We turned to see him picking his way across the clearing.
“Thanks for coming, Mrs. Tucker.”
“I’m glad to help.” She cut me a sideways glance. “I’ve sent the site plan to a friend who’s a lighting specialist. He’ll make sure we get the specifications correct.”
“Great. Thanks.”
We began the walk back toward the house. My mother chatted with Scott on the way. When we reached the back yard of the B&B, Mrs. Milton was standing on the patio.
“Daphne,” she said. “It’s so nice to see you.”
Mom hurried over and gave her a friendly-acquaintance hug. “I’m impressed with these improvements.”
“I know. Scott’s doing a spectacular job.” Mrs. Milton beamed in his direction. “Would you all like to come in for something to drink?”
Mom nodded. “I’d like that.”
I shook my head. “No, thank you. I’m hoping to head over to the lighting wholesaler.” I looked at Scott. “Want to give me a ride? Mom can drive my car home.”
“Sure.”
That was easily settled. I handed Mom my keys and watched her disappear into the house with Mrs. Milton. Scott and I were soon on the highway.
I shifted on my seat to face him. “What did you think about Mom’s ideas?”
“Fine. Good.”
“Any concerns?”
He shook his head.
“I’m glad I asked her. She enjoyed it.” I studied his profile. It would take almost twenty minutes for us to reach the lighting store. This could be a perfect opportunity to talk, but he didn’t act interested. Not closed off, exactly. More like…distracted. But I wouldn’t give up. Yet. “Are you feeling better about the project?”
“Yeah. A lot better.”
I waited for him to say more, but after a minute passed, I tried again. “Do you have anything lined up after you’re done with the Miltons?”
His lips quirked into a surprised grin. “It’s strange that you ask. I’ve just been sitting here thinking about what happens next.” He paused to merge onto the interstate and accelerate to cruising speed. “I’m going to hold off until after I start community college. I need to figure out how to fit classes into my current schedule before I addmorejobs.”
I settled back against my seat. It pleased me to hear him thinking ahead, to know that he believed the near-disaster had been averted.
Scott cleared his throat. “So are we buying anything at the store today?”
“No, just looking. We’ll see if they have what we need in stock.” I couldn’t keep the smile from my voice. “Before we spend money, we have to make sure that the effect we’re trying to create gets all of the necessary approvals.”
“Like whose?”
“Mrs. Milton’s. Mom’s. Her lighting designer friend’s.” I turned to him. “And yours.”
“For a wedding venue?” He laughed. “You don’t need mine.”
“Of course we do,” I teased him. “I’m sure you have very good instincts with romance.”
His expression faded into something pensive. “I wish you were right about that.” He met my gaze for an intense moment and then returned his attention to the road.
Wow. What just happened there?
I rested my head against the side window and closed my eyes. What had that look been hinting at? I knew what I hoped it meant, but I wasn’t brave enough to ask.
