Page 20 of Just Another Chance

“Owen,” I say.

“Well, I’m going to predict that little Owen here is going to grow up into a big heartbreaker. Isn’t that right?” she coos, and he laughs.

If he’s anything like his father,I think,then yes. A huge heartbreaker.

I hand Heather my resume and she tilts her head. “I know this is absolutely none of my business and please don’t be offended, but are you married?”

I’m not sure why she’s asking, and I hesitate.

“I’m only asking because I have the utmost respect for all mothers, but single mothers deserve so many props. My mom raised both me and my sister all by herself and she is the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

I nod. “Yeah. It’s just me and Owen. My mom passed away and I moved back here to take care of things.”

A look of sympathy crosses her face. “I’m so sorry about your mom,” she says.

“Thanks.”

Heather glances over the resume then sets it aside. “Look, I’m going to be honest. You seem like a really nice and trustworthy person, and I’m desperate for help.”

My heart quickens and I think she might be on the verge of offering me a job.

“I’d like to offer you the full-time position and after a three-month trial, I can also kick in some benefits. They’re not the best but being a small business owner isn’t always either.”

“I’m sure it’s hard, but that would be amazing. I really appreciate it, Heather.” I planned on pounding the pavement all day, so this is great. Now I can go back home and start looking into mom’s stuff.

“Do you need a few days to get situated?” she asks.

“How about just tomorrow? Then I can be back on Wednesday and start?”

“Perfect!” she exclaims. “I’m so happy to have you, Addie. Welcome to your new shop.”

I love how she says that, even though it belongs to her. But it’s clear she wants me to feel a part of it, too, and that makes me happy. Working here at Heather’s Flowers leaves a good feeling in me as I say goodbye and head back outside.

It’s a little weird being back in the city after two years, but I think I actually missed it– the hustle and bustle, the noise, people, smells and action. Tanner and I spent all of our time together here so it’s bittersweet. But I can’t let memories of him distract or ruin my love of the city.

After pushing Owen around for a little bit and reacquainting myself with the neighborhood, I decide that I’d better get home. My plan is to sort through things and, since I found a job so quickly, I’d also like to get my own apartment sooner than later. Once I get Owen situated in the car, I call Kayla.

“Hey,” I say. “I’m heading back to the house. Do you have time to go through things?”

“Sure. I can swing by for a couple of hours.”

“Great. See you soon!”

The drive to South Grove is about 30 minutes which isn’t too bad, but when I get an apartment, I’m going to look for one in the city near the flower shop. Having the option to walk to work is great, but I also have to consider Owen. I’m hoping Kayla can help babysit. The good thing is she’s living in the city now, too, so that will make things easier on both of us. If I can avoid taking Owen to daycare every day that would be an amazing way for me to put some money aside.

When I pull up the small driveway of my childhood home, I see Kayla is already there. She comes out to greet me and helps unpack the car while I get Owen. I love my little man more than words can say, but goodness a baby slows you down.

I’m not sure what’s been going on with Kayla the last couple of years, but she’s almost a new person. Since I returned home, she’s been Number One Aunt to Owen and Helpful Little Sis to me. It’s strange and I don't exactly understand it, but I’m grateful for the extra help.

“Hi, Little Man,” she exclaims. “So, how’d it go? Get some resumes dropped off?”

“I did,” I say as we walk up to the house lugging the baby, the stroller and diaper bag. “I was super lucky and the first place I walked into, she just happened to need full-time help. We talked, hit it off and she hired me.”

“That’s incredible! You must’ve really impressed her.”

“Well, I think Owen helped. It also didn’t hurt that she just lost her full-timer, so my timing was perfect.”

“Clearly. I’m glad it worked out and you know that I’m more than willing to watch Owen while you work.”

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