Back on the second floor, Abe checked a few more details, making notes as he went. Then, finally, they returned to Jack’s office on the ground floor.
“I’ll need copies of all your permits and final inspection reports from the contractors,” Abe said, settling into the chair across from Jack’s desk. “Electrical, plumbing, structural work. Everything.”
“Of course,” Jack said, pulling files from his desk drawer. “I have it all here.”
As Abe reviewed the paperwork, there was a knock on the office door.
“Comein,” Jack called.
Mrs. Hurling entered carrying a tray with a coffee pot, two mugs, cream, and a plate of her homemade cookies.
“I thought you gentlemen might need some refreshment,” she said with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hurling,” Jack said.
As she set the tray down on the desk, her eyes met Abe’s, and something passed between them. Recognition.
Abe’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “Darlene? I thought that was you in the kitchen earlier. Sorry, I didn’t stop to chat. But I had a lot to do.”
Mrs. Hurling’s cheeks flushed pink. “I completely understand, Abe.”
“It’s been a while,” Abe said, standing politely. “How have you been?”
“Getting along,” Mrs. Hurling said. “And you?”
“The same,” Abe said.
They stood there for a moment, and Jack suddenly realized he was witnessing something significant. These two knew each other. And judging by the way they were looking at each other, there was history there.
“How do you two know each other?” Jack asked.
“Grief support group,” Mrs. Hurling said softly. “In St. Augustine, many years ago.”
An idea began forming in Jack’s mind. A way to thank both of these good people who had helped him so much.
“Abe,” Jack said, “I’d like to invite you and your wife to the Winter Ball tomorrow night. As my guest.”
“That’s kind of you,” Abe said, his smile fading slightly. “But I’m a widower. Have been for nine years now. And I can’t accept gifts or anything that might be seen as a bribe. It could compromise my position.”
Jack was impressed by Abe’s integrity. The man could have easily accepted, and no one would have known. But he was honest enough to decline.
“I understand,” Jack said. “I respect that.”
Mrs. Hurling had turned to leave, but now she paused at the door. Then, as if making a sudden decision, she turned back, her cheeks flushing an even deeper pink.
“I have a plus-one ticket for the Winter Ball,” Mrs. Hurling said, the words coming out in a rush. “If you would like to join me, Abe. It’s the least I can do. You were all such a help at the support group, and you went out of your way to come here today to sort out this mess.” She twisted her hands together nervously. “I mean, if you’d like to. No pressure. I just thought...”
Abe’s face broke into a warm smile. “Darlene, I would be delighted to accept.”
Mrs. Hurling’s eyes widened with pleasedsurprise. “Really?”
“Really,” Abe confirmed.
“Oh, wonderful,” Mrs. Hurling said, looking flustered and happy. “We should exchange numbers. I can pick you up, or you can pick me up, or we can meet there, whatever you prefer.”
Jack watched the exchange with growing satisfaction. Behind Mrs. Hurling, he caught sight of his mother standing in the hallway. Julie’s eyes met his, and she smiled knowingly. She’d seen the whole thing.
Abe and Mrs. Hurling exchanged phone numbers, both of them smiling like teenagers planning their first date.
