Page 12 of More Than a Hero
Angie turned, narrowing her eyes playfully at Rosetta. “How do you know we’re going out?”
Rosetta snorted. “It’s not like you to shy away from a question.”
Rolling her eyes, Angie twisted in her seat, glancing at the six pairs of eyes watching her expectantly. Each face was split into a wide, knowing grin.
With a sigh, she relented. “We’re going out tomorrow night.”
Carina, driving the van, grinned. “And before you ask—yes, he’s employed. He’s a detective.”
“Oh, how nice!” George said with a pleased nod.
“We actually just met recently,” Angie explained, tucking her purse against her lap. “He’s kind of quiet, and I wasn’t sure he was interested in asking me out. To be honest…” She exhaled a small laugh. “I asked him out first. But he never called me back, so I figured nothing would happen.”
Hannah, sitting closest to her, leaned in, fiddling with her hearing aid. “You know… some men are very confident with themselves and don’t have to talk a lot to make their point. They have nothing to prove to anyone, so they are more introspective.”
Angie's shoulders relaxed as she stared at Hannah. “You’re right.” She smiled, then leaned over and kissed Hannah’s cheek.
Hannah chuckled. “And you just happened to run into him this evening?”
“Yes! It was a complete surprise. He seemed to be there with some young people.”
“Oh, a nice man with a good job, and he works with young people?” Marty nodded approvingly. “I like him already.”
Angie chuckled, shaking her head as they pulled up to the Careway Senior Apartment building. Once an old motor lodge, it had been repurposed into cozy one-story apartments for seniors. The building wrapped around a patchy garden in a U-shape, its center full of benches and bird feeders. Once purchased by the company running Careway Assisted Living and specializing in senior housing, it had undergone a much-needed refresh. The open-concept design made it easier for residents with walkers or wheelchairs, and there were even grants available to help those who needed assistance with rent.
It wasn’t directly associated with ESAAA, but given the residents, Angie was well-acquainted with just about everyone who lived there.
Tonight’s group had all agreed to participate in a chair yoga class for seniors at the YMCA, on the condition that they hadsome assistance getting there. It was only one night a week, and Angie had been thrilled to help. She wasn’t always able to be the one who accompanied them, but when she did, she had to admit that easy yoga felt great on her joints.
After helping them to their apartments, she and Carina returned the ESAAA van, parking it in the parking lot. Walking to their cars, they waved goodbye before parting ways.
By the time Angie arrived home, she felt a pleasant weariness settle into her limbs, but before heading inside, she detoured to her grandparents’ door. The second she knocked, the door swung open. “Hey, Grandma. Grandpa. Just wanted to let you know I was home.”
Dorothy beamed, stepping aside to let her in. “How was yoga?” She settled back onto the sofa while Stan muted the TV program they’d been watching.
“It was good,” Angie said, stepping into the cozy living room. “I had six who went, and I know you would like it.” She shot her grandfather a grin. “Marty and George were there, so we definitely need more men.”
Stan chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, you might talk me into it. But if not, you’ve got your grandmother convinced.”
Dorothy stood, moving toward the kitchen. “Do you want something to eat? I saved you a piece of my chocolate pecan pie.”
Angie’s smile widened. “Mom sent over some lasagna, and that would be perfect.”
With a pleased nod, her grandmother retrieved the pie plate, the wedge of chocolatey, nutty goodness wrapped neatly in plastic. Handing it over, she gave Angie a searching look.
“Are you doing okay, sweetie?”
Angie softened, balancing the plate in her hands. “I’m fine, Grandma. Really.” Leaning in, she whispered, “I have a date tomorrow night.”
Dorothy’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, do tell.”
Laughing, Angie backed toward the door. “It’s with a detective in the county. We’ve met a few times professionally, and he asked me to dinner.” She crinkled her nose. “Well… in all honesty, I asked him first. But whatever—we’re finally connecting.”
Her grandmother smirked. “Well, if I don’t see you tomorrow, have a good time. And come over Saturday and tell me everything.”
“You know I will.”
Blowing a kiss to both of them, she headed to her townhouse. Once inside, she grabbed a fork and sat at the kitchen counter, sighing in delight as she took the first bite of pie. Perfection. Greedily gobbling the rest of the slice, she groaned in delight. After rinsing the dish, she made her way upstairs, slipping into her nightly routine, but her mind refused to settle.
