Darla’s bright blue eyes widened. “I knew you’d have my back.”
“Of course.” Phoebe leaned back, stretching her arms behind her. “To be honest, part of me wished Ted had assigned you this project. It’s been overwhelming, and you’re better than me at working out all the details.”
“Don’t sell yourself short.” Darla slunk back into the seat. “You’re an amazing rental agent.”
“Thanks.” She shot Darla a grin and winked. “I learned from the best.”
“Do you ever miss your days at the front desk?”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want Ted’s job, though. He’s stuck in his office behind the computer most days. I enjoy getting out of the office and meeting people.”
“Me too, girl. I’d go crazy sitting at a desk all day.” Darla stood. “Speaking of, I need to get going and verify the progress of the Ponderosa Cabin. The new floors are a week behind schedule, and it’s booked solid through March. I already had to maneuver the reservations for this weekend.”
“That’s what Ted gets for not contracting a local company.”
“I said the same thing.” Darla scowled. “There are plenty of companies in the surrounding area that could have done it.”
“You would think he’d have learned after the deck fiasco this summer. Jane in Accounting let it slip that the expansion doubled its projected expense.”
Darla grimaced. “Ouch. Although, when I was reviewing upcoming renovations on several properties this morning, I noticed he gave locals the winning bid.”
“That’s great.”
“He’s a good boss, even if a bit hardheaded at times.”
Phoebe broke out in laughter. “A bit?”
“Okay, a lot.” Darla stepped toward the door and held her hand to her ear mimicking a phone. “I really have to go but call me as soon as you can give me more scoop.”
“I will.” She watched her friend leave then shifted her focus to work.
A knock on the door distracted her before she could absorb herself in work. She groaned under her breath. Today had been full of disruptions. They didn’t typically bother her, but she’d promised Jessa she’d make an appearance at the booster club auction tonight.
She lifted her head and saw Mac Banfield standing in the doorway. Suddenly, she didn’t mind the interference. He hadn’t shaved in a few days, a look she loved on him. Several strands of his chocolate brown hair stood out of place, and his tie hung loosely around his neck giving him an adorable, disheveled appearance. “School’s out for the day?”
He nodded. “What a week, and it’s not over yet.”
“Saturday school duty?”
“Worse. Auction duty.” The corners of his rich cocoa-hued eyes crinkled as he cringed.
“I thought you loved the auction.”
“I did until they assigned me the role of teacher liaison.” He stepped into the office and walked toward her desk. “Do you know how tedious it is to make sure thirty students are all in their proper places at the right time, doing the job they were given?”
“Gotcha.”
“Are you going?”
“Yes. Jessa will be participating as the chamber of commerce representative, and I told her I’d be there.”
He scrunched his face and gave a half smile. “Any chance I can convince you to help me out since you’ll be there already or does your sister need your help?”
Her heart fluttered.Don’t go reading into things that aren’t there. He’s only asking as a friend, same as it’s always been. “What do you need me to do?”
“It’s pretty simple, just annoying.” He sat down in the chair Darla had occupied minutes earlier. “I circle around the event and make sure the students stay on task. They’re not allowed on their phones or to get tied up in conversation with friends.”
She raised a brow. “Simple but tedious, huh?”
