The Sooner the Better Read Free Page B

see you,” she announced.
    A moment later Dennis Goodwin appeared in the reception area. “Lorraine,” he said, his voice warm. “Good to see you.” He ushered her into his office.
    Lorraine knew that Virginia had both liked and trusted Dennis. They’d worked in the same Louisville office building, and during that time, he’d acted as Virginia’s attorney of record for her will and any other legal matters.
    â€œHave a seat,” he invited. “How are you holding up?”
    â€œAbout as well as can be expected,” Lorraine told him. She no longer felt the need to brush aside her own grief in an effort to comfort others. The week since the funeral had been difficult, and she couldn’t have borne it without Gary’s constant support.
    â€œAs you’re already aware,” the attorney said, leaning toward Lorraine, “I knew your mother for a number of years. She was one of the most talented stockbrokers I ever met. Back in the eighties, she recommended I purchase shares in a little-known Seattle company called Microsoft. Because of her, I’ll be able to retire in a couple of years. In fact, I could live off that investment alone.”
    â€œMom loved her job.”
    â€œShe made several smart investments of her own,” he added. “You won’t have to worry about finances for a long time to come.”
    The news should have cheered her, Lorraine supposed, but she’d much prefer to have her mother back. No amount of financial security could replace what she’d lost.
    She folded her hands in her lap and waited for him to continue.
    â€œYour mother came to me four years ago and asked me to draw up her will,” Dennis said. He rolled away from his desk and picked up a file. “According to the terms, you’re her sole beneficiary. Under normal circumstances, our meeting wouldn’t be necessary.”
    Lorraine frowned.
    â€œBut in the event of an untimely death, Virginia asked me to speak to you personally.”
    Lorraine slid forward in her chair. “Mom wanted you to talk to me? About what?”
    â€œMedical school.”
    â€œOh.” She gave a deep sigh. “Mom never understood about that.”
    The attorney raised his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
    â€œIt was a big disappointment to Mom when I decided to drop out.”
    â€œWhy did you?”
    Lorraine looked out the window, although she scarcely noticed the view.
    â€œA number of reasons,” she finally said, glancing down at her hands. “I love medicine and Mom knew that, but while I have the heart of a physician, I don’t have the competitive edge. I hated what medical school was like—the survival of the fittest. I couldn’t do it. Maybe I’m lazy, I don’t know, but I have everything I want now.”
    â€œHow’s that?”
    Her smile was brief. “I do almost as much as a doctor, but without the bucks or the glory.”
    â€œI believe your mother did understand that,” Dennis said, although Lorraine suspected it wasn’t completely true. “But she wanted you to know that the funds are available if you should change your mind.”
    Lorraine’s eyes stung as she held back the tears. “Did she tell you I’m engaged?”
    â€œShe hadn’t mentioned it. Congratulations.”
    â€œThank you. Gary and I only recently told…” Lorraine let the rest fade. The attorney waited patiently, but she didn’t trust her voice.
    â€œIf you reconsider and decide to try medical school again, I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”
    His offer surprised her. “Thank you, but I’m not going to. Not when Gary and I are about to start our lives together.”
    â€œWell, I promised I’d bring it up if the occasion arose. It saddens me that it has.”
    Within a few minutes, Dennis had finished explainingthe terms of the will and handed her the necessary