“It’s amazing,” the other woman enthused. “I’m so proud of them!”
Cam laughed. “There were times I wasn’t sure they’d ever stop arguing over what went where.”
Theresa poked an elbow in Cam’s side. “You got that right.”
On the inside, the space had been perfectly apportioned for equipment, exercise areas, a sauna, and a holistic center complete with massage tables and an acupuncture office. They’d even installed a lap pool and a jetted tub for hydrotherapy patients.
Once all the guests entered, Theresa joined her husband near the office area where a table had been set up with non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers. Other members of the therapy staff, wearing black t-shirts emblazoned with the center’s turquoise and white logo, milled around the equipment, showing guests how each piece worked, what muscle groups would be affected and how.
Cam returned to Jordan’s side. She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave an encouraging squeeze. “Congratulations. It’s perfect.”
“Yeah. I can’t believe it’s finally done and ready.” He settled his hand on top of hers, then lifted both hands to place a kiss inside her palm.
She instinctively curled her fingers closed, like a child clutching a perfect pebble within her grasp. These days, every kiss, every tender moment was precious. Life was a treasure chest, and love was the jewel inside. Without the jewel, the chest was just a box, like any other box. It might be fancier or made from better components, depending upon a person’s circumstances, but it was still an empty box. On the other hand, fill the box with love, the true jewels of life, and the box’s worth increased exponentially.
“Outstanding, Jordan.” Susan Harwich approached them, hand outstretched to shake Jordan’s. “The place looks incredible. I always knew you had a real talent for this line of work. You can spot the diamonds in a coal mine. That’s a gift.” She quirked a brow, but humor rode high in the sparkle in her eyes. “You sure I can’t coax you back to HRR?”
“I’m sure. I appreciate all you did for me, Susan. You gave me a chance when I was getting my life back together, and you got Marcus and me a great deal on this property—”
“I got you a killer deal.” Her toothy smile resembled a shark’s, and Cam suppressed a shiver. “And I got a little revenge while I was at it. Bella will think twice before encroaching on my territory again. All in all, this was one of my best deals ever. Thanks to you.”
He shook his head. “Unh-uh. This was all your doing. Between the price you negotiated and your construction contacts coming through for us, we came in far enough under budget to install all Marcus’s dream equipment. Which went a long way to putting him at ease after I let you take your time getting us all to the table. You’ve made me look like a hero. So, thank you. And I’m also grateful that you put me in touch with your clients on the Island. They’ve been a big help in getting my new realty office launched.”
Cam took a step back, allowing the two business associates to have a private discussion about corporate properties and slaying your dragons, whatever that meant.
While Jordan was a partner in this new therapy venture, he preferred to be the silent kind while he continued pursuing commercial real estate for fun and profit, working closer to their new home.
“Cameron?”
At the sound of her mother’s hesitant voice, she turned to find the woman striding forward, hands clasped at waist-height in front of her and twisting with nervousness. Mr. Ellison stood at Mom’s side, his arm draped around her shoulders in a protective stance.
Guilt pierced Cam at the sight. Her mother was afraid of her. Not of any physical harm, but of what Cam might say to hurt her.
She’d done that, caused those haunted eyes and deep lines around Mom’s mouth. The two of them had always shared a contentious connection. But no incident was as contentious as their argument the night Bertie died. That night was the first time she’d ever thrown her mother out of her apartment or refused to apologize after her temper cooled. And she’d kept her mother at arms’ length ever since.
Love, she reminded herself. The treasure is love. Without love, the chest is empty.
She might have a twisted way of showing it at times, but her mother loved her. And after all this time apart, maybe today was the day to begin mending their torn relationship. Like a grown-ass woman who had a lot of love to give would do.
“Hello, Mother. I’m so glad you could come.” She bent to give Mom a quick air kiss, careful not to smear the perfect makeup or wrinkle the silk blouse.
Jordan cleared his throat. “Susan, why don’t I show you around the site?”
“No, Jordan, wait.” Mom laid a hand on the back of his chair. “Please?” When he paused, she pointed at him, then Cam. “I need to speak with you both. I promise I won’t take up more than a minute of your time. You two. You’re happy?”
Cam and Jordan joined hands again. “Yes,” Cam replied. “Blissfully so.”
Mom nodded. “Good. That’s good. And the new school? It’s working out for the foundation?”
“Yes. Faculty and kids are all delighted.” Cam felt Jordan apply a light pressure to her fingers, a prompt to move forward from their animosity. He’d been the one to invite her mother to the opening today, insisting it was long past time for the two women to bury the hatchet. “You... umm... you and Mr. Ellison haven’t been to our new place yet. Maybe you’d like to join us for dinner next Saturday? If you’re available?”
Her mother beamed and shared a joyful glance with her husband, who nodded. “That would be wonderful.”
“We live out in the ‘burbs now, Mother,” Cam teased. “You know that, right?”
“Yes. The birthday card you sent this year
