Page 129 of One More Heartbeat
“I know.” My tone matches hers. “I didn’t anticipate it being this big.”
It’s been like this since the celebration began three hours ago.
A teenage girl and her two friends walk through the entrance. She laughs at something one of them says. I blink at the memory of the last time I saw her two and a half months ago. The day Joseph dumped me. The day her drunk father came into P&T and smashed the chair.
She looks nothing like she did that day. Now she appears happy, relaxed.
Abby returns to the counter, and I walk over to the three teens. “Hi. Sarah, right? How are you doing? I was here that day your father…” I leave the rest of the sentence flapping in the wind, unsure of the best way to end it.
Her eyebrows lift. “Went apeshit?”
That’s one way to put it.
“Things are better. My aunt found out what happened and moved to Maple Ridge and is staying with me. Dad called her after he landed in jail.” Her voice falters on the last part.
One of Sarah’s friends puts her arm around Sarah’s shoulders in support.
“My mom died unexpectedly from an aneurysm just before last Christmas. Dad didn’t handle it well and started drinking. A lot. And all the time.”
Oh, Lord.I can’t imagine what she’s going through. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. My aunt pushed for Dad to go into rehab, which is where he is now. She also got me into grief counseling, and he’s doing it too.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
She nods like she’s heard that so many times and is going through the motions, even though she’s not sure how sincere the person is.
“I mean it.”
She smiles, the tilt of her mouth genuine. “Thank you.”
We talk for a few more minutes, then I leave the three friends and make the rounds, checking how everyone is doing.
A man approaches me, carrying a big bouquet of flowers. Carl, a veteran who Garrett is friends with. “Hey, Zara. I’ve got a special delivery for you.” He holds out the flowers for me. His wife owns the floral shop in town. “And congratulations on the expansion. It looks great.”
“Thank you. And thank you for the flowers. Any idea who they’re from?” The beautiful array of colorful blossoms includes my favorite, jasmine.
“You’ll have to open the card to find out.” He winks at me and leaves.
I carry the bouquet to the front counter, remove the plastic wrapping, and open the card.
Golden Girl,
Sorry I couldn’t be there for your big day. I’m so proud of you. We’ll celebrate when I gethome Sunday night.
Garrett
My silly heart swoons at the sweet gesture.Don’t read too much into the flowers. Sure, Garrett has never given me any before, but that doesn’t mean he’s in love with me. It just means he knows how much the celebration and reopening means to me. Right?
My family, including both brothers, walks into Picnic & Treats. My parents are holding hands, smiling with the same pride in me on their faces that I witnessed growing up. They’re the same two individuals who were there for each other, through the highs and the lows, during the season Dad battled testicular cancer thirty years ago. Dad swore Mama’s love and devotion were what helped him get through it.
Helped the family get through the ordeal and be stronger.
A brazen picture of a much older Garrett and me saunters into my head. Of him giving me flowers just because. Reading to me like he did when I was sick. Kissing me as if I’m the sun, bathing him in adoration and warmth.
A dreamy, wistful sigh escapes me.
Mama pulls me in for a big hug. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart.” With the grand sweep of her hand, she gestures to the busy café. “This is incredible. What you’ve accomplished is incredible.”
