“OH?” Jill walked by tying on her apron, “what happened last night?” She leaned her elbows onto the counter and waited to hear all the juicy gossip.
“Nothing at all.” Elva shook her head knowing better than to retell the story.
“Not nothing. Something.” Josephine rubbed her hands together, proud of their handiwork. “Definitely something,”
Pullinginto the job site she was impressed with the expanse of the building from the outside. Even though she visited several times, it surprised her each time to see how much was done from one trip to the next. Everything felt like it was falling right into place.
Looking up from deep conversation with his foreman, Mitch watched Elva walk through the construction entrance with a large box in her arms. “Hang on a second, Ted.” He stopped his employee and went running through the site to Elva’s side. “What do you have here?” He took the heavy-looking box from her hands.
“Thank you. I was struggling. I made lunch for everyone today as a way to say thank you.” Then turning back toward the parking area she said, “Hang on, I have a few pitchers of sweet tea, too- “Before she could finish talking, Ted and Bobby were jogging to her truck to help her. “Thank you, guys.”
Smiling as they lifted the heavy boxes from the back seat, “thank you ma’am.”
She closed the door and then followed behind them to the small worktable in the middle of the engine bay. “I just want to personally let you all know how grateful we are for your hard work. This project is coming together so quickly and that wouldn’t be possible without each of you.” She started handing out wrapped sandwiches, “please help yourselves.” Taking out a large covered bowl she set it next to the box. “This is potato salad and there are forks and plates too.”
Mitch watched her with awe. “Is there anything you can’t do?” She smiled in response before he asked, “did you make all of this yourself?”
“Of course I did,” she winked at the crew who knew better. “OH!” Her hands rose to cover her mouth. “I forgot dessert in the truck. I hope it’s not melting!”
“Let me get that for you ma’am,” Bobby offered right away. “I can’t wait to see what it is!”
“Thank you, yes it’s on the passenger seat.” She handed him her keys in case she locked it.
“Here you are,” Mitch handed sandwiches to all his workers. “Enjoy your lunch now and then it’s double time this afternoon.” He barked out, followed by a chuckle.
“Really?” Elva couldn’t help but ask. He was so helpful and kind. Under his gruff exterior and workaholic attitude, he was soft and gentle.
“Well we have a taskmaster of a manager,” he grinned. “But at least she provides lunch.”
The crew all laughed before Bobby lifted the box to show off an apple pie. “Is this homemade?” He asked hoping the answer was yes.
Opening the lid of the vanilla ice cream, she dipped the scoop into the top, “yes, of course it is.” If there was one thing she loved making most of all, it was cakes and pies. She could bake the entire day away.
Mitch stood up to get a slice of pie. “Apple is my favorite.” His eager gaze watched the slices of fruit nearly fall out under the crust as it settled on his plate.
Scooping the ice cream, she put a spoonful next to his pie. “I didn’t know that,” she watched his eyes light up even more. “I’ll have to remember that for next time.” His eyes raised to meet hers.
She watched the men happily eat and joke with one another before wandering around to check the progress. The walls were all in and drywall going up. It wouldn’t be much longer, now. “Amazing! Things are coming together so quickly.”
Walking into the other room, she marveled at the progress knowing Mitch was close by. “El,” he stepped behind her, “about last night…”
“It was lovely, but there’s no need to talk about it,” she brushed off the topic almost immediately. Was she ready to hear what he wanted to say? She knew how she felt, or she thought so, but maybe not enough to talk about it.
Looking around at the guys finishing their apple pie and ice cream he thought out loud, “This probably isn’t the right time, anyway. Maybe later?”
She brushed by him playfully, picking up after the lunch. “Maybe.”
CHAPTER 17
Rain poured over the Landings the morning of the big dedication. Bundled up in her light jacket and hood Elva took her normal walk. Thunder crashed around her as she hurried down the Lane toward the docks.
The entire town was closed today so everyone could attend the ribbon cutting for the new station. No trucks rushed by her. Everyone was peacefully resting in their cape cods, ready to celebrate the accomplishment of the village.
The town came together in fellowship for every holiday and event. She smiled thinking about the white lights illuminating Main Street for the Christmas Eve Fair. She loved the way they made her hot chocolate booth glow. It was so atheistic, as the kids say nowadays. Fourth of July was always a big deal in town with streets closed to cars. The entire village attended the parade, carnival and fireworks. It wasn’t only the big things, either. Everyone came out for small festivals, community days and church bazaars. She loved how each family and friend supported the other there. “They all mean well,” she whispered to herself, thinking about the very obvious matchmaking taking place between her and Mitch. All of her friends just wanted her to be happy. She wanted the same thing and really without them pushing her, would she risk it?
Rain lifted into an open sun-soaked sky, leaving a humidity hanging heavy in the air as everyone settled into their folding white chairs. Perfectly lined in rows, the audience was abuzz with anticipation in the heat of the summer afternoon. Chatting with their neighbors on each side they waited for the event to begin. Jill stood up to wave at her boyfriend, Nate. “I have a seat for you right here!” She announced to the entire crowd.
A large banner hanging above the entrance to the new station blew softly in the hot wind. Almost life size, the golden hour photo of Elva and Mitch walking hand in hand on the coast displayed proudly for everyone to see. Elva couldn’t help but laugh at the giant photo of herself. Never one to want to attract attention, she certain seemed to collect it this summer at every turn. She gave Melanie a thumbs up. “It is a wonderful picture.“ Her cheeks flushed with excitement and a smidge of embarrassment as she adjusted the microphone on the makeshift stage. Mitch, tall and composed in a crisp suit, stood beside her, a quiet strength radiating from him. Bob stood on the other side along with members of the Levy Court all dressed their best while Melanie knelt in front of the onlookers to take photos.