Page 22 of More Than a Hero
"Figured one might not be enough," he said, his voice carrying that low, warm rasp that sent a thrill straight through her.
She stared at him for half a second too long, feeling her heart race, feeling something inside her melt. Then she laughed, stepping aside. "Come in before I just keep staring."
10
Pete still couldn’t quite believe that Angie had wanted to spend more time with him again, so soon. And for what? To discuss some ideas she had? He didn’t care about the reason. In truth, the details didn’t matter. What mattered was that she had thought of him.
The moment she swung the door open, her warm smile lit up her face. "Come on in," she said, stepping aside to let him pass.
His stomach tensed as he carried the pizza inside, hoping he’d chosen right. But the second she flipped open the lids, she let out a delighted squeal.
“Oh, this looks perfect! I made a salad, so we can eat whenever you’re ready.”
His lips curled into an easy grin. “Up to you, Angie.”
“Well, this smells divine. I can’t stand the thought of trying to talk while my nose is busy having a party over the pizza.”
He chuckled, shaking his head at her choice of words. “Well then, let’s make sure your nose and your taste buds get in on the fun.”
She grabbed two plates, and they loaded up with generous slices and fresh salad. As Pete settled at the kitchen table, he was struck once again by just how natural it felt to be here withher. Something about Angie’s home wrapped around him like a warm, inviting embrace.
“How was your family time?” he asked, watching as she took a seat across from him.
Her whole face brightened. Whatever she was about to say, it clearly meant something to her. “It was great. Actually, that’s when I got the idea I wanted to discuss with you.” She paused and laughed when he sent her a lifted brow.
“Uh-oh,” he teased. “I feel like I’m already lost.”
She grinned. “Okay, so my family started this thing we call Easy Breezy Lunches. It helps fill in the gaps where the ESAAA can’t always reach. You know, some people don’t qualify for Meals on Wheels, but they still struggle to put meals together or don’t quite meet the financial threshold for assistance. So twice a month, my family gathers at my mom’s house, and we make about a hundred bagged lunches—sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit. You know… easy breezy.”
Pete blinked. “Wow.”
“Other volunteers pitch in, so we usually end up with almost two hundred lunches. Then we have a few people who distribute them to those in need. The recipients can eat them that day or refrigerate them for later. It’s just… a small way to help.”
He leaned back in his chair, nodding. The idea impressed him, but more than that,sheimpressed him. It was clear this wasn’t just something she did, but something she cared deeply about.
“So while we were making lunches, my mom and Grandma Dorothy said something that got me thinking.” She took a sip of water before continuing. “I told them about the mentoring you do with the young men. I didn’t go into personal details, just that you work with them. I was lucky to have my parents and grandparents growing up. I always had guidance.”
“You were lucky,” he agreed. “And from the sound of it, they’re remarkable people.” His voice dropped a little as he added, “They certainly raised an amazing woman.”
She laughed softly, shaking her head. “I don’t know about amazing, but I learned the importance of helping others. And then my grandmother said something that stuck with me. She said it would be nice if everyone had someone to mentor them, even if they weren’t family. And that’s when I remembered this program I studied in grad school called Adopt-a-Grandparent.”
Pete’s brow furrowed. “You’re gonna have to explain that one to me.”
She set her fork down. “Well, in a way, it’s what Frank did for you. He stepped in like a grandfather figure, offering guidance. And I’m guessing you gave something back to him, too.”
Pete swallowed. He hadn’t thought about it that way, but he remembered the day Frank’s wife had told him how much her husband enjoyed spending time with him. “How would this work?”
She leaned in, her enthusiasm growing. “The idea is to pair young people who need mentorship with older adults who want to make a difference. The kids learn responsibility, compassion, and life skills, and the elders get companionship, fresh energy, and a chance to pass down wisdom.”
As she spoke, he could see the idea coming to life in her mind, the passion lighting up her eyes. It was contagious, and he found himself nodding along. Before he could say anything, she shoved her purple glasses up onto her head and pressed on.
“I’ve already identified some challenges,” she admitted. “The program I studied had the elders coming to the school for visits, and there were outings with heavy chaperoning. But we’d have to get the kids on board, get parental permission, carefully match each pair, and?—”
“I love the idea, Angie.” He interrupted, his voice full of conviction.
She hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. “I’m so glad you do, but the more I think about it, the more I realize how complicated it could be to pull off.”
“Then let’s work together,” he said, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “We’ll tackle those roadblocks one by one. And if they can’t be removed, we’ll find another way to make it work.”
