Page 28 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“Why?” Theo squeaked with a smile.

“The buildings are lined up so neatly,” Rory told him. “The cars won’t bump into each other.”

That made Theo laugh.

The evening flowed along comfortably as they cut up potatoes and corn cobs and added them to the soup along with carrots and turnips and more, all while talking about happenings around town, their families, and their friends.

“I’m worried about Mal,” Ana confided at one point.

“Why?” Rory asked her, sounding a bit like Theo.

“Mainly because she lost her mom this year,” Ana said sadly. “But now she’s had a romantic disappointment on top of it.”

“I didn’t know she was seeing anyone,” Rory said, frowning.

“She’s had a crush on Declan Hawkins since she was a kid,” Ana said sadly.

“Is that the electrician?” Rory asked, frowning.

“No, you’re thinking of Tanner Williams,” Ana said. “Declan is a roofer.”

“Right,” Rory said, nodding. “You don’t like him for her?”

His stomach twisted at the idea that Ana wanted better than a tradesman for her friend.

“It’s not that,” Ana said. “It’s that he just got engaged to another girl.”

“Ouch,” Rory said. “You want me to have a word with him?”

“Why?” Ana asked.

“Wasn’t he cheating on your friend?” he asked.

“Oh,” Ana said, smiling. “No, no, they weren’t dating or anything. She’s just always had a thing for him.”

“Oh,” Rory said. “Well, that’s good at least.”

“Yes,” Ana said. “Except that I don’t think she’s ever really dated anyone else, at least not seriously. And now he’s marrying Julie, and I’m worried for Mal.”

“What does she have to say about it?” Rory asked.

“That’s just it,” Ana said quietly. “Last night, Valerie and I went over there to help her make trays for the community college. And somehow, we all made a pact not to talk about relationships until New Year’s. So I really have no idea.”

“Good for you,” Rory said.

“How is that good?” Ana asked. “I’m worried about my friend.”

“I mean, I don’t know her,” Rory said, hoping he hadn’t overstepped. “But it seems to me like it’s important for her to remember that there’s more to her than who she is or isn’t dating, you know? She’s got a great business there, and two of the best friends in the world. Why not focus on that stuff?”

“You know, that’s pretty much what Valerie said,” Ana said, nodding slowly. “But I always worry with Valerie. She’s a little…”

Cold, Rory wanted to offer, but he knew he couldn’t say such a thing to Ana about one of her best friends.

“Well, let’s just say that she’s not super demonstrative,” Ana finished. “Sometimes, I think she doesn’t want to fall in love at all.”

“Have you asked her?” Rory asked.

“I’ve tried,” Ana said, shaking her head with a wry smile. “But Valerie is her own woman. She can deflect like nobody’s business.”