Mac swallowed a bite of broccoli and rice. “I spoke with Elijah, and he is on board with taking the youth to perform several skits for the residents.”
“That’s awesome.” In her excitement, Ana slapped a hand on the table. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could bring in barn animals and perform a live nativity for them?”
Shawn erupted in laughter. “I’m pretty sure the nursing home would have something to say about donkeys and goats in their facility.”
“I didn’t mean inside.” Ana nudged Shawn in the ribs. “They have a courtyard, and we could do it there so the residents who can’t come outside can watch from their room windows.”
“You might be on to something.” Kyle sat up straight. “My uncle lends the church his animals for the annual live nativity. I’m sure he’d be willing to take them to the nursing home as well.”
“I doubt Elijah and the youth will mind an encore performance.” The enthusiasm caught Mac and drew him in. A positive distraction was exactly what he needed.
Their conversation grew as others overheard and came to the table. Fifteen minutes later, those present collectively decided they’d pursue the live nativity. Ana called the nursing home and received the proper permission while Mac called Elijah who readily agreed the youth would take it on.
“You know what would top it off?” Darla clasped her hands and smiled. “If Deena Frasier participated and played Mary.”
Marley rolled her eyes. “You are completely celebrity-obsessed.”
“Am not,” Darla protested. “I simply find their lives fascinating.”
“Regardless, the teens in the youth group will fill the roles.” Ana shot Darla an amused glance. “Maybe Deena would sing in church one Sunday. I’ve heard she sings as well as she acts.”
Tanner snorted. “Yeah, okay.”
“You never know unless you ask.”
“Ask what?”
Every person in the fellowship hall turned their head to see the newcomer. Gasps circled the room. A few people stared in confusion, not recognizing Deena Frasier. When the surprise wore off, several people rushed to her.
Mac remained sitting, watching the commotion from afar. Deena worked the crowd with grace, signing autographs and shaking hands. Her sparkling smile shone bright and wooed the staunchest critic in the group.
Curiosity got the better of him. He scooted his chair in preparation to stand. The chair’s feet moved against the tile floor at the front angle, producing a high-pitched squeak that cut through the noise. Heads turned his way. He offered a lopsided grin as an apology for the disturbance then carried his empty plate to the trash.
The heat turned on, sending a wave of air that blew his crumpled napkin to the ground. He stopped to pick it up. When he straightened, his gaze landed on the bluest eyes he’d ever seen for the second time that day. The last time he’d laid his eyes on a such a vivid shade had been that summer in high school when his family had gone west for a vacation to Crater Lake.
She shook her head, just subtle enough to send her blonde tresses tumbling over her shoulders. “I thought I’d find you here.”
“Pardon me?” All the noise must have messed with his hearing because it sounded like she’d searched him out.
“Your friend, Phoebe, mentioned you’d be at an event here tonight.” The smile never left her face, never showed any hint of insecurity.
Mac couldn’t say the same about himself. Aware that dozens of eyes watched them and affected by the surreal nature of the moment, he couldn’t disguise his self-consciousness. “I’m surprised to see you.”
She batted her lashes, pretending to pout. “But I’m welcome, am I not?”
“Of course.” Manners kicked in, and he pointed toward the tables of food. “Would you like a plate? It won’t be the gourmet meal you’re accustomed to, but it’s the best spread of comfort food you’ll find north of the Mason-Dixon line.”
“I’m stuffed with those delectable mushrooms, but thanks.” She looped an arm through his and splayed her fingers on his forearm.
His eyes shifted downward, confirming he hadn’t imagined the contact. “What brings you here? I wouldn’t think you’d enjoy a low-key church outing.”
“There’s a lot about me you don’t know.” She blinked lashes heavy with mascara. “The next few weeks will be crammed with work, so I’ll enjoy the downtime while I can.”
Her answer held a lack of sincerity, but he ignored the warning bells. All the gossip he’d heard about her had formed preconceived notions, and who was he to judge? “I’ll give you fair warning, karaoke starts soon, and I don’t have extra ear plugs.”
She looked at him with wide-eyed disbelief. “Are you serious about karaoke?”
He set his lips to a straight line. “We take our singing very seriously here.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Even those who can’t carry a tune in an empty bucket.”
