“It matters because she donates a great deal of money every year, and I depend on her donation to cover the cost of building the set.”
“Hmm.” Estelle pressed her pink lips together. “Let me handle Mrs. Smith.”
Ten minutes ago he would have argued, but now that he’d had a glimpse of the real Estelle he had confidence in her. “Gladly.”
He had no idea what she had in mind, and he didn’t want to know. Once they came to an agreement on those two roles, the rest were easy. Because of the large turnout, he’d have to add a few extras in the crowd scenes. So long as there was enough room on the stage, it would all work out.
Estelle stretched catlike and yawned. “I’m glad tomorrow is Saturday, and I have nowhere to be. This was quite a day.”
Today had felt like a week’s worth of work rolled into one. “Wish I had a day to relax too. If the weather holds, I have a house to paint.”
“Have fun with that.” She headed toward the door.
“Wait.”
She turned.
“Practice is Monday through Friday, nine to noon. Extra rehearsals will be added as needed. Beginning this week. I’ll update the website tomorrow so everyone knows their part.”
“It occurred to me that you missed casting one role.”
“The stepmother?” No one had auditioned for the role. He’d been formulating a Plan B but wasn’t sure what she’d think.
Estelle nodded.
“Actually.” He swallowed hard. “I was kind of hoping you—”
She raised a hand. “No way.”
“Come on, Estelle. The kids need you.” He held his breath. “I need you.” Without the stepmother role filled, they had no musical.
Her eyes widened before she pivoted and fled the barn.
He didn’t mean to upset her. He would have thought she’d jump at the chance to play the role. She’d said herself that she needed something to fill her time this summer. Now what would he do? His remake of the classic Cinderella wouldn’t work without a mother, and none of the teen girls could pull off that part. There was another option, but Derek might not agree.
~
Blake had clearly lost his mind if he thought for one minute she’d actually be in his musical. She had been clear that her acting days were over.
Estelle slammed the cottage door and plopped down on the couch. Her feet throbbed. She peeled off her boots. No one had warned her how long this day would be. She would’ve been better off in sneakers and jeans.
Her phone buzzed. She checked the caller ID. “Kayla? Is everything okay?”
“I was going to ask you the same thing. Blake called Derek and begged him to talk to you. He told him no and hung up then promptly fell back to sleep before I could question him. What’s going on?”
“So you don’t know?”
“I’m clueless. I’m losing my beauty sleep, but as long as I’m awake, please enlighten me.”
Estelle filled her in. “Do you think this was all some setup to get a former celebrity here to give a boost to his little theater?” If that was the case, she regretted being so open with him about her personal life. It seemed she lacked the ability to judge character. This was why she allowed so few people to get close to her. She’d trusted Helen’s judgment, though.
“No way were you set up. I know Blake pretty well, and I’m confident that was never his intention. Helen, on the other hand, is a different story. But not for the reason you think. She loves Blake like a son and you like a daughter. If, and that’s a big if, this was all part of her plan, then it was made out of love and not intended to hurt you.”
Of course Kayla was right. Helen had mentioned she thought of Blake like a son, and in the six years she’d known the woman, she’d never given Estelle a reason to doubt her. “Wait, what does Helen have to do with this?”
“Everything. She thinks you gave up on acting and believes if you’re in the musical, word would travel, and it would jumpstart your acting career again. And at the same time it would boost Blake’s visibility as a writer.”
“Okay, but why would she think any of that?” Estelle had never thought of Helen as someone who would manipulate people, but it seemed once again she’d misjudged a person.
“She’s a big fan of yours. I guess she wants to see you on the silver screen again.”
Estelle sighed. “I never would’ve suspected Helen of doing something like this. She’s my friend, and I trusted her.”
“You still can. But now you know her motives. She thinks very highly of you, and she’s proud of the person you’ve become.”
Estelle warmed at the kind words, but at the same time frustration and confusion plagued her. Helen knew why she’d given up acting. This made no sense. “Thanks for telling me.”
“I thought you should know. So you had no idea Blake wanted you to play the stepmother?”
“Not a clue. I figured one of the kids would do it. After all, it’s a children’s theater.”
Kayla yawned.
“I’m keeping you up. I’m sorry. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I need time to think and process anyway.”
“I’m taking the girls to the park Sunday afternoon. Maybe you could meet us.”
“I’d like that. It’s about time too. I only know them from pictures.” They firmed up their plan to meet then disconnected the call. Maybe by the time Sunday rolled around she’d have a better grasp on things.
Overwhelmed with everything that had been thrown at her this week, Estelle closed her eyes and rested her head against the back cushion. What would be next?
Chapter Four
Derek looked past Blake toward the church exit. “Kayla and the girls will be waiting. You know it’s tradition for us to go out for lunch on Sundays after church.”
“This will only take a minute,” Blake said. “Have you given any further thought to asking Kayla to play the stepmother?”
Derek frowned. “I’m not asking her, but if you want to, go for it. I can tell you what she’ll say, though. Our daughters are her priority.”
“I have to try.” He clapped Derek’s shoulder. “I better find her before you leave.”
“She’s probably outside.”
Blake nodded and moved toward the glass doors that led to the parking lot. Kayla was off to the right. Her daughters chased each other in circles around Kayla and the woman she was talking with. He waited until they were finished and the other woman turned to walk away. “Excuse me, Kayla. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m looking to fill the role of the stepmother with an adult for the kids’ theater.”
She nodded.
“I asked Estelle, but she said no. I’m hoping you’ll consider taking the role.”
“Me?” she squeaked. “I’m not an actor.”
“No, but you are a great singer, and with a little coaching from Estelle . . .” He held his breath. He had to get this nailed down today, and he didn’t know who else to ask.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Blake. My life is full with these two kiddos. I don’t see how I could possibly work a musical into it.” She reached down and captured her youngest, drawing her into her arms and holding her close. “Are you sure about Estelle? We talked on Friday night. I thought maybe given time to mull it over, she might change her mind.”
“If she did, she didn’t tell me.” In fact she was nowhere to be found all day yesterday, and he’d kept a lookout for her. “Are you sure you won’t consider the role? I know how much you love music, and I suspect you have the entertainment bug. Maybe Derek could help out with the girls for a couple of hours each day.” He’d seen her sing in concert with her husband, and if the look on her face could be believed, she thoroughly loved performing for a crowd.
“He probably would if I asked, but I’m not going to.”
He hated to sound so desperate, but he was. This music
al would not work without the stepmom, and he didn’t have time to do a rewrite. He hadn’t thought it would be so difficult to fill the spot. The announcement in the paper even talked about the role. He’d thought for sure at least a few women would audition, maybe even one of the kids’ moms. “Please think about it over lunch. Talk to Derek and then get back to me. Please, Kayla. I don’t know who else to ask.”
“Fine. I’ll bring it up at lunch, but honestly, I can’t see my answer changing.” She moved Mae to her hip and grasped Betsy’s hand.
“Thank you. I appreciate this. I’d owe you big time if you decide to do it.”
“Yes, you would. Come on, girls. I see Daddy. Blake, I’ll text you with my answer after we’re done eating.” The happy trio walked toward Derek.
Sadness swept over him. That was once him waiting on his wife and daughter. He shook off the sorrow that snuck up on him. It was time to move past the melancholy that often gripped him at the most unexpected times. He missed his family, even though it had been five years since they’d died in a car crash on the way to Kendal’s commercial audition. He’d been late getting home with the car, and Trinity was beside herself. He should have driven them himself like she had asked, but instead he stayed home and let her drive. Then they might still be here. It was his fault they weren’t. Guilt pressed down on him.
“Hey there.” Estelle stopped and looked at him with concern in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
He buried his thoughts and focused on Estelle. “I’m fine. I’m glad to see you. Did you change your mind about the part?”
She chuckled. “You’re relentless. No, I haven’t. You sure you’re all right?”
“Positive.” He forced a smile.
“Then I need to go. Kayla invited me to lunch with her family at the diner.” She shrugged a shoulder. “Kind of strange too, since we were planning to meet in the park later. See you.” Her spiky shoes clicked on the pavement as she strode toward her car. He should tell her it’d be faster to walk since parking would be scarce, but considering her choice in footwear, he stayed quiet.
Too bad he didn’t have any spy gear. He’d love to be privy to their lunch conversation. Would Kayla try to talk Estelle into playing the role? He looked around the rapidly emptying parking lot. He should head home and grab a bite. Then he had work to do.
Pastor Miller strolled over to him wearing a cabbie style hat over his bald head. Probably trying to keep the sun off. “How’s it going, Blake?”
“You know how it is this time of year.”
He nodded. “I heard about the auditions. Rumor has it Jenny Denton is playing Cinderella.”
“Word travels fast.” He shouldn’t be surprised the pastor knew, since he seemed to keep up on all that was going on in the small town.
“That children’s theater is the most exciting thing in Oak Knoll this time of year.” He grinned. “I never imagined a brunette Cinderella.”
“Me neither.” Paris had long blonde hair—one of the reasons he’d wanted her in the role. “But Jenny can always wear a wig if we decide the public isn’t ready for a brunette Cinderella. Considering my Cinderella goes by Cindy, I think we’ll be fine.”
Pastor Miller chuckled. “I hadn’t thought of that. Do you have lunch plans? My wife and I are barbecuing.” He patted his ample stomach. “You’re welcome to join us. There’s always more than enough food.”
Blake hesitated. Pastor Miller and his wife had never invited him over, although he’d been attending the church for the past four years. Why now? “Sure. Thanks. May I bring anything?”
“Just yourself. Come over anytime. Merry is already at home getting things ready.”
“All right then. I’ll see you soon.” At the very least, lunch with the Millers would be a nice distraction—much better than sitting at home coming up with a re-write for the musical while waiting to hear from Kayla.
~
Estelle sat with the Wood family at their favorite diner.
Mae wrapped her tiny fingers around Estelle’s wrist. “I wike you hair. So pitty.”
Mae clearly had trouble with l’s and r’s. “Thank you. I think your hair is pretty too.” She tugged gently on one of the child’s brunette pigtails.
Mae giggled. “Mommy does that.”
“She does, huh?” Estelle shot a look toward Kayla. Who would have thought they could actually be friends, considering their history? Kayla was one of the most forgiving people she’d ever met.
“She’s right. I can’t resist tugging on a pigtail.” Kayla reached out toward her older daughter and pulled softly on her hair.
Betsy frowned and brushed her mother’s hand away. “Don’t, Mommy. I not wike that.”
“I don’t like that,” Derek corrected.
Their food arrived, and the girls dug into their mac and cheese. Estelle eyed her choice of a Cobb salad compared to the other adults’ burgers, fries and chocolate shakes. Regret hit her, but there was nothing to be done about it now. “As much as I love crashing your Sunday tradition, I have a feeling you invited me for a reason, considering we were already planning to meet up later.”
Kayla nodded. “You’re right. Blake asked me to play the role of Cinderella’s stepmother. I told him no, but he convinced me to talk to Derek and reconsider it over lunch. Since you’re involved too, I wanted to include you in the discussion.”
Estelle leaned in. “You’re seriously considering it?” She didn’t know her friend had any aspirations for the theater.
“I’m not sure if I am or not, but I want to be open to the idea. He’s clearly desperate, or he never would have come to me.”
He asked Kayla to play the role? Somehow Estelle thought he’d try to coerce her into it. Instead he respected her answer. Hmm. Not what she’d expected, at all.
Her salad looked even less appetizing now than it had a moment ago. What was her problem? She’d been upset when she thought Helen or Blake were trying to take advantage of her celebrity status, but when they moved on to Plan B, she felt put out. “What would you like to do, Kayla? Do you want to spend the summer in the theater with a bunch of kids that aren’t yours?”
“My gut response was I don’t have time, but then I thought maybe it could work with Derek’s help.”
His eyes widened. “You’re seriously considering it?”
Clearly her husband thought she’d turn the part down. Guess Derek didn’t know his wife as well as he thought. But how well does anyone know another person married or not? Doesn’t everyone have secret dreams?
“I’m not sure,” Kayla said. “I want to help him, but I don’t know about being in a musical.” She ducked her chin then tilted her head to the side. “When I was a kid we went to New York and watched a couple of Broadway musicals. From then on I wanted to be in one. I loved everything about them. But we didn’t have a theater here back then.”
“You could have gone to Salem,” Derek said.
“I suppose, but I didn’t want to bother my parents.”
Of course she didn’t. Kayla was never one to put others out. That was probably why she’d forgiven Estelle for being such a twit when they’d first met.
“Honey, if this is something you want to do,” Derek said, “then I will support you. The girls and I can manage a few hours a day on our own. Right?” He looked to his daughters.
Betsy nodded, but Mae seemed oblivious.
“That’s good to know. Thanks.” Kayla bit down on her bottom lip then turned to Estelle. “I have another problem and it’s big. I don’t know how to act.”
“Have you ever tried?” Estelle asked.
She shook her head. “Not really. There’s always a little acting involved with singing, but it’s not the same thing as performing in a musical.”
“That’s true. Plus you’d be playing a mean person. You’d have to work hard on your acting skills for this role.” Estelle pressed her lips together. She didn’t want to insult Kayla, but the woman was super nice, and she couldn’t picture her bei
ng mean to anyone.
“Could you help me?” Kayla asked.
“Absolutely. But are you sure this is what you want to do? Once you commit, there’s no backing out. We’d need your all from you.” Listen to her. She sounded like she had a stake in the musical when all she’d been asked to do was help with casting. Then again, if she was going to coach Kayla, she’d be quite involved.
Kayla frowned. “I don’t think I could give my all.”
“Why not?” Derek asked. “I’ll run lines with you, and you already know the music. You have my complete support if this is what you want. I know you can do this.”
A mix of emotions played across Kayla’s face then cleared. She looked to Estelle. “Okay. I’m in, but with a condition.”
Estelle beamed a smile toward her friend. Though a little jealous, she was proud of her for taking the leap. Kayla had talent. She’d heard her sing multiple times with her husband. They both had the entertainment bug. Derek had planned to retire from performing but found it impossible after two years and wound up doing a mini-tour every year. Apparently, Derek AKA DJ Parker still sang to sellout crowds.
“What’s your condition?” Derek asked.
“I need an understudy.”
“I didn’t think of that.” Estelle’s shoulders slumped. “We don’t have one. No one else auditioned for the part.”
“You could be my understudy.”
Estelle gasped. She hadn’t been anyone’s understudy since middle school.
Derek chuckled. “I think you took her by surprise, Honey. I doubt Estelle Rogers has ever been anyone’s understudy.”
Kayla’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“It’s fine. I’m not offended. Just taken aback. I’m not much of a singer.”
“Not true,” Derek said. “I’ve heard you. You sing on key with good tone quality. You could totally pull off the songs. They aren’t difficult.”
“I gave up show business. I own a restaurant now.”
He nodded. “A restaurant that appears to be running fine without you. Plus, you and I both know you have one more show in you.”
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) Page 4
