The Glory ( Freen❣️Becky)

20

Freen Put on  the hard hat Sam held out to her and followed him inside their soon-to-be natural foods store. Gutted as it was, it looked absolutely huge.

"My God, Sam. What the hell are we going to put in here?"

He laughed and put an arm around her
shoulder. "That, sis, is your job. But I like your idea of the food court."

She walked deeper inside and turned on her notebook. She pulled up the different schematics she'd been working on, trying to visualize where everything would go. "I like all these windows," she said. "It'll give it a more airy feel."

"Are you sure? Because they said they could put up a front if we want."

"This will be better. Besides, maybe we can put some live plants in here, make it a little more natural looking." She glanced at him.

"The contractors?"

"All lined up," he said. "They're just waiting on the plans and the diagrams, so we can get our quotes and a time estimate."

"You have three?"

"Actually, four are bidding

She walked toward the back wall, envisioning the coolers and frozen food section that would go there. She turned. "I planned everything with the aisles going perpendicular to the front," she said. She turned a circle.

"But parallel maybe? I mean, it's  large enough. We could even have the center part of the store like usual but make both-or one or the other of the ends parallel." She looked at him with raised eyebrows. "Just to break it up some."

"Look, you've always designed them. There's never been a problem. So go with what you like." He looked around, his voice echoing in the large empty space.

"But the longer we wait, the longer-"

"I know, I know," she said. She studied the schematics again, wishing for another set of eyes. She chewed on her lower lip. She could always run it by Becky, see what she thought. Maybe she'd give her a call, see if she wanted to have lunch with them. "Okay, let's go. Let me do a little more thinking. Give me another day, maybe two.

"Deal. I'll let the contractors know."

As they got back in Sam's truck, Freen said, "Mom says she overheard you talking to a Realtor. Are you going to buy a house and not rent?"

Sam laughed. "She overheard, huh? I didn't want to say anything yet. But Mon thinks we should just go ahead and buy now."

"I thought you were going to see how the summer went, see how the kids liked it," she said.

"We were. But they're still young enough to make a change. Crissy won't be in high school for two more years yet. And Kenny, well, he couldn't care less."

"I think that's great. I know it'll make Mom very happy knowing you'll be here."

He glanced at her. "What about you? Ready to buy something?"

She shook her head. "Despite how congested I am in Mom's little house, I don't think I want to buy anything."

"We could always sell Mom's house," he said. "Get something bigger for the two of you."

"You trying to keep me in Surat Thaini ?" she asked with a smile.

He shrugged. "It would be nice, yeah. We've never lived in the same place. The kids love it when you're around. You and Mon get along. It'd be nice to have the family all together," he said.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I missed out on a lot when you were a kid. I wasn't around. You and Mom were kinda on your own. I know it was hard after Dad died."

Freen nodded. "It was. Harder for Mom, I guess, than me."

"I know we can't get those years back, but it would be nice for the three of us to have some time together. As a family." He paused, his glance going from her back to the road again. "I mean, I know you've got your house and friends in Bangkok, but-"

"I'll think about it," she said, surprised by her answer. A few months ago, she would have never even entertained the idea.

"Really?" He smiled broadly. "Great.”

They'd worked closely together the last several years while they'd gotten their business going, but their relationship was more friendly and businesslike than brother and sister, especially at the beginning. She assumed it was a combination of their age difference and the fact that he'd left home when he was eighteen, leaving her growing up essentially an only child. She stared out the window, not really acknowledging the scenery as they whizzed past. Would she really consider moving back to Surat Thaini ?

"Listen, do you mind if I invite Becky to join us for lunch? I want an outsider to look at my designs."

"Oh, sure, that's fine. Mom will love it."

"Thanks." She pulled out her phone, finding Becky's number. She'd added it the other night, telling herself if they were going to attempt a friendship, she should at least include her in her list of contacts.

*****

"Mother, this is not a good time," she said, wondering why she'd answered the phone in the first place.

"Not a good time? Becky  your father and I wish to speak with you. Now, we'll expect you within the hour. I'll have Stella hold lunch until you're here."

Her mother disconnected before she could reply. Was that how it had always been? Was there ever a time in her life that she'd ever gone against her mother's wishes? Well, as she'd told Nop last night, no more. She called her mother back immediately.

"As I said, this is not a good time. I already have a lunch date." She disconnected much as her mother had done, realizing how childish it was. But of course her mother was treating her as a child, why not act like one?

This time, when her mother called back, Becky ignored it as she hurried out to her car. Despite her brave words to Nop  last night, she wasn't really prepared to face her parents. Not yet. Perhaps having a pep talk with Freen and Alice might give her the strength-and confidence-to talk to them later. But not at the mansion. If they wanted to confront her, they'd have to do it on her terms.

The late spring day was bordering on warm and she lowered her window, letting the breeze lift her hair, blowing it around her face. It felt good. She felt good. There was a tiny sense of freedom in the action, and she smiled, looking forward to lunch.

______________________________________________

So Becky now you are going on a lunch date with Freen's family .

But your crazy Mom , let it be and enjoy....

That is for today guys, i know short update but I am really so tired now , let's go and  sleep 😴

Don't forget to leave your comment, i like them most .

Byeee
Author SK 😊🙏