by Cindy Bell
Charlotte took a deep breath in the calm that followed the chaos. She knew that Mrs. Bing was in good hands, but she still worried about her friend. After a short rehearsal, she headed home for the evening. When she arrived at her apartment, she found Jeff walking up to her door at the same time.
“There you are.” He smiled. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait to hear how your debut went.”
“I’m just an extra.” Charlotte frowned.
“I know.” Jeff met her eyes. “I’m sorry, is everything okay?”
“I didn’t mean to snap.” Charlotte sighed as she unlocked the door. She shared the story of Mrs. Bing’s injury as she put on the tea kettle.
“That poor woman.” Jeff shook his head.
“She’ll be all right. She’s one of the toughest people I know. But now Leanne, the director, is a little stressed out. Oh, that reminds me. She said if anyone is interested in volunteering to help out backstage, they really need some people.” She poured them both a cup of peppermint tea, then joined him in the living room. “What do you think?”
“I think this tea smells delicious.” Jeff grinned. “And there is nowhere I’d rather be, than backstage with you. Sign me up.”
“Great.” Charlotte raised her tea cup towards him. “To show business.”
“To show business.” Jeff clinked his cup with hers. “I wonder if they are talking about the play on the local evening news?”
“Let’s check.” Charlotte turned on the small television and set the remote back down on the coffee table. As she sat back, she found that Jeff had slid over a little on the couch. She felt her shoulder touch his chest, and wondered if she should move over. But why? Jeff was such a good man, and she enjoyed his company. He hadn’t pressed her about their relationship. He seemed to only want her to be happy. She intertwined her fingers with his, then nestled against his chest.
Jeff didn’t say a word, but she felt his body relax, and his arm curl around her. To her surprise, her heart began to pound. Was she a teenager again? She forced herself to focus on the television as a young news reporter described the giant lottery pot.
“Everyone is out buying their tickets tonight.” The handsome man flashed a smile into the camera.
“I got mine.” Jeff patted his wallet in his pocket. “Ours, if it wins.” He winked at her.
“I never play the lottery.” Charlotte crinkled up her nose. “It’s like throwing money away.”
“Some of it goes to a good cause.” He shrugged. “Besides, I already know I’m the luckiest man on earth to have found you, why wouldn’t I go with that lucky streak?”
“You are really pushing it now.” She laughed then stared hard at the television again. “Here it is.” She pointed to the screen. “Look, there’s Martin, and that’s Leanne, the director.”
“I see.” Jeff drummed his fingertips on his knee. “Why wouldn’t they have the whole cast on for this?”
“I don’t know, but Martin seems pretty charismatic. Maybe Leanne only wanted him?” Charlotte watched as the pair described the play.
“I doubt that. From what I’ve seen of him, I bet he insisted that he be the only one on screen.” Jeff rolled his eyes. “The one thing that man never seems to lack is ego.”
“Aren’t most well-known actors like that?”
Jeff shrugged as he wrapped his hand around hers.
“I thought maybe age and experience would trim down that ego, but it doesn’t seem to have done any damage.”
“Not at all.” Charlotte smiled. “I’m sure he will do well in the play, though.”
“I guess we will find out tomorrow.” Jeff held her gaze.
“Yes, we will.” Charlotte smiled.
Chapter 4
Ally arrived an hour before the play was due to open with an armful of boxes of chocolates, and excitement pumping through her veins. Even though her grandmother only had a small role in the play, she looked forward to seeing her on stage. As she attempted to get the door open, a hand thrust past her and pulled it open for her.
“There you go.” Christian smiled at her as he held the door open.
“Thank you.” Ally grinned and stepped inside. She shifted the boxes in her arms.
“What are all these for? Do you need some help?” Christian fell into step beside her.
“I brought these for the actors and staff of the play. I think I’ve got them okay, but thanks.” Ally cleared her throat and quickened her pace a bit as she headed backstage. “The play will be starting soon.”
“Isn’t that Martin Everly over there?” Christian tipped his head in the direction of the man, seated in a chair, with Jill a few steps away from him.
“Martin, stop. No one thinks you’re funny.” Jill sighed, then smiled as she caught sight of Ally. “Ally. I hoped to see you.”
“Jill, it’s been so long!” Ally grinned as she juggled the boxes in her arms. “Chocolates?”
“Oh wow, that’s so nice of you. Let me help you.” Jill took a few of the boxes out of Ally’s arms.
“Yes, just what I need, a sugary burst before going on stage.” Martin laughed as he plucked a single box out of Ally’s arms, then settled back in his chair. “I’m going to need some water, Jill.” He snapped his fingers at her.
“Coming right up.” Jill rolled her eyes at Ally, then opened a cooler right next to Martin’s chair and offered him a cold bottle of water.
“I bet this is nothing to you.” Ally smiled at him. “It’s so nice of you to join the acting troupe and this play after all of your success. Are you enjoying your time in Blue River?”
“Sure, Blue River is fine. But let me tell you, as soon as this play finishes up, I am headed off to explore a tropical paradise.” Martin grinned as he accepted the bottle of water from Jill. “I’ll meet a few beauties along the way I’m sure. Not a terrible way to spend my life.”
“What do you mean?” Jill gazed at him. “I thought you were staying with the acting troupe for at least a little while?”
“Plans have changed.” Martin chuckled, then took a sip of his water.
As Ally watched, Jill’s cheeks flushed. She decided it would be best to change the subject.
“I heard that you and Henry used to act together quite often.” Ally glanced over at Christian.
“Oh yes, you two were in several plays together when you were at acting school, weren’t you?” Christian met his eyes. “What is it like to work with an old friend again?”
“Nothing could be better. I have to admit, I was a little wary at first. I mean, he hasn’t acted in any main roles in years. I figured that he would be pretty rusty.” Martin raised a hand and waved to Henry as he walked towards them. “But he’s not rusty at all. The man is a real talent. Such a shame that he’s been wasting it getting his hands dirty.”
“I had to earn a living, Martin.” Henry smirked. “But you wouldn’t know anything about a hard day’s work, would you?”
“Ouch.” Martin laughed. “I suppose not. There’s not too much hard about living a life of luxury.” He wrapped his arm around Jill’s waist and pulled her close. “The ladies certainly don’t seem to mind.”
“I have to go check on some of the props.” Jill pulled out of his grasp and stalked off down the hallway.
“Sure, looks like she’s smitten.” Henry rolled his eyes, then elbowed Martin in the side. “If she turns you down, I’m pretty sure Leanne is interested.”
“Nobody turns me down.” Martin grinned. “Besides, Leanne isn’t exactly my type. Jill on the other hand.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “She can play hard to get all she wants, but when that curtain comes down, she’ll be coming home with me.”
“Isn’t she a little young for you?” Ally blurted out the question as anger rumbled through her chest. She and Jill hadn’t been friends for quite some time, but she still didn’t like the way that Martin spoke about her.
“Calm down.” Martin flashed her a smile. “We’re all adults here, aren’t we?”
/> “Martin, about the opening night tonight, do you have any special rituals that you like to participate in before the show?” Christian shot Ally a sharp look, then jotted something down on his notepad.
“Actually, I do. I never go on stage at the first call. I let all of the other actors get into place. I wait until just before the curtain lifts to step onto the stage. I find it keeps me fresh in the character. Until it’s time, I spend my time in my dressing room, alone, with no distractions.” Martin shrugged. “It’s what works best for me.”
“I can’t tell you how many times it made him late to the stage.” Henry rolled his eyes. “When we were at acting school together, we had a few opening nights ruined by him jogging onto the stage right as the curtain lifted.”
“Ruined is a strong word. Don’t you think?” Martin waved his hand. “You made us late on many occasions, too. But all of that is water under the bridge. I’m just glad that my pal, Henry and I get to work together again.”
“Good luck tonight, Martin, thanks for your time.” Christian tucked his notepad back into his pocket.
“Luck?” Martin smiled as he stood up as well. “I have the best luck in the world, buddy.” He clapped his hand firmly on Christian’s shoulder. “Hopefully some of it rubs off on you.”
“Thanks.” Christian cocked an eyebrow, then smiled, and walked away.
Ally followed after him. “Can you believe that guy?” She laughed.
“I can believe that you don’t want me to get anything juicy for my story.” Christian frowned as he looked over at her.
“Juicy?” She stared at him, surprised by his annoyance.
“Martin has a reputation of being a womanizer, I was about to confirm that with the conversation he had with Jill. It would have made for a much more interesting story.” Christian settled his gaze on her. “But you made sure that conversation changed direction.”
“Jill is my friend.” Ally narrowed her eyes. “Well, she was my friend when we were in grade school, until high school. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like that, or have her business dragged through the newspapers.”
“She’s dating an actor, a star, she knows what she’s doing.” Christian leaned a little closer to her and lowered his voice. “You can’t protect everyone from everything, Ally. One of these days you’re going to have to realize that, hopefully before you completely exhaust yourself.”
“I’m just fine, thanks.” Ally straightened her shoulders and didn’t lean back an inch, despite his closeness. “Do you really want to make your fortune off smearing a woman’s reputation?”
“I’m not the one smearing it.” Christian took a step back and slid his hands into his pockets. “That’s her choice, isn’t it?” He winked at her, then turned and walked away.
Ally bit into her bottom lip to keep from shouting at him. Christian could be so kind and thoughtful one second, and so cruel the next. But was he right? She was sure that Jill knew what she was getting into when she got involved with Martin. It wasn’t as if his behavior was a secret. But that didn’t make it right to use her relationship with Martin as a headline. Did it?
* * *
Charlotte’s heart raced as she took a deep breath, and looked towards the stage.
“Listen, I’m going to be here with you, the whole time.” Jeff grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. “You’re going to be wonderful out there, and after tonight, we’ll go out to celebrate.”
“That sounds lovely.” Charlotte smiled as she stared back at him. “I’m so glad you decided to volunteer to help out.”
“It was just a ploy to get backstage with you.” He winked at her.
“Jeff!” Jill shouted from the end of the hallway. “I could really use your help!”
“It looks like you’re paying the price for that ploy.” Charlotte quirked an eyebrow as she waved down the hallway to Jill. “Quick like a bunny now.”
“Like a bunny?” Jeff laughed as he shook his head at her. “I hope you’re not expecting me to hop.”
“A girl can dream, can’t she?” Charlotte winked at him, then walked towards the stage.
“Thanks so much, Jeff, I need you to get a few things to the stage for me. Everything has to be perfect, and I have no idea where Trent is. He’s supposed to be helping me, but I think that Martin decided that Trent is his personal servant.” Jill groaned.
“No problem, I’m at your service.” Jeff glanced back at Charlotte. “Break a leg!”
Charlotte winced at the idea. Mrs. Bing had only twisted her ankle, but it was close enough. As she lingered by the entrance to the stage, her heart pounded. Why had she ever agreed to be part of the play?
“There you are, Charlotte.” Mrs. White walked up to her and gave her a warm hug. “I was hoping to catch you before you went out on stage.”
“You have.” Charlotte managed a smile, though her voice wavered.
“Oh dear, you’re not nervous, are you?” Mrs. White looked into her eyes. “I’ve never seen you nervous before, Charlotte.”
“Just a little. A small bout of stage fright, that’s all.” Charlotte clutched her parasol.
“Try not to worry, you’ll be just fine.” Mrs. White sighed. “I’m the one that should be nervous.”
“Why?” Charlotte swept her gaze over the set. “You’ve done such a beautiful job with the set, you should be proud.”
“I was proud. Until Martin Everly had his say about it. He has criticized every single thing I’ve done for this play. I am beginning to think the man has a grudge against me, for what, I can’t imagine.” Mrs. White clucked her tongue. “I can’t wait until he’s out of Blue River. He is just a terrible person.”
“Is that so?” Martin stepped up behind Mrs. White. “Glad to know your true opinion of me.”
“Oh, she didn’t mean that.” Charlotte waved her hand and laughed a little, though her heart raced.
“I certainly did.” Mrs. White turned to face him. “Your behavior and your ego are both out of control. You have no compassion for people. If you continue to live your life this way, you’re going to be the one that regrets it.”
“Touchy, touchy.” Martin laughed. “Perhaps you’re just bitter because it isn’t you I’m after.” He winked at her, then walked away.
“Ugh! That man!” Mrs. White balled her hands into fists. “If it weren’t for the great detective we have in this town, I might just kill him myself!”
Charlotte stifled a giggle as Mrs. White stalked away. It wasn’t often that she saw the poised woman so flustered. As she turned back around, she nearly bumped into Ally.
“Hi Ally.” Charlotte smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything. You’re going to be great, Mee-Maw.” Ally kissed her cheek, then gave her a tight hug. “I’m proud of you for doing this. I know it’s a little outside your comfort zone, but sometimes that’s the best place to be.”
“I hope you’re right.” Charlotte laughed as she pulled away from her. “Because there’s no turning back now.”
Ally smiled at her as she walked off down the hall. It was easy to forget that her grandmother had fears of her own, when she always projected such a strong and capable image. As she turned to head back down the hall, she caught sight of Luke at the end of it.
“Luke, you made it.” She quickened her pace to meet him.
“I told you I would.” He pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry I’m late. I had to take care of a few things before I could sign out for the night.” He held up his cell phone. “I’m turning this off.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I know how important your job is, you need to be available in case something happens.” Ally slid her hand into his.
“Tonight, someone else can be available. We’re going to watch this play, then I’m going to take you out for dessert, and we’ll have the whole evening together.” Luke gazed into her eyes as a warm smile settled on his lips. “If that sounds okay to you, that is.”
>
“It sounds more than okay, it sounds wonderful.” Ally gave him a light kiss. “Thanks so much, Luke.”
“You don’t have to thank me, sweetheart, I only wish I could carve out more uninterrupted time to spend with you.” Luke glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the lobby. “We’d better find our seats, or we’re going to miss the beginning.”
“Sounds good. I have some reserved for us.” Ally led him in the direction of the lobby, then into the auditorium. She couldn’t walk two steps before she encountered someone she knew, and exchanged a greeting with. By the time she reached their seats, she wondered if all of Blue River was in the audience. Being surrounded by her community filled her with a sense of belonging, and as Luke sat down next to her, there was no place in the world that she would rather be. As the play carried on, the acting and emotion of the play impressed Ally.
After intermission, Ally and Luke returned to their seats.
“I haven’t seen Charlotte, yet, where is she?” Luke’s gaze swept across the stage as a few stagehands scurried across it to set up some last-minute props.
“She’s not in this scene, she’s in the last one. This one is just Martin and Henry.” Ally settled back against her chair as Luke wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “But it won’t be long. She comes on stage with others to grieve Martin’s character’s death.”
“I can’t wait.” Luke grinned as he leaned closer to her.
“I still don’t know how Mrs. Bing convinced her, but I’m glad she’s doing it. It’s nice to see her do something fun and different.” Ally grew quiet as the lights dimmed in the auditorium, and the lights on the stage brightened. She watched as two men stepped onto the stage from opposite directions. As they began to size each other up, the tension between them was clear. Ally’s attention remained riveted on them, as the entire auditorium grew silent.
