“It’s a publicity stunt.” Phoebe rolled her eyes and stuffed a lotion in the bag. “Do you really think she would have done that if she hadn’t gotten credit for it in the media?”
“I don’t know.” Darla’s voice squeaked. “She was a good sport about the reporters and didn’t raise a fuss like a prima donna would have. Her compromise actually showed a great deal of maturity and compassion.”
Phoebe couldn’t deny that although it killed her inside to admit it. “I do hope the story inspire others. Our nursing home has a great staff, but I’ll never forget one where we caroled when I was a child. The staff was rude to the patients, the residents had to eat off filthy plates, and I overheard the activities director tell Pastor Gray we were the first group of visitors that year.”
“My great aunt lives at an assisted living center in Saratoga Springs. The facility is beautiful, and the staff is caring and attentive, but many of the residents never get visitors. It breaks my heart.” Darla frowned. “Whenever I go visit Aunt Nancy, I take extra flowers and knick-knacks to hand out.”
“I didn’t know you did that.” Phoebe looked at her friend with newfound respect.
Darla deflected the praise. “You can come with me next time. I plan to go before Christmas.”
“I’d love to. Tell me the date, and I’ll be there.”
“Sure. I’ll let you know by Sunday.” Darla fit a crossword puzzle book into the bag. “It will be a tight fit to get one of each item in this bag. I’m scared I’ll bust a corner seam.”
“I know, but that’s a good problem to have.” Phoebe carefully added a pair of socks and moved to the last table of items. “We have an incredible group. I’m proud to be part of a giving church.”
“I love how our ministries work together. The senior adults gave fifty dollars from their fund to help us buy supplies.”
A pit formed in her stomach when she crammed the thin tablet box into the bag. Why couldn’t she accept that Deena had strong, positive qualities? It wasn’t like her to focus on the negative in anyone.
She carried the stuffed bag to the end table where Marley and Celeste would add finishing touches of ribbon tied around the handles. After she dropped off her first bag, Phoebe returned to the starting point and grabbed a bag from the men’s pile this time.
In the space between the drop-off table and the bag table, she’d gotten separated from Darla. She looked back and saw Darla in conversation with Celeste. Phoebe started her second round on her own, knowing that Celeste and Darla could talk for hours.
“This is fun.”
Phoebe looked up from the table, straight into the eyes of Deena. Mac wasn’t with her. “We do a different project every year, and we always have a good time bringing it together.”
“And you do it for the sole reason of helping others?”
That was an odd question. “Yes.”
“Hmm.”
“Thank you for bringing the tablets.” Phoebe fought for the words, but her soul felt better for them.
“My pleasure.” Deena dropped a lotion in the bag. “Can I be honest?”
“Sure.”
“It started out as a publicity stunt, but I’m not upset it didn’t work out that way.” She stopped working and looked up. “I’ve never experienced being a part of an event like this, and it feels good to help. It takes off the pressure.”
“We’re happy to have you helping us.” What else could she say? She felt sorry for Deena—she couldn’t imagine living in a world where every kind gesture had an ulterior motive. Strangely, that epiphany softened her attitude toward Deena. “We’re delivering them tomorrow night, and the youth are performing a live nativity for the residents. Maybe you could join us?”
“I have to be on-set.” Genuine disappointment filled her voice. “There is a small chance we’ll wrap up earlier in the day. If we do, I’ll be there.”
“Are you staying for dinner tonight?”
“I can’t. I had to sweet talk Stanley into rearranging tonight’s schedule, so I could be here for this.” She reached into her pocket and glanced at her phone. “That’s him now. Could you be a dear and finish this one for me?”
And…the Deena she’d come to know was back.
“Sure thing,” she muttered, taking the bag Deena left on the table.
Once all one hundred bags were assembled, the men rearranged the tables back in their normal rows. Phoebe went into the kitchen and helped Marley set up the pasta bar they’d planned for dinner.
She set pots of al dente spaghetti noodles, fettuccine, rotini, and tortellini on trivets, then a line of bowls with marinara, alfredo, arrabbiata, and clarified butter on the counter. Marley prepared the mix-ins, bringing over bowls of meatballs, grilled chicken, Italian sausage, pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and grilled vegetables. A gigantic bowl of garden salad sat at the end with an assortment of salad dressings and a tray of garlic bread.
