Chapter 43 BLAIRE The next day, Blaze becmore stable and regained more strength. It also means that his b*dy can now handle the surgery. It only leaveswith one in my hand. I need to money for the operation. I d no idea how long I had been staring at the card in my hand. I think bumping into Sebastian when I’m in New York is the least I should worry about. As long as I stay away from the usual place that he hangs out, I’m good. get the Ethan is busy playing with Blaze on the hospital bed. The doctor has already removed his dextrose, and he can now fully move around the room. We’re only waiting for a few more additional laboratory results before his doctor discharges him. “Ethan, I need to go back hto take care of a few things. Will you be okay to stay with Blaze for a while?” I asked him. Though I know he would likely say yes, I still don’t want to assume, especially right after I told him that I shouldn’t be accepting help from him. “Of course, Blaire. Do what you have to do. I’ll take care of Blaze for you,” he said. I gave him a grateful smile before I said goodbye to Blaze. I k*ssed him on the forehead. “I’ll see you later tonight, my love. Mommy just needs to fix things back home,” I told him. He nodded. “Take care, mommy!” I mouthed “thank you” once again to Ethan before I left his room. I quickly took a cab to go back to our house. It tooka few minutes before I finally reached our doorstep. I immediately went inside before I picked up my phone from my pocket and dialed the number on the card. It only took a few rings before someone answered on the other line.
“Hi, I’m looking for Miss Isabelle Riggs.” I greeted. “This is she. What can I do for you?” she answered.
“Hi, my nis Blaire Allicent Banks, owner of Sweet Life Café. I got your card from Ethan. And I’m interested in talking about your offer,” I said, going straight to the point. “Oh, hi, Miss Banks! Yes, I visited your café once when I visited Hawaii. And I loved all your desserts. It took you too long to call us,” she said. She sound so excited. It seems she really likes our desserts. “Yeah, I was swamped with a ton of things, and the thought of relocating to New York hadn’t crossed my mind,” I explained, a hint of regret lacing my words. “I’m sorry if I 46% Chapter 43 didn’t reach out to you sooner.” “It’s okay. Letcheck if the project is still on. Hold for a moment,” she reassuredbefore placing me on hold. Tseemed to stretch as I waited anxiously, the weight of uncertainty pressing on me. My mind raced with thoughts of the project’s fate, knowing that its status held the key to securing the funds desperately needed for Blaze’s surgery. With each passing second, I found myself silently praying, hoping that the door to this opportunity remained open, offering a lifeline in the face of financial challenges. The future hung in the balance, and the outcof this call had the power to shape the course of not only my career but also Blaze’s journey toward healing. After what felt like an eternity, Isabelle’s voice finally reached my ears, breaking the anxious silence. “Miss Banks, thank you for waiting. But I’m afraid there’s been a slight change in the offer. If you’re still interested, I’d be happy to tell you about the details,” she said. “I appreciate the update. Please, go ahead. I’m just grateful that you’re still consideringdespite my delayed confirmation,” I replied, trying to conceal the nervous undercurrent in my voice.
“Well, I received a memo from the head office, and it appears we won’t be requiring a contractor for our desserts anymore. Instead, we’ve decided to establish an in-house patisserie,” Isabelle revealed. The news reverberated through the phone, introducing an unexpected twist to the narrative. A surge of surprise mingled with anticipation as the implications of this change unfolded. “An in-house patisserie?” I repeated, the words hanging in the air like a tantalizing promise, carrying both uncertainty and excitement. “Yes, they believe having our own dedicated patisserie will elevate the dining. experience,” Isabelle explained, a hint of enthusiasm in her voice. “It’s a chance for us to create something unique and signature. But don’t worry; we won’t be taking your recipe. You’ll still be the one handling everything. We’ll provide the raw materials and support with the workloads.” I processed the information, a mix of relief and curiosity settling in. “Does this mean the fifty percent advance payment for the whole contract is off the table as well?” I inquired, a touch of embarrassment coloring my tone, knowing that the financial was a significant factor in my consideration of this opportunity. aspect “I’m afraid it is. But if you really need the money, I can talk to my boss to see if we can work around it to suit your needs,” she responded, her willingness to accommodate easing the weight of the changed terms. 2/5 * 46% Chapter 43 The possibility of adapting the terms for financial considerations lingered in the conversation. In a moment of hopeful anticipation, I couldn’t help but ask, “Wait, are you saying I got the job?” The surprise in my voice mirrored the mix of emotions. swirling within as the realization of a potential new chapter unfolded. “Oh, I’m sorry. I must have gotten carried away. I really like your cakes, and I firmly believe that you’re the perfect one for the job. But we still need you to cdown here at our site to make ssamples
for our boss,” she said. “That wouldn’t be a problem. I know it’s a bit embarrassing, but the truth is, I really need the financial support.” “Don’t we all?” she chuckled warmly. “No need to be ashamed, Miss Banks,” she reassured, her words carrying a genuine understanding that instantly eased concerns. “So, when do we expect you here at our hotel, Miss Banks?” my “Could you givea little more time? I’m sorry; I’m on a tight budget right now. So, I still need more tto cup with the money to buy plane tickets.” “Oh, that wouldn’t be a problem. But are you available anyttonight?” She asked with a note of urgency in her tone. “Yeah, I am,” I answered, a bit confused but willing to accommodate the unexpected request. “That’s great! I’ll book you the earliest flight. I’ll send you the details once I’m done,” she said, her enthusiasm palpable through the phone. “Could you textyour email address where I can send the details?” “Of course, I’ll text it to you right away,” I replied, hastily retrieving my phone to share the necessary information. “Great! I’ll see you soon, Miss Banks,” she said with a warmth that echoed the promise of a new beginning, and then the call ended. As I typed out my email address, a whirlwind of emotions swept over me. The spontaneity of the situation added an unexpected thrill to the journey ahead. In the brief span of an hour after concluding the call with Isabelle, my inbox blinked with an email from her. Opening it, I found a soft copy of my flight details for tonight. A curious blend of fear and excitement coursed through me, each emotion competing for dominance. The opportunity laid out in the email was undeniably significant-a chance to elevate my career to new heights. Yet, beneath the surface of enthusiasm, there lingered a poignant fear. The prospect of stepping into a city that held memories both cherished and painful stirred a complex tapestry of
emotions. 3/5 Mon, 22 Jan Chapter 43 But despite my fear, I had no choice but to go there. If it weren’t for my son, I would never step foot in that place again. I stared at my flight details for a good amount of tbefore I decided to call Ethan. I need to be informed about the progress with regards to their offer. I picked up my phone once again and dialed Ethan’s number. It didn’t take long before he picked up the call. “Hey, there. Is everything alright?” he greeted. “Everything is fine. But could you look after Blaze for a few days? I need to go to New York to workout sstuff,” I asked him. “Did you get the project?” He sounds so excited. “I haven’t. Not yet. But they wantedto go to their site to bake them ssamples. There’s a few changes in the offer, but I’m positive that we can work around it,” I informed him. “It’s still great news, isn’t it?” “Of course it is. I’m just hoping to get positive feedback.” “I’m sure you’ll get it. You’re the best baker I’ve known in my entire life. Go impress them,” he said, trying to encourage me. “Don’t worry about Blaze. He’s smart. He knows his mother is doing everything she can to save his life,” he added. Somehow, his words gavea surge of confidence and strength, infusingwith the determination to triumph in this new professional endeavor. “Thank you. I’ll do my best,” I responded, a renewed sense of purpose resonating in my voice. “Is Blaze there?” “He’s asleep. I’ll call you as soon as he wakes up,” he assured, his voice carrying the weight of concern for our shared companion. “Okay. I’ll go now. I’ll be packing my things before my flight. I’ll call again soon.” “Sure. Take care of yourself, Blaire. Callif you need anything,” he offered, his words a comforting
reminder of his support throughout this journey After ending the call, I lingered for a moment, the phone in my hand emb*dying the bridge between my past and the unknown future that awaitedin New York. As I prepared to embark on this unexpected journey, the echoes of his parting words lingered, a reminder that amidst the challenges ahead, I wasn’t alone. I need to be strong for my son.