A Tale of Two Wishes by Davies J M

Author:Davies , J M
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J. M. Davies
Published: 2022-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Before leaving for work this morning, Ben had given his father a quick rundown on his findings so far at the Dickens Chronicle. Nothing the old man didn’t know. It was clear they needed to expand their circulation numbers as well as increase the percentage of advertising and sponsored content to improve the revenue.

“And how are the staff treating your presence at the paper?” his father asked, buttering a slice of whole wheat toast. No cough or wheezing, he looked better than he had in days.

“Fine. Nothing I can’t handle. The staff are looking forward to the Christmas party this weekend.”

“This weekend…well, of course. Did Ralph and Malcolm respond? They like a good shindig, those two.”

They were the two longest-serving employees at the paper in the press room, and as he’d only delivered the invitations the previous day before, he couldn’t be a hundred percent certain.

“I’m sure if they can attend, they will.”

It struck Ben that his father knew every employee’s name at the Dickens Chronicle.

“What about Brenda? She’s getting on at sixty-eight, but she won’t retire and doesn’t get out much…”

“Dad…I need to go, or I’ll be late. I’ll check to see if Brenda is going, okay?”

His father also worried about everyone.

“Okay, okay. Well…before you dash off, tell me, how’s the lovely Madeline? Did you find out if she’s dating anyone? You haven’t mentioned her, so either there’s nothing to say or there’s something you don’t want to say. Come on, spit it out.”

His astute father had hit the nail on the head, not that he would share anything about the tender kiss under the mistletoe—the one that left him wanting more than just a kiss—or the surprising conversation that followed. After Maddy’s frank admission, Ben had decided he wanted another chance with the beautiful, yet fragile and at times insecure editor-in-chief. The chemistry they had shared still existed between them, and the sweet kiss was a good place to start. The question was, did Maddy want to be with him? They were a little older and hopefully wiser now. Although her parting comment that they were not meant to be suggested she may need to be convinced.

“So far…Maddy’s been accommodating. Look, I have to go. I have an appointment at the bank.”

“What for…you need a loan?” Thomas Walker chuckled.

“No…but wish me luck,” he said.

“Okay…well, good luck, and tread carefully with that little lady of yours. Tell her I said hello.”

“I will, but you’ll see her Saturday at the party.”

“Oh, yes…the party.”

His concern about his dad’s memory increased, and when he had more time, he would chat with the nurse about his fears.

Never far away, the live-in stickler for rules appeared and shook the plastic container holding his father’s pills. “Come on, Mr. Walker. The sooner you take your medication, the sooner your pain will ease.”

Hearing Carol, the nurse, Ben stopped. “You didn’t mention you’re in pain, Dad. We should cancel the party…you haven’t been well. The guests will understand.”

“Oh hush now, I won’t hear a word of it.

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