The Guy Next Door

“You mean they can’t pay the travel expenses?”

“I mean they can’t donate any of it—travel, use of the chalet or the lift tickets. We’ve lost the whole vacation package.”

He had to be kidding. She waited for him to break into laughter and say so, but his serious expression squashed her hope.

She groaned. “That skiing package was supposed to raise the majority of our money. We’ve been advertising it on the church website for weeks. What happened?”

“He said unexpected financial obligations. Looks like we’re going to have to knock on doors to come up with more donations, and hopefully a big one.”

Which would take more of Darcy’s nonexistent time. That, coupled with the strain from being around Luke, was simply too much. “I can’t do this,” she said under her breath as she lifted a large painting out of the car.

He grabbed hold of the frame. “I’ll get that. It’s too heavy.”

He didn’t get it. She couldn’t handle the fund-raiser commitment—or him. “If Chloe comes to dinner this evening, I’m going to ask her to help round up donations.”

“Sure, do what you need to do.” He didn’t look thrilled by the prospect as he picked up a framed mirror and headed inside.

Having another committee member still wouldn’t solve the problem of Darcy handling her feelings for Luke. She’d had enough disappointment where he was concerned. She didn’t need to bring more on herself.

After two more loads of items, they carried the carton holding the basketball hoop to the garage, then headed to the kitchen.

Steam rose from a boiling pot on the stove. A freshly baked pound cake sat on the granite countertop, the smell of vanilla and sweetness filling the air.

Was it Darcy’s imagination, or were Burt and her mom standing awfully close? Could he be the mystery man? They looked kind of cute together and acted comfortable around each other. How could that be a bad thing? After watching her mother suffer through a year of sadness and withdrawal, followed by another year of merely getting by, Darcy liked seeing her happy.

And the affection didn’t appear one-sided like Luke had suggested.

“Oh, hi, you two.” Noreen’s eyes were bright, her smile perky. “Now I can put the garlic bread under the broiler. It’ll be ready in two minutes.”

“Is Chloe coming for dinner?” Darcy asked.

Burt opened the drawer and pulled out a serving spoon. “She called to say she was running late. We’re to go ahead and eat.”