A slow smile stretched Deena’s mouth wide. “Does that mean Mac is available?”
Phoebe gave a disinterested shrug, hoping to appear impartial. “As far as I know, but he teaches and helps care for his father, so he doesn’t have much free time.”
“Sounds like a saint.” Deena cast Lynz a look that Phoebe couldn’t decipher. A secret message seemed to transpire between actress and assistant, leaving the others in the dark.
Did Deena mean saint in a derogatory way? It was hard to tell.
All she knew for sure was that her first impression of Deena Frasier instigated many thoughts which prompted her to pray for forgiveness for later.
Chapter Four
Mac searched the church but couldn’t find any sign of Phoebe. Had she backed out? Every time he attempted to engage her in activity, she shied away. He was surprised she’d helped him at the auction and let him change her oil earlier this month, let alone invite him to lunch. He’d gotten his hopes up, but it hadn’t lasted.
Maybe it was time to put away those secret feelings he harbored toward her. The more time passed, the more frustrated he became. He’d tried every subtle way possible of showing his interest, but nothing clicked. He’d run out of options short of telling her outright, and that he wouldn’t do. Their friendship meant too much to take that risk when the odds didn’t seem in his favor.
He trudged to the fellowship hall, but all the bounce in his step had gone. The disappointment of Phoebe’s absence weighed on him more than he cared to admit. That’s what he got for getting his hopes up, thinking he’d made a breakthrough.
The night was young. Though discouraged, he’d enjoy the evening. Between work and helping Mom, he didn’t have much time to get out and enjoy a social life. He spent his days around kids a decade or younger and his nights with his parents who were several decades older. He needed this time with people his own age.
A dozen more singles had arrived since he’d left to explore the church in search of Phoebe. He scanned the small crowd, not surprised he still didn’t see her. His gut told him she wasn’t coming. Someone had cranked the heat—the extra bodies couldn’t account for that high of an increase in the temperature. He rolled his sleeves and straightened his oxford shirt.
Two of his closest friends sat at a far table, and Mac strolled over to join them. He pulled out a chair and sat casually with his on the table. “I smell Addy’s apple streusel.”
Kyle pointed to the table beside them. “Hunter brought it.”
“Bless him and his willingness to impose on Mrs. Addy’s generosity for our sake.” He rubbed his stomach and laughed.
“Living at the boardinghouse has its advantages. I’m glad we have someone else to bring Addy’s goods after Jessa moved out.” Tanner grinned. “But knowing Mrs. Addy, all we’d have to do is ask, and she’d set us up.”
“I’m sure.” Mac’s gaze shifted to the other table where Hunter sat. He called out his name. “Is your sister coming?”
Hunter shrugged. “Not sure. I sent her a message earlier but never heard back.”
Marley Slade laid her plate on the table and sat beside Hunter. “Did you guys hear Deena Frasier arrived today?”
“I’ve known but couldn’t say anything.” Hunter grinned. “My sister’s handling all the accommodations.”
“Has anyone seen her?” Kyle asked as he stood up.
Mac didn’t answer even though he held claim to confirmation. The encounter earlier had left him bewildered. Deena’s flirtation meant nothing, but he couldn’t deny the boost to his ego. It wasn’t every day the world’s most popular actress showed him attention and appreciation.
He’d rather it had been Phoebe.
It’s not going to happen.Once and for all, he would put aside his affection for her and find a way to be content with friendship. Tonight, right here and now, he’d launch a fresh start.
He tuned out the chatter and left the table to claim a spot in the food line. Calorie-laden comfort food filled his plate while he made small talk with those around him. With this crew, however, even a brief conversation held meaning. He’d grown up in this church, with these people, and at the core, they were a family.
Because of that, he could listen to Flynn Crane’s dating woes with patience, even when it was clear Flynn’s clingy nature pushed women away. He’d learned to nod and smile as Reba Rourke shared her gossip which usually turned out to be false, but it made her feel better to believe she was in the know. The list could go on of imperfections within the singles’ group and church—goodness knew he had his fair share—but everyone accepted each other as they were.
When he reached the end of the line, Mac moved to the dessert table and juggled his plate in order to get a serving of the apple streusel before it disappeared. He added a brownie for good measure before returning to his seat.
The empty chairs around the table had filled, and he sat between Kyle and Shawn. He was relieved the conversation had switched from Deena Frasier to the holiday project their class did each year.
Ana Orr, chosen to head the project, also sat at the table. “I called the nursing home, and they’re thrilled we’ve chosen them as our ministry project. They gave me a list of their most-needed items, and several dates we can choose from for delivery.”
“Did you get a headcount?” He snuck a bite of broccoli casserole while waiting for an answer.
“Ninety residents. Fifty-three men and thirty-seven women. We’ll make a hundred.” Ana’s passion for the project came through in her shining eyes and a wide smile. “The only item they asked we not include is candy, as many are on restricted diets. We could make personalized bags, but for simplicity’s sake, we’ll exclude the sweets. They’ll have plenty of other items to bless them.”
