this is Lauren.”
“Hey, Lauren, it’s me. Charlotte.”
Taken by surprise, it took Lauren a second to shift gears. “Hey, there, what’s up?”
“I went to the store; some man said you didn’t work there anymore. Is that true? I thought you, like, owned it or something.”
Lauren couldn’t help but smile. “Actually, it’s my parents who own the store. It’s been in my family for decades. My father’s health has improved”—she almost hated saying this, given Lee’s diagnosis—“and he decided he wants to work again.”
“Darn, but can I still call you, will that be okay?”
“Anytime you want,” Lauren promised. “How is your mother?” She was almost afraid to hear the answer.
“Well, that’s why I stopped by the store. Mom’s agreed to do the bone-marrow transplant. I wanted to thank you for making it happen.”
Tears came to Lauren’s eyes. “That’s the best news ever. I’m so happy for you and Lee.”
“I have to, like, go into the hospital soon. Mom says I need to be isolated for a few days while they do some tests, but I don’t care. If it helps her live, I’ll do whatever she wants. Though it’ll be in Chapel Hill, at the cancer center. Mom says it’s kind of a specialized place, with special pressure filters, so all the air is clean, no germs. It was kinda complicated, but we’ll get to hang together once I get, like, majorly checked up.”
Amazed at the girl’s maturity level, Lauren felt a wash of pride, almost maternal, when Charlotte spoke of her willingness to do whatever it took in order to save her mother’s life.
“I am so very proud, and if I’m being honest, in awe of you, your bravery. I don’t think I could have done this when I was fifteen.”
Charlotte laughed. “Yeah, but you gave up a beach house and boyfriends to take care of your dad.”
She laughed. “Then I guess we do have something in common, though in all honesty, Charlotte, your mother’s diagnosis is much more serious than my father’s was. Actually, he’s decided to return to the store because he’s on a brand-new medication and says he feels like his old self.” She paused. “But I think he’s being a little ornery, if you ask me.” A thought occurred to her. “Charlotte, I’m curious. What time did you stop by?”
“About three, right after school. The store was open even though the lights were off in the window display, and I went in and saw . . . I guess it was your family in the store and thought you were still there in your office or something.”
“My parents said they were going to return after they had lunch. They were all over town today,” she said, more to herself than to Charlotte.
“You’re not upset with me for stopping in?”
“No, of course not! You can stop in whenever you want, though I won’t be there for a while.” She’d probably be there to help close the place down for good when the time came, but Charlotte didn’t need to know that. “I’m going to Seattle tomorrow for a few days, so I won’t be around, but if you need to call me, you can.”
“Wow, Seattle, that’s where they throw the fish around, right?” Charlotte asked.
Lauren grinned. “You’re referring to the Pike Place Fish Market, and yes, they do throw fish around, after you buy whatever kind you choose. At least I think that’s how it works.” Charlotte’s naïveté was refreshing to Lauren.
“So why are you going there?” Charlotte asked.
“I am going to interview a man and write about his life; that’s what my real job is.”
“You’re a writer? That’s the most awesome job ever! Do you know J. K. Rowling?”
“No, I don’t. Are you a fan?”
“The biggest in the world—well, Kiley and Lacey are, too. Lacey’s mom buys the books, and we share them. But I still think it’s super-awesome that you’re a writer.”
“Thank you, I enjoy what I do—most of the time,” she said.
“So, like who are you gonna interview? Like a famous person or something?”
“Yes, he is very famous. Actually he’s probably a household name by now. He’s the founder and CEO of Globalgoods.com.”
“We used to shop online sometimes, when Mom felt better and was working. Is it okay if I tell her? She loves books and will want to read it when you finish.”
“I’ll deliver a signed copy to her myself,” Lauren promised. She couldn’t help but wonder if Lee would be around when the book hit the stands. She’d never say this to Charlotte,