Christmas On Nutcracker Court by Judy Duarte Page B

to say yes, when Carlos chimed in. “We’ve got things under control. But if you’d like to stay, we can probably find something for you to do.”
    If Rosa didn’t love that man, she’d clobber him with the first kitchen utensil or appliance she could get her hands on. Carlos might have everything under control, but she was ready to drop in her tracks.
    â€œMaggie,” the associate minister said, “Carlos and Rosa deserve a special place in Heaven for all the charities they support both financially and with their time. If the church or the community has any kind of a need, you can count on the Alvarados to step up to the plate.”
    Carlos placed a hand on Rosa’s shoulder and gave it an affectionate squeeze. “We do what we can, don’t we, honey?”
    â€œI’m not sure where they find the hours in a day,” Pastor Craig added. “They also own the coffee shop on First Avenue, which is usually buzzing with customers.”
    â€œActually,” Carlos said, “our son runs it now. Rosa and I are pretty much retired these days.”
    That might be true, but thanks to Carlos and his insistence upon volunteering them both for every charity known to God and man, Rosa worked harder now than she ever had before.
    Of course, she merely smiled in agreement. How did a wife complain about a good-hearted husband like Carlos? Or tell a man of God that she was too tuckered out to cook for thirty-five to forty hungry people, let alone to clean up afterward?
    â€œYou’ve both been a real blessing to Parkside Community Church,” Pastor Craig said. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
    Carlos stood tall, and his chest puffed out just a tad. “Thanks, Pastor. Rosa and I believe people should leave the world a little better than the way they found it.”
    He had a point, she supposed. But she was ready to let someone else volunteer for a while. What she wouldn’t do to have a full day to herself.
    Of course, she had that big weekend trip to Laughlin planned in January. She hadn’t told Carlos yet, but he was going to have to get by without her while she was gone.
    â€œCarlos,” Pastor Craig said, “there’s a leak in the men’s room. Would you mind taking a look at it for me? I want to know if it’s going to be an easy fix or if I should call a plumber to take care of it.”
    Carlos set the unused spoon on the counter, then followed Pastor Craig, leaving Maggie and Rosa alone.
    Using the time without the men to her advantage, Rosa shifted her weight to ease the pressure on her bad knee and said, “I’d love to have your help today, unless you have other plans.”
    â€œThe only thing I need to do is to stop by the market and pick up a few things. I’m making lunch tomorrow for the Lils. Will you be able to join us at Helen’s?”
    â€œI’m afraid not.” Rosa tried to shake off her disappointment. “I’ve got to work here again tomorrow.”
    â€œWell, there’s always next week,” Maggie said.
    â€œYes, you’re right. The Randolphs are returning on Wednesday, so as long as my husband doesn’t line up something else for us to do, I’ll be at Helen’s next Thursday.” Rosa chuckled, trying to make light of it, hoping she had.
    â€œDoesn’t your husband know that you already have a commitment that day?” Maggie asked.
    â€œHe should. I’ve been a Diamond Lil for almost ten years, but I’ve had to miss more poker games lately than I’d like to because he seems to think doing for others is more important than socializing with my friends.” Rosa supposed his do-unto-others attitude was right, which was why she never complained.
    The Lils often urged her to stand up to Carlos and refuse to help him on Thursdays, but she had reason to believe he needed the outlet his volunteerism provided him. Besides, he always