Free Bluebells on the Hill by Barbara McMahon Page B

heavy
shopping like?'
    She smiled up at him. 'I think I plan to
assuage my disappointment in lots of food. Would you and
John-Michael like to join me tonight for spaghetti, then hot fudge
sundaes for dessert? I got ice cream since I knew I had a ride
back.'
    He hesitated a moment, studying her. Then he
nodded. 'I think it could be arranged. Sounds good.'
    Amanda carefully kept the conversation along
neutral lines as Mac drove back. They had a pleasant discussion on
the various ways to cook and eat spaghetti. It was safe and would,
she was sure, ensure they would not be feuding at dinner.
    Mac carried one of the bags and followed
Amanda into her cabin. Upon entering, Amanda, out of habit and
unthinking, took off her hat, tossing it on to the dining-table as
she passed. Discarding her glasses, she put them on the kitchen
counter. She smiled her thanks at Mac as he put the bag on the
counter.
    'Good God, no wonder you wear those glasses!
With those eyes, you must knock men for six!' he said
involuntarily, staring down at her.
    Delight and surprise flooded Amanda. She was
pleased that he noticed the first time she had her glasses off. She
was surprised he hadn't made more comments about her wearing
glasses. Then, as she saw his suddenly wooden face, the clenched
jaw, she realized he had not meant to say it. With a sudden rush of
understanding, protection almost, Amanda realized Mac wished he
were anywhere in the world but where he was. Such a compliment was
totally foreign to him.
    Gently, in hopes of easing the situation,
Amanda teased him. 'Sorry, Mac, compliments won't get you anywhere.
This place is mine and will remain so.' She was pleased to see him
relax a little.
    'Can't blame a man for trying,' he said. 'I'm
off now. John-Michael and I will see you later, then.'
    'Come about six. You can both help me with
salad and garlic bread.'
    'I'll bring some wine. It'll round off the
meal.'
    'Good, I look forward to it. What's
that?'
    An engine could be heard, gravel spinning on
the driveway. Moving to the window, Amanda gave a brief exclamation
of surprise then, with a lightened heart, dashed out to greet the
new arrival, scarcely aware that Mac had followed her out on the
deck.
    'Dave, oh, Dave!' She flew to meet the
bearded man climbing off the big Harley motorcycle. Swept off her
feet by his embrace, she was spun round and round. He gave her a
big kiss, setting her down, loosening his hold on her, but keeping
his hands locked behind her back, hers around his neck.
    'Hello, Mandy girl. Glad to see me?' he said,
with a sweet smile. His hair was the same rich brown as his beard,
worn long, brushing his shoulders, kept from his eyes with an old
bandana tied like a sweatband. His shirt was faded, partially
covered by an old, worn, leather waistcoat. Faded jeans and scruffy
boots completed his attire.
    'I sure am. What are you doing here? How did
you find me? Oh, it is good to see you. I've missed you. Vacations
are fun, but I have missed you all! How is everybody?' She smiled
in complete happiness, giving him a hug.
    'What do I answer first? I've come to bring
you your blasted banjo, and to see what you are up to.' He looked
up and swept his eyes around. 'Oh, oh. Who's the dude on the porch?
Is he mad at you or me?'
    Amanda turned to find Mac's glaring at her.
Gingerly she disengaged herself from Dave's embrace, a sinking in
the pit of her stomach. Just when she thought she was getting
somewhere with her neighbor, he had to see this. No telling what
conclusions he was jumping to.
    She glanced quickly at Dave and winced just a
little. If she ever wanted to convince Mac they were hippies, now
was the time. Dave had patches on his denims, old western shirt,
and a stained bandana. He looked totally disreputable. No matter
that he was a wealthy member of her troupe, responsible and
respected in the music industry, or that he was from a good family
in Colorado. Mac would think the worst. She turned back. So much
for her incognito summer.