A gorgeous woman wearing a collared shirt with the care facility logo embroidered on the chest stands from a reception desk and lights up when she sees Beck.
“Mr. Beckett,” she greets happily. “Ms. Delia said she had a feeling you’d be stopping by today. She said she felt you coming.”
“She always does,” he says, smiling. “How’s she doing?”
“She’s been doing well. Having a good day today.”
Beck perks up. “Lucid?”
She holds up her hand in a so-so motion. “Not entirely, but she’s happy and taking care of her plants and knows everyone’s names.”
“Definitely a good day,” Beck says, then smiles down at our hands like he didn’t realize he was still holding mine. He lifts them and kisses my knuckles.
“Jenny, this is Brody.”
“So nice to meet you. Ms. Delia has been looking forward to meeting you for some time now.”
My eyes widen, and I look up at Beck in surprise. “Ms. Delia knows about me?”
“Of course she does. Ms. Delia knows everything,” he says.
We follow Jenny to a set of elevators and up several floors. Then she leads us to what looks like a luxury apartment and knocks on the door.
“Come in, dear,” sing-songs an old woman.
We step into a spacious open-floor plan space with bright yellow walls and white wainscoting. There are plants everywhere, on stands and hanging from shelves and hooks. The space is happy and inviting.
“Hi Ms. Delia,” Beck says softly, almost timidly.
Her head snaps up. For a second her eyes are cloudy, unfocused. Then they land on him, and it’s like the clouds part.
“Linc,” she breathes, and I swear I’ve never seen a brighter smile on Beck. It’s relieved and full of so much joy and love.
Oof.That does something to me.
He crosses the room and leans in, kissing her cheek and letting her cup his face like she’s making sure he’s real, patting his cheeks, pressing a kiss to his forehead. He gets to one knee in front of her so he’s not towering over her so much.
“I knew you were coming.”
“I’m sorry I missed Christmas,” he says. “I ended up somewhere unexpected.”
Ms. Delia cackles. “So did I, honey, so did I.”
Beck shakes his head and laughs with her.
“Are you going to introduce your young man or just leave him standing over there in the corner? Come on in here, child. I’m a crazy old bat, but I don’t bite.” She pauses and purses her lips. “At least I don’t think I do.” She throws back her head and cackles again.
“Told you she was in a good mood,” Jenny says, returning to the room with a spray bottle. “Here you go, Ms. Delia. You call me if you need anything,” she says, and leaves the apartment.
Ms. Delia turns directly to me and smiles brightly, holding out her hand to take. I step forward and take her hand.
“Ms. Delia,” Beck clears his throat. “This is my, um… boyfriend. Brody.”
The word hangs between us.
Boyfriend.
I swear my heart does a full Niles Pruitt-worthy gymnastics routine, sticks the landing, then lands in my throat.
