“Exactly.” He shrugged then ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not all bad, but not my idea of a fun Friday night. It’s for a good cause, though, so I shouldn’t complain.”
“I can help. What time do I need to be there?”
“Six.”
“All right.” That meant she’d have to leave the office once Mac left in order to be ready in time, which also meant she’d have to work a few hours tomorrow to finish all her reports. She smiled to herself. Coming in tomorrow would be well worth it for a few hours spent with Mac.
Pleasant surprise reflected in his dark eyes. “Want to ride together? Parking always gets tight at these events.”
“Sure. I need an oil change, so any miles saved helps.”
“How many miles overdue are you?”
“Two-hundred miles.” She scrunched her nose and braced herself for the lecture.
Rather than a reprimand, he chuckled. “Some things never change.”
“In my defense, Dad usually does it for me, but he and Mom went on that much needed month-long cruise after Trixie’s wedding. Landon said he would, but then he got called out on an unexpected long-distance haul.” She held up a hand. “And before you ask why I didn’t take it in the shop, I have no valid reason other than I hate to sit there and wait.”
“Why don’t I swing by tomorrow and change it for you?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
He cast her a wide grin. “Consider it payment for your help at the auction.”
“Fair enough.” Her heart skipped another beat, but Mac would have made the same offer for anybody. Regardless, it meant seeing him again tomorrow.
“Do you have the oil?”
“It’s still in my trunk from when I bought it a few weeks ago, thinking Dad or Landon would change it, but I put off asking them until too late.”
His gaze shifted to his phone. “I have an appointment at ten in Farthington, but I should be back by noon if that’s good.”
“Perfect. That gives me time to put in the few hours I need for tomorrow.” She barely gave her next thought consideration before it slipped off her tongue. “I’ll make you lunch afterward if you’re not in a hurry.”
“That reminds me.” He rose to his feet and reached in his pocket. “Mom asked if I could drop this off to you. It’s the final menu and billing for Deena’s catering order. She tried emailing it this morning, but the internet went down, and she had to get Dad to his appointment.”
She reached for the paper and gave it a cursory glance before setting it aside. Thelma Banfield’s work ethic wouldn’t allow her anything but perfection for the catering order that would greet Deena Frasier in her cabin. “How is your dad? I pray for him every day.”
“He’s Dad, but not.” He released a heavy sigh and slumped his shoulders. “He’s always been so independent, and he’s frustrated that he hasn’t regained full mobility and speech which is making him cranky.”
“It’s only been three months since his stroke.” Tenderness filled her heart for the man who’d been a role model for much of the Jasper Lake community. “It’s going to take time.”
“We keep telling him that, plus we remind him how far he’s come in that time, but you know Dad.”
“Yes, I do.” Her lips twisted upward in a bittersweet smile. “Maybe I should stop by and remind him of the advice he gave me years ago when he coached my little league team.”
Mac’s eyes lit up. “I’d forgotten about that. You should. Even if he doesn’t listen to the advice he gave us, he’d appreciate the visit.”
“I’ll call your mom and arrange a time next week.”
His full smile beamed at her. “You’re a gem.”
Oh, how she wished he meant that as more. “This catering gig isn’t too much on your mom, is it?”
“Not at all. The distraction is good for her, and she loves doing it.” He lifted a shoulder. “Besides, the whole reason I moved back into the house was to help her with Dad. The school board has been great at letting me spread my paid time off, so I can have a four-day work week and give Mom time away.”
Even more reason to love, er, like, him. “You’re the real gem.”
