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He hadn’t expected that comment. She seemed so into the products. Wasn’t she all about the material world?
She sat and unlaced a boot.
“Listen, there’s something I need to tell you."” He leaned against the counter.
“What?”
“It’s about the show. I don’t think these producers have your best interests in mind. They—”
“Oh, I know. All they care about are ratings.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. I’m used to this business.”
“I’m not sure youunderstand. They—”
“Believe me. I’ve been doing this all my life. There’s nothing you can tell me that I don’t already know.” She yanked the boot off and placed it back in the box. “These really are nice.”
Aggravation pricked his chest. She had no right to blow him off and talk down to him.
Erin stuck her head in the doorway. “Zach, I have a problem. Can I come in?”
He tensed. “Sure. What’s wrong?”
She entered and frowned. “My friends Nancy and Harvey are coming sooner than expected. This weekend, in fact, and your old room isn’t ready.”
“That’s the problem?”
He heaved a sigh of relief, forcing himself to remember problems to civilians were not the same as problems on deployment.
His mother wrung her hands. “I know you’d planned to repaint it next month, but now it can’t wait. I haven’t even had a chance to pick out the decor.”
Crystal paused from unlacing her other boot. “I’d be happy to help. I have a knack for designing. The stores are all air-conditioned, so I could help you shop. I might as well do something useful.”
“Everybody hold on a second. I need to think.” Zach pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. He took a deep breath. “It’s Tuesday, and they’re coming when?”
“Saturday,” his mom said.
“That doesn’t give us much time. I’ll have to juggle things at the camp.”
“Like I said, I’m happy to help.” Crystal pulled off the boot. “I love to paint. After we shop, we can hit up the hardware store for supplies.”
“Wait.Youlove to paint?” Zach pointed a finger at Crystal.
“Yup. It’s all settled. My way of paying you both back for the food and hospitality.”
The last thing Zach needed was to be holed up in a tiny space with Crystal. That went against his plan to avoid her. “Thanks, but I can do it myself.”
His mother took a step toward him. “The job will go faster with two of you working, and I don’t want to keep you from the camp longer than necessary.”
Her anxious eyes squashed his heart. He did have a large group of Boy Scouts coming on Friday. If he knocked the project out in two days, it would be helpful. “All right. We’ll need to get started tonight.”
“Perfect. This will give me something to do. It’s a win-win-win.” Crystal picked up a hat from the table and perched it on her head. “What do you think, Erin?”
“Adorable.”
“As soon as my face clears, I’ll post a picture wearing this. You like it, Zach?” She brushed back her hair on one side, her eyes sparkling. Her innocent playfulness reminded him of what he could never be to her or anyone. He’d lost that side of himself overseas. All the more reason to limit their time together. She’d go back to Hollywood and find some fun guy who’d make her happy.
“It’s nice,” he managed to choke out.
“Don’t let us hold you up, Zach. I’m sure you have things to do.” His mom rested a hand on Crystal’s shoulder. “Looks like us girls are going shopping. We can stop by the house so I can show you the room first.”
