Bloom by Deborah Bladon

Author:Deborah Bladon [Bladon, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-17T00:00:00+00:00

***

Four appointments filled my afternoon, but I’m only rounding the homestretch. The finish line is still hours away.

My Wednesday has been spent counseling folks who found their way to me after they lost someone that mattered to them.

I’ve never known two people who journey through grief the same way. Some can’t put one foot in front of the other, while others plaster on a brave face and barrel through their lives, ignoring the pain that is strapped to their backs.

I do what I can for every single person who sits across from me.

When I started this job I was confident that I could make a difference in the world. My impact may not be as wide-reaching as I thought it would be, but I’m doing what I can to guide people toward a future where the pain finds a place it can settle without overwhelming everything else.

I approach my office door when I hear Audrey calling my name.

When I round the corner into the corridor, she’s on the approach with her hands waving in the air.

“Tell me that you’re free on the last Saturday of next month.”

“You tell me if I am.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Winola gives you the schedule to send out.”

We’re only open two Saturdays a month, and I usually land one half-day shift. Winola likes to work weekends since some of her high profile clients slip in to see her.

She’s owned this office for close to thirty years.

When she offered me the chance to work alongside her to get my bearings after I graduated from college, I jumped on the opportunity.

I moved into an empty office when one of the other counselors relocated to Boston.

I’ve been here ever since.

“You’re free.” Audrey swings her arms at her sides. “Everyone is free. We’re closed that day in honor of my wedding.”

Fuck. I know what’s sitting on the tip of her tongue.

“You’ll come if I invite you, won’t you?” Her eyelashes flutter. “I want the whole gang there.”

The people who work at Dehaven Center have never been a gang .

Seeing Wren is not at the top of my list of things to do, and I know she’ll be there. I’m not one for coming up with excuses on the fly, so I buy myself some time. “I’m going to run to get a coffee before my next appointment. Do you want one?”

“Two sugars and a splash of cream.” She sets off toward her desk. “Oh, and before I forget, I’m leaving a few minutes early today. I have an appointment with a florist for the wedding. Wild Lilly is the name the shop.”

“Lilac,” I correct as I breeze past her desk on my way to the elevator. “It’s Wild Lilac, Audrey.”

Pushing open the double glass doors, I stroll through before I jab a finger into the elevator call button.

“My lilac,” I let the words slip off my tongue in a whispered tone. “She’s my wild lilac.”

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