“Yeah. We’ve worked with Faith Builders. They’re affiliated with a big church in Florida. You know, they sent me something not long ago saying they were vetting folks for homes and did we want to participate.”
“Harrison, you know how proud Ellie and her grandpa are. There’s no way they’d allow me to do any updates to their place. But if they were somehow chosen by a group like Faith Builders…”
“No. You’re right. I don’t have any say in who gets chosen. But I could certainly throw their hat in the ring and vouch for how much they’ve done to aid the people in this community.”
“Thanks, Harry. It bothers me that they’re one storm away from losing everything.” I start to head for the rest of the guys to face my ribbing for being late and get to work when Harry stops me.
“You sure you’re willing to just walk away from this girl?”
“Come on, man. I’ve dated her once. A long-distance thing is tough for people who’ve already had something going. I’m trying to be realistic.”
“Okay, okay. It’s just… We might live in quirky Candy Cane Key, but this isn’t the set of a Hallmark movie. If you like this girl, it might be worth sticking your neck out for her. Otherwise, you might come back in December hoping to pick up where you left off and find Santa’s brought her someone willing to go the extra mile.”
Chapter 23
Ellie
“Thank you. Have a nice day,” Mrs. Walker says before turning to head for her car. She’s been a loyal customer for some time now. Whenever she has a large family get-together, I can count on her to place a big catering order.
“Hey, sweets. How’ve you been holding up?” Jo asks. I hate that I’ve had to leave him in a lurch lately. The doctor says it’s simply a coincidence that Pops has been admitted to the hospital several times since the storm came through. But I can’t help blaming his decline on going without oxygen for a few hours and shuffling between our mobile home and The Sugar Plum Inn. His cardiologist warned us that things could get worse.
Pops is on borrowed time. More than half of heart failure patients survive about five years after their diagnosis. Pops is on year seven. His heart is weak, but he’s done everything asked of him. He’s watched his diet, limited fluids, attended cardiac rehab, and is compliant with his medications. But his condition is progressive, and I have to brace myself that the time may come sooner than I’m prepared for.
“It’s been tough, Jo. The doctor pulled me aside when Pops was in the hospital and gave me information on Hospice. He said that I needed to be prepared if Grandpa reaches a point where little could be done to help him. I’m grateful they’ve kept him with me longer than expected. But I’m still not ready for him to go.” A sniffle escapes. Pops is all I have left. I know I’ll manage. But I’m not ready to feel orphaned.
The thought has me thinking of Matt and his beginnings. It’s still hard to wrap my head around the fact his parents found him in an orphanage in Russia and brought him here. I’m glad he has Harrison. Particularly since his mother’s health is declining rapidly.
“You know you’ll always have me,” Jo says, placing his hand on my upper back.
“Thank you. That means more than you know.” At least I won’t be completely alone in this world. “Did I tell you I got a visit from Faith Builders recently? They wanted to talk to me and Pops about building a two-bedroom cottage on the farm.
“No kidding.” Jo perks up. “That’s perfect.”
“I turned them down.”
“What? Now why would you go and do something like that?” He seems astonished.
“It didn’t seem right, Jo. At any moment, I may have to put Pops in a nursing home or, worse, six feet under. That seems like an overgenerous offer for one person with all of the families out there who could use the help.”
Jo rubs his chin, at least giving me the benefit of the doubt on this one.
“I don’t entirely know what I’m going to do when the time comes. I guess I need to sort that out. Pops said he’s willing the farm to me. I’m not sure what it’s worth. There should be enough land to sell off a portion if needed. Then I could either combine that money with my winnings at the festival to secure a new restaurant or rent a place of my own.”
“You’re pretty sure you’re winning that Best on the Beach prize money.”
“Yes. Yes, I am.” I have to. There’s no other way. I can’t sell fried chicken out of a gas station for the rest of my life.
“What’s going on with Matt?”
“What do you mean?”
“I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since your hot date.”
I ponder Jo’s statement. I actually haven’t seen much of him, either. He’s called and texted a few times. But with Pops being in and out of the hospital and him preparing to leave soon, I understand why we need to pull back. It’s going to be hard enough once he returns home. “We both know there’s an expiration date looming. I need to focus on what’s really important right now.”
Keeping Pops out of the hospital and winning Best on the Beach.
Chapter 24
