“I’ll tell Ms. Helen.” Darius wrote down the times.
“Their volunteers are going to handle the cooking and the decorating, as long as we reimburse the center for the cost of the food and supplies.” Stan closed the notebook from which he’d read his updates.
“We told them they’d have to stick to a budget, though,” CeCe added.
Darius made another note on his writing tablet. “Peyton and I will verify an amount, then get that number to you.”
He glanced at his watch again. Peyton gave him a questioning look. He shook his head, then looked away, embarrassed to have been caught checking the time.
Peyton addressed the group. “That’s all of our committee updates. Are there any questions?” The room was mercifully silent. “Then let’s adjourn. Merry Christmas, everyone.”
The committee members returned her Christmas wishes. Darius stood but waited with Peyton as the others filed out of the room. His parents lingered.
“Are you two coming?” Simon asked from the doorway.
“We’ll be a while.” Darius rested a hand on the back of his chair. “Don’t wait for us.”
Ethel frowned. “We still haven’t discussed what we’re doing for Christmas.”
Darius wasn’t looking forward to a repeat of Thanksgiving. “We can talk about it later. It’s still a week away.”
Simon lifted his chin toward the little professor. “What are you doing for Christmas, Peyton?”
Peyton looked from Darius to Simon. “I’m going to New York.”
Ethel’s face relaxed into a smile. “That’s nice. I hope you have a safe trip.”
Simon nodded. “Me too.”
“Thank you.” Peyton watched his parents leave. “I don’t think they like me.”
“They don’t like anyone.” Darius took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Alone at last.”
“Is that why you kept checking the time?” Peyton’s laugh was low and sexy.
“I can think of better ways to spend my last two days with you.” He circled her waist with his arms, looking down into her bright eyes.
She smiled up at him. “You make it sound as though I’m never coming back. I’ll only be gone a week.”
“It’ll be the longest week of my life.” Darius sighed. “I’ll take you to the airport Saturday.”
“Thank you.” Peyton cupped the side of his face with her soft, small hand.
Darius kissed her palm. “And I’ll be waiting for you at the airport next Friday. So don’t let your parents talk you into staying in New York.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
“And don’t look up any old boyfriends, either.” Darius’ smile faded. A cloud had moved across her pixie features, but it was gone so quickly. Had he imagined it? “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Peyton’s smile returned. She let her hand drop. “And you have nothing to worry about.”
She turned away to collect her notes and her white three-ring project binder. She packed those items into her tote bag and hooked her bag and purse onto her left shoulder. Her movements seemed jerky and distracted.
Dread built in Darius’s gut like a block of ice. He believed Peyton when she said she’d return to Trinity Falls after Christmas. However, he also sensed there was something she wasn’t telling him.
“Are you ready?” Peyton’s question startled Darius from his thoughts.
He grabbed his writing tablet. “Sure.”