Page 26 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Ms. Clara,” I laugh. “You had me worried something was wrong.”

“If you ever want to borrow it, you’re more than welcome. My granddaughter brought it to me last week,A Court of Something and Something,” she snickers. “Goodness, this old brain of mine can’t remember, but it surprised me. I didn’t think fantasy would do it for me, but don’t knock it until you try it. The Tamlin character truly is the bee’s knees.”

I giggle to myself knowing how it all ends, but not wanting to ruin it for her.

“Wren suggested I read those too. Just wait until the second book. It was my favorite.”

“Oh, I can’t wait.”

We round the corner of the hallway and are met by boxes stacked up high outside an open apartment. “Looks like you’re getting a new neighbor,” I say.

She rolls her eyes. “Probably, some old bird like me. The last thing this place needs is another old lady. Where are all theyoung men? Did you tell that Wren girl what I suggested about the?—”

“Good morning,” a distinctly southern voice says from the door, interrupting our conversation. We all look up to see a gray-haired man standing in the doorway. He seems to be around eighty and is dressed impeccably in slacks, a short-sleeve buttoned-down shirt, and loafers. His wrinkled skin is a deep tan. Ms. Clara comes to a sudden stop.

“Good morning,” I say with a big smile. “Welcome to Dogwood Manor. I’m Lacey and this is Clara.”

His eyes rake up and down Ms. Clara. Her cheeks turn the same shade as her mumu.

“It’s nice to meet you, Clara. I’m Eugene.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Before I can process what just happened, she begins to move toward the therapy gym. “Come on, girl,” she snaps.

“Hope to see you around, Clara,” I hear him shout behind us.

We walk the long hall in silence until we make it to the gym. We enter the space filled with therapy equipment and she stops walking.

“The next time I tell you I want to wear this blasted mumu around the building, get the nurse to have my head checked. I bet he thinks I’m a hundred years old.” Her face flushes with another wave of embarrassment. “How mortifying to run into a man who looks like that, when I look like this.”

“You look fabulous,” I assure her.

“Don’t lie honey. It’s not very becoming.”

The Tortured Therapists Department

Lacey: New guy in 330 had 307 BLUSHING during her session!

Lacey: I got scolded for not making her change out of her cat mumu.

Wren: Her cat mumu is my favorite!

Gray: Damn! I knew we should have co-treated.

Lacey: Ha! I don’t need Margaret on my ass about billing today. I have enough to worry about.

Gray:

Chloe: Glad to know the residents are seeing more action than me.

Lacey: Ugh, right?

Poppy: Can’t wait to start! These residents seem like so much fun.

Chloe: This caseload is killing me. Any news on your license?

Poppy: No I’ll try to call again today.

CHAPTER 12: SOULMATES

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