Jake

jake

J ake texted Eleanor on Thursday to check on Henry’s progress.

How’s Henry feeling today?

He was pleasantly surprised when Eleanor called him back instead of texting. “I’m sorry to bother you at work, but I need your opinion from a medical professional point of view.”

“Sure thing! What’s up?”

“Do you think Henry is well enough to go with me to the grocery store? We’re running low on food, and he’s eager to get out of the house.”

He knew enough about Eleanor to guess that running low on food meant they were down to their last can of Beanie Weenies. “He doesn’t have any fever, does he?”

“No! He appears to feel fine. In fact, he’s bouncing off the walls, driving me crazy.”

laughed. “Sounds like he’s on the mend. How’s the apartment shopping going?”

“I’m not sure, honestly. I identified the best areas of the city for families with young children, but there are so many townhouses and apartment buildings to choose from.”

“Pick the ones you like the most, then narrow your choices by taking tours,” suggested.

“That’s a good idea. Any clue how I would go about booking a tour?”

scratched his head. How had this woman become so successful in her career when she couldn’t even schedule an apartment tour? “I’m sure you can find an available time slot on their website. If not, call them directly.”

“Oh, right. That makes sense. I’d love a second opinion. Would you mind going with me?”

’s stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing Eleanor again. He found the contrast between her ditziness and professionalism irresistible. “Not at all. I’m off tomorrow. Send me the times once you’ve scheduled the tours.”

“Will do. Thanks, .”

They ended the call, and Eleanor texted him an hour later.

I booked three tours back-to-back, starting at ten o’clock. Text me your address, and we’ll pick you up on the way.

When they arrived at nine-thirty the following morning, Henry was beside himself with excitement over the prospect of a new home. They toured two upscale apartment buildings and a sprawling townhouse community. Although the apartments offered every imaginable amenity, the allure of a small backyard ultimately won Eleanor and Henry over to the townhouse. The complex also featured tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a recreational facility with a game room, and miles of walking trails around a man-made pond.

Oakwood Trails had three available units to choose from, and Henry insisted on the end unit with the larger yard. “Can we get a puppy, mama?” he begged.

Eleanor mussed his blond head. “Not quite yet. Maybe when you’re a little older.”

’s heart melted. He grew up with golden retrievers, and he believed every boy should have a dog.

Eleanor appeared excited as she signed the lease, but her mood quickly tanked when they got back in the car. “This is a mistake. We should just stay where we are.”

“No!” Henry bellowed from the backseat. “I don’t like our house. You promised we could move.”

“You seemed thrilled a minute ago,” said, keeping his voice low so Henry couldn’t hear. “Why the change of heart?”

Eleanor started the engine and jammed the car in reverse. “I already told you. The moving process overwhelms me. We’re fine where we are.”

“Given your mold problem, I don’t think you have a choice.”

“I’ll insist my landlord get rid of the mold,” Eleanor said with a determine set of her jaw.

“Good luck with that.”

glanced at his watch—it was almost two o’clock. Henry was a growing boy, recovering from pneumonia, and they should’ve eaten lunch hours ago. “I’m starving,” he said, shifting in his seat to face Henry. “Are you hungry, buddy?”

“Yes!” Henry exclaimed.

Eleanor smiled at her son in the rearview mirror. “I’ll bet you are. I’m sorry, buddy. I didn’t realize it was so late.”

“It’s okay, Mom.”

’s demeanor softened as he watched the tender exchange between mother and son. Eleanor wasn’t perfect, but her deep love for Henry was undeniable, and the sacrifices she had made for him spoke volumes.

“Can we go to Bad Daddy’s?” Henry asked.

“Fine with me.” Eleanor glanced over at . “Does Bad Daddy’s work for you?”

“Sounds perfect. We’ll create a to-do list while we eat. You’ll feel better once you have a game plan.”

While they waited for their food, outlined a detailed plan for her move on a napkin. “We can purchase packing supplies from Home Depot,” he said. “We’ll tackle one room at a time. We’ll rent a U-Haul, and I’ll recruit a couple of friends to help us move the heavy stuff.”

Eleanor studied his list. “There must be a better way,” she said, skeptical.

tossed the pen on the table. “You could hire a professional mover. You wouldn’t have to lift a finger, but it’ll cost you.”

“I can afford it.” Eleanor sat up straight in her chair, her thumbs flying across her phone’s screen. “Excuse me a minute while I make a call.”

Grabbing her coat, she slipped out of the booth and stepped outside the restaurant.

While she was gone, Henry told about the puppy he wanted. He discussed the pros and cons of different breeds, explaining which ones would make better pets for children and which would be better suited to smaller homes. His face lit up, and his eyes shone with excitement as he talked. He’d obviously done his homework. Intelligent and witty, Henry captivated , who realized he was falling for the boy as hard—if not harder—than he was falling for his mother.

Eleanor returned to the table wearing a self-satisfied smile. Shrugging off her coat, she plopped down on the bench seat next to her son. “Done. The movers will pack our things on Monday and move us on Tuesday.”

experienced a moment of clarity. Not that this successful criminal attorney couldn’t handle the details—the tedious little things in life that caused headaches—she simply chose to pay someone else to take care of them.

The waitress brought their food, and as they devoured their burgers, Eleanor and Henry talked about the items they needed to buy for their new home—bedding and rugs and several pieces of art from a nearby gallery Eleanor had her eye on.

Eleanor insisted on paying for ’s lunch. She was calculating the tip on her phone when she suddenly went pale. “Ugh! I just got a reminder about Henry’s follow-up doctor’s appointment at four o’clock. I forgot all about it. We’ll never make it in time.”

“You will if you leave now and go straight there. I’ll take care of the check,” said, removing his credit card from his wallet.

“But how will you get home?” Henry asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I’ll walk. I don’t live far from here, and I could use the fresh air.”

“Are you sure?” Eleanor asked uncertainly.

“Positive. Now, go!” said, shooing them away. "Or you’ll be late."

caught a whiff of her intoxicating perfume when she leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I owe you big time for all you’ve done for me. Once we get settled, I’ll hire a babysitter and take you out for a nice dinner."

"I never turn down a free meal, but I hope I see you sooner than that. I’m free all weekend if you want company on your shopping excursions."

Eleanor flashed him a brilliant smile. “I would love that. Assuming everything goes well with the doctor. I’ll let you know.” Taking Henry’s hand, she hurried out of the restaurant.

Eleanor Clarke was a unicorn. Her mood swings gave him whiplash. He never knew what to expect from her from one minute to the next. He didn’t mind that she kept him on his toes. He appreciated the challenge, and he would do just about anything to see her smile.