Chapter 93
The next day, Suzy recorded the news. When Alex and Hope arrived at her house after work, she met them at the door with cocktails.
Suzy handed the first drink to Hope. “Hi, TV star. You were at the top of the news. I didn’t watch so we could all see it together.”
Hope put her hands over her face. “I’m almost afraid to look.”
“Nonsense. I’ve got it queued up.” Suzy steered them toward the couch and grabbed the remote.
Alex and Hope sat in front of the television sipping their drinks as Suzy increased the volume. The mayor, Chamber officials, and president of Habitat for Humanity stood near a podium.
“The Amish brothers were there but refused to be on camera,” Hope said. “They sat in the front row and were recognized by the mayor.”
Alex stared ahead. “Hope, you look fabulous. Who is beside you?” She glanced at Suzy. “Can you pause this?”
Hope hopped up and pointed at the screen. “That’s Willow, the new art teacher, Dr. Holmes, our principal, a few students and . . . there’s the janitor, Mac or Larry, take your pick.”
Both Suzy and Alex’s mouths flew open. “He sure looks like Larry,” Suzy said.
“Keep it paused.” Alex stepped closer to the television. “Oh, my God. He’s thinner and looks older but he’s a dead ringer for your hippie dad.”
“Told you.” Hope said. “And, remember, he’s dating Willow. I’m almost past the shock but it’s still awkward.”
“This is unbelievable,” Alex said. “I’m sorry I-we-doubted you. When are you going to tell him who you are?”
Hope pushed the lime down in her margarita. “I don’t know. I want to see if his memory returns naturally. I don’t want to rush him through that process.” She tapped her head. “It’s a lot for me to comprehend and I’m a counselor who doesn’t have amnesia.” She sighed. “Can we simply enjoy my special moment? Please? I’ve never gotten an award nor been on television before.”
“Sorry. Of course,” Alex said as she sat back down. “You’re right, Hope. It’s unbelievable, that’s all.”
Hope sipped her drink. “Tell me about it.”
Suzy rewound the last few seconds so they could watch uninterrupted. “Let’s be quiet and enjoy this.”
One by one, volunteers and first responders were recognized and given certificates emblazoned with a gold city seal. The mayor thanked an anonymous donor who had supplied furnishings and appliances to the homeowners of three newly built homes.
Suzy paused the television again. “Sorry, I know I promised to watch without interruption but I keep forgetting to ask you about the donor. Surely, you know who it is. I saw the big write-up in the paper. Someone was extremely generous.”
Alex turned to Hope. “Do you know who it is?”
Hope fidgeted on the couch. “I, uh, can’t say.”
Alex snapped her fingers. “I should have figured this out earlier. It’s Cheri Van Buren, isn’t it?”
Suzy nodded. “That makes sense. She’s got the cash and wouldn’t want the attention. Is it her?”
Hope stared at her loafers. “I can’t say. I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“I can tell by your body language that it’s her. I won’t say a word.” Alex pointed toward the screen. “Hit ‘play,’ Suzy. Let’s watch this to the end.” She grinned. “There you are, Hope. Looks like you’re next. You look beautiful in that orange dress.”
Hope sat riveted as she watched herself standing by the microphone. After she accepted the proclamation, she said, “I’m accepting this award on behalf of all of Hilltop High School’s faculty, staff, and especially the students who worked so hard to restore our neighborhood.” Hope then led a young teen to the podium. “I want to recognize one of our students, Britney, who collected broken glass from the tornado debris. She repurposed the glass to create beautiful jewelry. Say a few words, Brit.”
The student fiddled with the microphone, trying her best to lower it. “Uh, thanks, Miss Truman.” She reached into a heavy tote bag and pulled out a handful of necklaces and earrings. One of the cameramen zoomed in on the pieces. “This is, um, jewelry I made from broken windows and such. I decided to make something beautiful from the awful tornado.” The young teen began to walk away. Hope bent down, grasped Britney’s shoulders, and steered her back to the podium. Hope whispered, “Tell them about your Etsy shop.”
“Oh, yeah. I created an Etsy shop. You can buy the tornado jewelry and I’ll donate the proceeds to the victims’ children, so they can buy whatever was broken or lost.” Britney shoved the glass pieces back inside her tote and managed a hushed, “Thank you.”
Hope spoke back into the mic with pride. “This is one example of a student who doesn’t have much but is giving back to our community.” She placed her arm around Britney’s shoulders. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Hilltop students.”
The mayor walked up to Britney and presented her with an oversized gold key to the city. He turned toward the camera. “This, folks, is representative of the fine young people we have in Crystal City.” After the official thanked everyone once again for their tremendous contributions, cameras captured the applauding crowd.
“Bravo, Hope.” Suzy’s voice wobbled. “Great speech and Britney was fabulous.”
Hope beamed. “Wasn’t she? I’m so proud of her. If you only knew about her awful home life. I tried to get her to donate fifty percent of the proceeds and keep half for her college fund but she wouldn’t have it.”
Alex dabbed her eyes with a tissue she plucked off the coffee table. “Dammit. I feel like I just watched a Hallmark movie. Fantastic job, Hope.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t too bad if I say so myself. My frizzy hair even looked decent.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d be on television and recognized for something good in a million years.”
“You deserve it.” Suzy popped a cork and poured champagne. “Let’s celebrate.” Before they finished half a glass, the doorbell rang. “I wonder who that is. Ken and Izzy are eating pizza.” She opened the door wide. “Well, hello, stranger.”