“He’ll have a tire for me on thetwenty-seventh.”
“Wow, although that’s expected. This isn’t a major city.”
“Yeah. He said he’s going to the mainland for the holiday, but he’ll be back on the twenty-sixth and will install a fresh set the next morning. After that, I’ll be good to go.”
It was only four days from now, and with Christmas and a wedding, no doubt the time would flyby anyway.
“Perfect.” Jesse stood there, rocking back and forth.
“I’m keeping you. Go.”
He rockedforward once again; mouth slightly parted as if he had something to say. Instead, he took off with a wave. “See you around two.”
He crossed the street and hustled down it, turning the corner.
So far, having lunch with Jesse counted as the best lunch date I’d had in months. Years even.
# # #
I pulled in front of Jesse’s house shortly after two and was just replying to a couple of emails when his red pickup came into sight.
He hopped out and did a double takeat me sitting in my car, so I closed out of my phone and got out. “You know you’re welcome to go in. That’s why I gave you a spare.”
“And I did.” Earlier. “But I just got here and had to answer a few things.”
We walked to the steps and he unlocked the door, opening it for me to go into first. I hung back near the entrance, methodically hanging my jacket in the closet as he headed into the kitchen, unsure of what his true reaction would be to the groceries.
“Damn,” he drawled outand whistled as he took in the full pantry, fridge, and a giant bowl of fresh fruit. “This must’ve set you back a fortune.”
“It wasn’t that bad.” For a small-town grocery store. It was nuts though for city prices. “Besides, you’re going to get scurvy if you don’t get enough vitamin C, so there are plenty of oranges and apples and grapefruit to get you through the next few days.”
“I do love a good mandarin.” He grabbed a green tissue paper wrapped orange from the bowl on his island. “Care for one?”
“Sure.” Isnatched it from the air with a perfect catch. Peeling it, the citrus smell bloomed in the air and put a spring in my step.
“You really didn’t have todo this, you know.”
I swallowed down a hearty bite. “I swear I didn’t mind. My dad did it once for me,and I know what it’s like to be down a little.”
“I’ll be paid at the end of the month. I had enough food.” His tone turned defensive as he leaned against the cupboards.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep.” I backed away, wondering where I should go. Up to my room? Back out to the car? Maybe over to Lily’s?
“Hey, I’mthe one who’s sorry.” He crossed his arms over his tight chest and a sadness creased the corners of his eyes. “I’m just not used to having someone do things like this. Not for me.”
A smile leaked out the edges of my lips. “Ditto.”
He inched his way towardme. “Business isn’t too busy these days, which really is a good thing. Means people are healthier and taking care of themselves.”
“Thatis a good thing.” Until I remembered his job. If no one was dying, then he wasn’t busy, and if he wasn’t busy, then the income was likely a reflection of that. “Ah,” I said in understanding.
“In the meantime, I’ve been working at the tree farm on the edge of town, but that’s starting to wrap up with the end of the season. Not too many people buying Christmas trees two days before the big day. But I swear I can pay you back.”
“Jesse,” I said, putting my proverbial foot down but my hand on his strong arm. “It was a gift, so no, you may not pay me back.”
Sincerity flowed out in my words and bounced back inthe form of a warm smile stretching across Jesse’s face.
“Well…” He inhaled. “Thank you very much. I truly appreciate it.”