Mallory’s cheeks burned red. “I’m twenty-five already.”
“Yes, but you’re the youngest you’re ever going to be,” Bruce offered.
Mallory’s smile crept toward her ears. “I still think it’s too late for me. Especially with Zach around.”
“Don’t be silly,” Elsa said, surprising herself. “If you want to go after something professionally, you have to take that leap. You know that I’ll be there to help with all things Zachery. Besides, Lucas has actually stepped into the fatherhood role recently, which gives you plenty more time.”
“Yes, but…” Mallory trailed off, as though she was scared to admit the next thing. “I work forty hours a week at the Katama Lodge. That, plus school, plus Zachery, all for a career that I don’t understand yet?”
“Why don’t you come to my office for an internship?” Bruce interjected. “We’d pay you, of course. Whatever the going rate is for law office internships.”
Mallory looked at him as though he’d just handed her the moon. Elsa’s stomach stirred. Did Mallory secretly hate her job as secretary at the Katama Lodge?
“I would be coming with absolutely no skills,” Mallory told him.
Bruce shook his head. “I’d argue that you’re a killer secretary. Your organizational skills alone would be of help, especially as Susan, her daughter, Amanda, and I gain more and more clients. We’ve even discussed hiring another attorney to handle the influx in the summer months.”
“Are most of your clients here on the island?” Mallory asked.
“No,” Bruce said. “They come from across the east coast. Susan was something of a world-renowned criminal lawyer during her Newark days, and she’s carried that reputation along with her. I’m grateful.”
Mallory’s eyes lifted toward Elsa’s. She looked on the verge of asking Elsa’s permission to take the internship, which would take her partially away from the Katama Lodge.
“I’d just like to try it,” Mallory murmured to her mother.
Elsa’s heart felt squeezed. She wanted to tell Mallory that she should have mentioned that she was unhappy at the Katama Lodge. She shouldn’t have kept that secret so close to her heart. But she probably didn’t want to complain. That wasn’t what Mallory did.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” Elsa beamed. “We can hire another secretary to pick up the slack at the Lodge.”
“Really?” Mallory’s eyes widened. Her joy was infectious. Elsa couldn’t remember the last time she’d looked so happy.
“Honey, if you want to figure out a way to go to the moon, I’ll support you,” Elsa told her, her heart brimming with love.
“I’ll give Susan a call and explain the situation with Brodie and our new intern,” Bruce said, jumping up from his uncomfortable position on the sand.
“You’ll stay for dinner?” Elsa asked.
Bruce’s smile widened. “I don’t know of anywhere else I’d rather be.”