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I wake up the next morning with Becca’s arms draped around me. I giggle as I listen to her snoring sporadically in my ear because this isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I said that I wanted someone in my life. I hold my breath and slither out from her arms, careful not to wake her, but I’m not careful enough, because she stirs, her eyes springing open. She looks around, dazed and still half asleep.
“What time is it?” she murmurs.
“Around eight. What time do you have to be at work?” I ask, knowing she works most Saturdays.
She shakes her head. Her eyes are sleepy.
“I’m off today. I’ve got all day tomorrow on set, so this is my day to relax.”
Becca is an animal handler, so she’s always on and off movie sets and TV shows that require pets. It’s a pretty cool job, and she’s met loads of famous people through it. I’ve even gone along with her once or twice. It’s amazing to watch her at work because she’s a natural when it comes to animals.
“Great, want to do something, then?” I ask, throwing my robe over my pajamas.
She shrugs. “Sure. What do you have in mind?”
“Anything that will make me forget about Luke Dillon sounds good,” I say hopefully.
She laughs. “I’m sorry, but even his name is perfect.”
I sigh because she’s right. He sounds like a movie star.
“So, what do you want to do?” she asks. “Because I’m not fussed. Whatever floats your boat.”
“Hey, would you mind if we take my neighbor somewhere?”
I feel bad with work starting next week that I might not have as much time for her because I can see how much our little day trips mean to her. Earlier this month, we went out for lunch and to see an anniversary screening of Sabrina. She had a great time, and to be honest, so did I.
“She spends so much time cooped up in that little apartment watching TV.” I shake my head. “Some nights I swear I wake up at three in the morning to the sound of her abusing Canada’s Bachelor from about three seasons ago.”
Becca giggles. “This is your eighty-year-old neighbor, right?” she asks, her eyes sparkling.
I nod. “It’s both hilarious and adorable to watch,” I admit.
“I’ve got the perfect day for her, then.” Becca grins.
#
I shake my head and smile at Becca. “You’re a legend, you know that?”
She nods, looking pretty proud of herself.
“Yeah, I hear that a lot. I mean, it’s not The Bachelor, but it’s the next best thing, right?”
I glance over at Iris, who is eagerly watching on the sidelines, shouting abuse at the director, while she watches the filming for Date Me at Dinner, a new show that’s filming its first season at the studio where Becca works. I cringe when she starts offering two of the contestants some friendly advice on how to be less slutty.
“Maybe you should go over there and pitch a new concept to the director.” I giggle to Becca. “Eighty and doing it.”
Becca grimaces, covering her face with her hands as she laughs.
“Honestly, I’m not sure any man her age could handle her. My granny is eighty-one and a big day for her is finishing the crossword puzzle,” Becca jokes. “Iris isn’t exactly your ordinary eighty-year-old.”
I laugh because I certainly don’t need anyone to tell me that Iris is exceptional.
After the screening, we head out for lunch, but not before Becca receives a firm word from the director promising that she will never bring Iris back to the set again. They had to reshoot most of the scenes, which will cost them a small fortune. I feel terrible about it, but at the same time, I haven’t seen Iris looking this happy since Sabrina.
We eat our sandwiches in a café not far from home. Becca and I listen to her tell stories of the men she used to date. Apparently, she was quite the little minx before she settled down and married Walter.
“Do you miss him?” I ask her.
I don’t know much about him, other than he’s been gone for nearly ten years.
“Of course, but when you get to my age, you miss everything. I miss being continent overnight,” she admits, a rueful smile on her face.
Becca and I burst out laughing because it was such an unexpected comment.
“You didn’t have any kids?” Becca asks. I give her a look, and she winces.
“I have a daughter, but she’s too busy to find time for me. She’s done quite well for herself, but that means she works long hours. She has a family of her own now. I understand how hard it is to find time to visit Mom.”
I bite my tongue because I hate that she’s making excuses for her daughter. I don’t care how busy you are, you always make time for family.
