Page 32 of Mack

“Your mother’s great,” he said.

“She’s a menace,” Mallory said. “Don’t let her fool you.”

Mack chuckled. “If you say so.” He turned his hat in his hands. “I was on my way in, but I wanted to ask if you’d like to get lunch together later.”

“I’d love to, if I can get out of here.”

“Text me either way. If you’re tied up I’ll grab something and bring it by.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know.” He settled his hat on his head. “I want to.” He nodded toward the door. “I’d better get moving before Sam has something to say about it. I’ll talk to you soon.”

He touched the brim of his hat and walked out.

Mallory drifted to the window and watched him cross the sidewalk to the courthouse, take the steps at a jog, and disappear through the glass doors.

She stood there a moment longer, then went back to her advent calendars.

****

Mack entered the office, nodded at Betty Lou who didn’t look up from her crossword, and passed Sam’s empty office on his way to his own. He hung his hat and coat, settled into his chair, and got to work.

He was hoping the morning would move faster than it was.

At noon, his phone buzzed.

I’m sorry. I can’t get out of here. It’s been non-stop.

He typed back: I’ll bring lunch. What do you want from the diner?

Just tell Connie my usual. See you soon.

Yep.

He pushed back from the desk and went to Sam’s office, knocking on the door jamb. Sam looked up and waved him in.

“Heading to lunch. Back in an hour.”

“Sure.” Sam leaned back. “Before you go.” He looked at Mack steadily. “Any closer to a decision? You’ve been here a while now.”

Mack held his gaze. “I’m giving it some thought. Depends on a few things.”

“I understand that. But I need to know soon. If you’re not staying I have to start looking.”

“I know. I’ll let you know soon.”

Sam nodded. Mack grabbed his hat and coat, then headed out.

At the diner, Connie had the order ready in minutes, the white bag with Clifton Diner scrolled in red sitting on the counter waiting for him. He paid, and she winked at him on his way out. He laughed and shook his head.

When he pushed through the door of Festive Finds he stopped. The place was wall to wall people. He could see Mallory at the counter over the heads of the crowd, and he started working his way through.

“Excuse me. Pardon me.”

When he finally reached the counter she looked up and rolled her eyes at the crowd, making him chuckle. He held up the bag.

“Lunch.”