if we’d waited for the right time, when would it be? Not now either.”
“That’s true. I hear you.” She glanced over at the fishbowl on her dresser. James, her bright red beta fish swam to the top and blew some bubbles. “I barely have time for James.”
“Life balance is this year’s goal. We will find the balance.” Carina sat on the bed and placed her hands with index finger-to-thumb on her thighs in a yoga pose. “We willbethe balance.”
Whitney mimicked the mantra and closed her eyes. “Be the balance. Meditation versus Mediation. Maybe we’ll start a yoga class for overworked attorneys.”
“No. We can’t add another thing to our plate, except for the perfect partner for you. We need to work smarter and find balance. And the right partner is less work, not more.”
“This isn’t going to be easy.”
Carina pointed to the clock. “We’ve done harder things, but right now, it’s about time for you to leave. Have a wonderful time, Whitney. Don’t think of anything. Be in the moment. Totally in the moment.”
The intercom buzzed, announcing someone from the lobby.
“He’s here,” Whitney said in a panic. “Am I ready?”
“You are perfect.” Carina shoved the small handbag that held only a lipstick, a credit card, and Whitney’s phone into her hands. “Answer the door buzzer!”
Whitney walked over and pressed the button. “Hello?”
“It’s Matthew. Can I come up?”
Whitney shrunk and turned to Carina, who was nodding fervently.
“Yes, yes. That’ll be great. It’s 1412.”
The girls grabbed hands, and Whitney let out a squeal.
“Be cool. Maintain,” Carina said. “Breathe. You can’t go passing out. That would be bad.”
That made Whitney laugh, and thankfully it shook free some of the nerves. She took a breath and stood there in the middle of the room.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Do you want me to get it?” Carina asked.
Whitney shook her head and went to open the door.
Matthew had slicked his hair back, and he wore a tuxedo like one of those Calvin Klein models. A bouquet of summer flowers filled his arms. “These are for you.”
“Thank you. Matthew, you look… come in. Do you always dress this nice for these things?”
“It’s black-tie. There’s pretty much a formula.” He laughed. “But you… you look stunning. I was right. The purple brings out your eyes. I knew it was a good color for you.”
Carina’s eyes widened, and Whitney tried to ignore her reaction.
“You remember Carina?” she asked. “My sister-in-law.”
“Yes, nice to see you again,” he said.
“You too.” Carina grabbed her things. “I hope you two have a wonderful night. Drive safely.” She started for the door and then stopped. “What am I thinking?” She pressed her palm to her forehead. “You both look so nice. Right now. In front of the pretty wall over there.”
Whitney was so embarrassed. “What are you doing, Carina?”
“I’m going to take a picture of the two of you. You both look great. Come on.”
