“Good.” He was quiet for a moment. “I have a mandatory work trip, so I have to head home tonight. Will you still be in the area this upcoming weekend?”
I nodded. “I don’t plan on leaving until next Monday.”
“Good.” A slow smile stretched across his face. “I’ll be back in Spring Hill to finish some stuff up for my mom on Saturday. I’d love to take you out again on Sunday.” His eyes dipped to my lips. “A proper date if you’re up for it.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m up for it.”
“Good. Let me get the check, and then we’ll head out.”
6
“… and then he drove me to your house,” I concluded, trying not to smile at my aunt’s grinning face. “When I got inside, I opened up the bag, and he’d gotten me a book about Nannie Helen Burroughs.”
“That’s perfect for you,” Aunt Addy gasped.
“I know!” It took everything in me not to squeal.
“This is good. This isrealgood, Jazz.” She looked as giddy as I felt. “Did you kiss? Did you”—she attempted to wiggle her eyebrows—“have some fun?”
I burst out laughing. “No, we didn’t kissor have sex, if that’s what you’re asking!”
“That’s exactly what I was asking.”
“Aunt Addison, you are too much!”
“I like hearing that you’re getting out there and having a good time. It was your first date post-divorce.”
“It wasn’t a date.” I leaned closer to her. “But when we go out on Sunday, it will be.”
She squealed loud enough that one of the staff walking by paused and checked in on us.
“You’re finally going to see a man about a horse,” she said, before dissolving into a fit of giggles.
I couldn’t do anything but laugh right along with her.
“He’s young, but he sounds mature, like he has a good head on his shoulders,” she commented. “That’s a keeper.”
“He didn’t act or look four years younger than me, but I was really surprised that he’s twenty-six. He’s so together and professional.” I shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t want to get my hopes up. I’ve been wrong about a man before.”
“Look a man in his eyes, and you can see the truth. If you really look and you really listen, the truth is right there.”
Her words struck me.
Lamardidhave kind eyes.
“Because he’s a keeper, sweetheart,” she continued. “Mark my words!”
There was a sparkle in her eyes and a lightness in her tone that reminded me of her normal self. I held her hand, and as I watched her, my eyes watered. It felt like old times. It felt like before she’d gotten sick.
Well,thissick.
I kissed her hand. “Aunt Addy—”
“Good morning, Ms. Payne!” a woman said as she strolled into the room. “Are you ready for physical therapy?” She looked at me and smiled. “And who is this young lady? Your daughter?”
“This is my niece, Jazmyn,” Aunt Addy said proudly. “But she’s like a daughter to me.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” the physical therapist acknowledged with a smile. “We’re going to take good care of your aunt, and we’re going to help her come home as soon as possible.”
