“A long while.” She wasn’t even sure why she’d mentioned the specifics; she rarely spoke about Mom to others. But for somereason she felt comfortable with Tucker. It seemed okay. “She’s been battling Alzheimer’s for years. She had early onset that we’d all joked about as forgetfulness for years. Then it got to the point, well… she doesn’t know me or my sister most days.”
“That’s got to be hard.”
She nodded. “It’s a devastating disease. Mom used to have a bubbly personality. The disease has stripped so much from her. Some days it’s as if she’s not even in there.”
“It’s hard on the family.”
“I never miss the family days, even though Mom might not know the difference. If for no other reason, I get the chance to thank those that are there for the day-to-day. They are truly angels, and they take such good care of her.”
“It takes a special person to provide that kind of care,” he said. “It’s nice you can get away from work so long. I guess this would be a slower time for real estate.”
“Mm-hmm. It can be seasonal for sure. I own my own real estate firm. I’m a broker, have a team of agents working out of my office now. Things are good.”
“Do you like living in the city?”
“It’s all I know. I’ve never lived anywhere else.”
“I can’t imagine living where I don’t know everyone. I wouldn’t trade the quiet for all the hustle and noise of the city.”
“Have you ever spent time in a city?”
“Sure. I’ve been to Chicago, Vegas, D.C., for training and conventions. Spent a vacation in New York City once. I was supposed to be there a week, but I was ready to come home after three days.”
“I’ve often wondered what makes people change their mindabout where they live. In my business, I see it all the time. City folks wanting to move to quieter areas and vice versa. It’s awful when couples have different mindsets. It’s nearly impossible to find a place that meets both needs. That makes me nuts.”
“Yeah, you can’t fake the closeness of a small community.”
“It’s like one big family here. I only know a couple of my neighbors, and that’s only because I sold them their houses. It’s nice feeling like a part of the community here.”
“Folks seem to like you being a part of it. They aren’t always so welcoming to outsiders.”
“Really? Well, then I’m flattered.”
“You should be.” He set his nearly empty teacup on the table. “I’m looking forward to cooking for you on Thursday.”
“What can I bring?” she asked.
“How about salad?”
She liked that he didn’t tell her to come empty-handed. It wasn’t her style. “I can handle that. What time should I come over?”
“I’ll pick you up,” he said. “I’m kind of old-fashioned that way.”
“I’ll drive. I’m kind of not-so-old-fashioned. I like to be in control of my entrance and exits.”
“I understand, but you could walk home if you wanted to leave. My house is just around the block from Orene’s.”
Suddenly, the Christmas lights along the porch and in the trees all went dark.
Sheila gasped. “I think our quarter ran out.”
Laughing, he said, “They’re on a timer.”
“Oh. Right. Itisgetting late.” She hated for the evening to end.
“Yes, and I should leave.” He stood. “I’ll see you on Thursday, and since it’s just around the block, would you let me pick you up? A lady deserves to be treated like one.” He took both of her hands in his and gave them a simple squeeze that sent an epic zing through her.
“Yes. I’m comfortable with that. I’ll be waiting on the porch.”
