Page 51 of Bloom and Burn
I snap my attention to the old car. Hold on, hold on. Did Jack put them up to this? Did he go behind my back? Is he the reason they got over their stubborn asses and reached out? Shit, I think I love him even more now.
I preen as the warm sensation in my chest spreads to the rest of me. “I just might. I also got an employee award and my workshop was a blast.”
I catch them up on my life in Portland, not leaving out the part about how happy Jack makes me. He and Emily have been my two anchors, keeping me grounded in thebig, busy city. As I finish telling them about Jack’s intention to build in Denver, and the challenges and delays he’s been facing, dad gives me a sheepish smile.
“We were actually looking at the old butcher’s shop just off High Street. It’s big enough to allow for an expansion and has a back yard…”
Oh my god! Are they really suggesting what I think they are suggesting? Please, let this not be a trick or a dream or something equally heartbreaking.
My disbelief is definitely showing on my face, because both of their expressions turn a little regretful.
“We mean this, Ryan,” mom reiterates. “We don’t want to get in the way of your dreams anymore. We want to help you achieve them. You can do with the Orchid whatever you want. Your dad also…” She clears her throat. “He looked through the folder Jack Keller left behind and, if the Denver deal hasn’t been finalized and it’s not too late, the approval for the construction of his medical facility here in Estacada can be expedited.”
I shoot up from my chair, the tablecloth catching on my leg. “Shit, really? Oh my god, I need to get Jack for this.”
They laugh as I dart out of the house and shove the driver’s door open. “Jack, you need to come in for this. My parents have lost it!” I tell him, grinning like an idiot.
He laughs fondly and lets me drag him inside the house. Despite looking a little unsure whether he should be here as we sit at the table, he just holds my hand and smiles. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood.”
“Mom, tell him,” I urge when all she and dad do is look at Jack like they don’t know what he’s doing here.
“Right.” She laces her fingers together on top of the table and schools her expression into something that’s less a surprised stare and more a barely-hinted-at neutralsmile. I can see she’s trying. “We would like to extend an apology. Brushing you off without even listening to what you had to say was very disrespectful. In addition, if you are still interested in building the facility in Estacada, my husband will expedite the approval process.”
Jack squeezes my hand, buzzing with excitement. “How quickly can that be done?”
Dad glances at me, then back at Jack. “Well, as soon as Ryan sells you the Orchid’s part of the old brick building. I’ve had a look at the plans for the facility and everything seems to be in order. I’m happy to approve them on a priority basis.”
Jack’s face lights up. “Oh shit. I need to make a couple of phone calls and break a deal off,” he declares, smooches me on the cheek and rushes out of the house with his phone in his hand.
I still can’t believe this. Everything is finally falling into place. Jack can build his facility and I don’t have to give up on the Orchid. It’s perfect. There is a lot I can still learn from the garden center though, so I think I’ll keep my current job for a while, maybe until the facility has been constructed. Mom will hold the fort for me until then.
“So, can I have some barbeque now or what?”
Epilogue
Oneyearlater.
JACK
Ryan and I step inside the finished section of the medical facility, his parents and Emily trailing behind like a pack of guard dogs. They are discussing the hedge maze she wants to add to our backyard, while I’m doing the actual inspection. Our mom and dad will be coming up to Estacada next month when the center is officially opening, though we still have a few bits that need finishing up.
“I like the colors,” Ryan comments when we enter what will be the reception area. Pastel orange and light blue walls encircle beige tiles, while furniture in matching color is stacked in one corner. “I think it was a good call to stay away from the white.”
“I agree,” Josh chirps, coming out of the elevator on the opposite side of the room with a tablet in hand. “Depressing hospital is not the vibe we were going for.” He grins. “That’s reserved for the labs area.”
I shake my head and let out a nervous laugh that has Ryan giving me a quizzical look.
“Jack, is every—”
“Hey, Josh!” Emily jumps in right in time, cutting my lovely florist off. “Everything looks amazing! Can you show us the indoor garden next, maybe? I was hoping we could wrap up and get going with the Sunday roast. I’m starving.”
Everyone aside from Ryan, who’s been dragged into the conversation between my sister and Josh, looks at me knowingly, suppressing smiles or laughs.
My stomach twists. Thanks, guys. More nerves is exactly what I needed.
We finish the inspection of the facility an hour later, pleased and excited. In only a month, we will kick things off and, if everything goes smoothly, in another six months we should see the first results of my experimental treatment. I am nervous, scared and hopeful, though it’s not only because I’m so close to achieving my dream and helping so many people.
There is another reason, currently sitting in a small white box inside my hoodie’s pocket.
