“So you weren’t the one who convinced Charlie to leave Wall Street?” her mom said, curiosity in her voice, not judgment. Charlie had been dreading the question, but with the door open, Charlie just wanted to get it out there.
“No, but I did meet Harper just after I got here.” She took a deep breath to prepare herself. “But Wall Streetisthe reason I left New York.” She felt the warm press of Harper’s hand on her thigh, and it sent comfort throughout her entire body.
At her mom’s cocked head, she continued, “I don’t want to bore you with the details, but I found an issue, and when I brought it to my boss’s attention, I was shown the door. I felt betrayed and didn’t know what to do. I ended up getting in my car and driving south until I hit Key West, which is where I stayed.” In reality, it wasn’t just that she didn’t want to bore them. She couldn’t say much more because of the NDA. All of it made her skin crawl.
“I can’t believe they were that disloyal to you,” her dad said. “You have given them your entire adult life.”
She shrugged, not sure what to say because every word wastrue.
“That’s disgraceful, but Icansay I’m not sorry you’re free of it.” Her mom’s smile was warm. She’d hated everything about Charlie’s career, which was one of the reasons they’d fallen out of contact. Hell, the primary reason.
“Honestly, I felt like a ship without a rudder when it happened, but with some space, I’m happy to be free of it too. You were right. It was turning me into someone I wasn’t. And I was working so many hours. Even when I wasn’t working, I was still thinking about work, taking calls, and responding to emails. It had consumed me, and I didn’t even realize it. I am so sorry for not listening to you. And hurting us all.” She laid her hands on their forearms.
“Sweetheart, we should have done a better job of reaching out,” her dad said. “Our rift was on all of us. But the important thing is that we’re all here together. And we won’t let it happen again.”
Charlie didn’t think it was their fault at all, but she appreciated his words. “Thanks, Dad.”
“We’re just so happy you reached out,” her mom said. “What have you been up to since coming back to Florida?”
“You will never guess, but I swear this is the truth.” She paused for dramatic effect. “I teach yoga.” Her dad was definitely surprised, but her mom pursed her lips and nodded.
“I can see it,” she said. “You used to be really into health, so the fitness aspect makes sense. You’ve also always had a quiet confidence in you that fits with a yoga instructor. And you seem happy, so whatever you’re doing is working.”
“I am happy. For the first time in…I can’t remember how long. I feel at peace and am enjoying my life.” She interlaced her fingers with Harper’s on her thigh and squeezed to make sure she knew she was a part of Charlie’s happiness.
Harper flipped her palm so they were holding hands andsqueezed back. Charlie leaned into her side.
“Harper, what do you do?”
She cleared her throat. “I am a reformed attorney turned bar owner.”
“That’s an interesting switch. Are you from Key West originally?” her mom said.
“No, I’m from Chicago, but I’ve been in Key West for about three years. I had to get away…um.” She paused, and Charlie squeezed her hand, trying to tell her she didn’t have to tell them everything, but Harper continued anyway. “My wife passed away very unexpectedly, and I just…had to find a change of scenery. And Key West was it. I enjoy my life down here, though.”
“I’m so sorry. That must have been an impossible thing to go through.” Her mom’s eyes filled with sadness again.
“Thank you. It was hard—it is hard—but I’m starting to do better. Your daughter is really helping me, to be honest.”
Charlie hadn’t realized that. Harper had never said it to her. Harper flashed a shy smile and shrugged. “You’re pretty amazing,” she said and brushed a kiss against Charlie’s cheek.
“You’re pretty amazing too,” Charlie said as her chest buoyed with an emotion she wasn’t ready to put a name to yet. For half a second, she forgot she was sitting at a table with her parents, so she turned back to them and said, “Sorry.”
“Nonsense. I cannot tell you how excited I am to see that you’re with someone who makes you happy,” her mom said, beaming.
“Having someone to walk next to through life is so important,” her dad said as he lifted her mom’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Things aren’t always easy, but having someone to work through the hard parts with makes all the difference.”
Charlie resisted the urge to walk around the table and hug them again. How had she missed how cute they were together?
“So, Harper,” her mom said. “You have a very interesting name. Is it a family name?”
Harper chuckled. “No. I’m named after Harper Lee.”
“Really? Were your parents huge fans ofTo Kill a Mockingbird?” her mom asked.
Charlie listened with rapt attention. Even though Harper had told her the story before, she wondered if Harper would give her parents more details since she was opening up so much today.
“Pretty much. They were both public interest attorneys and ran a nonprofit helping people with immigration issues. They liked Atticus Finch’s philosophy of fighting the fights that need to be fought. It’s how they lived their lives, professionally and personally. And I’m just relieved that they didn’t name me Scout. Or Jean Louise. Maybe Jem would’ve been okay, like the old cartoon from the eighties, but I like Harper. And I try to live my life doing the right thing. It gives me more grounding in my moral compass.”
