Page 43 of One Golden Ring
“Derek literallyjusttold me how much he lovedbringing lasagna to your family when your mom broke her leg,” I explain, realizing just after I say it that it might be a weird thing to bring up.
“That lasagna wasso good,” she says immediately, her eyes widening. “I actually remember it because my brothers went back for thirds, and Mom could hardly ever get them to sit and eat anything back then.”
“I’ll have to get him to teach me how to make it,” I say.
“Why would you do that?” Lily asks, arching a brow. “Just get him to make itforyou.”
We both laugh, and her little girl finally turns away from the doughnut sign long enough to look up at me.
“Hi,” I say. “I’m Darcy.”
“I’m Lucia,” she tells me brightly. “I’m going to get doughnuts.”
“Me too, Lucia,” I tell her. “I heard they’re the best. And they smellso good.”
That makes her smile. But she turns back to the board with the doughnut list right away.
“Well, I’m happy for you, Darcy,” her mom says. “Derek Lockwood is a good guy, and so creative. You two aren’t thinking of moving back here, are you?”
In the city, I’m used to people finding out I’m Derek Lockwood’s assistant and being impressed. They’ll point out that he’s brilliant and powerful, or imply that he’s demanding and difficult—all of which you could make a good argument for. But this is something else.
Derek Lockwood is a good guy, and so creative…
That’s a side of him I’m seeing more of since coming here.
I’m so struck by her comment that it takes me a second to remember that she asked a question.
“Uh, I’m not sure,” I tell her honestly. “He’s got a lot going on in the city right now.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here for the holidays,” she tells me. “His grandfather talks about him constantly. We really miss Derek around here.”
“Mommy, it’s our turn, it’s our turn!” Lucia squeaks.
Lily gives me a smile and then heads up to make her purchase while I swallow over the sudden lump in my throat.
I’m not normally such a sentimental fool. What’s going on with me lately? I feel like I’m fighting back tears at the drop of a hat since we got here.
When it’s my turn in line, I glance over my shoulder to see Michael holding court with five or six older guys. He looks so happy that it makes my heart full. There’s no need for tears today.
“What can I get for you?” the lady asks.
I order a dozen of the Christmas doughnuts and a whole tray of coffees in paper cups.
When I very slowly approach Michael’s table, balancing our feast, he looks up and gives me the warmest smile.
“Oh, what’s this?” one of the men asks. He’s wearing overalls under his coat and a big smile of his own.
“I thought I’d better get enough for everyone,” I tell him.
The others all make appreciative noises.
“I won the lottery with my new granddaughter-in-law, didn’t I?” Michael says approvingly.
I set everything out for them and whisper to Michael that I want to look in on Derek and J.B. for a second.
“I’ll save you a doughnut,” he tells me.
“Better make it two,” I tease.
