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The doctor will work out a treatment plan while he rests and takes medication. I know dad will downplay the whole thing and will want to get back to work as soon as possible, despite the warning. So I know I’m going to have to gear up for that argument as Linda and I will be on his case to stay at home for at least the next couple of weeks.
On my way to the hospital, I use Linda’s car to drive into town to pick up my keys for the new place and drop my luggage off. The paperwork has been done over email, and my security deposit has all been paid, plus the first six months’ rent.
When I roll up to my allocated parking spot out front of my rental, I smile up at the gorgeous row of three-story townhouses lining the street. They’re all clad in the same dark olive green paint and white trim. It’s a lovely newly built community backing onto the creek. And while each house looks similar, the cladding has been applied slightly differently on each one, giving a touch of their own individual and unique characteristics. It definitely sets it apart from the usual cookie-cutter communities. Mine and a couple of others even have balconies with French doors.
It’s even better than in the photos. I also have a parking garage at the rear.
The decor is everything I love in a house; light, airy, and clean lines.
A long hallway leads to the open plan white kitchen, living and dining room. The floors are laid with a lovely light beige hardwood and I have three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, plus a study. More space than I need, but I wanted to be comfortable in my surroundings. Everything is new and freshly painted in beige throughout the whole house. Light gray carpets adorn the bedrooms, and the bathrooms are tastefully decorated with beautiful light fittings, copper fixtures and the same flooring as the rest of the house.
I love having my own laundry room, too, and the modern appliances are a bonus.
I also have it partially furnished, meaning I didn’t have to lug everything over from Boston. I sold most of my big furniture, knowing I could buy new things when I arrived here. Though I ordered a couch already from Amazon a few weeks ago, I’m hoping it will arrive any day now.
like a new couch, but for now I can make do until I settle in.
I glance around the fresh space with my suitcases still in the hall, feeling more at home in the first five minutes than I ever expected to feel. Maybe I shouldn’t feel like this after such a monumental move, but I’m glad I do.
I’m glad the space feels good, and I know I’m going to enjoy coming home here every night and soaking in the tub, relaxing on the back terrace overlooking the beautiful creek with a glass of wine.
I snap a few pics to send to Darby, with an update on what’s happening with dad. Then I head over to the hospital.
Despite the turmoil, I can’t help but feel like the rest of my life is right here waiting for me.
It almost feels like I can reach out and grab it.
I’m confident I made the right choice and that I’m going to be happy here. I will work out the rest soon enough.
15
Grayson
I meet Brooklyn, Beau, Callan and Hudson down at Moose’s bar after Mom insisted I stay for a quick bite before I headed out to see the guys. My mom is always overly concerned about us, but it's just her nature. She’s always been caring, and not just when we were little kids.
It’s great that she and Dad are taking a step back to enjoy other things. They both love playing golf, and Mom likes to catch up with her friends in town for coffee. They’ve both worked hard over the years.
Callan’s dad, Jack, and my dad are brothers. They first took over the company when my grandfather and his brother retired. Uncle Jack had a back injury, forcing him to retire early, so my parents officially took over soon after that. My mom and Callan and Trudy’s mom, Patti, have always been involved in the business, though Patti has recently taken a backseat from working part-time.
They are still all involved to some extent and are a part of the brand. I often think that’s why people love BBB so much because of our family history and traditions.
When I walk into Moose’s, the guys are all sitting at the bar with a beer, waiting for my arrival.
I notice there’s no sign of Gabe, not that I expected him to be here. But two good friends of the family, Owen, who’s the local plumber, and Daniel, an electrician, sit alongside my brothers.
“We almost gave up on you comin’ and went home,” Brooklyn laughs, sliding off his seat and giving me his traditional pound hug.
“You can blame our mother. She insisted on making me dinner before I left.”
“Sucker,” Beau chortles, handing me a beer. “Good to see you, bro.”
I saw them all on my first night back, but we haven't had much time to catch up.
“You too.” I give him the bro handshake, too, then pat Callan on the back, followed by Owen and Daniel.
Hudson passes me a beer and we clink glasses.
“Appreciate you guys coming in,” I say as I take a sip. I don’t drink beer much these days, because I prefer a good glass of wine or a bourbon, but I figure I can make the exception.
