“No,” they said. “It’s early. Get over here.”
“On my way.”
She drove to Carina and William’s. It was hard to believe how everything had worked out. She parked in the driveway and jogged up to the front door.
Carina stood in the doorway holding the storm door wide open.
Whitney ran up the stairs.
“It was a big day, lady. I missed you. I wanted to be there for you so badly. Come here, you.” Carina hugged her.
“I know, but it was for the best. You know it was. We discussed it.”
“You were pushy.” Carina stepped inside, and William hovered nearby.
“You’realwayspushy,” Whitney said. “I was pushy once.”
“Right, but we expect it from me,” Carina said.
William jumped in. “She has a point.” She loved how William teased Carina. It was true, but they accepted each other, faults and all, and that was so beautiful.
“See,” Carina smiled. “He knows me.”
“And loves you,” William said. He dropped a kiss on her lips and then walked into the living room and flopped on the couch. “I think Dad knew about the show, but he wasn’t saying a word. Probably knew I’d tell you.”
“He did know.”
Carina looked surprised. “And…”
Whitney told them the whole short and anticlimactic story.
“I can’t believe after all the pushback he gave us that he actually apologized, in his way.” Carina shook her head.
“He also said that a lot of the firm’s ideas are antiquated and may not change. If we want to separate from the firm, he’d support that move. He came right out and said he was proud of all we’ve done. Can you believe it, Carina?”
“We’ve been working so hard for that little acknowledgment.” Carina sat down on the front edge of the couch in front of where William stretched out.
“I’ve been thinking about working the way we want to. And balance,” Whitney said. “You know that’s hard.”
“It is,” Carina agreed.
“Well, they know everything now, and the last thing he said to me was if we want to practice outside the firm, he’d help make that happen. We’ve got decisions to make, sister.”
“We do,” Carina said. “I can’t believe it. This is so good.”
“His reaction shocked the heck out of me. I didn’t expect that.”
“We could do this, and we have time to plan and do it right.” Carina pushed on William. “Do you hear that, baby? We do have options. You’re with me on that, too, right?”
“Absolutely,” William said. “I’m always on Team Carina & Whitney.”
“And Matthew?” Carina said. “All is well there?”
“Better than ever. He went with me to the television station. He was with me every step of the way. I feel so much stronger when I’m with him.”
Carina’s look conveyed it all. “I’m not surprised. You deserve this. A good man, with a good work ethic. A good person.”
“What are the chances of two people meeting in the pouring rain over an umbrella incident?”
