Chapter 33
Alex
The screen came to life as Stephanie's smiling face appeared. It filled Alex and Jordan's living room with a sense of warmth and connection. Shadow curled up at their feet. They eagerly awaited the virtual tour of Stephanie's new apartment.
"Hey, you two!" Stephanie greeted them cheerfully. "Welcome to my new place!"
She turned her phone around, giving them a virtual tour. The apartment was cozy and well-lit. The tasteful decor of bright colors reflected Stephanie's personality. Jordan and Alex exchanged pleased glances, proud of how far she had come.
"It looks amazing, Steph!" Alex commented, impressed.
"Yeah, you've done a great job with the place," Jordan added, his smile wide.
Stephanie's face beamed with pride as she continued the tour. "Thanks, guys! And guess what? I started my new job at the law firm, thanks to Linda. Everyone there is so nice. It’s been such a warm welcome."
"That's so great to hear," Jordan said.
As they talked, Stephanie moved to a particular corner of her apartment. She received the flag at her father's memorial service. She displayed it prominently there. Her expression turned somber as she touched the flag gently .
"This means a lot to me," she whispered. "It's a reminder that my daddy did something great. I talk to him every day, we argue a lot, I miss him, but having this here... it feels like he’s still with me, watching over me, as Linda said."
Alex nodded. "It's a beautiful tribute, Steph. Your dad would be so proud of you."
"Yeah, he's definitely watching over you," Jordan added.
Stephanie smiled, a hint of tears in her eyes. "I feel like my old self again, thanks to all of you."
Stephanie's tone filled with gratitude and anticipation as the call neared its end. "I can’t wait to visit you guys. And say hi to everyone for me, okay?"
"We will, Steph. And we’re looking forward to seeing you, too," Alex assured her.
"Take care of yourself, talk to you soon," Jordan said, echoing Alex's sentiments.
"Will do. Bye, you guys!" Stephanie waved, ending the call with a bright smile.
Alex and Jordan sat back as the screen went dark.
"She's doing so well," Alex said, a note of pride in his voice.
"Yeah, she is," Jordan agreed.
The call with Stephanie had left Jordan and Alex in high spirits. But as the screen went dark, the focus shifted. Jordan turned to Alex.
"Are you all ready for tomorrow?" Jordan asked. Alex was giving a presentation the next day at Pacific Edge Legal Group.
Alex nodded. "I think so. I’ve been working on this pitch for weeks now. It’s a big step, but I’m ready."
Jordan watched as Alex gathered his notes on the coffee table. The presentation was more than just a pitch—it culminated in Alex's passion and dreams. The plans to add a service dog training academy to the clinic's property were coming along well.
"Tell me about your plan again," Jordan said.
Alex took a deep breath and began, his voice steady and confident. “My presentation focuses on the benefits of a service dog training program, it will assist individuals with PTSD and other needs. Based on my background and experience, I want to lead the program. I’ll need support and funding from the board at Pacific Edge to get it off the ground."
He shuffled through his notes, pointing out key elements. "I'll start by discussing the impact service dogs have on individuals with PTSD. I’ll use Shadow as a case study, discussing his journey and how he’s helped me personally. Then, I’ll lead into other areas of who service dogs can help. I’ll end with law enforcement K-9 unit training possibilities in the future."
Jordan nodded, listening intently. "That’s a good angle. Personal stories always make a powerful impact."
"Then I’ll go into the business plan," Alex continued. “I’ve outlined the costs for setting up the training facility. It includes the space requirements, equipment, and staff. I have a write-up about how this program will align with the goals of the nonprofit. I've also prepared a projected timeline and the potential return on investment. It highlights how the program can benefit not just individuals, but the community."
"And the funding part?" Jordan asked.
"I’ve worked out a detailed budget," Alex replied. “I’ll propose a partnership model where Pacific Edge provides initial funding. We supplement that funding with grants and donations. I've identified several grants we can apply for. They support mental health and service animal programs.”
Jordan smiled, impressed. "Sounds like you’ve covered everything. They’d be foolish not to back this."
Alex’s face lit up with a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I hope so. This means a lot to me, Jordan. It’s not just about training dogs, it’s about giving back and helping others struggling like I was. I know I have a long way to go, and this program will help me heal and help others."
Jordan reached over, squeezing Alex’s hand reassuringly. "You’re going to do great, Alex. Your passion, your knowledge—it’s going to shine through. And remember, I’m here for you every step of the way."
As the night wound down, Jordan went to the coat closet and pulled out a hanger with a suit wrapped in plastic. “Let’s try this on real quick. I want to make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow.”
Alex responded, “I still can’t believe you bought me a tailored suit. ”
“Hey, every suit off the rack we tried on looked ridiculous on you. You deserve this. Go try it on.”
Alex entered the bedroom, put on the suit, and tied his tie. He returned to the living room. There was a loud gasp from Jordan. Alex smiled at the reaction. Jordan’s face looked mesmerized. He was quiet, with a big dorky grin.
“How do I look?” Alex asked. He walked down the hallway. He was in a tailored, double-breasted blue pinstripe suit. He wore a white shirt and a green and blue paisley tie to go with it. He had black dress shoes, and he wore his glasses.
"I love how you run around this house naked all the time," Jordan said. “But this look on you is even better than the naked you. Wow, just incredibly fucking wow. I’m speechless. And even though the tie Aunt Lynn bought you when you were twenty is retro, it works.”
Alex laughed and tried hard to do a model’s runway walk through the living room. It didn’t look as cool as he had envisioned. He accidentally stepped on Shadow’s Mr. Bill plush toy, and the catchphrase “Oh nooo…” filled the living room. Shadow ran to get his toy, and Alex and Jordan burst into laughter.
Jordan walked over to the desk in the corner. He returned with a small black box.
“I have something for you for tomorrow,” he said. He opened the box and gave it to Alex. Inside was a pair of handcrafted silver cufflinks. They each looked like miniature German shepherds. Alex took the box and stared at them.
“These are amazing,” Alex said. “Where did you find them?”
“You know Angela Fitzroy from the clinic?” Jordan asked. “With the miniature poodle named Goliath? She’s a silversmith. I commissioned her to make them for you. She used a picture of Shadow. Look at his front paw.”
Looking closely at the cufflink, Alex noticed the dog’s front paw. It was favoring it just like Shadow does when he walks. Delight washed over him. He reached over and hugged Jordan tightly. “Thank you. Your support, love, this suit, and these cufflinks mean everything to me.”
As they broke apart from the hug, Jordan said, “I wanted Shadow to be in the room with you when you did your presentation. You’re welcome. Now, let’s get that suit off of you for some naked time. You are mine for the next hour.”
The next day, the conference room had a quiet, excited atmosphere. The rest of the board had left after Alex’s presentation, but Jordan, Alex, and Aunt Lynn remained. Aunt Lynn's eyes sparkled with pride and surprise.
"Alex, that was incredible!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable. "I didn’t know you were planning something so ambitious. You kept this a well-guarded secret."
Alex smiled. "I wanted it to be a fair process, Aunt Lynn. No favoritism. I needed to know that this idea could stand on its own."
Jordan, sitting beside Alex, nodded in agreement. "He wanted to earn it," he said, his voice filled with pride.
Aunt Lynn leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the table. "Well, you certainly made a strong case. The way you spoke about the impact of service dogs was persuasive, and so was your connection with Shadow and your detailed plan.”
Alex let out a small, relieved sigh. “I just hope it was enough to convince the board.”
"I think you've more than convinced them," Aunt Lynn reassured him. "Your proposal was well-researched and financially sound. The idea of partnering with grants and donations was brilliant. I won’t be part of the decision-making, so there is no conflict of interest for the firm."
Jordan reached over, gently squeezing Alex's hand under the table. "You did great, Alex. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you for taking this step."
Aunt Lynn nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. And remember, this is just the beginning. Even if there are challenges ahead, you have the support and resources to make it happen. The firm is always looking for ways to give back to the community. Your program aligns perfectly with that mission."
As they talked, Alex felt a growing sense of hope and possibility. The meeting ended with a sense of accomplishment and optimism. As they left the conference room, Alex felt grateful for the opportunity to share his vision.
"Thank you, both of you," Alex said as they left the law firm. "This means a lot to me."
A few weeks later, Alex was in Dr. Martin's office. He sat across from him, feeling calm and accomplished in a comfortable chair. The session had been insightful, as always. But today felt different.
Dr. Martin sat in his armchair with his tablet. He looked at Alex with genuine pride.
"Alex, as we wrap up today's session, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous progress you've made,” he said.
A small smile formed on Alex’s lips.
"You've taken your treatment seriously. It's clear in the shifts we've seen in your mindset," Dr. Martin continued. “Your decision to move to Brookings was a significant step. It's been gratifying to see everything falling into place for you. You built and are relying on your strong support network. This is commendable. You’ve surrounded yourself with friends, family, and, of course, Jordan. These relationships have played a crucial role in your healing process."
The mention of Jordan made Alex's smile grow wider.
"Adopting Shadow was another positive step. And let's not forget about your plans for the service dog training academy at the clinic," Dr. Martin said. "It's a forward-thinking and philanthropic endeavor. You're helping yourself and extending that help to others in need. It's a significant achievement, Alex."
As the session drew to a close, Alex stood up. He extended his hand to Dr. Martin, who stood up to shake it.
"Thank you, Dr. Martin. I appreciate everything that you have helped me to discover about myself," Alex said.
Dr. Martin shook his hand firmly. “It's been a privilege working with you, Alex. Do you have any questions?”
Alex thought momentarily. "No, Doc. I know that when you would praise me for making good decisions in the past, I blew it off. Now, when you say that, I believe it. I’m worthy of the praise because I feel it. Brian was my battle buddy, Doc — when died. It hit me hard, and I’m going to miss that son-of-a-bitch for the rest of my life. But I know now I did everything that I could have. His wife and son are in my life. I’m Uncle Alex to Michael and a dear friend to Amanda. My journey continues.” Alex paused. “I know I will still have panic attacks and nightmares, but they don’t consume me anymore. They’re a part of me, and I’m strong enough to be okay with that. You’ve been such a big help, Doc—finding my way took me a while, but I am better now. Aunt Lynn knew what she was doing when she made me move here."
Alex left the office with a spring in his step, feeling excited about the future. He’s reached a milestone with his treatment, and he knows there are many more milestones to come. He is hopeful about his future sessions and the discoveries that he’ll make about himself.
Later that afternoon, Alex walked into the clinic. He saw Jordan and Aunt Lynn in the conference room with saddened looks on their faces. His heart pounded slightly. The somber expressions on Brenda, Lisa, and Rebecca's faces did little to ease his nerves.
"You should go in—they’ve been waiting for you," Lisa told him, her voice low.
Stepping into the room, Alex saw Aunt Lynn and Jordan sitting at the table. Their faces were solemn and contemplative. Alex steeled himself, preparing for what he feared would be disappointing news.
Aunt Lynn began, "Alex, honey, I'm sorry, but the board has decided about the service dog training academy..."
Alex braced himself for the letdown. His mind raced with thoughts of how he could still make his dream a reality.
Aunt Lynn finished. Her expression suddenly shifted to warmth and pride. "I'm going to miss you while you're gone, learning to be a service dog trainer."
Confusion washed over Alex for a moment before realization dawned. Aunt Lynn and Jordan broke into broad smiles. They mirrored the sudden joy that erupted across Alex's face.
He leaped up, his yell of happiness echoing through the room as he embraced them both. The door burst open. Brenda, Lisa, Emily, Rebecca, and Sean rushed in. Other staff members followed. They filled the room with a chorus of congratulations and cheers .
Aunt Lynn continued talking over the joyful noise. "The board approved everything, Alex. They have approved your entire budget as the program director. It includes construction, setup, training, and hiring a team."
The news was more than Alex could have hoped for. The relief, joy, and excitement were overwhelming.
Alex turned to Lisa. "Lisa, would you be my right hand in this? I’ve seen your leadership and organizational skills. I want you by my side at the academy. Jordan and I discussed it, and he supports it."
Lisa stepped forward and embraced Alex, and Sean joined in. "Yes. Yes. Oh my God! We’re going to have so much fun."
As the celebration continued, Alex looked around at the faces of his colleagues, friends, and family. He felt profound gratitude for their support and belief in him.
As the group dispersed after celebrating, they walked into exam room three together. Jordan wrapped his arm around Alex.
"We did it," Alex said, his voice filled with wonder.
" You did it—I’m just your sexy eye candy with hearing aids that cheers you on," Jordan said, his pride in Alex clear. "The future is bright, Atlas, and we're just starting."
“Did you just call them hearing aids?” Alex said in mild shock.
“Yeah, you helped me to realize that they’re a part of me, just like your PTSD is a part of you. Without either, we may never have met, and we wouldn’t be the men that we are today. We are stronger because of our challenges. They don’t define us. They are us!” Jordan said with confidence. “Now, let’s go home. Time for some celebration sex.”
They left the conference room together, stepping out into the evening. Their hearts were full of hope, and their minds were buzzing with plans for the academy. The journey ahead would be challenging. But, with the support of their loved ones and the community, they were ready to face it head-on.