Page 3 of Sing it, Sam

His lips pull into a smirk. “Not what you were expecting, huh?”

“Um, no. Sorry. That was rude. I was expecting someone much older.”Like really old. Ancient, even.

He presses a toggle beneath his left hand. The chair buzzes as he drives it closer to the door. I step to the side. When his wheels roll beside my feet, he looks up, captivating me with crystal blue eyes. Aside from the dark circles beneath his lashes, he’s beautiful, clearly sharing similarities with Mr Fantastic Forearms in reception. Are they cousins? Brothers?

The biggest question of all tingles on the tip of my tongue.How does a young guy end up living here?

“Some days I feel like I’m a hundred, if that makes it less weird for you. Besides, I was expecting someone mucholdertoo. Only menopausal dinosaurs work here.”

“Maybe it’s time to inject some young blood into this place.”

“No complaints here.” His gaze travels up and down my body. He licks his lower lip. “I’m Sam. I’d shake your hand, but if you can’t give a strong handshake, it’s not worth bothering with, hey?”

“I’m Jane,” I say and pause. “From the front office.”

He snorts air out through his nose. “Yeah, you said that already.”

Okay, way to make me feel awkward.“Who’s the sheriff?” I ask as I move around behind him. Do I push him out of here or will he wheel himself?

Before I get the chance to grip the handles at the back of the wheelchair, the machine zooms from the room and swerves left in the opposite direction to the entrance.

Dashing into the hallway, I call out, “Hey! It’s this way.”

“Oh, I know.” His voice echoes in the distance.

He turns right into the dining hall.What kind of game is he playing?

I hightail it behind him and land smack bang into a sea of old people. The strong hit of disinfectant punches me in the face. Chairs are dotted around, with no sense of order. A lady wearing a nightgown and grey cardigan negotiates her walker right in the middle of the thoroughfare. Somehow, Sam navigates his way through.

“Mister, um,” I call out.

He turns his head and sticks out his tongue, then disappears into the adjoining room.Damn it.

“Yes, love?” a bald-headed man seated at a chair to my right says, clutching my wrist with his frail wrinkled hand.

I pat the top of his fingers and place his hand onto his lap. “Sorry, sir. Not you.”

“You know we call him Mr Trouble ’round here,” the elderly man says and scoffs. “Young folks.”

I negotiate the path of people, and almost trip over a lady who’s on all fours looking under a table. “Snuggle Muffins,” she sings. “Time for some biscuits.”

Hmm. I didn’t think they allowed pets in here.

When I make it to the next room, something zooms up behind me and juts into the back of my knees. I topple, falling across a blanket-covered lap.

“Shit!” I say, and gasp. My hand rushes to my mouth.Great first impression with the residents, Jane. Swearing like a sailor.I turn my head towards Sam and clutch the arm rest.

“You’re kinda cute,” Sam says.

Before I can blink, he smacks a loud kiss on my lips. The warmth of his mouth on mine lingers as my brain tries to comprehend what’s just happened.

I bounce off his lap and press my fingers to my lips. “W-what was that for?” It’s been a while since I’ve been kissed. It wasn’t exactly fireworks, but my face flushes with heat.

“It could be my last chance to kiss a girl, especially one without false teeth. What tomorrow holds is anyone’s guess.” His head hits the back of the chair with a thud, and his chest rises and falls as he labours for breath.

I place my hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Better than ever. First time in ages I’ve had someone chase me like that.”

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