Dottie’s cheery voice is the perfect interruption. “Alright, who’s hungry?”
32
ISLA
“Isla…”
My attention snaps back into focus from the constant worrying about how I’ll pay for Charlie’s arm. The quote Tom gave me made my gut churn, and I’ve spent the last week looking at options for taking out a loan, as well as learning more about the charities that offer funding for this sort of thing.
Gabe is standing in front of my desk, and it’s clear that isn’t the first time he’s said my name, which makes a blush creep up my neck.
“Sorry. What did you need?”
“Are you solving the world’s problems or simply lost in a really good daydream? Either way, I just wanted to check-in before I head home.” He holds up one hand and starts checking things off as he continues. “The press release for the charity game is in your inbox to be reviewed and approved. We’ve got the Dogwood Cove Animal Shelter and the Cedar Creek Wildlife Rescue on board. I have to say, the idea of making it an animaladoption event at the same time was genius, and your friend from the rescue organization is bringing some animals that can’t be rereleased into the wild as well. And the social media campaign is ready to go, pending your approval.”
I manage a small smile. “Thanks for the update, Gabe. Have a great night.” He turns and leaves my office, and my mind immediately goes back to running the numbers on how the heck I can manage to pay for Charlie’s prosthesis.
If I had a permanent job, one with extended medical benefits, this would be easier. But my contract with the Thunder is up in just under four months, and I have yet to decide what to do next.
Luca has hinted strongly at wanting to hire me as the permanent head of marketing. But the idea of dating my boss long-term makes me incredibly uncomfortable. The problem is, the Cedar Creek job market is not exactly booming. Not for someone with my education and skills, at least.
My thoughts circle back once more to Luca’s offer to pay for Charlie’s arm. I honestly don’t know what to do. Do I want my child to have the very best? Yes. Do I want to owe the man I’m dating for making that happen? Definitely not.
Just then, my phone starts to vibrate with an incoming call. Seeing that it’s the prosthetist’s office, I answer quickly.
“Hello?”
“Isla? It’s Tom Shivari. I have somenews.” He sounds excited, and my brow furrows as I wonder what it could be.
“Okay, I’m all ears.”
“One of the charities I applied to for funding just emailed me, and they accepted your application. More than that, they’re covering the entire cost of Charlie’s arm and the attachments he needs to play baseball.”
“What?” I cry, sitting up in my chair. My hand is trembling as I lift it to cover my mouth.
“It’s a charity that focuses on inclusivity in youth sports. I’m looking at the acceptance letter now, Isla, hang on. I’ll forward it to you.”
A few seconds later, it pops up in my inbox, and I open the email. My eyes are blurry with tears as I read the message that confirms Let’s Play Canada is paying for Charlie’s prosthesis.
“Oh my God,” I whisper.
“So, no worries on getting the deposit to me. I’ll get everything going on my end and let you know when we’ve got an idea on timing. How does that sound?”
“Amazing. Thank you, Tom. Thank you so much.” I can’t keep the emotion out of my voice.
Tom’s warm chuckle comes down the line. “You’re welcome, Isla, but all I did was fill out the application. This is great news, though. I’m sure Charlie will be thrilled.”
“He definitely will be.”
We hang up a minute later, and I look up the phone number for the charity. My heart is racing as I dial it.
“Thanks for calling Let’s Play Canada, this is Stacey, how may I direct your call?”
I take a deep breath. “Hi, my name is Isla Forrester. I was just told that your charity is covering the cost of my son Charlie’s prosthetic and I wanted to say thank you.”
The woman on the end of the phone makes a delighted sound. “Oh hi, Isla, thank you so much for calling. We were thrilled to be able to fund your son’s request. Actually,” —she laughs lightly— “we were able to approve all of our recent requests with full funding, thanks to a new donor who stepped forward.”
My jaw drops. “Really? That’s incredible.”
