Page 33 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“He’ll figure it out in ten.”

She laughed. “Oh, I see. You’ll keep Sean on his toes but also have some faith in him. That’s good.”

“Oh, um, maybe,” I stammered.

She looped her arm through mine. “Are you hungry, Caleb?”

“I could always eat.”

“We have a really good tuna fish at the clubhouse.” She glanced at her son. “Girls, I need to go to lunch. See you all at pickleball?”

“Our reservation is for 8:00 a.m. Write it down,” her friend shouted.

Marge fished in her purse for a pen and paper. “She’s right. I sometimes forget the time.” She waved to her friend. “I’ll put it on the fridge.”

“Oh, so how do I find this app once I shut my phone off?” the other lady asked Sean.

“Let me see it.” He glanced at us. “I’ll meet you and Caleb at the clubhouse.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep, it’s fine.” Sean hit something on her phone. “Let’s put the app where you can always find it easily.”

“Oh, yes. But show me again, dear?” She perched her glasses at the rim of her nose.

“Let’s get a table,” Marge said. “He might be a while.”

CHAPTER

ELEVEN

CALEB

It turned out that Marge was as wonderful as her son. Within moments, she had me planning to order tuna salad, which I didn’t even like, and was gossiping with me, putting me at ease. She told me all about which residents were dating, who had recently wandered off and had to be brought back, and she was open about her own condition. When her hand shook as she took some sugar for her iced tea, Marge merely shrugged. “It happens a lot if I push myself, but I still push myself. What’s the alternative?”

“Hey, Marge. What can I get you today?” the waitress said with a smile. “Your normal tuna?”

“Make it two on rye, please. Trust me, Caleb, it’s the best.”

“Order away.” I gave Marge my menu, and she beamed at me.

“Sweet teas for three and a steak sandwich for my son, who will be joining us. Caleb, how do you feel about onion rings?”

“Bring on any fried food.”

Marge grinned as she handed the waitress the menus. “You heard my new best friend. An extra-large onion rings as fast as possible.”

“You don’t want me to bring it with the sandwiches?”

“I can’t wait. Oh, and a salad with Russian dressing on the side.”

“Coming right up.”

Marge leaned in. “How is Sean doing? Erin?”

“Good. They talk each night.”

“She’s still moody with me. I’m trying not to be jealous her other grandparents get her all summer.” Marge grimaced. “I shouldn’t begrudge Dan’s lovely parents anything. What happened to their only son…there’s no worse pain.”

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