One Wish

Holding up the cup to her, I thank her again using her name. I’m about to turn and say my goodbyes when she suddenly speaks.

“I can see why Audrey loves you so much.”

I stop in my tracks and turn back, intrigued. “What makes you say that?”

She shrugs one shoulder. “Audrey is a kind-hearted soul who tends to pivot to other kind-hearted souls.” She tilts her head to one side. “I can see it in your eyes, what she sees. I just wish she were here to meet you again. I pray every day for her to get that chance.”

Touched by her sentiment, I brandish a soft smile. “I will do all I can to make that happen one day after she recovers.”

Swiftly nodding her head, Victoria replies, “See… kind-hearted soul. Tell Audrey I said hi when you visit her.”

“I will be sure to do that. Bye, Victoria. Thanks again for the coffee.”

“Oh, you’re very welcome! Have a nice day now!” she shouts back at my retreating frame.

I head to the car, my step quickening as I go. I’m unsure why I’m rushing, but the unknown apprehension is driving me forward.

Once I get seated, I realize how selfish I am when Finnegan glances at me and the coffee in my hand. “Oh, I’m sorry, Finnegan. Did you want one?” I ask, pointing to the coffee.

With a big smile in return, he replies, “No, thanks, Mr. Prescott. I try not to drink any caffeine past noon. It makes me gassy.”

Okay, maybe too much information there.

“Okay,” I drawl out, quickly changing the subject. “Can you take me to the local memorial hospital, please?”

A swift nod is his response. “Sure thing, Mr. Prescott.”

Finnegan pulls away and the whole journey there, I sit, staring out at the beautiful, imposing mountains and the bright, blue sky. Not one cloud can I spot. I know LA has beautiful weather, and the house I live in is in the most spectacular spot, but it’s never been me. It was Kendra’s idea to buy the opulent house, with its blindingly white everything. I would much prefer a more wholesome house. A house with warm, inviting colors, a cozy fireplace, and a bit of land where I can roam around breathing in fresh, clean air. A place where the birds chirping is the only sound I can hear for miles around. A home. Not a house. A home.

Filming here for my last movie was busy and fast-paced, but the wind-down times were my favorite as I was able to drive to the nearest mountain ranges and hike for miles, hardly seeing a single person as I roamed. I loved those moments. It brought me back to when I was a kid, where I used to hike. There, I was able to think clearly as I didn’t have my dad constantly on my back. I could just. Be. Me.

An idea forms in my head. A divorce is certain now that Kendra is carrying another man’s baby. After I am free from her, there’s nothing stopping me from moving to a place like this. I still need to be close to my parents, but this is only a two-hour plane ride, so it’s not inconceivable to move out of LA and start a brand-new life in a beautiful place like Wyoming.

The more I play with the idea on the short journey, the more I convince myself that I should do it. I would have lots to sort out before moving here, but if I knew that at the end of it, I could be living a fresh start somewhere I want to be, then the bad parts beforehand would be all worth it.

“We’re here, Mr. Prescott.”

Snapping out of my thoughts, I glance up to the bricked building with a big, red sign with “Sheridan Memorial Hospital” on the front.

“Thank you,” I pop out, before opening the door.

“Here,” Finnegan says quickly, momentarily halting me from standing. “Take this card—it has my number on it. You can call me once you’re ready to leave and I’ll come pick you up.”

I smile my thanks and quickly get out of the car. I note a man walking in with flowers and curse myself for not thinking to do the same. I will make a note to remember this for next time after she wakes up.

I walk towards the elevator and wait for it to open along with said man with flowers. After we move inside and the doors close, the spicy aroma from the carnations hit my nostrils.

Noting that I’m looking at the flowers, he glances my way, so I smile. “Nice flowers.”

“They’re for my wife. She’s just had a baby.”

“Congratulations,” I offer back.

“Thanks,” he says, really looking at me this time. As the doors open, he says, “Dude, you look like that actor… what’s his name…?” It then dawns on him as he snaps his fingers. “Eli Prescott.”

We both walk out, so I quirk back, “I get that all the time.”

I see him staring at me as he walks off, and as I glance back, he’s shaking his head, causing me to chuckle a little.