Page 28 of See You at the Sunset

Jia needed Gordon’s mojo to rub off on her. She needed the strength and determination of all the residents here to motivate her. She needed to believe that she could pick up the pieces and make something of her life like many of them at The Sunset had done time and again in their lives. She needed a Jia 2.0.

And she had two weeks to do it or she’d be back under her parents’ control.

A waft of hot air entered the office as the front door of the community center opened.

Jia looked over her shoulder midsip to see the large presence of the very handsome Matthew, the guy from the airport, the grocery store, and now, curiously, the Sunset Hills Community Center. He stood there in linen trousers, perfectly creased down the center, and a thin navy silk polo shirt. He looked expensive. And irresistible.

When he saw Jia, his face spread into a very sexy smile.

An audible intake of breath followed by a croakyOhcoming from Gladys snapped Jia out of her own stupor.

“Hey, there. What brings you to this neck of the woods?” Jia greeted him.

“Well, I didn’t expect to see you this morning. It’s a nice surprise. Starting my day off on the right foot,” Matthew said.

“Should I leave you two alone and close the blinds on the way out?” Gladys asked.

“Gladys,” Jia said with mock offense.

“Actually, I’m here to see Gladys, I think. Hello, I’m Matthew Singleton,” he said, reaching around Jia and over the desk to offer his hand to Gladys. Gladys looked down at the very large hand presented to her. Jia remembered seeing that same hand at the airport baggage-claim carousel. It was definitely something to behold.

“Me? I can’t imagine there’s anything I could help you with that Jia wouldn’t be better at,” Gladys said with a wink.

Matthew’s cheeks pinkened. Cute.

“Well, I was told to come to you to get a parcel map of the community,” Matthew explained.

“Oh, that’s usually reserved for residents. Is there a reason you need this, hon?” Gladys said.

“I’m actually the agent for Isabel Lennon,” he answered.

“What kind of agent?” Jia asked.

“A real estate agent.”

“Isabel is moving?” Gladys and Jia asked at the same time.

“I don’t know all the details,” Matthew said, “but my assumption is she’s going into some kind of assisted-living facility. At least that’s what her family tells me.”

“Well, that’s too bad,” Gladys said.

“No, actually, that sucks,” Jia said.

“Jia, now watch that language in front of our visitors,” Gladys reprimanded her.

“But she was doing so well after her surgery. Her mobilitywas getting better. And she’s still smart as a tack.” Jia let out a frustrated sigh. “Why would she need to be moved?”

Matthew lifted his hands. “I don’t know all the details. I’m so sorry. I was just brought in to help facilitate the selling of her property.”

Jia’s shoulders dropped. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. It’s just that I get attached easily. And usually when it’s time to move, it’s not for the best reasons. I didn’t realize there was something to be concerned about with Isabel.” Jia hated that she’d missed the signs.

“No, I get that. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset either of you,” Matthew said.

“No, no, dear, you’re fine. And I will get you that map. It will take me a bit to pull it out of the files. Do you have a fax machine I can send it to?” Gladys asked.

“Would you be able to email it to me?”

Gladys looked to Jia, brows raised in question.