Hope House Read Free Page A

got up from her desk and followed Brian, careful not to make any noise, lest Charlene lurked in the hallway. Didn’t want to ruin her—
    “Surprise!” Everyone in the conference room shouted to Gloria when she opened the door. She looked over her shoulder but Charlene wasn’t behind her. They were cheering not for Charlene but for her.
    She blushed and smiled. “It’s not my birthday but I’d love the cake anyway.”
    Brian put his arm around her. He reminded her of Philip Seymour Hoffman. “We know it’s not your birthday, Gloria. We set you up.”
    “For what?” Her face ached from smiling.
    “Because of your work on When Baby Doesn’t Make It , you’ve received—” he reached over to a chair and pulled up a wooden and brass plaque— “The Massie Award.”
    He handed it to her, and the full staff of fifteen people clapped. After she silently read aloud the words carved into the brass, tears of pride overflowed.
    To Gloria Hanes, A true humanitarian, for your outstanding work in making the world a better place.
    Gloria wiped her eyes. “ Wow. I don’t what to say except I want to thank all of you. This book couldn’t have become a reality if not for you.”
    A loud pop and then a fizz added to the sounds of excited chatter that filled the large paneled room. “I’d like to make a speech,” Brian announced.
    Jenny, the accountant, quickly poured champagne into paper coffee cups. After everyone had been served, Brian spoke. “It’s just like you to want to share the praise but this project was your baby. No pun intended. I think most of us were here when you started about six years ago.”
    Her co-workers nodded and Brian continued. “As I recall, you came in to inter view and told me you had been chewed up and spit out and were ready to start a new life.”
    Everyone laughed.
    “To be honest, I was leery about hiring you. But with your resume I couldn’t refuse. You didn’t seem downtrodden to me. Even then, you were strong. Wounded but tough. Tall, blond, and hell bent on proving yourself. Over the years, you’ve transformed so many careers. You’ve put this firm on the map. The writers love you, the booksellers love you, and hell,” he blushed, “we love you, Gloria.  In fact, Stephen and I are damn proud to have you and want to offer you a partnership.”
    “A partnership?” Gloria thought she would explode with joy. Her co-workers clapped.
    Stephen O’Neill, surely the long-lost brother of actor Liam Neeson, held up his cup. “A toast to O’Neill, Rogers, and Hanes, LLP.”
    “What do you say, Gloria? Partners?” Brian asked.
    She wiped her eyes and b rown mascara smeared the tissue. “I must look like a raccoon. To O’Neill, Rogers, and Hanes, LLP.” She drank the first sip of champagne and everyone cheered.
    A dream come true, she thought. Making partner and being loved by such a wonderful group of people. She felt like George Bailey at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life and half-expected to hear a bell ring.
    Instead it was her cell phone. She pulled it from the pocket of her corduroy blazer and saw a number she didn’t recognize. “I should get this, Brian. Be right back.”
    “We’ll cut the cake.” He held up a knife.
    She nodded, turned and walked from the noisy room toward her office. “Hello?”
    “ Is this Gloria Hanes?”
    “Yes.”
    “ This is Doctor Michael Woodrow from Boston General.”
    “Oh my God, is someone hurt? Is it my mother or father?”
    “ No nothing like that. Three years ago, you went to a marrow drive for someone in the Boston area. Your marrow wasn’t a match for that person but your DNA, as you know, was recorded and stored in a database.”
    “And?”
    “ Preliminary checks show that you are a close match to a patient, someone who doesn’t have much time left. A child.”
    Gloria felt her face flush. “Do you want me to come in?”
    “ Yes. As soon as possible. I know your schedule may make it impossible —”
    “If it’s a