Page 4 of Real Forever
“How was your garden this year?” Jake asked, out of obligation more than interest. Adeline droned on about the garden and the gardens of all the ladies in her gardening club for twenty minutes before finally asking the question she always called to ask.
“How is business? I have researched a few options for your second location. I believe a larger center for your next office would be a smart move, don’t you agree? Are you still on track to be opening the next office in the spring?” Adeline asked.
Jake picked at his fingernails. “Business is good, Mom. I’ve been fully booked for months now. And yes, I still think spring is a workable goal for opening the second office.”
“I’m so happy to hear that, Jake.” Adeline sighed dramatically before continuing. “Your father and I sacrificed so much to save for your education. While all our friends were taking vacations and cruises every year, we were scrimping and saving to give you the best possible start in life we could. I know you will make us proud and prove we did not sacrifice for nothing.”
“Mom, you and Dad went on vacations too,” Jake said, rolling his eyes. He regretted his reply the moment it slipped out.
“Well, of course we went onsomevacations, Jake. Your father and I worked hard. We deserved to have a quick break here and there.”
Jake didn’t dare mention his mother had never worked outside the home in the entirety of his childhood, or how she’d always had a housekeeper who also made dinner most nights.
Adeline continued. “You should be grateful for the life your father and I have given you, Jake. When all my girlfriends brag about their sons and daughters graduating from medical school or becoming lawyers, I remind myself that someday, my son will be a successful businessman I can brag about too. I know you want that for me and for yourself. You stay focused on our plan, stay focused on our goals, and it will not be long until your father and my dreams for you will come to fruition. I’ll email you those listings for the office locations I found, all right?”
Jake sighed, resigned. “Okay.”
“Great. Listen, I have to go, Jake. I have a gallery board meeting tonight and I cannot stand to be late.”
“Okay. Have a good meeting, Mom. Love you.”
Jake heard the click of his mother’s line disconnecting and set his phone down on the coffee table. He closed his eyes and focused on slowing his breath. The familiar, tight, jittery feeling in his chest had returned, as it did most Tuesday evenings. His phone vibrated, announcing his mother’s email with the office listings. He clicked through the listings in Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, two in Calgary, and three in Edmonton. He felt a pang of disappointment his mother had sent no listings closer to home.
The second listing in Calgary was okay. It had several enormous windows which let in a ton of natural light and would be nice in the winter. Plenty of space, great location, and other complimentary professional services in the building too. This one could really work. He wouldn’t mind living in Calgary, either. He’d visited there twice for conferences, and it seemed like a decent place to live as far as big cities go. Jake grew up in Ontario, and only knew the bustle of city life, so it had surprised him how much he enjoyed the relaxed pace in little Silver Creek. But, of course, it couldn’t last forever. It wasn’t the plan, and whether he liked it or not, he had to stick to the plan.
Soon he’d need to hire and train an employee, maybe two, to take over consultations in Silver Creek which would free him up to open the second location. He’d still act as the trustee for clients, but the employees would take over the time-consuming work of interviewing, emailing back and forth, collecting documents, and completing paperwork. Hopefully, he could juggle at least five employees like this before he’d need to add another trustee to the team.
He sent an inquiry email to the agent attached to the Calgary listing and then opened his meditation app. Several minutes into the meditation, his breathing returned to normal, and his chest loosened. The soothing rainfall filled his ears as he tried, and failed, to quiet his thoughts.
He could do this. He could stay focused and follow the plan. Second location in the spring, third location in another nine to twelve months. Six trustees and thirty-five employees within three years. He would succeed and he would make his parents proud. Happiness could come later.
3
Madison
No.
No.
Seen it.
No.
Seen it.
Seen it.
Hate that actor.
Seen it.
Seen it.
Fuck.
Was there nothing left in all of Netflix Madison hadn’t already watched? She was trying to relax on the couch after work, but her muscles crawled with anxiety and restlessness. All day at work she’d been contemplating Lauren’s admission and the more she’d thought about it, the more worried she’d become. Madison’s chest flooded with dread as a horrible question occurred to her.What will happen when Dave finds out?
Dave was Lauren’s high school sweetheart turned husband—and a massive dickhead as far as Madison was concerned. He’d been the undisputed king of their high school. All the girls in Lauren’s class had fawned all over him because he was the star of the local hockey team and easily the best looking guy in the school. Madison could admit he was handsome when she looked at him in photographs, but his personality completely ruined any chance for Madison to understand the attraction.
