“You’re probably not up to code.” That was a massive understatement. I hadn’t ever seen the same combination of colored wires that Helmut’s fuse box contained, and I’d been around plenty of old electrical boxes in some of the outbuildings on the farm. “I think your best bet is to get someone out here who knows what they’re doing to take a look.”
“But what about my restaurant? I’m supposed to be taking food over to the kickoff celebration.”
I let my head roll back as I sighed. “Ah, hell. What’s left to do? We can’t have a party without the refreshments.”
“It was working fine until I plugged in that trailer. Maybe she’s the one to blame. I’ve got half a mind to call the tourism board myself and have them send someone out here to check the electrical on that tacky camper.”
I reached out and gripped Helmut’s shoulder. “That would be a surefire way to make sure we don’t win that contest. You think they’ll give an award to a town who accuses them of sabotage?”
Helmut scratched his chin. “What do you want me to do then?”
I clasped my hands and slipped them over my head to rest behind my neck. I could think better when I walked, so I paced the small back room of the restaurant, trying to force some brilliant idea into my head. “Let me call Lacey. She’ll know what to do.”
“If you don’t get me power in the next half hour, I may as well throw all the food I was planning on making away. Health department rules.” Helmut shrugged and left me standing alone, staring at the fried fuse box.
I dialed Lacey and held the phone to my ear. Better to call now than when I got in the truck with Delilah. She didn’t need to know what was going on... I needed to keep things as seamless as I could.
“Hey, Lacey. Breaker blew out at Helmut’s. You know anyone with a generator that can get out here ASAP so he doesn’t lose all the food he’s prepping for the party tonight?”
“What?”
I’d obviously caught her by surprise. “Yeah. When he plugged in Delilah’s trailer his fuse box fried.”
“Oh no. Where is she?”
“She’s here. I’m going to run her back to my place so she can get ready for tonight. But we need to get the power back on.”
“Right. Um, let me think for a minute.” She clucked her tongue several times in rapid succession. “I bet the sheriff’sdepartment has something we can borrow until we can get someone out there to fix it. Let me call Bodie and I’ll get back to you in a few minutes.”
“Sounds good.”
“And, Jasper?”
“Yes, ma’am?” I braced myself, waiting for the inevitable words. She was going to go off on me, I just knew it. Not even two hours into my role and I’d blown it. Literally.
“Is there anywhere else you can take her to get ready? The Phillips House won’t work since we’ve got that big wedding, but I’m not sure your place is the best option.”
She had a point. I wasn’t too keen on offering my place to begin with. “Where would you like me to take her instead?”
“I don’t know. My house is nuts right now with all the baby gear and the wedding stuff. Maybe Zina’s?”
“You want me to drive her all the way out there?”
“No, I guess not. Just, try not to scare her off, will you?”
“I’ll do my best.” Her lack of faith in me made me want to double down on my efforts. In that moment, a flash of inspiration struck. My aunt Suzy’s was closer to town. She lived by herself since Uncle Gus had passed a few years ago. I could take Delilah there. Aunt Suzy wasn’t exactly the world’s best housekeeper, but it would be better than taking her back to my cabin. The only woman who’d ever visited me there was my mom.
Glad to have a firm plan, I fired off a text to Suzy, then tucked my phone back into my pocket and returned to the truck.
Delilah gripped a roller bag carry-on in one hand and a large hot-pink tackle box in the other. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to follow you or if we should go together.”
“Why don’t you ride with me? My aunt Suzy’s is closer to town, and I think you’ll be more comfortable there.”
“Whatever you think is best. I just need access to a powder room and some electricity.”
I nodded. “I’ll run you over there, then she can bring you to town when she comes for the kickoff.” I glanced back at the pink pickup. “If you’re sure you’d rather not drive yourself?”
“I’m liable to get lost on these backcountry roads. If you don’t mind, I’ll let you navigate.”
