He gave her a quick hug, then turned to leave. She watched him walk across the bridge.
“Hurry back,” she whispered.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
THE FOLLOWINGmorning Natalie was still smiling from Randy’s visit. She was even craving a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich.
She was sipping her coffee, enjoying the crisp fall weather on the porch, when her phone rang. “Hello.”
“Miss Natalie, it’s Jesse.”
“Good morning.” It was odd that he’d be calling on a Sunday morning. She hoped she wasn’t getting fired. Had he gotten wind of her allowing Paul to buy her lunch?
“I know we haven’t quite made it out of the trial period, but I have a request for you if you are interested.”
Interested? This is good news.“Absolutely. What can I do?”
“Mr. G. has asked if you might be able to drive him to church this morning, and ongoing as needed for errands.”
“I’d love that. He’s a really nice man. I enjoyed driving him. Does this mean I’m hired?”
“Definitely.” Jesse laughed. “He can be a delight and he’s a wonderful friend, but he’s a handful at times. I’m glad you got to see the good side of him first.”
“Where does he go to church? What time?”
“It’s short notice. If you can’t accommodate today, we can start that next week.”
“I can take him this morning.”
“Wonderful. The service starts at eleven sharp. You’ve probably picked up on the fact that he doesn’t like to be late.”
“I’m the same way. Maybe that’s why we got along so well. What’s the address?”
“It’s the rock church at Mountain View and Chestnut Spring Road.”
Rock church?That hardly seemed the old man’s style, but who was she to judge. “I’ll pick him up at ten thirty.”
“I’ll let him know. And Natalie. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She hung up the phone and did a little dance, happy for the extra work. She went to the closet, changed into a long sundress, and slipped on a pair of flats.
She set the alarm on her phone so she’d have time to switch out cars in town, pick up Mr. G., and have one more cup of coffee before time to go.
When Natalie pulled into the driveway, Paul got off his scooter and climbed in with a broad smile.
“Thank you for taking on the extra duties,” he said. “I realize I didn’t give you much notice.”
“It’s no problem at all. This isn’t even like work. It’s like helping a neighbor, and I love that.”
“Do you know the church?” he asked.
“I don’t, but Jesse gave me the address. I’ve got it set in the GPS.” She tapped the dash. “Love those things. I haven’t been lost in years.”
“I’d prefer a good old-fashioned map. Then, that’s me. Oldand old-fashioned. You’re welcome to join me in church, young lady. Not required. Just if you like.”
She lifted her chin, smiling in the rear-view mirror. “Thank you. That’s really thoughtful of you.” She headed down the driveway toward town. It didn’t take long to make it to the church. She parked right in front of a brass historical site marker stating the rock-faced church was built in 1929.
Rock-faced. Now that made more sense. “It’s beautiful,” she said.
