“She has helped me raise money for the animal shelter, the children’s hospital, the food bank, and so many other events throughout the community.”
Nikki listened to him talking about Trish, and she could hear the admiration seeping out of the man. “She seems to have been loved by all.”
“She is,” he said quickly. “A couple of us were talking, especially after the last fundraiser she planned, and we would like to return the favor.”
Nikki’s brows dipped. “I’m not following.”
“She has helped so many of us that now we want to help her,” he added.
“How?” Nikki couldn’t imagine they could do anything for Trish other than pray for her and visit with her.
“We were thinking that we can host an event right here where everyone comes together, and we pray for her recovery. That is if it’s alright with you. You’re the boss now.” He smiled.
Tears welled up in Nikki’s eyes. “Are you kidding me? Of course, you can do that. Why would I object?”
He rubbed his palms together with glee. “I know you wouldn’t say no, but I had to ask.”
Nikki had thought he had feelings for Trish, but it was apparent that it ran a lot deeper than a superficial liking. He might even be in love with her, and she wondered how long he’d been keeping it to himself.
“When do you want to do this?” Nikki asked anxiously. “I’m already excited. And what did you have in mind?”
“Well,” he began, “we were thinking about a get-together where the entire community comes together, sort of like a game evening, and we can share things about Trish that we like. Perhaps we can fundraise to help with the medical bills and then end with praying. What do you think?”
“That sounds great, Reed,” Nikki said. “I’m all in. Let’s do this.” She wiped the tears of joy that flowed from her.
“Now, don’t think you have to do much,” he told her matter-of-factly. “My team and I will do everything—the music, the chairs and tables, the schedule, the drinks, and the like. What I would want from you is finger foods because this is Lot 28, after all.” He chuckled. “Nobody does it better than you.”
“You’ve got it. Just name it and when.”
“How about this weekend?” he asked. “I know that doesn’t give us a lot of time, but we have almost everything we need. We do this so often it’s like having dinner at home.” He leaned forward and said with great familiarity.
“Maybe next weekend will be better. I have to go out of town this weekend. Plus, it would give you some more time to advertise it.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He grinned.
She could see how much he was beaming that he was able to do something for Trish other than sitting around and waiting for her to wake up. She knew the feeling well, and she was all for it.
Reed left shortly after that, and Nikki returned inside feeling like she was floating on air. Kaylyn called her over.
“What was that about?” she asked eagerly.
“He wants to host an event here in honor of Trish,” she said excitedly. “Like a games evening, fundraiser, and prayer event all rolled into one.”
Kaylyn slapped her hand to her mouth. “Are you kidding me? That’s great. When?”
“Next weekend,” Nikki replied.
“Oh,” Kaylyn said as a worried look came over her face. “Will we have everything ready in time for that? I need to go check…”
“Oh no.” Nikki stopped her. “He said we don’t have to do anything other than provide finger food. He’s got it all under control.”
“I knew he had a good heart,” Kaylyn beamed. “And I always suspected he had a sweet spot for Trish. He was always coming around. When he came in, I thought he was growing sweet on you too.”
Nikki laughed. “That’s what that poking was about.”
Kaylyn giggled and blushed. “I’m glad to see that I was wrong.”
“Yes, you were, and that makes two of us, by the way,” she replied. “I’m still not sure if I’ll be here long-term.”
