Page 38 of Savoring Christmas
As promised,twenty minutes later, his dad’s pickup truck rattled down the pothole-filled driveway, Luke’s SUV trailing close behind. Logan stepped off the porch to greet his father and brother.
Walter climbed out, immediately tugging a toolbox from the bed of the truck. “Let’s see what we’ve got here.”
Luke joined them, pulling on thick gloves. “I hope it’s something simple.”
Walter chuckled softly, shaking his head. “And inexpensive to fix.”
Logan watched as his father walked up to the car, clicking his flashlight on and aiming it into the engine bay. Luke leaned closer, his head tilted, listening carefully as his dad explained his assessment.
“Battery looks ancient. Alternator probably gave out, drained whatever juice was left. We just need to swap out the alternator and put in a new battery. I can run into town and get what we need at the auto shop.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Logan said.
Walter looked up toward the house. “How’s Patty holding up?”
Logan’s gaze followed his father’s to the glowing windows of the small house. “She’s doing her best. But you can tell life’s been tough. Losing the cleaning job really hurt.”
Walter sighed, adjusting his worn ball cap. “We'll get this running, at least get that worry off her plate. Maybe your mom can check around town, see if there are any other jobs Patty might be suited for.”
“You’re the best.” He turned to Luke. “You too, big brother.”
“I feel for her,” Luke said. “The least we can do is get the car running.”
This was why he’d come home. People he could always count on, no matter what or when. His family always came through.
8
MIA
Thursday night, potatoes had just come out of the oven, their skins wrinkled and split from the heat, when Mia’s students started to file in. Cannoli sat near the door like a furry greeter, tail thumping lightly each time someone came close enough for a sniff or a pat.
She smiled at Harold and Thelma as they found their stations. Abby set her tote on the counter with an enthusiastic thump. “Let’s do this.”
Kris came in juggling his coat and a tin of cookies. “Don’t get too excited—they’re from the bakery, not me. One of the mothers brought them for Santa this afternoon.”
“They’re still appreciated,” Mia said, laughing. “Tell Santa thank you.”
Reese hung her coat, a hint of color in her cheeks that hadn’t been there Tuesday. In fact, to Mia, she seemed heartier and more robust than she’d been just a week ago. Her face had lost that gaunt look that had made her look haggard. She had such a pretty face, with big green eyes and a full mouth. Her hair, usually pulled back in a bun, was loose about her shoulders.
“Reese, how are you, dear?” Thelma asked.
“I had a good day yesterday,” Reese said. “I’ve been practicing. Cooking, I mean. I tried the Chicken Marsala and potatoes again and shared them with the other teachers at my studio. They were all very complimentary.”
“That’s fantastic,” Mia said.
Logan arrived, bringing another couple bottles of wine, courtesy of Max. Cannoli trotted over to investigate the bottles before returning to her usual slow circuit of the room, tail wagging faintly as she stopped at each station for her customary greeting.
“I think Max feels guilty that they pushed me into this,” Logan said. “Which I’m totally milking. Thus, more wine.”
“Good for us,” Harold said.
Logan’s grin was quick, and his eyes met Mia’s briefly, sending a small thrill up her spine. Meanwhile, Cannoli had settled into her corner spot, dark eyes following the clatter of bowls and chopping of vegetables as if she were keeping score.
“Do you know anything about Patty and the kids?” Abby asked. “I don’t see them here tonight either.”
Mia quickly filled them in on Patty’s car and losing her job.
“Oh, that’s a shame,” Thelma said.
