Chapter 49: To Visit Mother

"Great, let's head out there soon then. I'll let you know when we go." After Philip left, James went back to the interviews. Lots of applicants today—most of them women. 

'It makes him wonder, are these women here to work because it's a simple flower shop? Or is it because my father is just as handsome as me?'

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James' round of interviews was straightforward. He kept it brief—just a few minutes of handshakes and small talk—but powered through with the help of a surrounding fortress of energy drinks and wrappers of protein bars hiddenly piling up behind him. Excessive? Maybe. But it worked. He ended up hiring a woman named Hannah Weir after expending tons of energy in trying to scan through countless women with Cortana.

Hannah had just turned thirty-one. She'd been married once but had no children. She and her ex-husband used to run a flower shop together until he died in a car accident. After that, she sold everything and moved to New York, hoping for a fresh start.

The city's pace was dizzying, but when she stumbled upon this flower shop, something clicked. It felt right and seemed simpler compared to the ongoings around her. She applied on the spot.

"Carlos, this lady's heart is recovering," James whispered after the interview, winking. "You better make your move."

Sighing at the attempt, he changed topic "James... I think we should visit the graveyard," Carlos said suddenly. James fell quiet. He'd planned to go late at night, old teachings maybe, but that wasn't necessary anymore. He had to adapt.

"Alright. Now that you've got an employee, we'll visit the grave. Just get her trained up. I'll be good to go anytime."

Hannah started work the next day. She already knew her way around to being a florist; all she had to do was memorize the pricing. Carlos didn't charge much and barely made a profit, but customers loved the place. The decor was warm, the prices fair—it made people feel at ease and welcomed.

"Hannah, get comfortable quickly. My son and I are visiting a grave in a few days. We'll be leaving the place in your hands."

"Visiting a grave?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes, my wife, James's mother," Carlos answered, plainly. The honesty struck a chord. It was the kind of connection that reminded Hannah what life was about.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's alright. It's been a long time. I let them both down. Now I live with my son and try to make up for it. The funny thing is, James' the one taking care of me."

"I envy you two," Hannah said softly. "My husband and I didn't have children. Now he's gone, and I'm on my own."

"I'm sorry," Carlos said. "You can treat this place like your home. If you need anything, just ask. We've got you."

"Thanks. Don't worry. I've got this place covered," she smiled, then added with a sly grin, "but I'd like a raise."

"No problem, just do a good job, and will talk about it." Their partnership was off to a good start.

That evening, James went home and started researching Silicon Valley. Most of the tech he needed was available there—he just needed a capable CEO. As he scrolled through real estate and business forums, his phone rang.

"Hello?" he answered.

"James. It's Tony. Don't you have my private number already?"

"Of course not. Wasn't the right time to exchange numbers the last time."

"Well, I don't have yours either. Guess we both messed up. If you hadn't called, I'd have assumed I had it."

"You're a busy guy. So, are you ready to invest?"

"Tech or cash?" Stark asked.

"Game's already developed. I just need you to help design a balance system."

"Sounds good. Where's the company based?"

"California. Close to your place, isn't it?"

"Nice. Silicon Valley?"

"Exactly. Perfect environment for what we're doing."

"Alright, give me a number. I'm in. Thirty percent?"

"That's right. My father holds ten. I keep the rest. Once we go public, I'll release twenty percent in batches on the market. Your shares won't get diluted."

"Deal. Loop Pepper in when it's time. She'll handle the logistics. I'm in New York handling the Expo, wanna come check it out?"

"No can do. I'm visiting my mother's grave, then flying to California. Packed schedule."

"Grave visit, huh?" Stark paused. His parents were gone too, but his relationship with his father had always been... complicated.

"Hey, Stark, there's a saying in Asia: 'The dead should be respected.' Whatever happened in life, it's over. All that's left is memory. Good or bad, it's still nostalgia."

Exhaling, "Alright. Got it. Don't forget, you need to show up for the Expo's opening. Great chance to promote the new company."

"You got it, won't miss the chance," James said, ending the call with a smile as he settled back on the couch.

A few days later, Hannah had found her rhythm. She remembered old returning customers, worked with a cheerful spirit, and loved the shop. Her mood had lifted, and so had Carlos's.

Carlos had always been the quiet, steady type, and it turned out he had a certain appeal. Especially among women over thirty. Some nearby executives, single, confident, and successful, would stop in for flowers... and conversations.

Family dynamics in the U.S. were different. Parents and children didn't usually live together, but James and Carlos were an exception. James was used to it; Carlos wanted to do his part as a father that he never did. It worked for them.

Soon, the two were packed and heading back to the city they'd left behind. Cemeteries always carried a certain weight. The trees were bare in winter, and the air felt gray. Alice Gibson's tombstone was a little worn. James hadn't had the money for anything grand at the time.

They brought fresh flowers and quietly tidied the site.

"If she knows we came together. Do you think she'd be happy?" Carlos asked softly. The woman he regretted most lay here.

"She would. She was always strong, and always kind. We might be late, but we made it." James smiled.

The cemetery was part of a church next door, sustained by community donations. Carlos approached the priest.

"Our loved one is buried here. We hope she's at peace in heaven. Please accept our donation, it's not much, but it's heartfelt."

He handed over a check for a million dollars. James handed one too.

"Thank you for your generosity. Is there anything you'd like us to do?" The priest's voice remained calm and sincere. He wasn't fazed by the amount. He seemed like a good man.

"It feels too sad here," James said. "My mother loved flowers. Could we clean up the grounds and plant some? Nothing expensive. Just something that feels alive. We'll visit every year."

"Don't worry, child," the priest said, crossing himself. "You're right. This place should be full of life. It would ease the souls of the departed if we do so."