AND SO IT BEGINS
“That should just about do it, unless there are any questions.” Jordan looked around the room at The Art Galleria Administrative Board. No one said a thing. “Good. You know if you have problems, need anything, or have questions, I’m always available. Thank you for giving up your Saturday afternoon to get the ball rolling. This holiday season will be upon us sooner than we think. I want to make sure it’ll be unlike any other in the New District of Acorn Hills.” The meeting disbursed into the reception room of the Galleria. Jack Everling, pushed his walker, ambled slowly toward his son, and extended his, which Jordan grasped firmly. “Son, you’ve done a great job with this place. I’m glad it all worked out. I’m proud of you,” Jack smiled and looked around the grand room. “Well, Dad, all thanks to you and Louis. I’d almost given up finding job.” “Sounds like you have a lot of great plans for the holidays, a lot of great things happening here,” Jack smiled. “Yes! I want this to be the best, most different, most elegant, MOST holiday season Acorn Hills has ever seen,” Jordan’s excitement extended through his arms as he kept opening them up each time the word “most” came from his mouth. He sported a huge grin which made his eyes twinkle all the more. “Is Ginger on board with your plans?” Jordan chuckled. Knowing his lovely wife, she would have things well in hand long before the nights they were needed. “Dad, Ginger’s a micro manager when it comes to events. She’s been doing this for years. What I’m worried about is not having enough jobs for everyone to do. The interest in this by the businesses has been phenomenal!” Jack reached for his coat and Jordan held it as his father put his arms in the sleeves. “You know your mom and I will do whatever we can to help. All you have to do is ask,” Jack gave a brief hug to his son as he headed for the door. “I’m counting on you to be Mr. and Mrs. Santa. That’s your official duty, Dad. Always has been!” Jordan looked at the lines around the eyes of his aging father, made more prominent by the delightful smile from his words. Realizing there weren’t going to be too many more holidays together saddened Jordan. For as long as Jordan could remember, his dad had been the town Santa. Memories flooded his thoughts of the annual events that happened on the Saturday following Thanksgiving: the wonderful spicy aroma of chili and fresh baked bread, the laughter of those working so diligently in the kitchen to prepare the dinner for the after parade party, the Chamber of Commerce volunteers lining up the entrants for the parade, Mr. Farnsworth driving the red Mustang convertible with his parents as Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Jordan sighed and shook his head. Yup, that certainly wasn’t a tradition he would ever break. He took his stack of notes back to his office. The coffee and other refreshments had been cleared away and the table wiped clean. He was so thankful for his efficient assistant, Ellie Sutter. And, of course, she was nowhere to be seen. Hiring her was one of his best decisions. Ellie, the youngest daughter of Mike and Gwendolyn Sutter, was a whiz at office protocol as well as organization. She definitely was a “behind the scenes” kind of gal. Things got done and you never saw how. Jordan chuckled. She was the sweetest girl. He sure wished she would do something more with her life, though. Ellie had gone to college, majored in business, graduated, and moved home so she could help care for her mother, who passed not long after Ellie’s arrival. Losing the Sutter matriarch shocked so many people. Gwendolyn was involved in so many facets of the community. Even though her husband, the Governor, spent most of his time at the Capitol building, Gwendolyn championed her own interests; one was being in on the ground floor planning of the Christmas/winter holiday events. After reading through all of the applications, Jordan immediately called Ellie for an interview and offered her the job as his assistant, on the spot. Jordan smiled as he thought of how loudly Ellie squealed. Taking his cell phone from his pocket, Jordan pressed #1. “Hi honey. How did the meeting go,” the cheery voice answered immediately. “Pumpkin, it was incredible! There’s so much excitement from the business owners, from the workers, from my staff. It was incredible, just incredible! And Dad was so funny. Said he and mom would help where they could. All I could do was tell him we are not breaking with tradition. They WILL be Mr. and Mrs. Santa as they have for the past fifty years.” Ginger smiled. She could almost see the excitement in her husband as he continued describing the meeting. “When do we start?” Jordan’s laugh was reminiscent of a Santa belly laugh. “Why did I know that would be the first question you asked?” “Because, you know me,” Ginger did a cheesy grin hoping he could tell she was doing it, even by just hearing her voice. “Yes, Pumpkin, that I do. We start tomorrow. The Galleria must be completely decorated before Thanksgiving. The evening of the parade, which will be held in the New District this year, is when all the Christmas lights go on, then Denise will light the tree in honor of Gwendolyn Sutter,” Jordan explained. “Mayor Carden made that suggestion.” “So, that means we have two businesses to decorate, then. What are the other businesses doing?” Ginger inquired. “Very simple. All white lights around the windows and doors. The lamp posts will have the silver metal snowflakes hanging from them again. The Community Center is in charge of decorating the tree in the square. I just want it all done. I want it to be perfect. I want everyone in Acorn Hills to see that the New District is a force to be reckoned with.” “Well, honey, with you at the helm of this project it will go well.” Ginger stated confidently then changed the subject. “Are we serving cookies or anything for the tree trimming tomorrow?” “No. You don’t need to worry about that. I think you have enough to think about with our Christmas gathering. I asked Louis about using the great room for our family Thanksgiving dinner and he was in favor of it, so I invited them to join us. I hope that is okay?” “The more the merrier. Bart is in charge of this shindig. It was his idea. I have no clue how many we’ll serve. All I know is that all of my staff, all of your staff, your parents, my parents, and all of our friends will be there. All I’m supposed to do is show up!” Ginger paused to clear her throat. “Do you think there is a way we could use the long tables instead of the round ones?” “We can do anything you want, Pumpkin. Long tables it is.” Jordan made a note on the yellow pad in front of him. “Do you want me to plan on you being home for dinner?” Ginger asked. “Oh yeah, I shouldn’t be much longer.” Jordan looked at the digital clock on the wall in front of him. It was 4 p.m. “I’ll be home by six.” “Sounds good, I’ll have dinner ready. See you then. Love you, honey.” Jordan spent the rest of his time at work making phone calls, securing people for different jobs for this holiday fiesta. Check mark after check mark was seen on his list. That was a good sign. It was a positive sign. Now if everyone would just stay on task. One last phone call and he would be done. “Richard, it’s Jordan.” “Hey, Jordan! What can I do for you?” “Just wondering when we can get together to discuss this holiday madness,” Jordan chuckled. “How ‘bout coffee at the Cracked Cup around ten in the morning?” “Great, I was hoping you weren’t going to say now. Ginger has dinner ready and I still have several other phone calls to make before I can leave. Thanks, Richard. See you tomorrow.” It wasn’t two seconds before the phone rang. “Jordan Everling.” “Jordan, Eve Braden. I’m returning your call.” “Eve, thanks. I’m sure you know what this is all about.” “Oh, gee, let me see…it’s a few weeks before Thanksgiving and the town is already buzzing about the holidays…yes, I do,” Eve chuckled then continued, “ how can I help?” “Well, I was hoping you’d be up for doing the coin hiding thing again this year. That was so much fun last year. I found myself buying copies of the Chronicle just to see what your editorial column would say and what clues you’d post,” Jordan confessed. “I see how it is, you only buy the Chronicle when there are contests and at holiday time,” Eve teased. “I’d be honored to run the column again this year. I must admit, it’s challenging for me to come up with new places to hide the coins and new clues to find them. The key is to make the clues difficult, but not difficult enough no one wants to play.” “I will just leave that whole thing to you, Eve. I think we reveal the winners like we did last year. You never know, this could become Acorn Hills’ newest holiday tradition. If you do it more than once, that is what it becomes!” Jordan laughed. “That’s true, Jordan. Do you have new things planned as well?” Eve inquired. “Some. Really hoping the weather cooperates this year so we can flood a portion of the park and have an outside skating pond, but if not, the ice arena said they will allow an open skate on Sunday afternoons. I know for sure Santa will arrive at the Library, as usual. We can’t break tradition with that. I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do when Dad can’t do that anymore.” “We won’t think of that now. There’s too much to do, and I’m sure there’s another Everling who will carry on that tradition.” Eve’s words touched Jordan. He didn’t want to think about not having his parents around, especially at the holidays, but realistically knew he would have to face that sooner than later. “Eve, thanks so much. I’ll have Felicia contact you this week. One of the graphic arts classes from CKCC is doing all the promotional material for the event. You two gals can work your magic, I’m sure.” “Your vote of confidence warms my heart, Jordan,” Eve laughed heartily. “Give that gorgeous wife of yours a hug for me. If you can think of anything else I can do, just let me know. I’ll be in the writing den figuring out clues for the coins!” Jordan smiled as he hung up the phone. Eve Braden was such an asset to Acorn Hills. Since she’d assumed the responsibility of Editor of the Chronicle, it seemed events were getting more publicity than ever. He was glad she was such a team player. Grabbing the dark gray Columbia windbreaker from the back of his office door, Jordan turned out the lights and locked his office. His stomach growled. It was definitely time for food! Jordan noticed as he drove by the Chronicle that Eve was still working. The girl never slowed down! She was at least twenty years his junior, maybe that was why she could go hours on end! He decided while he was near that he may as well drop off the information she would need for the holiday event. After going around the block, Jordan pulled up in front of the newspaper office, grabbed the folder that lay on the passenger seat, and proceeded into the building. Eve was standing at the counter writing something down and immediately her head jerked up when the chimes on the door signaled someone entering. “Well, well, Mr. Everling, this is a surprise. Didn’t I just talk to you?” Eve flashed a smile at him. “I thought since I passed by here on the way home, I’d bring the information to you,” Jordan handed her the folder. “I’d planned on waiting until tomorrow, but figured the sooner it was in your hands, the less I’d have to worry about it.” Eve’s chuckle filled the empty office. The smile on her face made her caramel colored eyes twinkle. She was dressed in a soft pink cowl neck angora sweater that she’d paired with a black suede midi A-line skirt and black leather knee boots with a stacked heel. “Well, there is that, I suppose. So, we’re doing the contest as last year, right?” Eve leafed through the notes in the folder. “Yup, that’s the plan…if you agree to it, of course.” “I think I told you when we spoke that I’d be willing to run the column again. Only this year the title will change. Christmas in Acorn Hills sounds so blah. What do you think about Holiday Hide and Seek?” Eve offered. “I think that sounds perfect, and being the micro manager you are, you probably already have the columns written, the clues rhymed, and the locations to hide the coins!” They both laughed at Jordan’s statement. Eve had a heart for Acorn Hills, which was something that waned for old Bill Dillon. Jordan and Eve had built a strong working relationship because of her love for the arts and support of the Acorn Hills Arts Center. The bantering, once it began, seemed to continue throughout their conversations. It annoyed Jordan at times because they rarely stayed on task. “Okay, I need to get moving. Ginger’s cooking dinner tonight and I actually get to be home and eat it while it’s hot.” “Sounds good, hot shot, and you’re spot on. I have the articles written and the clues figured out…still working on the businesses and places to hide the coins, though. Not sure even you will know when or where they will be hid,” Eve teased. “Now, shoo! The last thing I need is to be on Ginger’s bad side.” Jordan pulled the door closed behind him and walked the short distance to his vehicle. He yawned. The sun was setting, it had been a long day, and all he wanted to do was sit in front of the fireplace with Ginger. He merged into traffic and began his journey home. Holiday Hide and Seek had a great ring to it. Jordan wasn’t quite sure what the articles would be about, but Eve was more than capable of handling all of that and then some. Jordan turned into his driveway and shut off the car. He made his way up the few steps and into the condo, the only place that he’d ever truly known as his adult home. The aroma of something delicious hit his nostrils the instant the door was opened. That had his salivary glands working over time! He walked into the kitchen to find Ginger busy chopping something. Jordan put his arms round his wife’s waist and kissed her neck. “Hi, honey! I didn’t hear you.” Ginger turned around to face Jordan, making sure she kept her hands off the lapels of his jacket. She tenderly responded to the kiss he placed on her lips. “Hi, Pumpkin. Whatever you’re making smells incredible.” “Thanks,” Ginger smiled. “You have enough time to shower and get comfy if you want. I’ll finish up, set the table, and pour the wine. You have ten minutes.” Jordan placed a playful kiss on the tip of her nose and raced off toward the bathroom. By the time Jordan had showered, dinner was on the table, the candles were lit, and the wine was poured. Ginger had tuned into some of Jordan’s favorite jazz and dimmed the lights. “You never cease to amaze me, Mrs. Everling,” Jordan smiled. “How you have time to do all you do, I’ll never understand.” “I have a great staff that lets me come and go as I need. All I had to do was tell Bart I needed to be home early tonight and I was outta there,” Ginger motioned with her thumb, much as a baseball umpire would when calling a player out. Ginger handed Jordan a plate with a generous portion of buttered noodles and chicken parmesan. They sat in silence, mainly because neither had eaten, so enjoying the food was primary. “You know,” Jordan began, “when I took over the holiday events and responsibilities, how much bitching I did? I’m finding this year, in particular, I’m really enjoying getting things together.” “Here’s to more of that,” Ginger raised her wine glass and smiled. “So long as you’re happy, baby, that’s all that matters.” Jordan smiled and looked at his wife. The glow from the candlelight made her hair seem a fiery blaze surrounding her precious face. “I love you, pumpkin.” “I love you, too. Now, is there anything I can help you with…planning, plotting, devious monkeyshines…” Ginger giggled. “You go sit in the den and I’ll clean up from dinner.” Jordan kissed her on his way to the sink. “I’m sure we can figure out some devious monkeyshines!”
DEALING WITH ADVERSITY…AGAIN
“Denise, we need to get together, soon,” Seth’s voice held an anxious tone. “Dad, I know. I know you want to talk about the future and what this damn MS diagnosis means. I know we need to set up a treatment plan. I know all of this, but it doesn’t mean I’m jumping for joy to get anything done.” The eerie pause in their conversation sent chills down Denise’s spine. This was not what she wanted, not by a long shot. Why her? Why did she have to spend the last years of her life with a disease that had complications that could be fatal? Why now? Why in the midst of the holiday hoopla? Why? “Honey, your mom and I need to know you’re okay, that you’re progressing forward. I know you feel like this is going to end everything for you, but the way the MS presents itself in you is minimal. We’ll go with you to the neurologist and figure it all out,” Seth explained. Denise sighed and rolled her eyes. Easy for you to say! I just met one of my daughters and the other will be here with her family for the holidays. How can I think of this crap right now? I don’t want to think about this crap…not now, not ever! “Dad, I promise, after all of this holiday stuff is over, I will make the appointment and would appreciate you being there. I want you to know what’s going on so you can explain it all to me.” “You know we’ll be there, sweetheart. I’ll do all I can to help you understand what this disease will do to you and how to combat it. We’ll figure it out together, I promise.” “I love you, Dad.” “We love you, too,” Seth began, “How are things with Felicia going? I’m glad you finally met one of your girls.” “Dad, she’s a phenomenal young lady,” Denise began, the tone of her voice brightening. “I can’t wait for our family to celebrate this year,” Denise checked the clock on the mantle. “I need to get moving, Dad. David and I need to purchase lights and decorations for both businesses. We’ll talk soon. Give mom a hug. I love you.” Denise put her cell phone in her back pocket and leaned back against the couch cushions. She sighed. Multiple Sclerosis. She shook her head. She needed to tell Felicia, and Adriana, when she arrived. How would they take it? They needed to be aware in case they had symptoms in the future. Multiple Sclerosis was individual. It attacked each victim differently. In Denise’s case, she hoped it would go no farther than the foot drop and weakness. The one thing she did notice was being bone-tired all the time. Her energy level was at rock bottom most days. It was an effort to put on a smile and act like nothing was going on. Outwardly she looked healthy, like nothing was wrong, yet inwardly her own body was attacking itself. David walked into the den. Denise was so lost in thought she didn’t notice him. “Hon, what’s wrong? I thought I heard the phone ring. Everything okay?” Denise raised her head and smiled. David, her darling David. “Hi, baby. We about ready to go shopping?” “Yeah, I guess.” “You sound about as thrilled as I am at this point with all this holiday shit.” “It’ll all be okay.” David sat down beside Denise on the couch and tenderly kissed her, put an arm around her and drew her close. He kissed the top of her head. God, he loved this woman. “You okay, Hon?” “David, stop worrying, I’m fine. Other than being very tired, I’m okay. We need to get these damn decorations and get them up so we won’t be kicked off the block!” Denise chuckled. “How’s your speech coming?” David asked. “I don’t know. I think I’ll do better without writing anything down. I don’t want to do this, you know? But I feel I have to because it’s for Gwendolyn,” Denise shook her head in disbelief. “How ironic that I would be the one helping Gwendolyn with that first MS fund raiser and now stricken with it, too.” “Things happen for reasons, Hon,” David pulled her closer to him. “Who called?” “Dad…he’s worried about this MS thing. I just want it to go away. I don’t have time right now to deal with it. Adriana and her parents fly in at the end of the week, we have the decorating to do, and I have to light the community tree. I don’t have time to worry about anything else,” Denise declared, secretly hoping the whole health issue would vaporize. “Do what Seth says, hon. It’s important you rest between all of this shit, you know?” Denise knew David was worried. He didn’t need to voice it…she saw it on his face and heard it in his words. She would rest, when she could…maybe.
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