She looked at Vicky and Clive. “It was a pleasure showing you around The Fairy Forest.”
Mrs. Kravitz, the birthday girl’s grandmother, walked into the room.
Daniella said goodbye to Harrison and his parents and met her halfway across the room. She had no idea what Harrison’s parents unexpected visit meant.
But she did know one thing. There were a few questions she wanted to ask their son.
CHAPTER14
When they returned from town, Clive poured everyone a cup of coffee and looked at Harrison. “What did you think about the job in Nashville?”
His question didn’t surprise Harrison. He’d been waiting all day for his parents to talk about it. He knew they wanted him to go home, and the job Frank had found was as perfect as you could get.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” his mom added before he could reply. “Frank speaks very highly of the staff and the position.”
Harrison nodded. After reading the job description and talking to a couple of other people he knew, there was no doubt it was a great opportunity. But that didn’t mean it was the right one for him.
“I know it’s a good job, but I’ve been considering other things.”
His father leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “Such as? You’ve always been passionate about your work as a counselor. Why the reluctance to return to it?”
Harrison sighed, trying to find the words to explain the complex tangle of emotions and experiences he’d had in Sapphire Bay. “It’s not just about the job, Dad. It’s about what I want my life to be. Sapphire Bay has given me a sense of peace, a chance to heal.”
His mother reached out, taking his hand. “But you can’t hide away here forever, honey. We just want to see you happy again and living your life.”
Harrison felt the weight of their expectations, their desire to see him return to a semblance of the person he was before his loss. But he wasn’t the same person anymore, and Sapphire Bay had become more than just a refuge; it had started to feel like home.
“It’s not about hiding,” Harrison said gently. “It’s about finding a new path. And there’s someone here...” His voice trailed off; the image of Daniella in her fairy costume, her laughter, and the feel of her lips against his flooded his mind.
His parents exchanged a look. “Is there someone special?” his mother asked gently, a hint of hope in her voice.
“Yes. Daniella. She’s made me see things differently. I care about her. But it’s complicated,” Harrison admitted, feeling a vulnerability he rarely showed.
His father leaned back, processing the information. “Why didn’t you tell us about Daniella when we met her?”
“We’ve spent a lot of time together but haven’t been on an official date yet. I didn’t want her to feel awkward or embarrassed if I introduced her as someone other than my friend.”
Vicky pursed her lips. “If that were me forty years ago, and your dad didn’t introduce me to his parents, I wouldn’t be happy.”
“Daniella will understand.”
His mom didn’t look convinced.
Clive held his wife’s hand. “We only want what’s best for you, Harrison. If Daniella makes you happy, then we’re glad. But don’t close the door on other opportunities. Life’s about moving forward, not standing still.”
Harrison knew his father was right, but moving forward now meant something different from what it had when he was in Nashville. It wasn’t just about his career but about where his heart lay. And for the first time in a long while, his heart was conflicted.
“The job applications close in two days. That gives me plenty of time to decide what I’m doing.”
His mom looked happier. “If you aren’t sure, apply for the job anyway. It’ll give you more time to decide whether you want the job if they offer it to you.”
Harrison had already thought of that but told his mom it was a good idea anyway. Thankfully, the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
His parents asked what had happened in Sapphire Bay since they were last here, the people he’d met, and the work he was doing. He told them about the community housing project, the tiny home village, and the beauty of the landscape, trying to paint a picture of the life he’d found here.
After dinner, they sat on the back veranda, enjoying the gentle breeze drifting off the lake.
When his mom and dad went to bed, Harrison lay awake, thinking about everything that had happened over the last two days.
