by Leah Atwood
“All the lights are voice-activated.” Ted moved his arm in a sweeping gesture. “All you have to do is tell Kiri what you want. Kiri, turn on the chandelier. Kiri, dim the kitchen lights.”
Lynz, the assistant, clung to her tablet. “And if that doesn’t work?”
“The system has been well tested, but all lights can be controlled manually and also by remote.” Ted’s self-assurance never faltered under the scrutiny of his beloved cabin, his favorite rental.
Ted continued showing them around the cabin, and when the doorbell rang. Phoebe quietly moved to answer it, surprised to see Mac at the door. “Hey, I expected your mom.”
“Tamera couldn’t stay, and I happened to walk through the door at the right time, so ta-da.” He grinned and waved the silver-domed platter of mushrooms in front of her. “Your order, as requested.”
She scrunched her nose and lowered her voice. “Not my order.”
“That great, huh?” His eyes offered sympathy.
“Maybe I’m not being fair.” She appreciated Mac made eye contact with her instead of glancing over her shoulder for a peek at the movie star. Not many people she knew could have held their curiosity at bay. “Do you want to meet her?”
“I’m good.” He gave the mushrooms a pointed look. “I need to get home and figure out another side to bring tonight. Are you coming?”
“I hadn’t planned on it.” She wouldn’t admit it, but she found the singles’ events to be less enticing with each passing month. Before Jessa got married, they’d go together and make a day out of it, but now Jessa and Trixie were both married, and she remained the only Graff daughter with single status.
“You should come.” His eyes sparkled. “I know they’re lame sometimes, but tonight’s is nothing fancy, just a gathering of friends.”
“Maybe.”
He tilted his head to the side and gave her his infamous stare with raised brows. “Coming from you, that’s always meant no.”
He knew her so well. “Can’t a girl spend a Friday night alone? Is there a law that says I have to go out if I’m single?”
“No, but you can’t be a hermit either.”
“I’m not.”
Another eye-piercing stare. “When’s the last time you did anything social that didn’t include your family?”
She hunched her shoulders. “Umm….”
“Exactly my point.” His grin exuded blatant satisfaction. “Come tonight. I’ll offer you a money-back satisfaction guarantee.”
Bursting into laughter, she covered her mouth to silence it. “I thought it’s free?”
“Yeah, yeah.” His eyes twinkled. “Are you going to make me beg?”
“Fine, I’ll come.”
“I didn’t know we had a guest.” A sultry voice interrupted their conversation. It came from Deena, but she’d changed from her condescending tone of earlier.
Phoebe handed her the covered platter. “The stuffed mushrooms you ordered.”
“Wonderful. Take them, Lynz.” Deena’s eyes never left Mac despite the instructions directed toward her assistant. She extended a hand to Mac, initiating an introduction. “Deena Frasier, and you are?”
“Mac Banfield. My mother catered the food.” He shook her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Seems food isn’t all your mother excels at making,” Deena purred.
Phoebe coughed, shocked by Deena’s brazen statement. Worse yet, Mac apparently fell for her fake charm. He winked. Winked! Jealousy she’d never known turned her entire insides green. Was he blinded by Deena’s beauty? She could only hope it was temporary.
“My mom’s an amazing woman, great at many things.” Mac flashed a grin, full of perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth.
He’s always had a great smile, even before braces. Would Deena still be flirting with him if she’d seen his pre-teen smile? She had to get out of her own head. It wasn’t healthy to be jealous, especially instantly so. It was even worse because she held no claim on Mac.
It took her by surprise, that’s all. She’d never taken Mac for the type to lose his cool over a celebrity, no matter how beautiful the actress was. Tuning back in, she realized she missed several lines of conversation when she realized Mac was leaving.
He waved bye to everyone then looked at her. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Drive safe.” How dumb could she sound? She wasn’t his mom for goodness’ sake.
After he left, Phoebe took a deep breath and collected herself before facing Deena. A few more minutes, and then she could also make her escape.
Deena eyed her with keen interest. “Hot date tonight?”
“Huh?” Caught off guard, her professionalism slid.
“MacHottie said he’d see you tonight.”
She cringed at MacHottie. “It’s a church singles’ event.”
A slow smile stretched Deena’s mouth wide. “Does that mean Mac is available?”
Phoebe gave a disinterested shrug, hoping to appear impartial. “As far as I know, but he teaches and helps care for his father, so he doesn’t have much free time.”
“Sounds like a saint.” Deena cast Lynz a look that Phoebe couldn’t decipher. A secret message seemed to transpire between actress and assistant, leaving the others in the dark.
Did Deena mean saint in a derogatory way? It was hard to tell.
All she knew for sure was that her first impression of Deena Frasier instigated many thoughts which prompted her to pray for forgiveness for later.
Chapter Four
Mac searched the church but couldn’t find any sign of Phoebe. Had she backed out? Every time he attempted to engage her in activity, she shied away. He was surprised she’d helped him at the auction and let him change her oil earlier this month, let alone invite him to lunch. He’d gotten his hopes up, but it hadn’t lasted.
Maybe it was time to put away those secret feelings he harbored toward her. The more time passed, the more frustrated he became. He’d tried every subtle way possible of showing his interest, but nothing clicked. He’d run out of options short of telling her outright, and that he wouldn’t do. Their friendship meant too much to take that risk when the odds didn’t seem in his favor.
He trudged to the fellowship hall, but all the bounce in his step had gone. The disappointment of Phoebe’s absence weighed on him more than he cared to admit. That’s what he got for getting his hopes up, thinking he’d made a breakthrough.
The night was young. Though discouraged, he’d enjoy the evening. Between work and helping Mom, he didn’t have much time to get out and enjoy a social life. He spent his days around kids a decade or younger and his nights with his parents who were several decades older. He needed this time with people his own age.
A dozen more singles had arrived since he’d left to explore the church in search of Phoebe. He scanned the small crowd, not surprised he still didn’t see her. His gut told him she wasn’t coming. Someone had cranked the heat—the extra bodies couldn’t account for that high of an increase in the temperature. He rolled his sleeves and straightened his oxford shirt.
Two of his closest friends sat at a far table, and Mac strolled over to join them. He pulled out a chair and sat casually with his on the table. “I smell Addy’s apple streusel.”
Kyle pointed to the table beside them. “Hunter brought it.”
“Bless him and his willingness to impose on Mrs. Addy’s generosity for our sake.” He rubbed his stomach and laughed.
“Living at the boardinghouse has its advantages. I’m glad we have someone else to bring Addy’s goods after Jessa moved out.” Tanner grinned. “But knowing Mrs. Addy, all we’d have to do is ask, and she’d set us up.”
“I’m sure.” Mac’s gaze shifted to the other table where Hunter sat. He called out his name. “Is your sister coming?”
Hunter shrugged. “Not sure. I sent her a message earlier but never heard back.”
Marley Slade laid her plate on the table and sat beside Hunter. “Did you guys hear
Deena Frasier arrived today?”
“I’ve known but couldn’t say anything.” Hunter grinned. “My sister’s handling all the accommodations.”
“Has anyone seen her?” Kyle asked as he stood up.
Mac didn’t answer even though he held claim to confirmation. The encounter earlier had left him bewildered. Deena’s flirtation meant nothing, but he couldn’t deny the boost to his ego. It wasn’t every day the world’s most popular actress showed him attention and appreciation.
He’d rather it had been Phoebe.
It’s not going to happen. Once and for all, he would put aside his affection for her and find a way to be content with friendship. Tonight, right here and now, he’d launch a fresh start.
He tuned out the chatter and left the table to claim a spot in the food line. Calorie-laden comfort food filled his plate while he made small talk with those around him. With this crew, however, even a brief conversation held meaning. He’d grown up in this church, with these people, and at the core, they were a family.
Because of that, he could listen to Flynn Crane’s dating woes with patience, even when it was clear Flynn’s clingy nature pushed women away. He’d learned to nod and smile as Reba Rourke shared her gossip which usually turned out to be false, but it made her feel better to believe she was in the know. The list could go on of imperfections within the singles’ group and church—goodness knew he had his fair share—but everyone accepted each other as they were.
When he reached the end of the line, Mac moved to the dessert table and juggled his plate in order to get a serving of the apple streusel before it disappeared. He added a brownie for good measure before returning to his seat.
The empty chairs around the table had filled, and he sat between Kyle and Shawn. He was relieved the conversation had switched from Deena Frasier to the holiday project their class did each year.
Ana Orr, chosen to head the project, also sat at the table. “I called the nursing home, and they’re thrilled we’ve chosen them as our ministry project. They gave me a list of their most-needed items, and several dates we can choose from for delivery.”
“Did you get a headcount?” He snuck a bite of broccoli casserole while waiting for an answer.
“Ninety residents. Fifty-three men and thirty-seven women. We’ll make a hundred.” Ana’s passion for the project came through in her shining eyes and a wide smile. “The only item they asked we not include is candy, as many are on restricted diets. We could make personalized bags, but for simplicity’s sake, we’ll exclude the sweets. They’ll have plenty of other items to bless them.”
Mac swallowed a bite of broccoli and rice. “I spoke with Elijah, and he is on board with taking the youth to perform several skits for the residents.”
“That’s awesome.” In her excitement, Ana slapped a hand on the table. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could bring in barn animals and perform a live nativity for them?”
Shawn erupted in laughter. “I’m pretty sure the nursing home would have something to say about donkeys and goats in their facility.”
“I didn’t mean inside.” Ana nudged Shawn in the ribs. “They have a courtyard, and we could do it there so the residents who can’t come outside can watch from their room windows.”
“You might be on to something.” Kyle sat up straight. “My uncle lends the church his animals for the annual live nativity. I’m sure he’d be willing to take them to the nursing home as well.”
“I doubt Elijah and the youth will mind an encore performance.” The enthusiasm caught Mac and drew him in. A positive distraction was exactly what he needed.
Their conversation grew as others overheard and came to the table. Fifteen minutes later, those present collectively decided they’d pursue the live nativity. Ana called the nursing home and received the proper permission while Mac called Elijah who readily agreed the youth would take it on.
“You know what would top it off?” Darla clasped her hands and smiled. “If Deena Frasier participated and played Mary.”
Marley rolled her eyes. “You are completely celebrity-obsessed.”
“Am not,” Darla protested. “I simply find their lives fascinating.”
“Regardless, the teens in the youth group will fill the roles.” Ana shot Darla an amused glance. “Maybe Deena would sing in church one Sunday. I’ve heard she sings as well as she acts.”
Tanner snorted. “Yeah, okay.”
“You never know unless you ask.”
“Ask what?”
Every person in the fellowship hall turned their head to see the newcomer. Gasps circled the room. A few people stared in confusion, not recognizing Deena Frasier. When the surprise wore off, several people rushed to her.
Mac remained sitting, watching the commotion from afar. Deena worked the crowd with grace, signing autographs and shaking hands. Her sparkling smile shone bright and wooed the staunchest critic in the group.
Curiosity got the better of him. He scooted his chair in preparation to stand. The chair’s feet moved against the tile floor at the front angle, producing a high-pitched squeak that cut through the noise. Heads turned his way. He offered a lopsided grin as an apology for the disturbance then carried his empty plate to the trash.
The heat turned on, sending a wave of air that blew his crumpled napkin to the ground. He stopped to pick it up. When he straightened, his gaze landed on the bluest eyes he’d ever seen for the second time that day. The last time he’d laid his eyes on a such a vivid shade had been that summer in high school when his family had gone west for a vacation to Crater Lake.
She shook her head, just subtle enough to send her blonde tresses tumbling over her shoulders. “I thought I’d find you here.”
“Pardon me?” All the noise must have messed with his hearing because it sounded like she’d searched him out.
“Your friend, Phoebe, mentioned you’d be at an event here tonight.” The smile never left her face, never showed any hint of insecurity.
Mac couldn’t say the same about himself. Aware that dozens of eyes watched them and affected by the surreal nature of the moment, he couldn’t disguise his self-consciousness. “I’m surprised to see you.”
She batted her lashes, pretending to pout. “But I’m welcome, am I not?”
“Of course.” Manners kicked in, and he pointed toward the tables of food. “Would you like a plate? It won’t be the gourmet meal you’re accustomed to, but it’s the best spread of comfort food you’ll find north of the Mason-Dixon line.”
“I’m stuffed with those delectable mushrooms, but thanks.” She looped an arm through his and splayed her fingers on his forearm.
His eyes shifted downward, confirming he hadn’t imagined the contact. “What brings you here? I wouldn’t think you’d enjoy a low-key church outing.”
“There’s a lot about me you don’t know.” She blinked lashes heavy with mascara. “The next few weeks will be crammed with work, so I’ll enjoy the downtime while I can.”
Her answer held a lack of sincerity, but he ignored the warning bells. All the gossip he’d heard about her had formed preconceived notions, and who was he to judge? “I’ll give you fair warning, karaoke starts soon, and I don’t have extra ear plugs.”
She looked at him with wide-eyed disbelief. “Are you serious about karaoke?”
He set his lips to a straight line. “We take our singing very seriously here.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Even those who can’t carry a tune in an empty bucket.”
“Sounds… lovely.”
He chuckled. “Lovely, no, lively, yes. Most of us know we don’t have professional-grade talent but have fun with it. Often, it turns into a competition of who can sing the loudest.”
“Is there a list of songs to choose from?” Her smile returned. “It’s been a while, but I can roll with the best of them.”
“Libby connects her laptop to the speakers and streams the songs. The only rule is nothing with explicit lyrics.”
“Because we
’re in church?”
“Right.” His smile was confident, but once he broke eye contact with her, he became keenly aware again of the attention on them.
The hushed silence spoke louder than any words could. He realized every person in the room had listened to his brief conversation with Deena, and he could reasonably assume the gossip mill was in full swing.
To keep things moving, he initiated introductions. “Everybody, please welcome Deena Frasier to our group. I met her earlier this evening while making a delivery for Mom, and she’s decided to join our fun.”
Darla bounced in front of them. “I’m Darla Rochon. We’ll probably meet again as I’m an associate at Jasper Properties, but I wanted to welcome you personally to Jasper Lake First Community Church.”
“Thank you. This is a beautiful church and town.” Deena cast him a smile before returning her attention to Darla. “I believe I’m going to enjoy my time here.”
“Perhaps you can join us for Sunday worship.”
Mac cringed at Darla’s overeager attitude. Inviting Deena to church wasn’t bad, except Darla had the wrong motives. “Let’s give her time to settle before bombarding her with questions.”
“It’s okay.” Deena released him and stepped toward Darla, but not before giving him a pointed glance. “I’ve not attended a church service in years, with my full schedule and all, but that should change.”
Darla’s eyes widened, and she gave her own directed stare toward him. “You’re welcome here any time.”
“What time do the services start?”
“We have Sunday school at nine forty-five and the worship service starts at eleven,” Marley answered.
“I’ll have my assistant add it to the schedule.” Deena looked at him. “You’ll be there, won’t you?”
“Yes.” Convinced he’d fallen asleep and existed in a dream world, Mac pinched his arm. Deena’s unconcealed interest in him didn’t make sense—he was a typical, small-town guy with average looks and nothing to offer a massive celebrity like Deena. Maybe, though, she was the distraction he needed to move past Phoebe.
His gaze traveled to the double doors, lingering, longing for Phoebe to walk through, but the only person he saw was Deena’s bodyguard who observed Deena’s every move and surroundings.
