Two days later

“Here you go.” Nat hands me a hot cup of coffee and passes another one to Shae.

While we were on our way from Santa Monica back to my hometown, I told Shae about my sister’s accident and she decided to stay with me. I tried to say no, that I was fine and she shouldn’t bother but I couldn’t. Telling Holly about our dad’s condition broke me. More so because she felt responsible for it.

“It’s my fault. Dad told me to go straight home and I didn’t listen. He already told me once he didn’t liked me hanging around Chris and his friends, but I didn’t listen. Now, he’s lying on that bed and I can’t be with him. What if he never wakes up? What if I never get the chance to tell him how sorry I am?”

It took a lot for me to convince her that she wasn’t responsible for our dad’s heart attack and it took a strong sedative to prevent her from trying to move and get up from the bed, hurting herself more.

“Thank you, Nat.”

“Any updates?”

“No. Dr. McKennon said his vitals are strong, and that’s a good sign. But he hasn’t woken up yet,” I answer, my voice breaking a little at the end.

“He just needs some time,” Shae interjects. “His body needs time to heal, but he’ll wake up, you’ll see.”

Forcing a smile is all I’m able to do. My mind keeps repeating the words the doctor said. I wanted my dad to wake up so bad but I couldn’t stop thinking what would happen after. With Holly recently discharged, I knew she would need special care along with physical therapy. How would I manage to take care of both and pay all the bills that were quickly piling up?

Unable to stop them, tears start falling down my cheeks. I break down and sob.

Putting a hand on my shoulder and squeezing, Nat says, “he’s going to be okay, Hannah.”

Her words don’t bring me comfort, I know she means well but I just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t know how to fix this,” I confess, feeling defeated.

“You’re not alone, Hannah. Let us help you,” Shae offers. “Whatever you need, just tell us.”

“Are you worried about money? Because you know I have some that I was saving up for renovations, and those can wait.” Nat’s offer makes my heart drop. Knowing how hard she’s been working to make her bakery the best it can be, I wouldn’t even consider taking her money.

“You’ve already done so much for me just by being here. I’m sorry.” I wipe my tears with the sleeve of my sweater. “I’m acting childish. Being tired and emotional doesn’t help any. I’m sure I’ll work it out.”

“Hannah, I think I can help you with the money issue.” The next words that come out of Shae’s mouth are completely unexpected.

“I think you should find a sugar daddy.” A humorless laugh comes out of me, because she clearly has to be joking.

“A sugar daddy? What the hell, Shae?”

“Just hear me out okay? I already told you it doesn’t mean you’ll have sex with them, but they can help with the money issues. You get paid for dates, you get gifts, expensive gifts you can sell and use that money for whatever you need.” Her proposition is both insane and brilliant. In theory, it sounds easy, but I don’t have a clue of how or where I could even find one and time isn’t on my side.

“I don’t think I can do it, Shae. I wouldn’t even know where to start looking or how to ask them for money.”

“That’s the part I can help you with, but -” she pauses and I can feel it’s a big ‘but,’ “ - you need to come to New York.”

“I can’t do that, I can’t leave my family right now. Especially if there’s a chance that my dad might,” I don’t dare say out loud what my heart fears the most. “I just can’t.”

“You don’t have to stay there long, just a week or two at the most. I have several connections already and I can help you out, then you can come back here and take care of Holly and your dad and decide whether you want to continue or not.”

“This sugar daddy thing,” Nat interrupts, “is it safe?”

“Our first rule is to always be safe, we take care of each other. I know it sounds outrageous but I promise you it’s not. And it’s one fast way to make cash and lessen the weight you’re carrying right now.”

Nat holds my hand and squeezes it as she says, “I never thought I’d say this but if what Shae says is true and you don’t have to...you know, if it’s just a few dates, you should try it. I would love to take your place and go but I doubt those men would want to date an old baker,” Nat giggles.

“You’re not old, Nat,” I protest.

“Actually, you’d be surprised how many younger men look for older women. But, we can talk about this some more later.” We laugh at Shae’s playfulness.

“Ok, let’s say I consider going to New York. I can’t leave Holly and my dad, who would take care of them? What if they need me and I’m far away?”

“I’ll look after them. I’ll close the bakery if I need to.” Nat offers.

“That’s crazy, Nat. Even if you close the bakery, which I would never allow you to do, it’s a huge load. You can’t do it alone.”

“I’ll help too.” We turn to see Danny standing near us. My eyes almost pop out of their sockets by the shock he just gave me.

“Danny, what are you doing here?”

“I heard about what happened to Henry. I couldn’t not come to see him.” His eyes leave mine and he starts to fidget with his fingers. “The only reason why I didn’t come sooner was because I was afraid you’d be upset.”

Standing, I walk a few steps and hug him. Even though things with Danny didn’t end well, he’s still one of my best friends and I know he cares about my dad.

“Thank you for coming,” my voice is muffled against his chest. “It means a lot to me.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I’m always gonna be here for you.”

Tears start running down my cheeks at his words. The lump in my throat prevents me from uttering a word so I just nod.

“If you need to go to New York, I’ll help Natalie take care of Henry and Holly.”

Panic runs through me and I move away from the embrace, “How much of our conversation did you hear?”

“I just heard you need to go to New York. Let me help you Han, that way Nat won’t have to close the bakery and we can take turns.”

“That’s right,” Nat says excitedly, “Danny can stay here with your dad while I stay at your place with Holly and then we can switch it up. See? It’s all figured out.”

Shaking my head I meet Danny’s eyes. “I appreciate it, but I can’t accept your help. I know you’re busy, and we’re no longer together. I can’t ask this of you.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering and if I’m offering it’s because I can and want to help you,” he sighs. “I know we didn’t end things in a good way, but we were both on edge. I know I said things I didn’t really mean. We’ve been friends for a long time Hannah. You’ve always been there for me when I’ve needed you so let me be here for you now, even if we end up hating each other once things go back to normal.” Danny’s smile and honest words make me smile.

“I was a shitty girlfriend,” I say playfully.

“I was a lazy boyfriend. But we’re great friends.”

I’m about to tell him he was indeed lazy when Dr. McKennon interrupts us. “Hannah, your father’s awake.”

* * *

“Don’t cry, Hannah banana.” My dad’s voice sounds weak, but I smile and more tears fall when I realize he recognizes me.

“These are tears of joy, Dad. I’m so happy to hear your voice.”

“I’m sorry if I scared you, sweetie.”

“The important thing is you’re awake. Do you need anything?”

“I feel like I’ve been beaten up. I just need a minute to recover.”

“You’ll have all the time you need, I promise I’ll take care of everything.”

“How’s Holly? When can I get up and go take care of her?”

“Mr. Hartley, you’ll need to take it easy. A heart attack is not something to take lightly. I’m not going to discharge you until I’m certain you’re a hundred percent well.” Dr. McKennon says, my dad waves him off and makes an attempt to sit.

“Dad, please listen to the doctor. I promise you Holly is well, she wants to see you so bad, but if you don’t follow the doctor’s orders, you won’t be able to be with her anytime soon.”

“I want to see my baby girl now, she must be so worried.”

“If you focus on resting and get better, I promise I’ll let you go home as soon as possible,” the doctor offers.

“See dad? All you need is focus on getting strong enough to go be with Holly.”

“Well, I am kind of tired still,” my dad admits. “Maybe if I take a quick nap.”

Worry washes over me when I notice my dad’s voice go weak but Dr. McKennon squeezes my shoulder. “A nap sounds perfect, I’ll send Cindy to check on you in a little while.”

“I love you dad, I’ll be right outside okay?” He nods and I exit his room.

As soon as we’re out of earshot I start questioning Dr. McKennon. “What’s wrong Doctor?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Ms. Hartley. It’s normal for your father to feel fatigue. He’ll need a lot of rest and to be monitored constantly.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Being conscious and recognizing you is a great sign but I’m not going to lie, the next twenty four hours are still critical.”

“Is there anything we can do to help him?” I eagerly ask.

“I suggest you go home and rest, you’ll need all your strength for when he gets discharged.”

“Dr. I need to make a quick trip for work, it’s something I can’t postpone. Do you think,” hesitation tints my voice, “do you think he’ll be okay if I leave him for a week or two?”

“I always recommend family to be prepared for anything but also to be mindful of their own health. If this trip is necessary, try to take care of yourself. We’ll look out after your father. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other patients to check on.”

“Thank you.”

I watch Dr. McKennon walk away and when he’s out of sight I turn and peek inside my dad’s room. He’s sound asleep, his face relaxed. Something inside me woke up at the same time my dad did and I knew my decision was made. Good or bad, I had to try.

Entering the waiting area, I find Shae and Nat chatting and as soon as they see me they both stand.

“How’s Henry?” Nat asks.

“He’s weak and tired, but the Doctor is certain that if he makes the next twenty four hours without a mishap, he’ll be okay.”

“That’s wonderful,” Shae says, excitedly.

I get straight to the point, not allowing me to overthink anything, “Nat, are you sure you can help me out with my dad and Holly?”

She doesn’t hesitate to nod. “I’m sure, are you going to…?”

“Yes, if your offer and Shae’s still stand.”

“Of course it does. When are we leaving?” Shae asks.

“As soon as we can, I just need to go to one place first. Can I borrow your car, Nat?”

“Yeah sure. Do you want me to drive you somewhere?”

Shaking my head, I answer her, “no, this is something I need to do alone.”

Handing me her car keys, she confirms, “Danny went to your dad’s to check up on Holly, we’ll stay and keep an eye on your dad.”

“Thank you, I won’t be long.”

* * *

“Are you sure about this?” Mr. Hammond asks, eyeing me carefully.

Straightening my back I pray my voice sounds stronger than I feel, “I’m sure.”

“Hannah, this piece. I can’t give you as much as it’s worth,” he says honestly. “It would be best if you find a buyer for this. You could get five times more.”

“I don’t have time for that,” I answer frankly. “I need the money now and I…” my voice breaks a little but not as much as my heart. “I hope I can buy it back soon.”

My grip tightens around the only thing I have left of my mother. Tears sting at my eyes as I will my trembling fingers to hand my mother’s ring over to Mr. Hammond.

“Alright. If you’re sure. I’ll try to keep it here as long as I can, but I can’t make you any promises.”

“Thank you.”

I leave Mr. Hammond’s shop with an envelope full of cash, but without my mom’s ring. I left a little piece of my heart in there with it and I don’t dare to look back. I have a lot of things to get ready before I go to New York. I just hope my mom, wherever she is, forgives me for what I just did.