Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
“ H ave you been keeping up with your breathing exercises?” Martha asked while gathering their pillows from last night. She stacked the hospital paperwork that was still on the coffee table from the last time she’d suggested it.
“I think I’m okay,” Ava replied from the sofa.
Through the window, the sun was climbing its way over the trees at the edge of the lake. Everyone else at McGregor was probably rushing out of their homes right now, jumping into the rat race and hurrying off to work. But Ava was cocooned on the sofa in the cabin, feeling rested and relaxed.
“I’ve climbed a tree, canoed, I’ve been to church, and out to lunch.”
Martha put her hands on her hips. “But you’re just the type to have done all that before you’re really well. Show me your deepest breath.”
With a shake of her head, Ava stood up and breathed in a deep, slow inhale. Then she let it out. “See. All good.”
“I suppose.”
“Now you’ve gotten me off the sofa, I should probably check in at work. I’m going to try to work remotely this week, and then I need to get tickets back to New York. I let them know that I’m going to fly home on the weekend.”
Her mother’s face paled. “Do you think you’re ready?”
“I think so.” A part of her wanted to stay there with her mom, but—long term—she needed to figure out the plan for the rest of her life. “I want to have you visit New York more often. Maybe we can switch off.”
“I’d love to do that,” her mom said.
Ava wasn’t sure how to work her demanding job while managing a life balance with visits to her mom and hopefully seeing Lucas. She’d never done her job and incorporated free time before. Could she keep her current position if she did less?
“Want a cup of coffee or anything before you get to work?” her mom asked.
“That sounds good.”
They made their lattes, then Martha picked up her quilting, and Ava took her mug to the office. She opened the curtains to let in the glorious view of the lake. A lone leaf fluttered down in front of the window. The views here were unmatched, and Ava knew she’d miss them when she left.
She sat at the desk, rolled her head on her shoulders to loosen up, and opened her taskbar, biting her lip when she saw all the accounts Scott had updated for her.
She only had about four of her original ten left to get through.
That was fine, though. It would be good to ease her way back in.
Maybe if she started slowly she could build a new normal, and McGregor’s expectations would adjust as well.
Ava opened up one of the accounts: High-Craft Organics, an up-and-coming clothing company.
With a sip of coffee and a deep breath, she locked into the creative drive that had fueled her race for partner.
She’d position the brand in line with environmental responsibility, but would also consider focusing on health, given the organic label.
That might be a good secondary market test. She made herself a note to research possible partnerships in the health arena.
She clicked through High-Craft Organic’s inventory, which was a wide variety of uber soft natural cotton outerwear in neutral tones. Each piece looked comfortable enough to sleep in, yet they were designed for everyday wear. She began to write their brand story.
At High-Craft Organics, the answer is always simple. From the way we process our cotton to our signature styles that accentuate your everyday wardrobe. Our mission began with one question: Look good in our clothes or be good to our environment? We think we can provide both …
Ava leaned back in her chair and reread the words she’d written, sipping the nutty espresso, hoping the caffeine would spread through her and give her brain a jumpstart.
Her story was okay, but it didn’t set the world on fire.
Without the push of rivalry with Scott for partner, she struggled for creative direction.
You’re not done yet .
She held her breath, set her coffee on the desk, and sharpened her hearing. It had been quite a while since the voice had filtered into her mind. The sound of it filled her with joy.
I know I’m not done , she teased. I’ve only just started this brand story. Is it really that bad that you had to come tell me I’m not done?
She looked around the room as if she’d find something tangible to prove the voice had been there and wasn’t in her head. But all she saw was the glistening Marrowbone Lake outside her window.
Have I lost my edge? she asked the voice .
But the only reply was a whisper of her memory uttering, You’re not done .
Look. I’ve found Lucas. And I’m trying very hard to get on with my life. I’ve reached my end of the bargain, remember? You said, “Find Lucas Phillips and live out the rest of your life.” Done and done .
Great . She was talking to herself now. She used to whip out fifteen brand stories in a day, with her eyes closed, and now she was struggling to create even one.
She cracked her knuckles and forced her focus back to the screen.
She opened the photos of High-Craft Organics’ clothes.
Every outfit of joggers and sweatshirts made her want to curl up in them on a snowy day.
She looked back at her brand story and instead thought, how do the clothes make me feel ?
Then she channeled her experiences and typed a new version.
What’s at the heart of your story? With High-Craft Organics, you can get back to being you with simple, fabulously soft fabrics. Our unfussy elegance and incredible comfort let you focus on the things that really matter. Wherever you want to go, High-Craft Organics will get you there in style…
There. Am I done now? she asked the voice.
But she didn’t get an answer.
That night, Ava sat on the deck around the fire with her mom, looking up at the inky black sky with its sparkling stars.
“I never get to see the stars like this in New York. I’d forgotten what it was like until I came back here.”
“I didn’t understand why you chose that busy life, but it was your life to build, so I didn’t try to stop you. ”
Why had she chosen it? Given her upbringing, it did seem out of character.
“I think, at first, I was running.”
Her mom turned her head toward Ava. “From whom?”
“Myself.” She pulled her cardigan tighter to keep the evening breeze from slithering down her skin.
“I was a little farm girl trying to prove to everyone that I was good enough. When I lost Dad, I kicked into a different gear, trying to show myself that I didn’t need anyone, when really, I needed him so badly I could hardly manage a regular life. I think that’s why my marriage failed.”
She drummed her fingers on the wooden arm of the chair, that part of her life coming into focus in front of her.
“When I got here with you, I realized I need you around me.”
Her mom smiled, her eyes glassy. “That makes me so happy.”
Ava leaned over and gave her mother a hug. Her mom squeezed a little tighter than she usually did. Maybe she should give herself more time with her mom. And she could go to church with Lucas. She didn’t have to leave just yet, did she? Would Scott and Robert understand?
“I wonder if I could tell Robert that I might need to work remotely for another week.”
Her mother brightened. “There’s no need to rush it.”
“I can work a few hours a day.” She was talking herself into the decision more than explaining it to her mother. When she was honest with herself, she wasn’t ready to go back.
“You’ve been through a horrific accident. I think they’d understand if you took another week. They said themselves they’d give you whatever you need.”
“Lucas wanted me to go to church with him next Sunday as well. Maybe I’ll call him. ”
Her mom patted her knee, happiness in her eyes. “Go call him now.”
Ava eagerly got up and went inside, her gut telling her this was the right decision. She went into the living room, got her cell phone off the coffee table, and dialed Lucas’s number.
“Hello?”
The sound of his voice sent a wave of contentment through her.
“Hey. Whatcha up to?” She plopped down on the sofa.
“I’m eating a dinner for one at my kitchen table.”
She looked at her watch. “It’s eight o’clock. That’s a late dinner.”
“I had a long day at work, going through files, so I picked up take-out.” He paused, then out of nowhere said, “It’s good to hear from you.”
Her heart fluttered at his soft tone. “Where is your apartment?”
“It’s about a block away from the hospital.”
“I’d like to see it sometime.”
“You can come any time you want.”
“How about tomorrow?” That way, she could tell him in person that she was staying longer and get a read on how he felt. “What does your afternoon schedule look like?”
“I’ll be off at three.”
“Text me your address, and I’ll see if my mom will loan me her car.”
“All right.”
“See you tomorrow,” she said, every nerve in her body pinging with excitement.
A huff of fondness came across the line. “See you tomorrow.”
She got off the phone and fell back onto the sofa. She couldn’t wait to see Lucas again.