Gen. 10 – Alma. Chapter Forty-Two

December 24, 2023 by Grey 2 Comments

Vendor contracts and plans for the expansion of Hope’s Blossom were all things that took much longer than a week, a month, and honestly…close to a year of just planning and researching. What I was envisioning was going to be an ongoing process, but once it was started…there was no going back.

I was ready.

I put my faith in my team to help make this happen and I was going to deal with any conflicts that could come up.

While the mess behind the scenes was happening, I had the pleasure of working with my team, but also taking the time to meet and work with a real estate agent to find some potential spots for my next locations. I hoped to make Sunset Valley my next location for Hope’s Blossom. It would be my second. I had goosebumps just thinking about that.

“So, you’ve seen a few properties, anything standing out to you right now?” My agent, Parker, asked fixing the collar on his shirt. “Anything specific we should be looking for?”

I looked through the sheets and shrugged. “I mean, they’re nice properties, but I’m hoping for a similar, if not the same vibe as my home store has.”

“Ms. Wells, you understand getting something identical would require building…”

“And the building is expensive,” we said at the same time, our voices nearly overlapping.

“We will keep looking. A new location is bound to show up. I am not giving up on your dream,” he assured me.

“Well, thank god for that,” I chuckled and followed him into his car so we could go to the next spot. Looking was always fun, but as more time went by, it was difficult not to feel discouraged. Finding somewhere perfect was going to be difficult when I felt my St. Claire store was ideal. I had to keep an open mind, I understood that, but it was a huge investment that I was planning on making.

“This one used to be a small boutique. There are plenty of windows, so great light for flowers. Want to check it out?”

I rolled down the window and smirked. “Okay, yeah, let’s look at this one.”

The store we approached was indeed vacant. The windows were large and there was even a small patio area that I could already imagine using as an outdoor seating for people to enjoy their drinks. Truly making it a community spot. Beautiful flowers, French-roasted coffee–I mean…

“Wow…” I smiled after getting out of the car. “This is…”

“I take it you like it?”

“Hell yeah…”

Parker quickly approached me with a set of keys and the informational sheet about the space. “Well, let’s get you inside so you can look around. The rent is pretty reasonable–it’s within your budget. You have space for back stock, bathroom, and of course, office space for your employees.”

Exactly what I was looking for.

“Seems too good. Anything I should know about?”

“The lease requires a 3-year commitment. If you need to get out of it early, then there is a fine of about 6 months’ rent.”

I didn’t plan on leaving the space in three years, but the concern I understood. What if the shop didn’t do well here? What if I ended up losing all my money? It was concerning, but I had to take a leap. If I was going to put everything in and then fail…at least I would have tried.

That’s what I kept telling myself at least.

“Okay,” I exhaled. “Let’s put in an application for this one. If I get approved, awesome, if not…we keep looking.”

“No more for today?” Parker asked.

“No, I actually have another appointment after this, so we can head back to your office.”

Parker nodded and made a few notes on his phone before walking me out to his car. The drive back to his office wasn’t a long one at all, so my next appointment didn’t have to wait too long in the parking lot on the plaza.

“Holy f–” Parker stopped himself once we parked. “Is that Cateo Saunders?!”

I turned to look at him before opening the door. “Yup, that’s my dad.”

I watched my agent’s face explode with excitement. He quickly parked his car and got out, racing to catch up to me. “It’s so nice to meet you, C-Cateo. Wow–I grew up listening to The Fall of Ivalice! So freaking awesome!”

Dad smirked and bowed his head. “I appreciate it. Thanks for listening. Are you two all done now?”

Parker nodded and shook my hand. “Yes, of course. If there’s anything that you need, Alma. I am available for you day or night. I will fight to make sure we get that location for you!”

I admit I still found it amusing how many people reacted that way to seeing Dad or learning that he was my father. Even after all these years. But while he was a celebrated frontman of a punk/rock band, to me he was always my dad first. Once Parker excused himself to his office, I threw my arms around him and grinned.

“I’m so glad you made it, Dad!”

“How could I pass up an opportunity to spend some time with you one-on-one. Feels like it’s been…well, way too long,” he smiled after kissing the top of my head. “Want to go get some food?”

“That would be awesome…”

---

My relationship with my Father was…special. I assume it was because I was his firstborn or maybe because of all the shit I got myself into. Either way, I was very grateful to have him all to myself even if for a few days out of the year. Between my breakdowns, healing, and everything that was happening now, Dad had his own life still keeping him very busy. He was working on some new music with his band and that required him to travel a bit more. I knew Mom missed him like crazy, but she often ended up traveling with him, so that worked out well for both of them.

Moments like this were often spent catching up. I felt the last time we really had an honest conversation was months after Sabin and I broke up. Now we were approaching almost a year…woah.

“I see you’re looking into expanding quite seriously. Are you excited?” Dad asked in between bites of his sandwich.

“It’s exciting but definitely scary. I mean, I’m basically a one-woman shop when it comes to these big decisions. I have my team and I know it can completely blow up in my face, but…”

“Makes you feel alive doing this, eh?” He asked.

“It does. It’s the best I’ve felt. Even if this completely fails, then at least I’ll go down loving every second of Hope’s Blossom being in existence.”

Dad nodded. “That’s a great way to look at it..”

I told him more about my vendor relationships overseas and what I ultimately dreamed of for my store. Talking about it always made me so happy. Ever since I was a young girl, I had this idea of owning my own store to sell flowers, bouquets, and other arrangements perfect for any occasion. I wanted this show to be more than just a flower shop. Of course, I had to establish myself as that first before even thinking about bringing more community-minded aspects into the business plan.

Now seemed as good a time as any.

“Your Mom’s been worried about you overworking yourself,” Dad smirked. “It’s funny, she forgets how she was when she was pursuing all her major clients. She spent hours stuck in that room with her clay, remember?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I think that’s just her being a Mom. We’re creatives in one way or another. Once we find our passion, we chase that high until we accomplish whatever we set our minds on. Do you think–” I stopped and bit down on my lip. I almost didn’t want to say the words. “I know I say I will happily go down with the ship that is my store, but do you think I can do this? Is this a good idea?”

“A flower shop that a community space? Cafe? Yeah–I don’t think there’s a shortage of cafes, but yours is different in its own way. Something to be proud of.”

That reassurance helped. I would still carry a healthy amount of doubt to keep my head from soaring too high in the clouds, but…hearing Dad say that, really did help.

“If you’re not busy after lunch, why don’t you come hang out with us. The French travelers have finally settled in with us.”

“Oh! So, they decided to move in with you and Mom?” I asked.

“Yup. With you kids gone, we really have enough space to fit everyone. I know your mother wanted to stay close to hers, so it just made sense. Plus, if I need to travel and Bel can’t join, she won’t be left alone.”

“Makes sense, but yeah, sure. I don’t have anything else planned for today or tomorrow, so I’m happy to tag along.”

Dad welcomed my response and went back to enjoying his lunch, as did I.

---

Back at my parent’s home, the house felt more full than it had in years. I know Mom loved having people over. Ever since I moved out, Kaden started traveling, and Oren and Jax were away at school, the house rarely had everyone under the same roof.

While my brothers were still out, I got to enjoy the company of my parents and grandparents together under the same roof. We ate dinner together, talked, drank, and even played board games.

I admit with everything on my mind with the store, I was on autopilot. I joined in casually on conversations when I had to, but I used the time to simply listen to their stories.

As it started to get late, I excused myself to my old room. Mom refused to change too much, so it felt like being in a time capsule. My old posters, my desk, my figures–they were all still there.
I thought back to what it was like being a teenager when I was first made the “heiress”. I imagined the pressure that fell into my lap to make my family happy.

I remembered the stress, the pain, and the struggles that overpowered the need to perform a duty no longer required of me. Now I felt lighter and that relief could be felt not only by me but also by the other women in my family.

We were free of a duty that kept us going. The lessons that were learned were indeed so embedded in our being. Our blood and bones held the stories of struggles, successes, and strength that the many women before us experienced. There was no way any of that could be erased.

While the image of my family tree danced around my mind, I allowed myself to sink deeper into the mattress that still held the frame of my younger self.

Everything, in time, would fall into place. Whether there would be more struggles or bliss, I was feeling more open to feeling it all.

My heart was beginning to feel lighter, unburdened.