Page 85 of Love in Riverbend
As a potential partner, one who earned a multimillion-dollar bonus for the work in London, I thought my proposal had merit. My mom even thought it had a chance. Unfortunately—or fortunately—the partners declined my offer. I don’t know if they discounted my sincerity of leaving, but I didn’t. Now, looking out at the cityscape, I have no regrets.
I don’t want to look back on my life and realize I spent it with a bank account and a lonely apartment. Frequent flier miles are useless without someone beside me.
Over the years of summers that I spent in Riverbend, Grandpa John and Grandma Ruth taught me what success truly means. It isn’t the number of zeros in accounts or the ability to invest in commodities that live on paper only. Success is waking every day to someone you love. It’s working with and for friends to better their lives and investing in friendships. It’s having people like Kandace does, the friends and family in Riverbend who will come over at midnight and take your daughter for a day so you can rest. It’s breakfast with men I’ve known most of my life.
I’ve opened my eyes and ears and recognized what was right in front of me.
There’s a knock on the office door before Gena peeks around the corner. “Mr. Richards, Ms. Michaels is here to see you.”
“Send her in.”
Jane Michaels is a senior partner and the same age as my mother. She could easily retire, but I think she enjoys the climb too much to step off the ladder.
“Dax, I’m sorry.”
A smile spreads over my face. “Don’t be. I’m not.”
“You have potential. Your work is outstanding. I was pushing for you to make partner.”
Inhaling I look around the office. “I’m not sorry, Jane. This was my mom’s dream, and I get it. I do. I know the rush when you get the client or win a case. Litigation isn’t my thing, but I still feel that invigoration that comes with researching and finding the answer. I know what it’s like to have success. I’ve had it, and I’m good with that.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Move to Riverbend. Real estate is booming there. I have enough money set back to let me take my time before jumping into something new. Maybe I’ll hang a shingle, or maybe I’ll talk to Jeffrey Murphy about going in with him in his practice.”
“Small-town lawyer. Lawsuits about pigs and cows. That’s not you. You’re standing here in a custom-made suit and thousand-dollar shoes.”
I tug at my tie. “It’s all a game, Jane. A masquerade to appear successful before you really are. I guess I’ve decided to stop being the rat running the race.”
Jane sighs.
“You’re an amazing attorney,” I say, “and I’m happy to have learned from you.”
“I learned a lot from Virginia. You could too.”
“My mom has taught me a lot.”
“And she’s happy with your decision?”
“The decision isn’t about her. She gets that.” I grin. “Maybe one day I’ll be litigating cases about livestock.” Lifting my arms, I let them fall to my side. “My options are limitless. Hell, I might spend a few months working on a farm. Hard work never hurt me.”
“You are a hard worker. I hate to lose you. You proposed one hundred percent remote. I have a counteroffer. Would you consider two weeks here and two weeks there?”
My lips come together as I shake my head. “I want to be a full-time father, Jane. I’ve missed out on five years. I don’t want to spend the next thirteen—before Molly’s off to college—seeing her in two-week increments.”
She smiles. “If you decide to come back, call.”
“I don’t see that happening, but I will remember that. Thank you.”
“Tell Ginny I’m sorry.”
“Like I said, she gets it.” I shrug. “Dad, not so much.”
After Jane leaves, Gena enters.
“I just saw your recommendation to the partners. Thank you.”
Gena is fifteen years my senior and has been my assistant since I started the firm. My decision to leave shouldn’t be the end of her future within this firm. “I meant every word. You’re talented and have invaluable experience. I wish you all the success you want. You’d make a great attorney yourself.”
