AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mr. Jack shows up at the most unexpected times. Still, he's always ready to lend a hand, especially on evenings the kids perform. I usually tuck a few dollars in my purse for those nights he shows up to help me fold chairs and tidy the place. But not tonight.
"That's so kind of you to offer, but I don't have anything to repay your kindness." My shoulders slump as guilt settles heavily on my conscience for everything that's occurred this evening. "I'm afraid all I brought with me is a tube of lipstick, my driver's license, and an emergency credit card. Traveling light tonight."
“Ah, well, Miss Ginger. I don’t need no money. Sometimes repaying kindness with kindness is all anyone needs.” His eyes flit to the table of leftover snacks and appetizers. “But I could sure use any leftovers you could spare. Those circle sandwiches and cookies would be a big hit at the shelter tonight.”
His fingers tick out a rhythmic beat on the bill of the ballcap he grips to his chest. His suggestion makes perfect sense, and I wouldn’t mind a little company to keep me from beating myself up over the way things ended between Connor and me.
“Of course, Mr. Jack. You’re welcome to all the leftovers.” A tingle of warmth sniggles inside my heart, happy the evening isn’t a total wash. At least Mr. Jack and those at the shelter will have an unexpected late-night snack. “I’ll box the leftovers and wash up a few things in the kitchen.”
“And I’ll help myself to the broom.” His eyes twinkle like snowflakes glistening in sunlight on a wintry day. He brings a sense of calm, peace, and magic with him everywhere he goes.
We get the community center in respectable shape in short order. The floors are swept, mopped, and shiny for Monday's after-school program. The kitchen sparkles, and every last cookie crumb is packed into disposable containers for Mr. Jack to deliver to the shelter.
I park the car by the curb in front of the shelter’s double glass doors. I turn the key to cut the engine and reach for the door handle.
“You stay put, Miss Ginger.” He springs his door open and steadies his cane on the sidewalk before ducking out of the car. “I can get this. You stay inside and keep warm.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind at all. You’ve been such a big help tonight.”
“I’m sure.” He winks, slow and deliberately. “Don’t want to steal an old man’s thunder, do you?”
“Oh, Mr. Jack. You’re the hero tonight.” His chivalry knows no bounds. I gather the bag from the back seat and hand it to him as he steadies himself at the passenger door.
“Real heroes don’t need recognition for good deeds. Nor can we guess intentions without walkin’ in their shoes.” He pauses while looking me square in the eye. A smile slowly emerges, wrinkling his wise face until his eyes twinkle like before. “But everyday heroes do need understandin’ when no one knows what they’re up to.”
He closes the car door and balances himself with the cane and bag of goodies. When he reaches the main entrance, he turns to wave with the cane in his hand, then disappears through the doors.
His words sit with me, trying to find a comfortable place to rest, but they don't. I've passed judgment on someone without a single bit of fact-finding. That makes me an anti-hero, which doesn't settle well with me.
***
Connor
I spend the weekend licking my wounds and busying myself with anything I can think of to take my mind off the events of Friday night. For the first time ever, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at my place. I picked a tree from the Deck the Halls tree lot. Mom was more than tickled to give me a storage bin of decorating supplies from the attic.
The Christmas vibe doesn't make me feel any better about how things crumbled with Ginger, but like everything else in my life, I'll get through it. It's not the first time I've rankled the ire of a woman. I'm sure it won't be the last.
I stop by the Nerdy Bookworm on my way home from work Monday afternoon. Parker hosts complimentary gift wrapping during the holidays. Maybe she'll cut me a break even though I'm not buying books.
The bells above the entrance jingle, but Parker’s bookstore is otherwise quiet this time of day. I’m hoping to bum a few wrapping tips from her. I didn’t do too bad of a job on the present I took to the singles mixer, but it lacked pizzazz. I need professional help.
I know it’s the thought that counts and not the gift or the way it’s wrapped, but it doesn’t hurt to treat Christopher to a few holiday bells and whistles. He deserves something special.
“Hey, slugger.” Parker tilts her head to the side as she peeks over my shoulder. Looking for Killian, I presume. “Whatcha got there?”
"Killian's tying up a few loose ends at work. He should be along shortly." I pull the building block set from under my arm, hoping Parker will help me. "I need help wrapping this."
“How in the world did you get your hands on this?” Her eyes widen as she snatches the box from my hands. “This is the hottest toy of the season. It’s on every kid’s wish list.”
She flips the box, eying the colorful figurines and blocks like candy.
“This has been sold out for weeks. One of my regulars stopped by last week hoping I had it in stock, but I can’t even get this.” Her cherubic cheeks plump and brighten to a rosy pink as she stares in awe. “She said it was on one of those internet auction sites for ten times the retail price.”
I’m baffled and slightly amused at Parker’s bubbly commentary. But now the Friday night fiasco begins to make sense. No wonder tempers flared.
“I’m talking too much, eh?” Parker snickers and nods toward the wrapping table. “Follow me.”
“Nah, it’s good to hear a woman speak to me rather than yell.” I shove my hands into my pockets and follow Parker like an obedient child.
