Page 29

Throughout the meeting, Phoenix listened and got to know the people who worked as hard as he did. They were proud of the lives they built, and with each person’s narrative, thedetermination grew in all of us to save what we had built with love and passion.

The room grew silent as we all contemplated how we’d go about fending off Hale Aalto and his threat. It was then Phoenix gasped and sat up in his chair.

“What about a series of street fairs in the neighborhood? We could set up food stands, put tables out for the stores, raffle off prizes, and even invite the historical society down and show them we’re vital to the economy of the city. We’ll get tons of people if we advertise and post on social media.”

A sudden excitement encompassed the room and before long, they had a list of ideas, raffle prizes, and the permits we would need in order to close the street for several weekend days.

Luka said, “The permits will be easy. I know a guy in the transportation department, so that won’t be a problem.”

“We’ll get our neighbors and friends to come and support you, Phoenix. You aren’t alone in this,” Lew said.

“You’re ours now,zaja, and we’ll always back you and your dreams,” Mi agreed.

“And we’ll offer a complete backyard landscape makeover for the raffle,” I threw in.

Phoenix moved to sit on my lap, reaching for Luka and linking their hands together. “Thank you,” he whispered.

I squeezed him closer as Luka said in his gruff voice, “Anything for you, Sunshine.”

“Aren’t we in this position in the first place because of you, Phoenix?” Cindi sneered.

A snarl traveled up my throat, but before it escaped, Phoenix sighed.

“As I explained in the letter you all received, my father is doing this because he doesn’t approve of our relationship. Well, it’s because he’s a petty shithead. The one way he knows how to assert control in any situation is to either throw money at it ortake over. He doesn’t care about our businesses or the families trying to survive.

“I understand it’s a bit much to take, especially because he’s my father, but I’m working on saving this block and I’ll fight until the very end in order to do just that. If you want to blame me, that’s fine, but we’re in this together and if you don’t want your beautiful jewelry boutique closed permanently, this is the best way to succeed.”

Silence met his impassioned speech until Arthur chuckled. “Your little green monster is showing, honey. Burton is happy with his men. It’s time to move on.”

“I, for one, can see how happy you three are and love this for all of you,” Angela from the knitting store on the opposite corner from the bakery spoke up.

“Thank you,” Phoenix said.

“And it shouldn’t matter. We live in a diverse neighborhood and we accept everyone,” Michael from the hardware store said.

The atmosphere relaxed as more and more people agreed that our relationship wasn’t the issue.

The meeting lasted another hour, and by that time, Phoenix’s energy was waning. Despite him changing his working hours, he still grew tired at night after years of the same early morning schedule. Adding to the fact his father was a constant source of pain for him, his emotions drained him.

“Petal, how about we head home? Arthur and Matthew can close.”

He turned in my arms and whimpered. “Why do I let him get to me? Why does he hate me so much?”

“Ah, Sunshine, please don’t cry. There’s nothing about this situation with your father that’s your fault. And of course his opinion matters to you. He was your only parent after your mother passed, but there’s no trying to understand why he’s an asshole to you. You are perfect.”

My heart broke as Phoenix worked to hold back his tears. I rubbed his back and whispered into his ear.

“There is nothing about you that’s not ideal. You’re hardworking, caring, sweet, and the most dedicated friend and boyfriend ever. We will be here anytime you forget how sensational you are and will do everything in our power to make sure you know how much you’re needed.”

Everything inside me screamed for me to tell him.

Moving from loving Luka as a friend to falling in love with him had been a simple transition, because we’d known each other for so long. But with Phoenix, he captured my heart when he gave me permission to touch him. The moment our lips met, my life righted, and I understood why I existed.

But it wasn’t the right time to make confessions. His emotions overwhelmed him with his heart hurting because the one person who was supposed to love him either didn’t show it at all or he had no heart.

I glanced at Luka as he pulled me and Phoenix close.

“You’re not alone, Sunshine. You have us, our parents, friends, and even the entire community. And B’s right, we’ll show you every day how essential you are to us.”