by Cindy Bell
“I see you’re angling for a cup.” Ally laughed.
“Yes, some coffee would be great, thanks.” Christian adjusted the strap of the messenger bag he wore across his chest. “It’s a busy day, I need to keep my energy up.”
“I heard you have the exclusive on the play.” Ally smiled as she set a cup of coffee in front of him along with a small plate of chocolates.
“So, it seems.” He laughed. “Real hard-hitting story, a small play, wow!”
“Oh stop, everyone is so excited about it, it’s a great story to cover.”
“The paper is now breathing down my neck to make sure that I get every little detail about the play. Including, a picture of the famous candies that everyone in Blue River is talking about.” Christian picked up one of the chocolates and took a bite. “So good, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Ally met his eyes. “They do seem to be quite popular.”
“Would you mind if I took a picture for my article? I’m taking a lot of pictures today about the preparations that are going into the play, and the candy would make a nice centerpiece.” Christian took a sip of his coffee.
“Take as many as you need. I have a boxed set right here.” Ally set a box of chocolates on the counter and opened up the lid. “This is what we put in each box.” The box included a few different flavors of chocolates shaped as a stage, a hat, a feather boa, a parasol and a dagger.
“Great, that’s perfect. Thanks so much, Ally.” Christian pulled out his phone and adjusted a few settings, then began snapping pictures. “Where’s Charlotte?”
“She’s at an audition.” Ally grinned. “She’s trying out to be an extra in the play.”
“Oh wow!” He glanced up at her. “I didn’t peg her for a starlet.”
“She’s not. But Mrs. Bing begged her.” Ally turned around to tidy up the space behind the counter.
“I can tell you that this play is not short on drama, and I’m not talking about what’s happening on stage.” Christian set his phone down and ate another chocolate.
“No?” Ally glanced over her shoulder at him. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, Martin Everly and Henry Fines.” He squinted at her. “Haven’t you heard the story?”
“The story?” Ally shook her head. “Is there one?”
“You know I’m not one to spread rumors, but I have confirmed this myself. Martin and Henry were in acting school together. They are both actors in this play. Martin got the big break. Henry has been working as a mechanic, he’s been trying to get the big parts for ages. Henry was meant to be the lead in the play, but he got pushed aside at the last minute because Martin joined the acting troupe. I’ve noticed some friction between the two.” Christian frowned. “I hope it doesn’t cast a dark cloud over the play.”
“You think Henry is jealous of Martin’s success?”
“I think it would be hard for him not to be. They both seem like nice enough guys, but there’s some tension when they’re in the same room together.”
“Interesting.”
“Well, maybe it will make for some good scenes, they are rivals in the play.”
“I can’t wait to see it. Luke and I are going on opening night.” Ally refreshed his coffee.
“Still with the detective, hmm?” Christian took a long sip of his coffee as he stared at her.
“Uh, yes.” Ally eyed him in return. “Does that surprise you?”
“No, not exactly. I just thought his crazy hours would have worn on you by now.” Christian set his cup of coffee down. “Isn’t it rough when he has to respond to a call in the middle of dinner?”
“I don’t mind, it just means that he’s keeping Blue River safe.” Ally shrugged and plucked one of the chocolates off the plate. “I certainly can’t complain about dating a real-life hero, now can I?” She popped the chocolate into her mouth.
“I suppose not.” Christian nodded, then picked up his phone. “Thanks for the coffee and candy, and the pictures. Can I get one more of you for the paper?”
“Oh, I’d rather not.” Ally ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m not exactly photo-ready.”
“Ally.” He locked his eyes to hers. “You’re gorgeous.”
Ally stared back at him for a moment, then shrugged. “I doubt that, but if you want to scare off your readers feel free.” She offered a bright smile.
“Thanks.” Christian snapped the picture, winked at her, then headed out of the shop.
Ally stared after him for a moment. Sometimes she wasn’t sure whether to take his compliments as friendly humor, or actual flirting. But then, Christian was hard to pin down. His goal was always to find a good story, but Ally wasn’t sure that he particularly cared how he got it. She shook her head, then turned her attention back to the chocolates she needed to freshen up. After she finished, she started fresh pots of coffee. When the bell over the door rang, she turned to find an unfamiliar face walking up to the counter. The man was big and burly with a round face.
“Hello.” Ally smiled at him. “Welcome to Charlotte’s Chocolate Heaven.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you like to try some samples?” Ally gestured to the sample tray.
“Yes, thank you.” The man smiled as he plucked a chocolate from the tray. “Yum!” He spoke around the milk hazelnut chocolate. “Oh look.” He gestured to the open box of chocolates for the play.
“We made these for the play that’s on here at the moment.” Ally smiled. “Are you here for it by any chance?”
“I am.” He chuckled. “I’m Henry.”
“Ally.” She smiled, recalling Christian’s conversation with her about Henry and Martin. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too.” He sighed. “I almost had the lead role in fact, but when Martin Everly said he would do it, I got stuck being the villain.”
“Oh, there’s nothing wrong with being the villain.” Ally handed him a box of the custom-made chocolates. “Everyone in the play gets a free box.”
“Really?” He grinned as he took the box. “Well, that’s great. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. I am really looking forward to seeing the play tomorrow night.” Ally watched as he browsed through a section of toys. “I think the whole town will be there.”
“My family will, that’s for sure.” Henry picked up a wooden owl. “My daughter would love this.” He flipped it over to check the price. “Wow, it’s a little pricey.”
“It’s hand-carved and one of a kind.” Ally walked around the counter to join him. “In fact, our local detective carved that particular owl.”
“That’s great.” Henry looked up at her. “He’s a great talent.”
“Most people don’t know but he’s created quite a few of the pieces in here. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I gave you a discount. Say, ten percent off?” Ally met his eyes.
“Sold!” Henry walked over to the front counter with it. “I appreciate it. Acting in these plays is not exactly a well-paying job, especially if you don’t have a lead role. The price of everything seems to be going up.”
“I know, and people don’t have extra money to spend.” She rung up the sale. “Good luck for tomorrow night.”
“Thanks. I love acting in small towns.” Henry handed her his credit card. “I’m sure you have many loyal local customers.”
“Exactly. I grew up with most of my customers.” Ally laughed. “It feels like one big family most of the time.”
“Thanks for this, Ally.” Henry accepted his card and receipt. “I know Kim will love it.”
“Enjoy.” Ally waved to him as he left the shop.
Chapter 3
Backstage, Charlotte watched as people ran back and forth, preparing for the big night. Despite still having twenty-four hours to go, a sense of panic permeated the air.
“So, I hear you’re two new extras. I’m Leanne, the director.” A tall woman, who appeared to be in her forties, offered her hand to Charlotte.
Charlott
e smiled as she shook it. “Nice to meet you, Leanne. You’re not from around here, are you?”
“No, I travel with this troupe, but I live up north.” She shook Mrs. Bing’s hand, then glanced down at the clipboard in her hand. “The two of you can go see Jill. You’ll need a few props for the first scene today. This is a list of your appearances, and times we’ll need you to be available.” She handed them each a piece of paper. “Please contact me, the number is on the paper, if you think you won’t be able to make it. But please.” She looked up at both of them. “Don’t miss a day. Opening night is tomorrow night, and I need everything to go smooth. You don’t have any lines, the only thing you need to memorize is where to stand.” She looked over at Martin. “He’s the star of the show. The rest of us just have to do our parts, and we’ll have a hit on our hands.” Her eyes lingered on him for a long moment, then she turned and walked away.
“It looks like you’re not the only one with a crush.” Charlotte followed after Mrs. Bing who headed for the back of the stage.
“You might be right about that.” Mrs. Bing laughed. “At her age, and with those legs, I’m sure she’ll get his attention a lot faster than I ever could. Besides, he might be pretty, but actors are nothing but trouble.”
“It sounds like you speak from experience.” Charlotte raised an eyebrow as she glanced over at her.
“Maybe just a little.” Mrs. Bing winked at her, then waved to a woman a few steps ahead of them. “Jill. Leanne said we should see you.”
Jill turned to face them both.
“Jill.” Charlotte smiled and opened her arms to her. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, Charlotte, I love traveling around with the group, but it’s so nice to be home putting on a play, for once.” Jill hugged her. “How is Ally these days?”
“She’s good, in charge of the shop now, so pretty busy.” Charlotte smiled. “I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”
“I’d love to catch up. It feels like it’s been ages since high school, but I still remember my friends.” She gave Mrs. Bing a light hug as well. “Good to see you too, Mrs. Bing. I guess you two need some props?”
“We sure do.” Mrs. Bing followed along behind her as Jill led them to a large room behind the stage.
“It’s been so crazy, things are not exactly organized.” Jill sighed as she looked at the cluttered table in the middle of the room. “Trent!” She shouted through the open door.
“What’s up?” Trent, a young man, poked his head into the room. He clutched a clipboard tightly in one hand.
“I thought I asked you to supervise the last prop drop off? Why is this such a mess?” Jill placed her hands on her hips as she looked at him.
“I’m sorry, Martin needed me for something and—”
“And you should have done what you were asked first.”
“Trent, I thought you were free.” Martin stepped up to the doorway as well.
“I’m sorry.” Trent looked down at his clipboard. “There’s just so much happening.”
“It’s all right.” Jill frowned. “I understand. It’s just that I’ve got to dig out that replica dagger, we need it for rehearsal, and I need to find a few things for our two new extras.”
“I’m sure Trent can handle that. I need you for a minute, Jill.” Martin met the young woman’s eyes. “Now.”
“Can you, Trent?” Jill glanced over at him.
“Uh, well, I’m supposed to be checking the lights, but yes, I’ll see what I can do.” He stepped past Jill into the room. “I’m sorry, again.”
“You should be.” Martin frowned. “It’s the stagehands that make a show, you know. Your job is very important.”
“Martin, go easy on him.” Jill rested her hand on Martin’s chest and smiled up at him. “Everyone’s been running around like crazy.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Martin placed his hand over hers and smiled in return. “You’re such a kind person, Jill.”
As the pair walked off together, Charlotte and Mrs. Bing exchanged a knowing look. It wasn’t hard to guess that the pair had found an interest in each other that went beyond the stage.
“All right, so we need a few things for you.” Trent took a deep breath, then began to dig through the mess on the table.
“Thanks Trent.” Charlotte gave his shoulder a light pat. “You’re doing a great job you know.”
“Thanks.” He handed her a parasol. “That means a lot coming from you. I’ve been in your shop a few times. I love the chocolates and the woodwork.”
“I knew you looked familiar.” Charlotte smiled.
“Wow, is this the dagger?” Mrs. Bing picked up a dagger from the table, it was sticking out from under a feather boa. “It looks so real.”
“That’s because it’s modeled on a real one.” Trent plucked it from her hands. “We borrowed it from an antique collector, you know Abraham, who runs the shop in Blue River?”
“Oh yes.” Charlotte nodded. “I don’t know him well, but I’ve been in his shop a few times, when it was in Freely.”
“Well, he provided us with the real dagger, and Jill made an amazing replica of it.” Trent held it up for both women to see. “Isn’t it stunning? She’s so talented.”
“Yes, it is.” Charlotte shook her head in amazement.
“So detailed.” Mrs. Bing accepted the parasol he offered her. “Should I test this out?”
“No need. Your parts don’t require you to open them, just to have them. Oh, and you’ll need these.” Trent plucked two large sunhats from a pile of hats on another small table. Each had a giant colorful feather sticking out of it.
“Really?” Charlotte laughed at the sight of the bouncing feather as Trent handed her the hat.
“Don’t worry, you’ll still look fabulous.” Trent grinned.
“I quite like mine.” Mrs. Bing plopped it on her head. “Makes me feel like a lady.”
“Ha!” Charlotte winked at her friend. “It will take more than a hat to turn you into a lady.”
“Harsh, quite harsh!” Mrs. Bing gasped, then laughed as well. As they headed out into the hallway again, they nearly bumped into four stagehands who carried a large couch.
“I think this play is going to be very interesting.” Charlotte linked her arm through Mrs. Bing’s. “I really didn’t want to do this, but honestly I’m starting to have fun.”
“See, it’s not so terrible to take a few chances.” Mrs. Bing grinned. “The stage is empty right now. Let’s go have a look. It won’t hurt anything.”
“Sure, that sounds nice.” Charlotte stepped onto the stage just behind Mrs. Bing. The stage was set up for the opening scene of the play, with several props in place, and others piled at the edge of the stage to be set up later.
“Every time I’m on a stage, I think about singing.” Mrs. Bing stepped up to the edge of the stage and threw her arms wide. “Oh, say can you see—!” Her words tapered off into a scream as she teetered forward off the edge of the stage.
“Oh no!” Charlotte lunged towards her in an attempt to catch her, but Mrs. Bing struck the floor before she could reach her.
“Ow! Oh ow! I’ve done something terrible!” Mrs. Bing gasped as she rocked back and forth on the floor in front of the stage.
“What’s happened?” Henry rushed forward down the aisle that led from the entrance of the auditorium to the stage. “Are you hurt?”
“I think so.” Mrs. Bing sniffled as she grabbed her ankle.
“I’m so sorry, I tried to catch you.” Charlotte climbed down from the stage, then crouched at Mrs. Bing’s side. “Can you stand?”
“I don’t want to try.” Mrs. Bing shuddered. “It hurts so much.”
“I’ll get an ambulance.” Henry pulled out his phone.
Charlotte wrapped her arms around Mrs. Bing. “I’m here, hon, it’ll feel better soon, I promise.”
A few minutes later, Charlotte looked up as paramedics rushed into the auditorium.
“Oh
, thank goodness you’re here, Chelsea, she’s in so much pain.” She frowned.
“Oh yes.” Chelsea nodded as she gave the ankle a light squeeze. “It does look like a bad sprain. Not broken though, I don’t think. But we’ll let the hospital decide that.” She and her partner eased Mrs. Bing onto the stretcher.
“I’ll come with you.” Charlotte began to follow after them.
“No Charlotte, you have to be in the show!” Mrs. Bing called out to her. “They can’t be down two actors.”
“She’s right.” Leanne frowned as she walked up to Charlotte. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I hope so.” Charlotte sighed as she watched the stretcher disappear through the door.
“Please say you are still going to be in the play. If one more thing goes wrong with this play, I might just lose my mind.” Leanne sighed and ran her hand back through her hair.
“It’s going to be fine, Leanne, you’re very talented.” Henry offered her a small smile.
“Yes, of course I’ll still be in the play.” Charlotte gritted her teeth. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had already made a commitment, and didn’t feel right about backing out.
“Great.” Henry met her eyes. “Thank you so much. Every part in the show is important, you know.” He nodded to both of them, then headed off towards the stage.
“He’s really turned a corner.” Leanne watched him walk away.
“What do you mean?” Charlotte watched him as well.
“When I first cast the show, I was going to make him the lead, but then I found out that Martin was interested in the play and joining the acting troupe, and of course I had to go after him. I know that Henry was devastated by the change. But he certainly isn’t acting like it.” Leanne shook her head. “I thought it would cause me some trouble, he was a bit upset but really so far he’s been nothing but kind.”
“That’s good. I suppose he’s just happy to be part of the play.” Charlotte smiled.
“Speaking of being part of the play, if you know anyone that would like to volunteer a pair of hands backstage, we could really use some extra people. Every time I think things are under control, they get out of hand again.” Leanne sighed as someone shouted her name from backstage. “I’m sorry, I have to go. Please, do let me know how your friend fares.” As Leanne turned and rushed up the steps that led to the stage, she already had her phone to her ear.
