Page 27 of More Than a Hero
Angie grinned. “Oh, I love that idea. Something tells me he’d be great at keeping a group of teenage boys in line.”
Belle smirked. “Oh, he’d have them walking the straight and narrow in no time. Plus, he’s a sucker for old war stories. Half the guys in the nursing home would have him cornered for hours.”
Angie laughed, shaking her head. “Then it’s a deal. And Belle… thank you. This means a lot.”
Belle waved a hand. “Don’t even mention it. I’m just glad you’re doing something this amazing.” She tilted her head, studying Angie for a second. “But tell me the truth—how areyouholding up? You take care of everyone else, but are you taking care of yourself?”
Angie opened her mouth to brush it off, but Belle’s arched brow stopped her. With a sigh, she said, “Honestly? I’m exhausted. And my joints have been kicking my ass this week.”
Belle’s face softened. “Angie…”
“I know, I know. I need to call my rheumatologist,” Angie admitted, rubbing at her wrist. “I promise, I’ll take care of it.”
Belle narrowed her eyes. “You’d better, or I’ll drag you there myself.”
Angie held up her hands in surrender. “Noted. Now, since I officially have your blessing, I’ll let you get back to work.”
Belle stood, rounding the desk and pulling her into a quick, fierce hug. “I mean it, Ang. Take care of yourself.”
Angie squeezed her back. “I will. Thanks, Belle.”
As she stepped out of the office, she felt lighter. She might be tired, but she wasn’t alone. And that made all the difference.
Angie led her group of six seniors out of the chair yoga class, the rhythmic sound of sneakers and canes tapping against the polished floors of the YMCA. She had made arrangements ahead of time for Carina to drive them home in the center’s van while she stayed behind. Tonight was important. She had already spent two weeks identifying seniors who could benefit from an adoptive grandparent program, not just those who needed companionship but those who had something to offer a young person as a mentor.
She had floated the idea to them gently to gauge interest, and now had a solid list of six single seniors, all living in the Careway Apartments, eager to participate.
Pete had asked for her help in explaining the program to his group of kids. When they’d spoken on the phone earlier, he mentioned that he had already received approval from every parent, guardian, and foster parent involved. The groundwork was set. Now, they just had to bring the two groups together.
As Angie stepped outside with Carina, her gaze immediately found Pete. He stood near the gymnasium men’s showers, rounding up his group, effortlessly commanding their attention as he herded them toward the conference room.
“I'll be right back,” she mouthed to him. His response was a quick wink. The expression was casual and effortless, but enough to send a warm flutter through her chest.How is it possible that such a simple expression could make me feel so giddy?
“He’s a good-looking man,” Carina noted, amusement dancing in her voice.
“Yeah,” Angie sighed, unable to stop the small, knowing smile that curved her lips.
The other seniors chuckled and teased her, but she took it in stride, waving as the van pulled away. The moment they were out of sight, she turned on her heel and hurried back inside, eager to see Pete again.
Inside the conference room, a sudden hush fell over the space as she entered. All ten young faces turned toward her, studying her, and for the first time, nerves prickled along her spine. Speaking in front of adults had never unsettled her. She was confident, well-spoken, and used to commanding attention. But teenagers? That was a different challenge altogether.
She was suddenly aware of her brightly colored blouse, the way her unruly curls framed her face, and even the purple glasses she adored.What if they think I’m a total dweeb? If they write me off now, I’ll lose them before I even begin.
Before she could dwell on it, Pete crossed the room with his easy stride and reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The warmth of his touch melted away her nerves in an instant.
Turning to the group, he introduced her with a confident, steady voice. “Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Ms. Angie Brown,”he said. “She’s here tonight to talk to us about an idea we’ve been working on together. She’s going to sit with us, share her thoughts, and answer any questions you might have.”
Following Richard’s lead, all ten boys stood in unison and greeted her with a respectful chorus of “Hello, Ms. Brown,” before settling back into their seats.
The simple gesture took her by surprise. She stole a glance at Pete, who offered her an encouraging nod.Alrighty, then, she thought, taking her seat beside him.Let’s do this.
Soon, Angie wrapped up her explanation of the program, her voice warm with conviction. She wanted them to truly understand that this wasn’t just about them doing things for the seniors.
"As I've said several times," she reiterated, scanning the room, "this isn’t about running errands or doing chores for them. It’s about building a relationship with someone you might not have otherwise noticed. It’s about learning how to help in meaningful ways, and in turn, allowing them to spend time with someone younger, bringing joy into both your lives."
She glanced at Pete, seeking reassurance. He gave her a small nod, his expression steady, encouraging.
Feeling more confident, she smiled and opened the floor. "Please, ask me questions. Sometimes it’s easier to explain when I know exactly what’s on your mind."
