Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
HANNAH
Jack and I were now friends. We texted every few days, mostly a “ how was your day” , or he’d ask about the restaurant and my mom, and I’d ask him about work. I prayed for him every night and thanked God for bringing him into my life. It felt like my friends had pretty much abandoned me when my mom got cancer, and I didn’t go out anymore. In their defense, they still invited me in the group chat, but I always said no. Between my mom’s appointments and the new restaurant, I didn’t have time. Besides, I was sure that going out with a bunch of young people in their twenties and talking about depressing things like cancer wasn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a good time.
It had been three months since Jack bought me the restaurant. It was making a profit, and I was able to cut myself a nice little monthly salary that meant my mom didn’t have to rush back to work anytime soon after she healed. The downside was that I worked constantly. Owning your own business meant you never clocked out.
My mom’s chemo treatments were going well with Jack’s fancy Seattle doctors consulting on her case. I decided to shoot Jack a text in the morning before work and see what he was up to.
Hannah with two N’s: How many restaurants do you plan on buying fired waitresses today?
Jack: At least five.
I burst into laughter, brushing some mascara over my lashes and then braiding my hair over one shoulder.
Hannah with two N’s: Seriously, what philanthropy are you up to lately?
I’d learned that Jack had an obsession with helping people in need, something I found insanely attractive.
A link popped up in the chat and I clicked it.
Angelhouse.me
It led to a fundraising website that built homes for children in India. It talked about the children being rescued from the streets and saved from being sold into sex slavery. Tears welled in my eyes as I went back to my text.
Hannah with two N’s: Are you building an orphanage in India?
Jack: Already built. Chloe is flying out tomorrow to cut the ribbon and take pictures.
I frowned.
Hannah with two N’s: Why Chloe? Why not you?
The three dots indicating he was replying popped up, then they went away, then they were back. Dread filled me. Finally, a text came through.
Jack: I don’t like seeing little kids in those conditions. It will make me sad. I’d rather just pay for it.
I could understand that. I had done a missions trip to Tijuana with my church when I was seventeen and it was so hard to see the people there living in poverty, especially the children, but this was the happy side of that. Jack was making their lives better; he should see that.
Hannah with two N’s: You have to go! You need to see the joy on those little kids’ faces when they get let into their new home. I would kill to go on a trip like that. I could use some joy in my life right now.
His response was immediate .
Jack: Would you go with me?
I laughed .
Hannah with two N’s: Go with you to India tomorrow?
Jack: Yes. Do you have a passport?
Was he serious? A thrill went through me. Go to India with Jack and see the opening of the orphanage he built? I would love to.
Hannah with two N’s: Yes, but flights last minute will cost a bomb.
Jack: You’re cute.
I grinned at that. I’d forgotten for a moment that he was a billionaire.
Hannah with two N’s: Wait, so are we going to India?
My heart was beating out of my chest.
Jack: Yes. I’ll pick you up at Willow Harbor Airport at 9AM tomorrow.
I shrieked with excitement and my mom came running into my bathroom.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, eyes wide.
I looked over at her with a grin that wouldn’t fade. “I’m going to India with Jack.”
I told her about the orphanage and her smile grew. Then I worried out loud about her and the restaurant and she shooshed me.
“Sydney can handle the restaurant for a few days, and I’ll be fine,” she said.
“Is this crazy? I mean, I don’t really know him very well,” I hedged.
She nodded. “He bought you a restaurant and has been paying for consulting on my cancer treatments. He’s now opening an orphanage in India. I think we can assume he’s a good person, but if you feel uncomfortable at any time, you call me and we will get you home.”
She was right. All of the flags surrounding Jack were green. I knew there was some darkness in his past, but he didn’t strike me as the axe murderer type, so I was safe. And if I was being honest, I was excited to explore my connection with Jack and get to know him better.