His smile’s still tight as he leaves, and I blow out a breath. What I should be doing is staying clear of anything to do with that production, but at the same time, it’s all money in my pocket.

And with things as tight as they are, it’s hard to argue with that.

* * *

After the diner’s closed for the night, Pania makes her way to my house.

George got his email to me right before five, but if we put our heads together, I’m sure we can get something together for Friday.

“What have we got?” she asks.

“He’s sent me the numbers. It’s not as big as the other day that we did, but they’ll be working into the night, so they’ll need something to keep them going.”

She looks over my shoulder. “Where are they filming?”

I look at the email. “Trevor Jenkins’ land by the lake.”

“Why don’t we do a hangi? If we can get permission from Trevor, then Wiremu can dig a pit the night before and we can get it started in the morning, put the food down early afternoon, and then we just need to pull it out at dinner time.”

I nod. “It fits with George’s requirements. Make some different green salads, potato salad—maybe even do a spit roast because you know that there’ll be people who aren’t keen on hangi.”

“That’s a really good idea. We could do chicken, beef, lamb, pork, potatoes, kumara, and pumpkin. And as an alternative, pig on a spit and maybe a couple of rotisserie chickens.”

I type the ideas into a spreadsheet to do the calculation on how much we’ll need. “I’m really liking this. It’s good money, and also not too much effort.”

“Just put the food in to cook and leave it for a few hours.”

“While we make all the other bits and pieces to go with it.”

She smiles. “This is why we make such a good team, Delaney.”

“We sure do. And your cousin. Do you think he would help us?”

Pania nods. “He’s the one who knows all about how to prepare a hangi. I’ll talk to him, and I’m sure he’d do it for a few dollars.”

I grin. He’s been staying with her these past few weeks while he works out what to do with his life. Young and keen to work, I’m sure he’ll be glad for the work, even if it is just for a day. “Whatever works. We’ll need everyone onboard for it, but I’m sure Trina and Jo will love to hang out on the film set.”

“We could light a bonfire on that tiny bit of beach he has. We don’t need a permit this time of year. It’d be nice to have an outdoor meal.”