Page 46 of When You Had Me Adapting

“You got it.” We make our way down to the therapy gym and I help Ms. Clara through an upper body exercise routine.

“You’re getting stronger,” I say when she finishes it.

“Does that mean I’m almost done with this nonsense?”

“Not quite yet,” I laugh. “It’s not that bad, is it? At least you get to spend your mornings with me.”

“Honey, I didn’t work out in my twenties, what makes you think I want to work out in my eighties?” She eyes the clock on the wall.

“We still have ten minutes. I promise you won’t be late.” She rolls her eyes. I lead her through a few more sets of exercises. When our ten minutes are up, I help her stand, and accompany her to the dining room.

When we arrive, the air smells like a mix of coffee, syrup, and bacon. The man I met a couple of weeks ago is seated at a table for two. He smiles when he sees her.

“Alright dear, that’s enough. I can take it from here,” she says, shooing me away with her hand. I watch as she slowly makes her way across the space. When she makes it to the table, Eugene stands and pulls out her chair and places a kiss on her cheek.

The Tortured Therapists Department

Lacey: 307 and 330 are currently on a date in the dining room.

Wren: So cute. Which mumu is she wearing?

Lacey: She’s not. Woke up early and had the nurse help her get dressed. Even had on some makeup.

Gray: STOP IT! That’s precious. Maybe I’ll take 415 on a walk to get some coffee and spy!

Lacey: Do it!

Poppy: Speaking of dates… Lacey, are you excited for tonight?

Wren: Wait, you have a date? With who?

Lacey: Chris. The guy from the conference. I’m going to need a miracle to happen though to get out of here on time. Margaret is breathing down my neck about paperwork.

Wren: Yeah because you never do it on time.

Lacey: It’s the literal worst part of working here.

At the endof the day, I sit down in front of my laptop to finish my notes. I have forty-five minutes to complete them, and I told Chris I’d meet him at tonight’s food truck festival.

“Word on the street is that Ms. Clara and Mr. Eugene are actually a thing,” Gray says, sitting down next to me.

“Really, who told you that?” I ask, stopping mid note and turning to face her.

“Ms. Ethel. You know she always has all the good gossip,” Gray laughs.

“Wouldn’t it be so cute if they end up getting married?”

“Lacey! Focus. I need your paperwork done today,” Margaret shouts from her office. I roll my eyes. Gray grabs a piece of paper and in bold red letters writes:Please do not talk to me. I have no self-control. She grabs a piece of tape and sticks it on my back with a laugh.

“Very funny,” I deadpan. “You’re part of the problem.”

“Don’t worry. I’m heading out. Have fun tonight.” She pats the piece of paper and laughs as she walks away.

I spend the next half hour working on paperwork and signing off on notes. When I’m finished, I clock out and run home to get ready for my date. I’m cutting it close, but if I hurry, I can change and be close to on time.

I’m a little nervous on the drive over. This is our first official date, if you don’t count EPCOT and briefly grabbing drinks after the conference. I can’t remember the last first date I had that I was excited for, but this one feels different. Poppy being with Logan all the time has me feeling like I need to grow up and find someone too. I like Chris and so far we’ve had a lot of fun together, so for the first time in a long time I’m hopeful this could be something.

When I pull into the parking lot, it’s packed. There’s not a spot in sight and I circle the lot a few times before I finally find a car backing out. I glance down at the clock. Six ten.Shit.I climb out and click into his contact to call him.

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