Staff Feature: Jordan Millsaps
“Pearl, I appreciate your offer, I really do. But I don’t want to date your grandson.”
This is at least the tenth time I’ve told her this over the three months that I’ve been bringing books to the residents of Sunny Hills Nursing Home. While I truly enjoy these visits, my patience is sometimes tested by the fact that the residents are prone to repeating themselves. I know it’s not their fault that their memories are failing, and honestly, if that’s what was happening now then I might feel differently. But I happen to know that Pearl’s mind is sharp as a chef’s knife.
Pearl lowers the book she’s perusing to eye me. “You should really meet him before you make that decision, dear. He’s quite the catch.”
“I’m sure he is, but…” I hesitate for a second and then tell a fib. Just a teeny one. “Unfortunately, my heart is already taken.”
It’s not strictly untrue. If the mysterious donor who has been leaving boxes of books outside my office asked me out, I’d say yes in a heartbeat. I’ve only caught glimpses of him a few times as he was walking out the door, but the last time he winked—winked!—at me over his shoulder and it was like the whole world went into slow motion. I could have sworn I was the heroine in a romantic comedy movie as I greedily drank in every detail of his face in the two seconds before he turned back around and strode out the glass doors of the building.
Tall, dark, and handsome with excellent taste in historical fiction and contemporary romance novels? Sign me up. If only I knew his name so I could thank him for his generous donations to my fledgling nonprofit that delivers books to nursing homes and assisted living communities. And, you know, flirt a little.
“Ooh, a boyfriend? Tell us about him.” Barbara, another resident says, leaning in with sparkling eyes. “We haven’t heard anything juicy in ages.”
I chuckle uncomfortably. “There’s not much to tell.”
“Is he handsome? What does he look like?”
One look at the bevy of expectant faces around me and I know I’ve backed myself into a corner. These ladies aren’t going to let me off the hook until I give them some details. Preferably “juicy” ones.
“Well, he’s got dark hair and brown eyes.” I rack my brain for more features. “He’s tall, and he has dimples when he smiles.”
“How did you meet?”
“He brings book donations to my office.” I think that counts, even if we haven’t actually spoken.
“Is he a good kisser?” Barbara asks gleefully.
“A lady doesn’t kiss and tell,” I reply primly, proud of my quick response.
“I’d tell if a handsome gentleman planted one on me,” Barbara grumbles with a frown.
“Nobody said you were a lady,” another resident retorts, and cackles erupt.
Pearl clears her throat and frowns. “Well, that’s just too bad, because here my grandson comes now.”
I glance over my shoulder, my brain working overtime to invent a polite excuse that will allow me to flee and avoid an awkward introduction, most likely paired with Pearl’s assertion of our compatibility. The hardback in my hand drops along with my jaw when I see the person approaching. The book lands squarely on my toe and I bite back a screech, the pain dragging my attention away from my handsome book donor.
His step quickens as I grope for a chair and sink into it, foot throbbing and face on fire.
“Are you alright?” He bends to retrieve the offending book.
“Fine.” I force a smile that probably looks more like a grimace.
“You sure? That’s gotta sting. I can go get you some ice if you want.” His concerned gaze makes my belly warm.
“I’m sure. It’s already feeling much better.” I hop to my feet to demonstrate.
“You’re such a thoughtful boy,” Pearl says, reaching over to pat his arm. “I’ve been trying to convince Veronica here that you two would be perfect for each other.”
His brows go up. “Oh yeah? Are you making any progress?”
I’m surprised by the interest in his expression. Maybe the attraction I’ve been feeling isn’t one-sided.
Pearl heaves a sigh. “No. She was just telling us that she’s already taken.”
“She won’t give us any details though,” Barbara complains. “Just that he’s tall, with dark hair and dimples.”
“Is that right?” He lets his mouth stretch into a grin that highlights those dimples quite nicely.
“Yes, and he donates books at her office. That’s all she’ll say.”
All the air leaves my lungs at the mischievous glint in his eyes. “Well, you’re a lucky lady. He sounds terrific.” And then he winks at me, and doggone it if the world doesn’t slow down again just like it did the first time. “Too bad for me,” he continues. “I’d ask you out myself but I’m not the kind of guy to try to steal someone’s girl.”
Now I’ve really done it. I have no idea what I should do now that I know he’s on to my embarrassing deception. Go all in and continue to play along? Admit my fib and take some ribbing from the ladies? I stifle a sigh of resignation.
“The truth is, I don’t actually have a boyfriend.” I glance at Pearl. “More like a crush, I guess you’d say.”
“Ah ha!” Barbara crows. “That’s why you wouldn’t tell us if he’s a good kisser. You don’t know!”
My face is going to be permanently stained this crimson color.
“So that means you’re available?” Pearl’s grandson asks with a hopeful grin.
“I am, yes.”
He holds out his hand for me to shake. “I’m Max. Are you free for dinner tonight?”
I ignore our enthralled audience as I respond with a smile. “Veronica. And yes, dinner would be wonderful.”
The ladies applaud and Pearl beams. “I knew you two were perfect for each other.”
Jordan is an indie author of sweet romantic comedies and loves to draw inspiration from all the weird, hilarious things that happen in real life. Her latest novel, The Gratitude Guarantee, released in October 2024 and is book 4 of the Boyfriend in the Bargain series.
Connect with Jordan at her website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter (X).
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