She sighed. “Thanks.”
His smile flattened. “What’s wrong?”
“The paparazzi are still out there, and it’s wearing on Jack. He’s getting close to a breaking point, I think.”
“Not good,” Mitch said. “Is there something I can do to help?”
“I don’t know. And I know I’m interrupting your writing. I guess I just needed to talk to you.”
That brought his smile back. “That’s an interesting change of pace.”
She laughed. “I suppose it is.”
He leaned back in his chair. “You want to come over?”
“Aren’t you working?”
“Yes, but I could take a break.” It was worth it to see her.
“Do you have any ideas about how to help Jack? How to get rid of these crazy paparazzi?”
“No, but maybe we could circumvent them. Temporarily.”
“How?”
“Can you take a few hours off?”
“Sure. Are you going to tell me what’s up?”
He grinned. “No. I’d rather it be a surprise. Get Jack and bring him over. Both of you should be dressed for a day outside. Bring something to occupy yourself with. A book, your laptop, whatever.”
“What are you planning?”
He shook his head, amusing himself. “You’ll see. He should be able to leave the guest house undetected, don’t you think?”
“If he comes out through the garage and cuts across to your place through the tree line, there’s enough landscaping to hide him. Besides, they seem to be focused on the second story of the guest house, the breezeway, and the pool.”
“Perfect. Twenty minutes?”
“Should we eat before we come over?”
“No. Do you need more than twenty minutes?”
“I think that’s enough time. I’ll text him right now.”
“Great. See you soon.” He hung up and went out to the kitchen. Joyce was folding laundry at the kitchen table. He could hear Beryl singing to Ruthie in the other room. Bunny was probably in with them. Four pans of banana bread sat cooling on racks, scenting the air with a mouth-watering aroma. “Joyce?”
She looked up, a washcloth in her hands. “Yes?”
“Could you fill a cooler with enough sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for three people?”
She set the washcloth down. “You need it right away?”
“Right away.”
“I’ll get to it.”
“Thanks.” He went to his bedroom and changed from his track pants to shorts and put on a different T-shirt. One without a hole near the collar. He grabbed his sunglasses and keysand took them to the kitchen, leaving them on the edge of the counter.
