Page 115 of The Blessings of Christmas
“Because someone had to do it.” His soulful gray eyes pulled her in. This felt like a mystical moment.
“Someone has to care.” The words came so easily.
He nodded, as if she’d just said something profound. “I’m not that noble. But don’t write that down.” When he peeked over, trying to see her notes, she thought she’d faint.
Flipping her notepad closed, Victoria stood up. “Guess we’re good. Thank you for your hotness...time. I meant time.” Her cheeks burned.
Swinging his legs down, he stood up. Dr. Darling was taller than she’d realized. “You’re going to take some pictures right?”
Hadn’t even thought of it.
“Absolutely.” Thank goodness she had a great camera on her phone.
Trying to hide a yawn, he stretched. Victoria used the moment to reflect, pressing the pen to her lips as if she were studying her notes instead of his biceps.
“Out here.” Derek Darling was the energizer bunny, leading her back into the main room.
“Let’s take one of Phyllis serving our clients.” He waved to some of the men. “Hey guys, leave that checker game for a minute and get over here. Grab a plate.”
“We already ate, Dr. D.” One of the men looked up.
“This is for the newspaper. Could help with donations.”
Well, that got them up. “Whatever you say, Dr. D.” Running their hands over their hair and straightening their shirts, four of them left the game to walk over. Dr. Darling introduced them. She recognized Big Mac as the man who’d opened the door for her. A dog that was missing an ear followed at the old man’s heels.
Phyllis seemed to be the woman in charge. Although she protested, Dr. Darling talked her into posing. Taking out her phone, Victoria started to snap. But the person she wanted in the picture was giving the directions. “Dr. D. why don’t you get in the picture?”
“Yeah, Doctor D.” Big Mac waved him over. “Get your ugly mug over here.”
Coming closer, Dr. Darling swung one arm around the older man. Then he smiled. Victoria took the shot. Thank goodness Dr. Darling had suggested this. She’d probably have a better chance of placing her story if it had pictures.
“Anything else?” Dr. Darling glanced at his watch.
She swallowed hard. “Yes, um, I wondered if you need any volunteers?” Had she really said that?
“Why? Do you have a passel of people you can spare?” Okay, now he was all ears.
Feeling hurt, she shook her head. Why hadn’t it occurred to him that she might want to help?
Pointing a finger to her chest, she said, “Me. Can I spend some time here volunteering?” She pictured Maisy slapping a hand to her head. But Victoria’s assistant had the Pantry well in hand.
“You?” The amazed look on his face was insulting.
And she wasn’t having it. She’d show him.
CHAPTER 6
The shocked look on Derek Darling’s face almost made Victoria laugh. Instead, she decided to set some boundaries. “I don’t mean every day. My shop keeps me busy, but I could come in the morning sometimes. It would give me a better feel for the place. You know, for my article.”
“Do you have any nursing experience?” Dr. Darling looked hopeful and she hated to shoot him down.
“No. None, sorry.” This was not the time to mention that the sight of blood made her faint. She gestured to the long serving table. “But I could scoop eggs with the best of them.”
“We could use some help, Dr. D,” Phyllis threw in.
Eyes locked, Dr. Darling and Victoria stood there. He was clearly sizing her up. “If you're going to serve the food, then I think you should eat some of it first.”
The place had gotten quiet, except for the strains of “Silent Night” coming over a radio in the corner. Darts had been forgotten. They were all waiting.
