Page 2 of Burly and Obsessed

I raise my hand to wave back, but my phone buzzes again.

“Hey, Leesa. What’s—”

“Andrea! Thank God you answered!” Leesa’s voice crackles with panic. “We have a serious problem with the wedding.”

My stomach drops. “What happened? Is Jax okay?”

“He’s fine, but I have to go deal with the caterers.” Her words tumble out in a rush. “The VA Center is completely bare! I was going to decorate today, but I can’t. Can you help?”

“When do you need help?” I ask, trying to figure out how long it will take me and just how much decorating needs to be done.

“Now? I’m standing in an empty reception hall with boxes of decorations, but no idea how to get it all setup in time.” The desperation in her voice makes me wince. “I’ve got string lights and fabric and centerpieces, but nothing’s coming together. The flowers come on Friday.”

I bite my lip. The reception hall at the VA Center is huge, and transforming it from a community space into a wedding venue is no small task. The beige walls and industrial lighting need serious softening.

“That’s a big job, Leesa…”

“I know it’s asking a lot.” Her voice softens. “But you have an eye for decoration. Remember how you decorated The Lodge for Christmas? I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I laugh despite my concern.

“Please, Andrea? I’m drowning here.”

I sigh, knowing I’ve already made my decision. Leesa will be my sister-in-law in three days. Family helps family.

“Let me talk to my boss. I’ll call you right back.”

“You’re a lifesaver. I mean it.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t seen what we’re working with.”

We finish our call and I look around the store for Jerry. I spot my manager helping a customer select plywood sheets in the lumber aisle. His salt-and-pepper hair sticks up in all directions, the result of his habit of running his hands through it when thinking. I wait until they finish before approaching him.

“Hey, Jerry. Got a minute?”

He turns, adjusting his glasses. “What’s up, Andrea? Problem?”

“No, personal stuff. I hate to ask this, but I need the afternoon off.”

Jerry’s bushy eyebrows rise. “Everything okay?”

“My brother’s wedding is this weekend, and Leesa needs some help decorating. Something came up with the caterers, but she hasn’t decorated the reception area yet.”

“The wedding’s at the VA Center, right?” Jerry asks, leaning against a stack of two-by-fours.

“Yes. It needs a complete transformation before Saturday. You’ve seen what it’s like in there.”

Jerry smiles and nods. Like many of the men in Jefferson, he’s ex-military, too. “And she called you because you’re the artistic one in the family?”

“I don’t know about artistic.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “But I did study interior design for a while in college.”

“I remember. You helped redesign our seasonal displays when you started working here. You did good work.” Jerry scratches his chin. “Take the rest of the day. We’re slow.”

Relief washes over me. “Really? I was prepared to negotiate.”

“Family comes first, Andrea. I can handle things here.” He gestures around the quiet store. “Besides, Wednesday afternoons are always quiet.”

“Thanks, Jerry. I owe you.”

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