He pointed to his car parked a half-dozen spaces away from hers. “I’ll follow you.”
“Perfect. I just have to drop Colleen off first.”
Excitement filled Drew as he hurried to his car.
Chapter6
Later that evening, Kacey glanced around her sister’s dining table while Drew shared a story about when he taught a music class at a day camp.
“Most of the kids were more interested in swimming in the lake, but I had a few that actually listened,” Drew said, and everyone laughed.
“Mr.Murphy,” Riley began, “what’s your favorite instrument to play?”
Drew rubbed his chin. “Hmm. That’s a tough question. I’d have to say the guitar, since it was the first instrument I learned when I was about your age.”
Kacey shared a smile with her mother. She was grateful when she texted her sister to tell her that she had invited Drew and Dani told her she’d made plenty of stew to share. They spent supper laughing and sharing stories while Drew sat beside her. He seemed to fit right in with her family. It was as if he belonged there. Her heart turned over in her chest at that thought.
Dani tapped Kacey’s arm. “Why don’t we clean this up and bring out that lemon cake I baked yesterday and make some coffee? Then we can play a game.”
“Great idea.”
Kacey and Dani carried the dishes into the kitchen and set them on the counter.
“He’s totally into you,” Dani whispered.
Kacey shushed her and peeked into the dining room, where Drew and Travis were engrossed in a conversation about IT jobs in the area. “We’re just friends. You know that.”
“I think he would like to be more than that. Haven’t you noticed how he looks at you?”
“You’re imagining things. Let’s get the cake and go back in there.” Kacey began filling the coffee carafe with water.
Dani placed her hand on Kacey’s back. “Trust me, Kace. He’s going to ask you out.”
“And I’ll have to tell him no because I’m not staying in town forever.” Her heart sank at the thought of saying good-bye to Drew again, but her plan all along had been to go back to Charlotte.
Later, after half of the cake was gone, their coffee mugs were empty, and they had played a rousing game of Candy Land, Kacey and Dani filled the dishwasher before Kacey gathered up her coat and purse. She kissed her nieces good night, said good-bye to Dani and Travis, and then walked with Drew out to his car.
The air was crisp, and she could see her breath. Above her, the stars had begun to appear in the sky, and she inhaled the aroma of the lake in the distance mixed with the smell of wood fireplaces.
“I had a great time with your family.” Drew leaned back on his car and smiled down at her.
Kacey shivered and shoved her hands into her pockets. “I’m glad you could join us.”
He smiled. “You’re freezing. You need to get in your car and turn on the heat.”
“I will.” She touched his arm. “Talk soon, okay?”
“I plan on it, Kacey. Good night.” He opened his car door.
“Good night.” Her pulse was racing as she jogged over to her car and unlocked it. She hoped to see him again very soon.
Garrett leaned in the doorway of the band room the following afternoon. “What are your plans for the weekend?”
“I was hoping to catch up with an old friend who’s in town temporarily.” Drew walked over from his desk in the far corner of the large room equipped with risers and music stands for the middle school band. “That reminds me. Her brother-in-law is looking for a job. Have you heard about any IT jobs with the school system?”
“I’ll ask around. Who’s the old friend?”
“Her name is Kacey. We were close from middle school until just before graduation.”
