Page 45 of One More Time

I finally risked a glance at Jack. When his eyes met mine, my belly did a little shimmy and a twist. “Hi, Jack.” I had to clear my throat after those two words.

“Good to see you, McKenna.” My pulse kicked up its heels and took off in a mad dash.

Derek glanced back and forth between us, his tongue pressing into his cheek before he grinned, his eyes holding a sly gleam. “You know, you two can do your thing. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean that needs to stop.”

Heat flashed into my cheeks. “What?” I sputtered.

“It’s time for me to leave the scene. I walk pretty slowly, so by the time I get to the coffee shop, you two can have a nice chat. Just give me a little head start,” Derek quipped as he began to walk, leaning on his cane for support.

“Oh my God,” I said under my breath once he was out of earshot.

I dared to look up at Jack, and his eyes glinted with humor. “He asked me about you. I tried to play it off, but apparently, Phyllis lives across the street from you.” He shrugged, rolling his eyes. “I didn’t mean to create gossip.”

I lightly bounced the heel of my hand against my forehead and burst out laughing. “Of course! Yes, Phyllis lives across from those houses. You didn’t create gossip; Phyllis did. I wonder who else she’s told.”

“Derek said she swore she didn’t tell anyone else.”

I shook my head slowly, bemused. “Small-town problems.”

“My brother assures me he won’t tell anyone else.” He glanced ahead. Derek was just turning into the walkway that led to Spill the Beans Café. “Shall we get going? You look cold.”

At my nod, we began walking. “It sounds like Derek is adjusting well. He’s already got an in with Phyllis.”

“That’s Derek.” Jack’s tone was wry.

“How are you?” I asked.

Jack paused on the sidewalk, glancing down, and I waited with him. His shoulders rose as he took a deep breath. “I’m as well as could be expected.” His tone was careful. “I’m really glad Derek’s here even though it’s hard to see him sick. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I studied him for a moment as he held my gaze steadily, not once looking away. “You’re a good man, Jack Hamilton.”

“I try to be. Speaking of my brother and awkward gossip, I’d love to see you.”

I wasn’t entirely sure how to interpret that. “You can stop by any evening. You know where I live.”

When he dipped his head in acknowledgment, I added, “We might as well give Phyllis something to talk about.”

He threw his head back with a laugh.

We began walking again. “So he’s doing okay?”

Jack’s breath puffed in the air with his response. “As okay as he can be. He’s skin and bones and moves slowly, but his spirits are good. He says he’s not in much pain.”

“I suppose that’s the best you can ask for.” I felt as if my words fell short.

“I think so.”

I sensed something else was on Jack’s mind. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” I prompted.

“Yes.”

A moment later, he held the door for me at the café. The warm air was a welcome respite from the cold winter morning. It might’ve been April in Alaska, but spring nights and mornings were chilly. There was still snow on the mountains.

Derek had already commandeered a table and lifted his hand in a wave, calling over, “Get my order for me, would you?”

Jack cracked a grin as he nodded. When we got to the front of the line, Haven smiled at us. “Do I need to pay for my brother’s order?”

Haven shook her head. “He paid for yours and McKenna’s.”

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