Page 23 of Found By Him

14

Ella

Jack reads the sign as he turns into the parking lot. “Compassionate Assisted Living.” He looks at me in mock horror as he maneuvers into a parking spot. “Are you about to make me play bingo?”

“You told me to do what I normally do on Saturday,” I explain brightly as I grab the container of cookies from the floor next to my feet and hop to the ground.

We meet at the back of the vehicle. Butterflies go crazy in my stomach when he grabs my hand and intertwines our fingers as we walk to the door. His touch grounds me in its strength.

I’m excited and nervous to bring Jack here. This is my home away from home. I started volunteering here almost immediately after moving to Nashville. Besides my career, coming here multiple times a week is one of the things that made me the happiest over the last few years. And if I’mbeing honest, the residents and staff are some of my only friends in town besides Maggie.

And maybe Jack.

Though I’m not sure if we are considered friends after last night. But it’s confusing to think about right now, so I let it go.

The second we step inside, my name is bellowed from down the hall. “Ella! I thought you were going to stand us up again! Did you bring cookies today like you promised?”

Jack gives a soft laugh from beside me as Frank, one of my favorite residents, ambles toward us, his suspenders barely holding up his pants as he shuffles down the hall. Frank is an almost eighty-year-old who’s as ornery as he is kind. He’s very particular about his schedule but is the nicest man, as long as that isn’t interrupted.

I hold up the container. “Sure did! And they’re your favorite.”

He snatches the container out of my hand with surprising speed for someone his age. “I knew I could count on you for my sugar fix.” He gives me a reproachful glare. “I was expecting you here last Saturday, and you never came.”

I knew I would hear about missing my visit, but I didn’t want to tell him about the car accident.

“I know, Frank. I was exhausted last weekend. I hated that I couldn’t be here.”

He harrumphs as he gives me an appraising look. “I guess I can overlook it. You missed a mean bingo game. I won three rounds!”

I laugh. He never wins, so that really is something noteworthy. “Wow, I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to celebrate with you!”

“Well, maybe I can be a big winner again today.”

“I’m ready to see you win.” My hand is still engulfed byJack’s, so with my free hand, I pat Jack’s bicep. “Frank, this is my friend, Jack. He’s here to play with us today.” I look up at Jack, who’s watching me with an amused expression. “Jack, this is Frank. One of my favorite residents here.”

Frank beams as he rubs his rotund belly before extending it to shake Jack’s hand. “Damn straight, I am. Nice to meet you, Jack.”

“You too, Frank.”

Warmth lights up my body when Jack’s hand slides around my lower back and settles on my hip as the three of us continue chatting as we make our way to the entertainment room. I lift my eyes to his as we enter the spacious room, and he throws me a wink. My cheeks instantly heat.

There are numerous tables set up, most of which are filled, but there are a few open spots at the back tables. I greet residents I know as I grab bingo sheets and dabbers from a table by the door, pulling Jack with me to the left of the room.

As we approach one of the tables, Dorothy looks up. Her eyes widen in surprise as she takes in Jack and me.

Dorothy is one of the residents I’m the closest with. She reminds me so much of Clara. When I told her about my childhood, she stepped even more into the motherly role for me. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the last year without her.

She stands, and I release Jack’s hand to give her a hug.

“Ella, who is this hunk you have with you?” she whispers in my ear.

I attempt to suppress my laugh as I pull back. “Dorothy, this is Jack. Jack, this is Dorothy.”

Warmth fills me when his hand finds my lower back as he reaches out to shake hers with the other. “It’s nice to meet you, Dorothy.”

She hums softly, appraising him as we take our seats. “Likewise.”

Frank joins us at our table and spends the next few minutes telling Jack how skilled a bingo player he is. And how Jack shouldn’t feel bad when Frank wins, and he loses.

---