Chapter Twenty-Three

 

<><> Chris <><>

 

Monday rolls around and I’m up with the sun. I swing around to pick up Nick and have a cup of coffee with him and Evan. The baby kept them awake half the night, the perks of having one at any age, and they both look like they’ve had a bender, all bloodshot eyes and half asleep.

“Thank goodness for caffeine!” Evan says. She’s wearing her pajamas and a robe as we sit around the small kitchen table.

“I can’t wait for bedtime. Although, what are the chances that she’ll let us sleep tonight?” says Nick.

“Want me to babysit Ella later? I can swing by after dinner so you guys can go to bed early. I’ve given her a bottle.”

“Really? You’d do that?” Evan stammers. This is the first time today I’ve seen her alert.

Nick grabs my shoulder. “You are a godsend, man. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Evan tops up my coffee. “Do you think you guys will be able to finish everything today at the Pritchard’s yard?”

“I’m determined to finish it.”

“I told you, Evan, Chris is a slave driver!”

I ignore Nick’s playful sarcasm. “I want to create a peaceful place for her mom to relax without our banging and digging and shouting and music. We’ll be ahead of schedule by about a week.”

“Which is unheard of in the landscaping industry,” Nick says.

“But I’m going to make it happen.”

“See? Told ya, slave driver.”

Evan elbows him. “He’s just driven. How’s Miriam’s Mom, did you hear anything?”

After I dropped her off yesterday, she was at the hospital most of the day so we hardly talked. I can’t exactly tell Evan that I’m feeling disconnected, cut off almost, because it will sound selfish considering the reason. “I talked to her last night for a few minutes. The doctors ran a bunch of tests, but they haven’t gotten answers yet, so Miriam’s on edge.”

“Which is understandable.”

“Totally. I wish I could do something to take her mind off everything.”

“Didn’t you do that Saturday? Blow her mind?” Nick chuckles.

“It was totally innocent. Why, what’d Simon tell you?”

“What do you think? Simon likes to exaggerate.”

“Did he tell you he acted like a complete dick and tried to fight some Canadian guy?”

“Hmm, he forgot to mention that.”

“Figures.”

Evan rolls her eyes. “Enough about Simon. Did she have a nice time at the concert?”

“I don’t think she liked the music, but she got to know Bettina and we got closer, so I’m happy she came with me. I really like this girl.”

“Gee, ya think?” Evan smiles and takes a sip of her coffee.

The baby starts crying and we all turn to face the staircase leading to the bedrooms upstairs. “Here we go again. She’s ready to start the day.”

“Chris, are you sure you’re up to this?” Evan asks.

I drain the last of my coffee as Nick and I get up. “I’m up to it, no problem. I’ll see you around seven.”

“You’re the best. Thanks again,” Evan says and turns to give Nick a quick kiss. “Enjoy your last day at the Pritchard’s.” She shuffles toward the staircase as we head for my Bronco.

 

 

Wrapping things up, the last trails of the blazing sun go down on the horizon like a ball of hazy fire. The other guys have already left for the night. We worked our asses off today, so they dragged themselves away for showers and some much needed rest. We put the finishing touches on the gazebo, the flowerbeds, laid more sod, and mulched everything. I’m exhausted too, but for some reason I don’t want to leave just yet. This place is so peaceful. No trains running practically through the backyard, no yapping dog at the edge of the lot at Foster’s Construction. Just serenity. I feel so at home here.

Miriam and her mom got back a couple of hours ago and Mrs. Pritchard gave us a weak smile and a wave when they arrived. I have to admit, she looked pretty bad from where I was standing. Other than that, we haven’t seen either of them since. My guess is she’s sleeping and Miriam’s glued to her side. I would be too if it were Jackie. I haven’t disturbed them by knocking on the patio door like I usually do, even when I had a few questions. I just went ahead with what I thought they would agree to, making the executive decision. I won’t charge extra for those little 'extras' because Mrs. Pritchard has already spent enough on this yard. Though I have to admit, it’s worth every penny. This is one of the best yards we’ve ever done.

“Chris?”

Best sound ever. “Over here.”

Miriam comes down the new flagstone path in my direction. Aside from looking tired, Miriam’s wearing a yellow summer dress and bare feet and she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, so natural.

“Why are you still here?” she asks, leaning against the gazebo post. She looks so lost.

“I’m waiting for you. How’s your mom?”

“Sleeping. I don’t know what’s going on with her. The doctors are running some tests.”

“I’m sorry.”

“We should know more soon.”

I stand and hold out my hand. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

She grabs my hand and I guide her out of the gazebo and back down the flagstone path. The aroma of cedar hovers with lilac and the newly bloomed hydrangea flowers.

“This is so peaceful and beautiful,” she says, finally taking a moment to really see the space. “It’s exactly how she wanted it.”

“I know. I love it back here.” I squeeze her hand and she gives me a smile. “Dreamscape. That’s what I call your yard, remember?”

“Dreamscape.” Miriam seems to think over the word and then nods. “Definitely the right description.” But she doesn’t stop there. “The word is like an incantation that summarizes my summer so far. I feel like I’m in a constant state of dreaming, like I can’t believe everything that’s happening. So yes, this yard, my mom’s cancer, my friends leaving for school, meeting you, it all feels like a dreamscape.”

I stare at her in awe, amazed at how deep this girl goes, wanting to go there with her. Instead of answering, I lift her chin and kiss her softly. We stroll hand in hand along the paths, passing the pond with its soothing sounds and enjoying the newly planted flowerbeds. I’m so proud of this space. I planned this, organized my crew, executed the construction of the gazebo, the pouring of cement, everything.

Miriam leans over and touches a peony that’s about to burst open with color. “It’s covered in ants,” she says and then straightens.

“That’s a great sign. Peonies produce sweet nectar to attract ants. The ants eat the nectar and help release the tight flower buds so they can spring open. Once the flowers open, the ants will disappear.”

Miriam gives me a look of amazement and it makes me laugh a little. “You know so much about this stuff, Chris.”

“Years of learning, I guess.”

“You’re really talented.”

“Thanks.”

“What’s next? Do you have something else lined up?” Miriam says this casually, like we’re making small talk, but I can tell she’s sad to see me go — and I’m sad to be leaving.

“We’re landscaping around a new pool over on Meadow Road starting tomorrow. I’d love to bring you over there and show you when we’re done. The houses on that street are massive and the owners spare no expense. Still, they’re way more rigid than your mom could ever be. I love that she let me experiment and take chances back here.”

“It shows how much freedom you had. Make sure you take lots of pictures for your business portfolio.”

“Oh, Al does that. He loves taking photos.”

“No, Chris, you have to take your own photos so you have proof of your accomplishments. It’s important.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. Someday you may need to put an advertising pamphlet together and you’ll need the pictures.”

“Hmm, never thought of that. Good idea.”

“And I would seriously market yourself as a landscape architect and mason worker. Those are specialized skills.”

This girl is incredible. Incredible!

“Will you be taking the lead on this one too?”

“Yes. After Al saw your backyard, he said there’s no question that I’m capable. You and Al have really helped my confidence.”

“But Chris,” Miriam faces me all serious, “I’m not just saying it, I mean it. Even if we didn’t know each other, I would be blown away by your skills. Do you feel pressure to be the best?”

“Yeah, a little. Since Kyle’s journey to college and all the good that’s come of it, my mind’s been racing with my own future possibilities. I want to travel a bit too, see gardens around the world. The closest I’ve come to feeling success is with landscaping.”

“This is it, Chris, this is what you have to do. Hands down.”

“You really have faith in me, don’t you.”

“Yes. I believe in you.”

I bring her into a strong hug and count my blessings. “I promise to come and visit you, even though I’m working on another project. Maybe you can drop by and visit me too?”

“I can do that.” Her kiss makes me never want to leave.

“So, do you like babies?”

Miriam’s shock is totally warranted. “Babies? Why?”

“Because I have to babysit one in an hour. Want to come?”

Miriam looks back at her house, probably debating leaving her mom. “Mom’s sleeping. Sure, this should be interesting.”