Page 61 of Awaiting

“I’ve taken care of that,” Alex replied. “So, if we are able to get things taken care of tomorrow morning, will you go with me?”

“I guess. Assuming we–”

“Great.” Alex smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes and then go into this room and close the door behind me before you’re able to take it back.”

Bexley laughed at her and rolled her eyes.

“Good night, Bexley.”

“Good night. Oh, Alex?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for today. You were amazing with her.”

Alex gave her a soft smile and a nod and said, “It was my absolute pleasure.”

CHAPTER 19

“Do you have everything you need?” Bexley asked.

“You’ve asked me that three times now, honey. I know I’m old and forgetful, but I rememberthat. Will you please get her out of here, Alex?”

“Grandma, I’m not in town long. I want to make sure you’re okay here.”

“I am, baby. I promise, I have what I need here. Dinner is at four, and I’d like to take a nap before I have to get ready.”

“Okay,” Bexley said.

“I will call you if I need anything.”

Bexley was kneeling on the floor in front of the recliner the movers had moved in for them earlier. When she then looked down at the ground, Alex knew it was because Bexley knew she’d be returning to Kleinland soon and wouldn’t be just on the other side of town.

“I’m going to say goodbye now if that’s all right, Ma’am,” Alex spoke.

“Oh, of course. It was lovely to meet you, Alex.”

“You too,” Alex replied, adding, “I’ll be just outside whenever you’re ready.” She touched Bexley’s shoulder.

“Okay. Thank you.”

Alex left the small apartment, which was nicer than she thought it would be. It really was just an apartment like most others. It had a full kitchen with an electric stove this time and a nice living room with the woman’s own furniture. The nurse would check on her multiple times a day, and she also had an alarm if she had an emergency. On top of all that, there were plenty of activities for Bexley’s grandmother to participate in, and she had access 24/7 to the entire medical staff.

“Hello,” Alex addressed the woman at the front desk.

“Oh, my God!” The woman’s eyes went wide. “You’re–”

“I am, yes. I’d love it if you could keep that between the two of us, though,” Alex said. “I’m here with a friend.”

“Okay. Sure. What… What can I…”

“The lady in flat four-twelve is a dear friend of mine. Her granddaughter is the only family she has, and for the next several months, she’s going to be out of the country. I was hoping you could have someone run me through your protocols for how you notify the family of emergencies or any issues.”

“Well, we notify the primary point of contact by phone first.”

“What if she doesn’t answer because it’s the middle of the night where she is?”

“She’ll call Stan, who is the second person on the list.”

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