Page 114 of The Way We Touch

Nodding, I think about this as we continue our journey.

“Won’t all the ladies be jealous?” Miss Gina’s high voice wobbles with laughter. “Now I’ve got two handsome football stars working for me. I really must be a long-lost princess.”

“Now you’re just feeding the rumors,” I tease, moving slowly on my crutches with her hand on my arm. “How do you know I don’t have cross-eyes and a pot belly?”

I tease her every time she compliments me, because she’s blind.

It only makes her laugh more, which to be honest, is kind of nice. Her whole face lights up when she smiles.

We pause at the French doors leading out to her patio, and I open one, doing my best to hold it for her while allowing her room to pass.

She hesitates then walks through the opening. I hop out and close the door behind me as she waits to put her small hand on my arm again.

“You have a refined air about you, Logan Murphy. What in the world got you interested in football?”

Her question prickles my skin. “I get that question a lot.”

“By someone you don’t like.” Her chin lifts. “A family member?”

I swear, the entire village has it all wrong. Miss Gina is a psychic. “By my father mostly.”

“Ah,” she nods. “Fathers and sons often have difficult relationships.”

“Or none at all.”

“Is he still alive?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I can’t keep the annoyance out of my tone, but she squeezes my arm.

“Then there’s hope.”

She’s a kind old lady, and I don’t want to argue with her, so I don’t.

“At least I was able to impress him this year, even if I didn’t finish the way I’d planned.”

“I’m an old woman,” Miss Gina nods her head slowly. “One constant I’ve learned is no matter what, life always changes. The best way through is to accept the fact, and move to the next great thing.”

“How do I know it’ll be great?”

She gives me a wink. “It always is.”

We’re slowly making our way to where Zane is on a ladder beside a large glass and wrought-iron structure filled with a variety of plants.

“The heating duct on my greenhouse failed.” She puts a hand on her chest. “It’s a good thing Rachel was using it for her hot yoga or I’d have lost all my orchids!”

“Rachel?” My brow furrows.

“My new nurse. She was supposed to be here in August, but she had some problems getting out of Birmingham. She started a few weeks ago—Zane has met her…”

“Are you talking about me?” A young woman walks around the building to where we stand.

She’s dressed in leggings and a long-sleeved, oversized sweatshirt. Her blonde hair is up in a ponytail, and she has bright green eyes.

“Rachel, this is Logan Murphy. He’s Dylan’s gentleman friend.”

My brow quirks, and Rachel snorts a laugh. “I don’t think anyone says gentleman friend anymore, Miss G… Just say he’s her boyfriend.”

“It’s so undignified.” Miss Gina frowns. “Logan isn’t a boy, and he’s more than her friend.”

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