Chapter Seventy-Two
“I miss you,” Holly says in the only quiet corner of the noisy bar. The place is trying too hard to be Irish, with a mist of green light over everything, loud Irish music, a brick wall with framed jerseys from Irish soccer teams. Omaha has a weird affection for Irish pubs.
Quinn and Holly finally managed to get a moment alone after being swept up in the group headed over to the pub, Holly and several of his colleagues piling into his car.
Quinn looks out at the long table crowded with pitchers of beer.
Pat is still entertaining Quinn’s colleagues with his parlor tricks and general Pat-ness.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t more understanding about what you were going through,” Holly continues. “I was stressed with law school. I should’ve been there for you, been more understanding about your mom’s case, about George.”
“You don’t owe me an apology. I owe you one.” Quinn takes her hands. “I honestly thought you’d be better without me. You’re just starting your life. Your career.”
Holly stares deep into his eyes. “You should’ve let me decide what’s best for me.”
Quinn nods. Over Holly’s shoulder, he sees Lucy and Carrie have arrived. A couple seconds later Jules appears. The men in the pub are already gawking.
“That’s why I flew in from Chicago at the last minute,” Holly says.
“Chicago?” Quinn says.
She smiles. “Finishing my first year at my firm.”
“You got it! The associate position at that big law firm,” he says. “I’m so happy for you. You worked so hard.”
“I want you to come.”
“Come where?”
“To Chicago, silly.”
Holly. Beautiful, sweet Holly. Good inside and out.
His eyes again fix on Jules and the others.
Jules’s back is to him but Lucy seems to be glowering at Quinn for some reason.
Lucy whispers something in Jules’s ear. Jules then does one of those quick glances behind her.
Quinn watches as she then heads to the restroom near the entrance of the place.
“I’m sorry,” is all he can think to say to Holly. “I’m really sorry.”