Character interview with Logan Perry from “A Place to Belong”

 Blurb:

Logan Perry was offered a job caring for an elderly lady a thousand miles from his home in Iowa. Looking for a place to hide, it seems to be the perfect opportunity to escape. So Logan runs to Texas. All he wants is a roof over his head and food in his stomach. So moving into the amazing McFarren Manor he believes is all he needs.

Bradley McFarren is only looking for someone to care for his aging grandmother. Too busy with the family multi-billion dollar real estate firm, he just doesn't have time. With no personal life to speak of, Bradley has kept his heart safe. As long as Gail, his beloved grandmother, is cared for, he thinks it's all he needs.

But what both their hearts truly desire is a place to belong.

So begins the journey of a love that will not be denied; a love bigger than the state of Texas.

The Interview

Good morning, Mr. Perry. May I call you Logan?

Absolutely.

Thank you for talking with me this morning.

This is for an article on the McFarren’s?

Yes. Don’t worry. Mr. Bradley McFarren has given me permission to do this.

Oh. Good. Go ahead, then.

Well, first question is how had you heard about this job? I understand you are originally from Iowa?

Yes, a small town. Mr. McFarren’s business is buying and selling real estate and it just so happened that the care facility I was working in at the time was purchased by a company he owned… or something like that. Anyway, there was a rumor going around that Brad… I mean, Mr. McFarren was buying all these care facilities looking for the perfect place for his grandmother. I decided to check into it and found out that he was actually looking for a full time, live in nurse. So I applied.

Elder care is a specialty of yours?

I guess. It’s the only thing I’ve done since graduating from college. I think I’m good at it.

It’s a tough profession. A lot of high stress.

Yes. That’s true. We were trained to separate ourselves from the patient and family, to stay focused on care and care alone. I actually don’t really like that. I think it’s important to bond with your people, especially the residents. A lot of them no longer have family who even come to see them. I feel awful that someone might end up dying alone.

But in contrast to that, you decided to leave Iowa and the nursing home circuit and care for only one patient. Why is that?

I needed a change. I needed out of that small town.

I see. Why is that?

(Fidgets) Well, I’m… I just needed a change, that’s all. It was time for me to get out on my own completely.

Do you miss your family?

No.

(Raises eyebrows) Really? So you have no real contact with them?

No.

Okay, moving on. Is caring for Ms. Gail McFarren difficult?

(Smiles) No. She is the sweetest thing. I love her so much. She is a great joy to serve. Every one of the staff thinks the same way.

How many staff is there in that huge house?

Other than me there are two more full time nurses. They don’t live in the house though, just me. I am the only one who actually lives in the house. Oh, except the chef. He has a couple of rooms off the kitchen. Then there are various other house hold people who keep the house clean. There is a staff’s house that sits behind the mansion where some of them live.

A staff’s house? What’s that like?

I honestly don’t know. I have never been invited. If the staff gets together for any reason we always use the main house. I understand it’s lovely, though. Bright and airy. Quite large. Very comfortable.

So speaking of the main house. What do you think of McFarren Manor?

Oh, it’s wonderful! I have been so privileged to have been able to live there for almost three years now. I have an incredible room, although it’s quite small compared to the rest.

I understand the mansion boasts ten bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, an office, a library, a ball room… I could go on.

(Laughs) Yes, McFarren manor is huge. There used to be a lot of parties given under that roof.

Not anymore?

Oh no. Mrs. McFarren is far too weak to be the hostess these days.

I understand she is gravely ill?

(Nods)

Can you tell me about it?

(Shakes head) I… I would rather not talk about it.

I understand. So maybe tell me about the family then.

(Shrugs) Not much to tell. No one really comes to visit. I feel badly for Mrs. McFarren that her only real visitor is her grandson, Bradley. I don’t know what’s wrong with her family. If they don’t come soon, they will miss her.

Meaning?

Gail is dying.

I’m so sorry. Are there any plans for you when Mrs. McFarren passes?

That’s another subject I would rather not talk about.

I understand. How about Bradley McFarren, then?

(Big Smile) What about him?

Well that’s a nice smile. You obviously get along with him.

Yes. Best boss I’ve ever had.

What is it you like about him?

He’s kind and attentive. (Leans in) Very handsome. (Sits back and chuckles) But truly, he tries so hard make sure Gail has everything and anything she wants. Even me. He makes sure I’m happy, too. I like him very much.

Sounds like it might be a little bit more than “like”?

Oh, completely one-sided, I assure you. But… I guess I have to be content with that. (Sighs)

Thank you, Logan. We might need to follow up with you later on and get an update?

(Smiles) Maybe.

Buy Link:

http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2259-A-Place-To-Belong.aspx