Page 27 of You Found Me
Before walking out of what used to be our room, I grab the note and one of the bras—carefully using a pen to scoop that lacy little number up. I take both to the table in the foyer and place them on it with my key.
Maybe he’ll get the hint now.
Chapter 9
Spencer
Since I can move into my new place Monday, I’m heading out to run a few errands.
Ms. Clara stops me in the lobby of the Inn, and since I’m not in a rush, I don’t mind talking to her. From the moment I arrived in Meadow Springs, she’s taken on a bit of a stand-in grandmother role for me—always so kind and compassionate.
When I got hurt at work a couple weeks ago, I ran into her that afternoon, and she fussed all over me. Started bringing home-cooked meals to my room and offering to pick up anything I needed, to avoid harming myself further.
Of course, I politely turned down having her run around town just for me, but the gesture was sweet. And then when I got the stitches out, she made sure to tell me that the scar was barely visible and that I was still as handsome as ever.
I walk up to her, and she opens her arms eager for a hug.
As I embrace her back, I ask, “How’s my favorite lady today?”
She pulls back, lightly smacking my arm. “Oh hush up you charmer. I just wanted to ask if what I read on the computer was true. Your last night here is Sunday?”
“You read right. I’m finally able to move into my apartment on Monday.”
“That’s fantastic, Spencer. Which complex did you get into?”
“I’ll just be a little ways over at the Calla Lily Court complex. As much as I love staying here, I’m really glad to have my own space again. Thankfully, it was my first choice with how close it is to downtown.”
“My good friend Myrtle owns that building. Granted, she doesn’t run the day-to-day operations, but it’s a great place to live. All of the apartments are beautiful.” She pauses before adding, “I don’t mean to hold you up, just wanted to see if you’re really leaving me.”
“You could never hold me up Ms. Clara. I’m just going out to run a few errands.”
“What time do you think you’ll be back?” She quickly adds, “I only ask because I’d love to have your room tidied up and get you some fresh sheets before you come back.”
I check the time on my watch, going through my to-do list in my head. “I should be back around noon, but you don’t need to worry about my room. It got deep cleaned yesterday when I was out all day.”
“Silly me. I forgot your room was on the docket yesterday. Just ignore me, you know I’m an old lady.”
“You’re only as old as you feel, Ms. Clara. You’re just a busy woman.” Before I leave, I ask, “Do you need anything while I’m out?”
“No thank you, dear. Now get out of here and let me be so I can get to work.”
She’s interesting—most of the people in this town are—it’s part of why I like it so much.
All the older women who play their hand at matchmaker. The older men in town that sit at the coffee shop in the early mornings gossiping like hens. How most of the people in this town who are my age, are married with a kid or two.
The mayor of the town is this eccentric personality who hasn’t heard of a holiday he couldn’t plan an event for. It’s been so chaotic that I’ve not had a dull day since I moved here.
After running to a few different stores to grab curtains, bedding sets, towels, and kitchenware for the new place, I make my way back to the Inn. Inside, I see Ms. Claraspeaking with a woman around my age. I’m about to walk past them when Ms. Clara calls out to me.
“Look at you saying you’d be back by noon and you’re exactly on time.”
“Sure am,” I answer her with a smile. “I didn’t need to stop by too many places.”
She softly pushes the woman standing next to her toward me. “Spencer, I want to introduce you to my granddaughter, Heidi. Heidi, this is Spencer, our most recent transplant.”
I reach my hand out to Heidi and watch as she shuffles what looks to be a picnic basket from her right to left hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Heidi.”
“Oh, it’s nice to meet you,too, Spencer. We were just about to head out to the garden for a little picnic, would you like to join us?”
