Authors: G.V. Steitz
“
Thanks.” I answer.
“
Whatever you did, he was really impressed.
“
Henry, maybe someone else would be better to cover this project for Daniels? I mean I did land the account. I don’t know if you will want to fire me if I don’t get involved with the project. Or maybe an assistant or someone to assist with the day to day contact with Daniels on anything that goes on with the project. What do you think?” I ask looking through the file.
Henry sits down across from me and sits quietly for a few moments.
“Why anything wrong? Does all this have something to do with it?” He asks as he waves his hand around the room.
I shrug not wanting to explain anything.
“Look, the proposal was a signed deal before any of this” I say waving my hand.
“
I see.” Henry says “Well, look I don’t want to put you in a difficult situation. I won’t fire you, but maybe you can think it over the weekend? I know no one needs to get into production until next week at the earliest. Monday we can sit down and go over any ideas you have with a plan to make this work. He is a signed contract, so I am not worried about us loosing the account. But listen, I mean maybe this flower shop is a way to get you out of your shell? I know things have been difficult for you lately with your dad and all. But really, this might be a nice change of pace for you… You know?” He says getting up.
“
I’m proud of Emma. You did an excellent job.” Henry says looking at his watch. “You know it’s nearly lunch, why don’t you take the rest of the day off? It’s Friday. You could use break. Hmmm?” He looks kindly down to me from his perch at the door on my office.
“
Really, you are sure about that?” I ask trying not to sound too hopeful.
Henry chuckles and nods with a wink.
“Absolutely, you go get all this sorted out for yourself. Come back refreshed Monday as come in when you settle in you office and we can brainstorm.” Henry says with a sad sort of smile.
“
Thanks so much Henry. I won’t let you down one way or the other.” I say as he walks slowly out of my office.
I decide to email Matthew before I leave.
Matthew~
Thank you very much for the fantastic meals you sent back to my place last night. I really, well, you know how much I enjoyed it.
The flowers… Matthew, there are enough here to open a flower shop! Good grief. You are going to go broke!
But you still did more than shock me. They are out of this world.
I spoke with my boss. He received the faxed contract and was pleased. I am going to go over some ideas with him Monday morning to get a crew of some people to assist in the day to day contact with MD Corp. I am sure you will be very pleased with the people I put on this project for you.
Henry, my boss, he has giving me a hall pass for the rest of the day. Apparently my lack of sleep as well, proved I needed a few hours off early.
It’s Friday, so I am happy that I have the weekend to come up with an outline of how our company can better suite your needs with professionalism and no worries on your end of the situation to not make you feel obligated in any way.
I really had a great time last night. Well, before I ruined it.
Thank you again for a really, really, wonderful two days of surprises. You are too generous.
Have a great weekend.
Emma~
Hopefully that will nip this in the butt.
I pack up my lap top and take an arrangement out with me. Stopping once at James in the reception area, I offer him to take an arrangement as well for his new
“knight in Shining Armor.” I wasn’t expecting him to walk around the desk and throw me into a big bear hug. I laughed and told him to have a good weekend and play safe.
“
Always, Ms. Evans. Please have a wonderful weekend yourself.” James says as he wiggles his eye brows around.
Chapter 7~Matthew
I read over the email Emma sent back as a reply to mine. Read it four times actually.
Well this is fanfuckingtastic! If I can’t get her to stick with this project herself, I will make sure to throw a bonus over to
“HENRY”
to ensure her sticking it out with me. Who knows maybe she will actually forgive me. Well after hearing she has to come back herself for her boss can collect the bonus. Hmmm… I could offer her one as well maybe. I mean I bet that could really help her out with her dad. I have to find out where he is at so I can pay him a little visit.
Little Miss Sunshine of my life hasn’t responded to my emails the rest of the day on Friday or today. Well, I realize its Saturday; however she probably checks her emails at least once a day knowing her.
Her phone goes right to voice mail. How convenient. And texts? You think even one? One text, with one word? Nope. Not my Emma.
“Oh God, I called her my Emma.” I say in a groan out loud in my car. Right… Like that will ever happen.
I get to the care facility where Emma
’s dad is at. Money does have useful purposes. Like, getting answers and information, it just takes money with this crazy world. Confidence disclaimer or not, Just takes money.
Scary in a way, I know. But hey, if you can use it to help others, why not?
After hitting the nurse’s station, I get a visitor’s pass to go visit my new friend. Although he doesn’t know we are going to be friends just yet. But I am sure I can persuade him. I mean I have some really strong feelings for his daughter. Maybe if he see’s me and gets to know me, he might root for me. It’s a pipe dream I know. But hope is hope…
I tap on his door. Slowly opening it I see a man lying in bed. God, this man looks so sad. I feel terrible to see what Emma has to go through trying to care for her father.
“Mr. Evans?” I ask, peeking in through the door.
“
Yes, that’s me. What can I do you for sir?” He asks back sounding weak. He looks to be around my parent’s age. I suppose he had Emma later in life. I walk in over to his side of the room. I notice he is sharing his room with three other people. Geez, no privacy? What does a place like this run to have to jam them all in like sardines?
“
Hi Sir, Mr. Evans, My name is Matthew Daniels. I hope at least I am still a friend of your daughters. Emma. May I sit down for a few minutes?” I look around at the white walls. Nothing to give off some happy vibes around here, Smells like pine sol and urine. More like a nursing home.
“
Sure very nice to meet, one of Emma’s friends. I only get her as a visitor. It’s nice to visit with someone different for a change.” He moves to sit himself up on the bed, moving the buttons to make it into a more sitting position. I look over near his bedside and see one of the arrangements I sent Emma. How sweet she brought him flowers.
“
I brought you something.” I say as I pull out a box from my paper gift bag. I had it wrapped.
“
What? Why did you go and waste your money on a dying fool like me Mr. Daniels.” He asks me, looking at the wrapped gift I am holding out for him to accept.
“
Please, call me Matthew. I have heard a great many things about you Sir, and I was really inspired by your daughter’s strength and determination to help you when she can. I just thought you could use this to pass some time away.
Mr. Evans takes the wrapped package from me, chuckling.
“Well, Matthew, please call me Tom.” Tom says holding his hand out to shake mine.
We shake hands and he offers me a seat.
“You just missed my Emma. She even brought me flowers. See how beautiful they look. I can’t believe she would do something like that.” She says shaking his head.
“
They are beautiful that’s for sure. I am sure she just wanted to find another way to put a smile on your face, Sir.” I say watching him open my gift.
“
What on earth! Do you know how much these cost? An IPAD? Matthew, geez that is really generous, but I cannot accept a gift like this. God, what are they like $500 bucks. No, you need to keep that money for yourself. I don’t need anything really.” He says trying to convince me to take this gift back because I might what? Go hungry?
“
Sir, have you ever heard of MD Corp? We handle a great deal of business there. Mostly financial planning and investments, but we also dabble in a few other things. Your daughter was offered a contract to erect a new building for us, and her bid and proposal was really outstanding so MD hired her firm to take care of the design for us.” I explain. And Tom’s face is staring like I am speaking in dog language or something.
“
Well, that’s really impressive Matthew, but what does that have to do with you wasting your hard earned money on a stranger like me. I mean the cost of living isn’t anything to sneeze at these days I really appreciate the offer but…” He tries to explain all this and I stopped him.
“
But nothing. Sir, MD Corp. is my company Sir. I also own a few exclusive restaurants as well as a telecommunications firm and a shipping freight company. This little things here, it’s really nothing. It’s fully loaded with all the apps an average man might enjoy. It’s linked with my telecommunications service, free of charge of course. And the hospital has free wi-fi here also.
If you enjoy reading, there is an app for you to read electronic books, on the ipad here and you don
’t have to leave your home to go buy a book. The credit you have is $1,000 on kindle so you should be good for awhile buying any books or movies or music you would like to download. It’s really my pleasure to bring you something that might be more of interest than staring at your room mates or watching TV. all the time.” I shrug.
“
I am speechless.” Tom says looking like I just grew a second head on my shoulders.
I chuckle.
“I hope you like it. If you need any help I can show you some things and I am sure Emma can help you out as well. It’s all pretty easy. Might be able to take your mind off things that are boring in here.” I explain.
“
Thank you so much Matthew. This is so generous. I don’t know what to say… I couldn’t possibly repay you.” He says looking around to find a way to make it up to me? I shake my head. Ok, I don’t need anything at all materialistic. Believe me. I have a boat, a private jet, plenty of cars. I collect them. And too many properties to visit in a year, It’s my pleasure. Really, think nothing of it.”
Tom takes the ipad and really looks it over almost religiously.
“Thank you so much Matthew. Really, I will really enjoy this in this hell hole.” He explains with his head nodding over to his fellow roommates.
“
They all seem a great deal older than you. What type of care facility is this if I may ask?” I say looking around.
It
’s a nursing home. Don’t let Emma know I know though. I know it kills her I am here. But I forced her to accept my decision to admit myself. I am too much to care for. She is young woman. Never having time for herself. She gave up everything to help me. She had many plans to do a lot of things in her life. Unfortunately, I put a stumper in her way. Now, even if I insist I am fine and to go live a fun life, she won’t do it. This place is pretty expensive. I know she does as much as possible to help me, but it really isn’t fair to her.” He tries explaining and I realized how sad he must feel inside. I have to help him. Help Emma.
Well, look, let me ask you something. If you don
’t mind me, about getting personal about your situation? However I do a few people in this industry that I could always have them look into a few things for you to maybe ease your mind into how much you worry about Emma and her sacrifices she has given up for you, if that’s what you believe. However, I know she doesn’t regret anything when it comes to trying to help her father. She couldn’t say enough good things about you.” I explain.
“
Wow, really, if you actually know anyone in this business of rat hole nursing homes, I would be all ears. Especially if these contacts you have are close by, maybe they can get things a little more comfortable around here.” He explains.
So, after we go back and forth questions and answers for a while. I take a few notes explaining it would further my research to see what could be possible for him in assistance or care. He has no idea.
We talk about his health and personal care. His insurance and supplemental, as well. The staff here, The rooms over packed with people and all of the nothingness that goes on around here to help people feel they are getting taken care of and made to feel more comfortable or well God forbid anyone could possible actually try to shoot for wellness, in an actual wellness facility. I know it has nothing to do with the staff at these places. Really it boils down to politics and investors. Money and Political power that is it. And here the average Americans are the ones who ultimately suffer.
Yeah, I am going to make this a hell of a lot better for him.