“Gimme a break, sis. You almost ripped my dishrag in half because Deena flirted with him.” Trixie reached over and laid her small hand on Phoebe’s arm. “No matter how ridiculous she might have acted with Mac, you don’t have a claim on him. He’s free to date and flirt with anyone his heart desires.”
The truth pierced her heart. She already knew it was true, but having Trixie tell her made it sink in. “I know that in my head, but my heart won’t listen.”
“I’m not an expert, but I know this—your friendship is under attack and itwillsuffer if you allow jealousy to interfere.”
“But Deena is so wrong for him.” In her head, she counted all the reasons why. Number One—she didn’t profess to be a Christian. Two—their lives and values clashed. Three—Mac should love her, not Deena.
Why couldn’t life be fair?
“I agree, but that’s not our decision to make.” Giving Phoebe’s arm a gentle squeeze, Trixie continued. “What you’re seeing is infatuation. Mac will see through the façade in time. He’s a good man.”
“Then why can’t he see itnow?”
Trixie gave her another warning glance. “Love is blind. Beyond that, you’re not even positive of what you saw.”
She snorted. “I’m quite sure of what I witnessed. He was completely and totally enamored with her, making a fool of himself.”
“That’s not what I heard.”
Trixie’s news surprised her. “Who’ve you been talking too?”
“Word travels fast in a small town. Even faster in a small church.” Trixie pulled out her phone and giggled lightly. “Plus, Marley sent me a video.”
Hope that her sister would finally understand blossomed. “Have you watched it yet?”
“Yes, and I don’t see any sign of improper decorum from Mac. Deena… maybe, but definitely not your Mac.”
“He’s not my Mac.” Her rebuttal came out haughtier than she’d meant. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.”
“You know what I did notice in that video?”
“What?”
Trixie played the video and paused at several intervals. “He keeps looking toward the door. I’ve been wrong before, but instinct tells me he was watching for you. After all, didn’t you tell him you’d come?”
“Yes, but—”
“But nothing. It’s way past time for you and Mac to have an honest conversation with each other, but you’re both too chicken.” Trixie adjusted her position and tucked a leg under her lap. “I know it sounds scary, but wouldn’t the reward outweigh that risk?”
Phoebe shook her head. “You’re reading entirely too much into one short video clip.”
“I can’t make you see what you don’t want to, but don’t dismiss the idea.” Trixie inhaled and let it out slowly. “If anybody knows about happy endings that don’t seem possible, it’s me, but look at Elijah and me now. I want that same joy for you.”
The earnestness in Trixie’s tone made Phoebe feel guilty for being short with her. “Thank you.”
Mischief danced in Trixie’s eyes. “For being brutally honest?”
“For being you.” Phoebe relaxed into the decades-old sofa and let its worn fabric envelop her in physical comfort while her soul basked in gratefulness for the gift of her sisters.
***
Phoebe woke up on Sunday morning with a fresh perspective. She’d thought long into the night about what Trixie had said. No matter how many times she replayed that video in her head, she couldn’t believe that Mac had been on the lookout for her.
She did, however, acknowledge that she had no cause to be angry at Mac or Deena. Mac was a free man and could flirt with whomever he chose. Just because it wasn’t her didn’t mean she could hold it against him.
And Deena, well, she’d be out of all their lives soon enough. Her fixation on Mac couldn’t be anything serious and would disappear like the mist as soon as filming ended. Phoebe prayed Mac had sense enough to know that and would keep his heart guarded, but she couldn’t make it her problem. All she could do was be a friend to him.
Despite her new outlook, she took extra time with her appearance. Her favorite hunter green knit swing dress—worn often for its comfort and ability to dress up or down—wouldn’t cut it today. Compared to Deena’s designer wardrobe, the fifteen-dollar dress made her feel frumpy and outdated.
