Chapter 43

Chapter 43

BLAIRE

The next day, Blaze became more stable and regained more strength.

It also means that his b*dy can now handle the surgery. It only leaves

me with 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 home to 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 took me a 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 name is 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

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Chapter 43

didn't reach out to you sooner.”

“It's okay. Let me check if the project is still on. Hold for a moment,” she

reassured me before placing me on hold.

Time seemed 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

outcome of 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 considering me despite 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.

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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 come down here at our site to make some samples 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 give me a little more time? I'm sorry; I'm on a tight budget

right now. So, I still need more time to come up with the money to buy

plane tickets.”

“Oh, that wouldn't be a problem. But are you available anytime

tonight?” 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 text me your 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.

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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 time before 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 some stuff,” I asked him.

“Did

you get the project?” He sounds so excited.

“I haven't. Not yet. But they wanted me to go to their site to bake them

some samples. 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 gave me a surge of confidence and strength,

infusing me with 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. Call me if 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

awaited me in 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.