Mary brushed a hand across her eyes and took a deep breath. “No, Joshua, you’re right on time.” She turned to face Charles.
“Charles, this is Joshua Davis, our new musical director.” Her gaze returned to the new director. “Mr. Webb was just leaving.”
A look of confusion washed over Charles’s face. His gaze traveled from Mary to the stranger standing by the door. The man had the physique of a professional boxer, and he knew without a doubt his soft body would suffer a terrible beating if there were a confrontation. He gave Mary an ominous stare. “This isn’t over. Just wait and see. This group will fall apart without my leadership, and then you’ll be begging for me to come back.”
Charles turned to go but stopped next to Joshua and extended his hand. “Mr. Davis, I’ve heard great things about you. I’m sorry they had you get involved. It’s just a big misunderstanding, and I think we can settle this without your services.”
Joshua gave Charles a firm handshake. “It’s no problem at all. I’ve known Mary for a long time, and when she needs help, I’m always glad to help out.”
Charles gave him a nervous laugh. “I think when you see what I’ve done with the group, you’ll find there’s not much to improve.”
Joshua smiled back. “I beg to differ, Mr. Webb. From what Mary has told me, your profits are down this last year, and you’re only booked one month in advance. Sounds to me there’s lots of room for improvement.”
Charles tightened his hand into a fist and glared at Mary. “This isn’t over yet. You can’t get rid of me that easy.” He turned back to Charles and nodded his head. “Good day, Mr. Webb. This won’t be the last time we see each other.”
“I’m counting on it.” Joshua kept a firm gaze on his predecessor.
Charles gave Mary one last look before stomping out of the room.
As he made his way to his silver Mercedes, he could feel his blood pressure rising. There was no way he was going to let Mary kick him out of the group without putting up a fight. Someway, somehow, he would find a way to make his ex-girlfriend pay for humiliating him in front of the whole group. He would show everyone that it was he who was responsible for the success of the group. A plan began to form in his head as he navigated the German sports car away from the large Tudor mansion before vanishing down the street.
Chapter 5
Charles glanced at his watch and wondered where Stephanie was. Normally he would be upset when someone disrespected his time. But Stephanie was the only person in his life that could get away with it. He adored the sexy singer, and every time she was near, he felt invincible.
He took a sip of ice water and focused his attention on the crowd of Fashion Island shoppers as they moseyed past the Chinese dim sum restaurant. He and Stephanie would frequently dine there late Saturday morning and then spend the rest of the afternoon walking along the beach or snuggling at her place.
Even though he wanted more from the singer, she had made it perfectly clear that she wasn’t interested in a serious relationship. The fact that she flirted with other men bothered him, but he was willing to accept the limitations of their relationship just so he could be with her. She made him feel alive and masculine, and that was all that mattered to him.
He felt a soft hand caress the back of his neck, and he knew she had arrived.
“Sorry I’m late, honey. I had a surprise visit from a friend, and that set me behind.” She gave Charles a peck on the lips and waited as he pulled out her chair.
“Another one of your guy friends?” As they sat down together, Charles could feel the jealousy inside spread like a contagious disease.
“Charles, you know I don’t like to discuss my private life with you. When we spend time, let’s just focus on us for the moment. I only care about what’s happening with you. Okay?”
Charles tried to keep his leg from bouncing. “I’m sorry; I’m trying to focus on us, but I can’t ignore the fact it bothers me when you spend time with other guys.”
Stephanie slid a hand under his jaw. “Don’t worry about the other men. They can’t compare to you, Charles. You’re more man than they’ll ever be.”
“Really? You think so?” Charles could feel the tension fade from his body. “I don’t know why it bothers me so much. I really want us to be happy.”
“Of course you do. I think it’s because you’re upset about Mary and the fact she fired you.”
“You’re right.” He lowered his gaze to the table. “I can’t deny the fact it’s eating me up inside. She has a lot of nerve thinking I’m disposable. I deserve to help her to lead the group. I was the one who gave her the idea and helped launch the group from scratch.” He pounded his palms on the table and looked Stephanie straight in the eye. “You know Women of Grace wouldn’t be where it is today without my help.”
“Of course not, dear.” She reached out and comforted his hand with hers. “It was your directing skills that got us to where we are today.”
“You’re darn right it did. And that new musical director she hired, what’s his name? Jorge or James?”
“Joshua.”
“That Joshua, if he thinks he can do better than me, good luck to him because the band is already at its pinnacle of success.”
“Honey, of course he can’t compare to your experience. You’ve been in this business much longer than him.”
“I sure have. I may not have as much experience directing big name artists as he has, but I know my stuff.”
Stephanie’s forehead wrinkled with concern. “I hate to see you so riled up about this. Maybe we should take this weekend to relax and hang out at the beach or the museum. I hear they have a new art exhibit down at Laguna Beach.”
Charles wrapped his hands around hers. “Thanks for always thinking of me. What would I do without you?” He leaned over and gave her a brief kiss on the lips. “But I can’t relax. Not with this thing eating me up on the inside. I’m going to force Mary to fire Joshua and reappoint me as director.”
Stephanie narrowed her sultry eyes at him. “And how do you propose to do that?”
He shook his head in bewilderment as a sigh escaped his lips. “I don’t know, but I’m going to figure something out. No one fires Charles Webb and gets away with it.”
Chapter 6
“C’mon Sam, don’t be such a party pooper. Come to the dance and have fun with us.” Kayla Brown gave her younger sister a sad puppy face.
“Thanks, but no thanks. You know I hate big crowds.” Sam set the sheet music next to her on the sofa.
“But you love to dance.”
“I do. But not when I feel like I’m dancing in a can of sardines.”
“I promise there’ll be plenty of room. It’s at the Monarch Beach Hotel. Remember how spacious it was when we celebrated Uncle Sean’s wedding?”
“I remember that place. It was huge.”
“No kidding. We’ll have lots of fun. There’ll be lots of games and even a drawing for a free trip to Hawaii.”
“Hawaii?” Sam’s voice perked up.
“That’s right. So what do you say?” Kayla had a mischievous grin on her face. “Peter Wood is going to be there.”
Sam lowered her brows. “Peter?” His name brought back a rush of memories. Peter had been her last and only boyfriend, and the only reason they had broken up was that he decided to relocate to Boston for a computer job.
The Peter she knew was kind and giving, but he wasn’t a believer, at least not when she knew him. And now that she was on a closer walk with God, she wasn’t sure anything serious could happen between them unless he had become a Christian during his time back east.
“How do you know he’s going to be there?”
“Because he asked about you.”
“He did?” There was interest in Sam’s voice.
“I hear he’s still single.” Kayla nudged her sister’s arm.
“Single?’ Sam tried to hide her growing interest.
“Yep, I think you should come to the dance wit
h me. You never know what might happen.”
Sam shook her head with disapproval. “I’m not sure.”
“Oh, c’mon, Sam, you’re waitressing all day, singing at night, and working at the theatre on the weekends. You never take time out to have some fun. What’s one night going to hurt?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I really have to practice for our new show next month. I really want the lead role.”
“Okay, Sam. I was afraid it would come down to this.” Her sister picked up her cell phone and began to dial.
“What are you doing?” There was concern in Sam’s voice.
“Something for your own good.”
Sam recognized the look on her sister’s face and knew something was up.
“If you don’t go to the dance with me, I’m telling Mr. Computer Geek you’re dying to go out with him to the dance.”
Sam’s calm demeanor disappeared. “You wouldn’t.”
“Are you daring me?” Kay waved her finger ominously over the keypad.
Sam reached out to snatch the phone, almost knocking it to the ground. “Give that to me.”
Kay hid the device behind her back. “So, are you coming?”
Sam pressed her lips together as a sigh escaped her lungs. There were countless times when she hated Kay’s bossy personality. But in this case, she knew her older sister was right. Her love life was thriving like the Dead Sea, and if she didn’t work on her social life, there was the distinct possibility she would end up like her Aunt May who was a spinster at the age of seventy-two.
“Alright, I’ll go.”
A smile broke out across Kay’s face. “Great. Now there’s the Sam I like to see. Just wait, you’ll have a great time, and who knows, maybe you’ll meet some hot guy.”
“With my luck, that probably won’t happen.”
“Oh stop being a Debbie Downer. Just smile a lot and say something funny.”
“But I don’t know anything funny.”
“Really, Sam?”
“You forget, I haven’t dated anyone since Peter left.”
“Okay, I’m going to give you a crash course on pickup lines.”
“Is that really necessary?” Sam wrinkled her face with displeasure.
Kay set her hands on her waist. “Do you really want to stay single all your life?”
Sam pictured a hunched version of herself alone at home eating a frozen dinner with two Yorkies by her feet. The thought of still being single at sixty was something she dreaded, especially because she wanted to have children of her own.
“Of course not.”
Kayla sat down on the cushion next to her, “Then this is how you approach a guy.”
Chapter 7
Dance music pulsed from the large black speakers flanking the stage at the front of the church auditorium. Sam could feel her feet tingle to the beat of the song as she stood in the safety of the shadows surrounding the crowded dance floor. She watched with fascination as some of the dancers executed their moves like professionals at a live dance competition. As long as Sam could remember, she had a passion for dancing. But getting her body to follow the rhythm of the music was as challenging as asking a sumo wrestler to dance.
Sam couldn’t help feeling jealous of her sister for stealing every dance gene from her parents. Dancing came natural for Kay, and when her talents were combined with flawless makeup and a black satin flare dress, it seemed almost every guy on the dance floor would hover around her.
She forced a smile on her face as Kay waved from across the room, beckoning her to join the crowd of men surrounding her. While Sam could never compare to her sister’s sex appeal, she wasn’t so prideful to pass on an opportunity of mingling with a group of handsome guys. She took one step toward the dance floor when a voice stopped her.
“Care to dance?”
Sam recognized the tenor voice and turned to look at a pair of familiar shamrock green eyes. “Peter,” she shouted over the loud music as she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly. “How are you? It’s been so long.”
“I know. What has it been? Two ... almost three years?” He held on to her hands as if she were a princess and took a step back. “Wow, you look even more beautiful over time.”
Sam felt a tingle of excitement travel down her spine. If it was one thing she loved about him, it was the way he always complimented her and made her feel like royalty. Her eyes batted shyness. “Thanks. What brings you back to California?”
“I’ve been out here for work attending a seminar for the whole week.”
“What, you’ve been out here for a whole week and didn’t call?”
“Was I supposed to? If I remember correctly, the last time we talked you told me to never bother you again.”
Sam felt a twinge of guilt as she recalled their last moment together. After Peter announced that he had chosen to relocate back east for a job, she couldn’t help feeling hurt and angry at him for making her a second priority. She had invested so much time and emotional energy into their relationship, and to see it all vanish overnight was devastating.
But over time, she realized how immature her actions were, reacting out of fear and pain. Sam dropped her head in shame. “I’m sorry for acting that way. I was hurt.” She felt a finger lift her chin.
Peter gazed at her with soft eyes. “I know you were. Don’t you think it was hard for me too? I loved you then and I ...” He stopped mid-sentence and let out a sigh. “Never mind, it’s just good to see you again.” He motioned toward the door. “Let’s go outside and talk where it’s quiet.”
Sam followed as he led her past the entrance, away from the loud music.
His eyes sparkled as he looked her up and down.
“It is good to see you again.” Sam gave him a sheepish grin. “You look well.”
“I couldn’t be doing any better. After I left, it was tough in the beginning. I missed you every day, and many times I wondered if I made the right decision. But deep down, I knew it was the best move for my career. And it was. You know who really helped me through that difficult time? It was Rajeesh at work. He showed me how to be happy in life.”
Sam’s heart skipped a beat. Had God answered the yearning of her heart by using a co-worker to harvest the one man she cared about? “Tell me more.” She held her breath in anticipation.
“I learned that we can’t be happy in life unless we give up our attachment to this world and everything in it.” His voice bubbled with energy. “I’ve found tranquility and insight through meditation, and so can you. Buddha was very a smart man.”
Sam’s jaw relaxed at his words, and her heart dropped like a freefalling elevator. Buddha? What mistruth had Peter gotten himself into? She knew he was a non-believer when he left for Boston, but never in a million years would she have imagined him to be open to an Indian religion. Her hopes of a romantic relationship were dashed, and in her mind, she knew they could be nothing more than good friends.
“I thought you weren’t into religion.” She tried to hide her disappointment.
“I wasn’t. But Rajeesh really opened my eyes to how misaligned my goals in life were.”
“Since you left, I’ve rededicated my life to God.”
“Wow, you’re a Christian now, huh? I’m glad for you. I hope it’s given you just as much peace as I’ve found.”
“Yes, it has. I’d like to sit down someday and share how it’s changed my life.”
Peter pulled his lips up into a smile. “Sure, I’d love that. Hey ...” he nodded toward the loud music. “Hey, that’s our song, remember?”
“How could I forget?” She sang along to the familiar love song he had dedicated to her.
“Wanna dance?”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
But before she could follow Peter inside, the sound of her cell phone caught her attention. She recognized Stephanie’s number and answered the call.
“Sam, are you still interested in a professional singing career?”
�
��Yes, of course I am. Why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve got the opportunity of a lifetime for you. This could be your big break. One our singers, Rachel just announced she’s quitting our group because she has cancer. Our musical director is auditioning tomorrow for a replacement at the Langdon Playhouse in Newport Beach between nine to twelve. You need to be there. I think you’d be a great addition to our group.”
“You really think so?” Sam couldn’t believe the opportunity she had been waiting for had fallen into her lap. “Thanks for thinking about me. I hope I’m ready for this. I feel so nervous.”
“Don’t worry about it. If you can perform like the other night, you’ll pass with flying colors.”
Sam pressed a hand against her forehead. “I can’t believe this is happening. You don’t know how much this means to me. I’ll be indebted to you forever.”
“No need to thank me. Just wow them with your talent.”
“Don’t worry; I’ll give them a show they won’t forget.”
“That’s my girl. I’ll see you first thing in the morning. Don’t disappoint me.”
“I won’t.” Sam said good night and returned the phone to her purse.
“Sounded like that was good news,” Peter said as he opened the door to the auditorium.
Sam shared the good news with him.
“That’s awesome. I think you’ll do great.”
“You really think so?”
“Of course I do. When they hear you sing tomorrow, they’ll be begging for you to join the group.”
“That’s so sweet of you to say that.” Sam leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek.
“This calls for a dance celebration.” He held the door open and bowed as he drew a hand toward the crowd inside. “Stars go first.”
A giggle escaped Sam’s lips as she walked past him. “You’d better watch out. This star might spike your feet with her heels.”
Chapter 8
A shrill sound jarred Sam from a deep sleep. She turned off the alarm and lay in bed, letting the morning sunlight tickle her senses as she stretched out her lazy body. As her legs straightened, she could feel her calves ache, reminding her of how much she had danced with Peter.
Voice of an Angel--A Christian Romance Page 3
