“The tantrums just started a few weeks ago.” Keeping one hand on Josh’s shoulders, she ran the other through her hair until it caught on her ponytail. “Maybe I’m not paying enough attention to him.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing a great job with him.” Shep laid a hand on her shoulder. “Mark would be proud of you.”
“Thanks.” The beginning of a smile formed on Lyndsey’s face. Then she became all too aware of his touch, which made her uncomfortable in a way she didn’t understand. She looked around the parking lot. “Guess we should get inside. Looks like everyone else already has.”
Shep lowered his hand to his side. “The parking lot cleared of people fast. They must be hungry.”
Twisting his small frame, Josh looked at Shep. “Mommy didn’t bring anything because the oven broke.”
“Shh,” Lyndsey started to hiss, then stopped. He’d done nothing wrong in telling Shep about her problem, and her own embarrassment didn’t warrant the sharp words.
“Need me to stop by and check it out?” Shep asked as they walked toward the church. “My last appointment for tomorrow cancelled, so I have the time.”
If only Shep hadn’t done all the work on her house since Mark and she bought it, it would be so much easier to find an excuse to say no. “There’s no rush. Maybe next week sometime.” Or next year when there’s more of a chance I can pay you.
“Plan on microwaving meals all week?” Shep raised a brow before offering a brief wink.
“No, it’s just that I hired someone else.” Her pride spit out the lie before she realized what she’d said.
“Oh.” Surprise and hurt registered in Shep’s crystalline blue eyes, but he blinked them away.
They reached the door, and Shep opened it for them.
“Go inside Josh, I’ll be right there.” She released her son’s hand and watched him until she saw Mrs. Tisdale lead him to a table. He’d be in good hands for the next few minutes.
Shep tilted his head, watching her with an unreadable expression, probably wondering why she wasn’t going in yet. Or why she’d hired someone else—which she hadn’t, nor would she. When it came to repairmen and contractors, Shep was the best around, in quality and trustworthiness. Not to mention, he was a good friend. Back in the day—before Mark and Miranda, Shep’s late wife, passed—they’d spent a lot of time together with their respective spouses. Double dates, summer cookouts, even a trip to the shore one year.
If nothing else, she owed him an apology. She glanced around, ensuring there was no one within hearing range. Taking two steps backward, she moved from the door and leaned against the bricks.
“Everything okay?” Shep joined her along the wall.
She crossed her arms, focusing on the field behind the parking lot. If only she’d kept her mouth shut, she wouldn’t be stuck having to admit she lied, thus making the truth more awkward than it already was. The lure to let Shep continue to think she’d hired someone else tugged at her, but she shoved it aside.
“I shouldn’t have told you I’d contracted a new repairman.” There, she’d told him the truth. Kind of.
“It’s fine, really.” He gave her a strained smile. “There’s competition out there and you shouldn’t feel obligated to use my company.”
Great, he’d misunderstood. Next time, Lynds, think before you speak. “No, it’s not that.” She took a deep breath again. This was Shep, she could tell him the truth. “I didn’t hire anyone else, but I can’t afford a repair bill right now.”
Relief flashed in his eyes, followed by concern. “Why didn’t you say so from the start?”
Hunching her shoulders, she shrank into herself. “Do I have to answer that?”
His lips curled up on one side. “Why don’t you let me stop by and have a look at it, no charge? Depending on what’s wrong, I might be able to fix it with spare parts I already have.”
“I can’t take charity.” But the temptation was strong because she was in dire need. She removed her hand from the pocket and fiddled with her shirttails.
His gaze leveled with her. “If the situation was reversed, don’t you think Mark would have done the same for Miranda?”
“Of course he would.” She peered up at Shep, who stood a solid half foot above her five feet six inches. Victory danced in his pupils, causing a smile to play on Lyndsey’s lips. “You don’t fight fair.”
He chuckled. “Does that mean I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“I’ll be home after three. Come by any time after that.” She conceded defeat, but not without terms. “And only if you let me make you dinner as payment.”
“Can’t say no to that.” Shep glanced at his watch. “The potluck will be over before we get in.”
“I’m sure Josh is already talking off Mrs. Tisdale’s ear.” Two steps put her back in front of the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She ducked inside before either could say another word. Shep was a friend, a dear one, but she’d not made a meal in her home for any man other than her husband. The idea planted all sorts of strange reactions in her, and if she thought about it for too long, she’d back out.
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