“I know, but I want to treat.”
Nick handed her the receipt. “There’s a buzz of excitement all over town with talk about the musical. I heard it’s being made into a TV movie. I’ve already bought tickets.”
“Tickets?” Estelle asked. “As in more than one?”
“Yep.” He winked at Helen.
Estelle winced when her friend’s face reddened. She cleared her throat. “We should probably go find a seat.” She noted the impatient look on the next customer’s face and mouthed sorry as they passed.
“I thought Blake was going to join us for lunch?” Helen chose a table near the windows.
“He said something came up.” Estelle didn’t think much of it at the time, but now wondered what was up. He’d seemed distracted at rehearsal today. More than once he’d called kids by the wrong names—he never did that.
Helen’s attention locked onto something beyond Estelle’s shoulder. Her face brightened.
“Here you go.” Nick placed their food on the table. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks,” Helen said in a breathy voice.
Estelle ducked her head. This was too much fun. Helen was like a new person ever since Nick asked her out. She couldn’t wait to take her friend shopping. She’d noticed on the bulletin board in the community center that there was a concert in the park this Friday night and suspected that was where Nick was planning to take Helen. All summer long the town had held some kind of community event in the park each Friday. This week’s concert looked fun—a jazz ensemble from Portland would be performing.
Three hours later, Estelle helped carry Helen’s packages into her house. For a woman who didn’t enjoy clothes shopping, she’d had a blast splurging on multiple outfits today.
“I feel kind of guilty for buying all of this.” Helen held up both hands, each holding a bag.
“I suppose you could return a few things, but you said yourself you haven’t bought any new clothes in years. Don’t you think it’s time to clean out a few things and make room for something new?”
Helen’s brow scrunched. “I suppose so. I haven’t gone clothes shopping since my husband passed away.”
“Sweetie, that’s simply too long.” How did anyone last that long without something new to wear? Personally she got bored and needed variety. “I know you, and I know you never spend money on yourself. Please don’t feel guilty for buying a few new outfits. These are good quality and will last for many years.”
Helen’s face perked up. “You know what? You’re right.”
That a girl. “Good.” She followed Helen inside and placed the bags beside the door. “Do you mind if I leave these here? I noticed Blake is home, and I want to talk to him.”
“Oh? Is there something going on between the two of you?”
Estelle laughed. “You’re a doll, my friend. We can’t all be as lucky as you when it comes to men.” She hugged Helen then went straight to the barn. She slid the large barn door open. “Hello?” she called. “Blake, it’s Estelle. Are you here?”
He stepped out of his room. “Hey there. How was lunch and shopping?”
Her insides leapt at the sight of him. There was something different about him, but she couldn’t quite place what it was. She stored the thought to ponder later. “We had a great time. Shopping with Helen was like taking a shy child to a toy store. She was hesitant at first, but once she got going, she found several things she couldn’t pass up.”
He stepped closer. “I’m glad. Derek and I worry about her.”
“Well, worry no longer.” Her pulse picked up at his closeness. He smelled like sunshine. “I wouldn’t say she’s cured, but there’s an extra spring in her step. Hopefully she won’t be so hesitant to treat herself every now and then in the future.”
His smile lit his eyes. He grasped her hand, and a tingle zipped up her arm.
“Want to take a walk?” he asked, his eyes pleading with her to say yes.
“Sure.” They ambled out of the barn still holding hands. “Where are we walking to?”
“Nowhere in particular.” He guided them along the driveway. “Something happened to me this morning that I want to tell you about.”
Estelle could barely concentrate on his words with his hand touching hers—talk about a distraction. She pulled her hand from his. “Sorry, I can’t concentrate, and I want to hear what you have to say.”
A knowing smile tugged at his lips, and she found herself just as distracted as before. Maybe more. “I’ve made a life-changing decision, and I want you to be the first to know.”
Estelle stopped and faced him. Trees shaded the driveway, and a warm breeze rustled the leaves, but it didn’t stop the goose bumps from popping up on her arms. “I’m listening.” Whatever he had to say, it must be big. Anxiety grew in the pit of her stomach because she sensed his decision was going to affect her too.
“I realized this morning that things were changing. A big part of me was hanging onto the past, and I couldn’t move forward until I dealt with the guilt and blame I was holding onto.”
She held her breath. Could this be the answer to prayer she’d hoped for? Had she been right after all when she decided to not date him until he let go of the guilt?
“I finally released it, Estelle. This might be something I have to deal with again from time to time, because it’s a habit to carry that burden, but I feel free inside.” He touched a hand to his chest.
She reached up and placed a palm on each side of his face. “I am so proud of you.” She rose up on tiptoe and lightly kissed his lips.
Surprise lit his eyes. “Wow. I hadn’t expected that. Thank you, but maybe hold that thought. There’s more.”
“Okay . . .” Worry niggled her mind. What more could there be? She stepped back and hooked a thumb around her belt loop.
“I also realized I’m done with the children’s theater, and I’m ready to pass the reins on to someone with a passion for the arts.”
Her pulse thrummed in her ears. She licked her lips. “Do you have someone in mind?”
He nodded. “But I’m not sure if she’s available.”
Ready to burst with anxiety she blurted, “Who, Blake?”
“I know it’s kind of crazy but I thought . . . you.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. “For real?” This was more than she’d dreamed possible.
His eyes locked on hers and held. “You’d be perfect. You have the experience. You already know everyone. The kids love you. The parents love you.” He reached out and took her hands in his. “I love you.”
Sudden tears pricked at her eyes. “You do?” Love bubbled up inside her. It had been growing all summer, but she hadn’t realized it until now.
He nodded.
“I think I love you too. How is that possible, though? We haven’t even been on a single date?” She tugged her hands free, placed them at her waist, and stomped a foot. “That’s so wrong, Blake. You’re supposed to woo me and treat me like a princess.”
His eyes crinkled. “Who told you that?”
Jeff had done all that for her, but it wasn’t really what she’d wanted. She’d wanted a friend. A companion. Someone unafraid to accept her challenges and challenge her right back—like Blake did. But she wouldn’t let him know that because she still wanted to be wooed now and then. She tilted her head. “That’s how they do it in the movies and romance novels.”
He chuckled. “We aren’t following a script or an outline. Our hearts do what they want. Besides, people don’t have to go out on dates and be wooed with gifts and sweet talk to fall in love.” He took a step toward her.
Her heart beat a rapid staccato. “True,” she said and stepped toward him until they were practically touching, and she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.
“I kind of like our way. Less pressure.”
She ran her hands up his chest and looped her arms around his neck. “You make a good point. I don’t want to go back to California without you.”
Estelle frowned, remembering several calls she’d let go to voice mail recently. Could it have been this casting director, or was he talking about someone else? She unwound her arms and took several steps back. “Me?”
He nodded with a twinkle in his eye.
“That’s what those calls have been about? I didn’t recognize the number, so I didn’t answer. Why didn’t she leave a message?”
“I don’t know. Are you interested?”
“Maybe. I thought I’d given up acting, but this musical has given me a fresh perspective. It’s been a lot of fun, and doing the movie with you on set would be a blast.” She shook her head. “Everything is happening too fast. I need to think. When do they need an answer?”
“Soon. I know they were auditioning a couple other actresses for the part, but it’s yours for the taking if you want it.”
Her heart pounded. Could she run the children’s theater, do the movie, oversee her restaurant, and start a new relationship? “I don’t know what to say, Blake.”
“Say you’ll think and pray about it and return the casting director’s call.”
“I will, I promise.”
“Good. Now let’s go back to the part about you loving me and me loving you.” With one long stride, he closed the distance between them. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.
She closed her eyes, enjoying every second.
He finally pulled back. “Was that better than the epic kiss at the end of your movie Tide of Love?”
She giggled. “A thousand times. But we should rehearse some more anyway.”
~
The following day Estelle sat in the park beside Kayla. Children ran past them playing chase.
Her friend fanned herself with a scrap piece of paper from her purse. “I’m telling you, being pregnant in the summer is horrible.”
Estelle shook her head. “But you’re barely showing. If I didn’t know you were pregnant, I wouldn’t be able to tell.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that my waist is thicker, my ankles are swollen, and I feel uncomfortable in my own skin.”
“At least the morning sickness has stopped.”
“There is that. Which leads me to why I asked to meet you. I’d like to share the role of Doris with you. I know I gave it to you when I pulled out, but I’ve been practicing the songs and dances at home, and I won’t forgive myself if I pass this up.”
“Define share.” Estelle and Blake had planned to ask her to take one show, but hadn’t gotten to it yet.
“I thought I could do the Saturday matinee.” Kayla stopped fanning herself, and looked nervous.
“I think that would work.” Relief surged through Estelle—they were on the same page. “I don’t want you to have any regrets. I think doing the matinee is a great idea, but you must start coming to rehearsals at least a few times a week. There aren’t that many left, and some things have changed since you pulled out.”
Kayla’s mouth opened slightly. “What do you mean by changed?”
“Don’t worry. Come early to rehearsal, and I’ll walk you through everything.”
“What if I can’t get the changes?” Panic filled Kayla’s voice.
“It’s not that much. Only a few dance steps and stage placement.”
“I didn’t realize things would change. I’ve learned everything wrong.” She gripped her hands tightly in her lap.
“Relax. It’s not that much, and you’ll be able to pick up the new stuff fast. I’ll help you. It’ll be fine.”
“I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”
“You won’t,” Estelle said with a firm tone. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then know that I wouldn’t lie to you. You can do this, Kayla.”
Her friend took a breath and let it out in a quick puff. “Okay. I can do this.” She shifted on the bench. “You mentioned having something to talk with me about.”
“Right. Has Blake talked to Derek in the past twenty-four hours?”
“Not that I know of. Why?”
“Then I have a lot to catch you up on.” She told Kayla everything she and Blake had discussed. “Now I have to make some decisions. Do I stay in Oak Knoll and take over the children’s theater, do I take the role in the movie, and what do I do with my restaurant?”
Kayla shook her head as if overwhelmed. “You’re forgetting one major thing—you and Blake. When and how did that happen?”
“I don’t know. It just did.” Her insides warmed thinking about him. She couldn’t wait to see him later, but first she had to figure out what she was going to say. She’d prayed last night, but still had no sense of direction.
“That’s weird. I don’t know how you don’t know.” Kayla grinned. “But weird or not, I’m happy for both of you. I never thought Blake would find love again.”
“I think he felt the same way. I know I wasn’t looking for it, but I need your help. What do I do about the other stuff?”
She raised a shoulder. “I can’t tell you that. What does your heart say?”
“My heart says, I want to be with Blake.”
“Where? Here, or in California?”
Estelle paused. It felt right and good here. But California was home too. Why did it have to be one or the other? Couldn’t she have both?
Chapter Fifteen
Friday afternoon Estelle knocked on Helen’s door.
Helen opened the door, looking like a disheveled mess. “You’re here.” She grabbed Estelle’s hand and pulled her inside. “I don’t know why I ever agreed to this date. I’m too old to date. Look at me, I’m a mess.”
“Slow down. You have plenty of time to get ready. Let’s go have a cup of tea and talk about what has you so out of sorts.” When had she become a counselor for her friends? It seemed she was putting out one emotional fire after another this week, and she still didn’t have an answer for Blake. Her window of opportunity would close soon. She must make a decision.
Helen nodded. “Tea is a good idea.” She turned and rushed to the kitchen.
Estelle hurried after her. Calming her friend down might be more challenging than she’d anticipated.
Helen stood at the sink. Her hands shook, and water spilled off the side of the kettle.
Estelle sidled up beside her. “I’ll take care of this. Why don’t you get the tea bags?”
“Okay. Thanks.” Helen absently pulled a box from the cupboard and set it on the counter.
Estelle placed the kettle on the stove, turned it on, and then guided Helen to the kitchen table. She sat beside her and grasped her hands in her own. “I’m not very good at this, but I remember you doing it for me a time or two. I’d like to pray for you.”
Helen’s eyes watered and she nodded. “Thank you.”
Estelle bowed her head. “Dear, Lord, my friend needs Your help. She’s scared and uncertain. Please be with her. Please give her peace and reassurance that You are always here for her. In Jesus name we ask. Amen.”
Helen dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “I am so proud of the woman you’ve become. Thank you for praying for me. I feel better already. I don’t know why I was freaking out.”
“First dates can be kind of scary and nerve wracking, but you both already know and like each other, so you’re over one hurdle already.” The teakettle whistled, and Estelle stood. “I’ll get that.” She turned off the burner, grabbed two cups from the cupboard then poured hot water into each one. She should’ve put the bags in first. Oh well, Helen wasn’t the only one out of sorts today. She carried the cups to the table then grabbed the box of tea bags.
They sat in silence waiting for the tea to steep. She needed to give the casting director her answer by five tonight. That w
as only an hour away. She’d hoped to get some counsel from Helen, but clearly the woman was in no state of mind for that. She’d prayed daily about this and didn’t feel clear direction one way or the other. It was almost as if God was giving her the choice to do what she wanted.
Helen touched her hand. Estelle jumped slightly and met her friend’s concerned gaze.
“What’s the matter?” the older woman asked.
Estelle shrugged. “It’s not important.”
“Anything that causes that kind of look on your face is important. Now spill. Believe it or not, listening to you, along with this tea, will work wonders on my nerves.”
Estelle pulled the teabag from the cup with a spoon then took a slow sip. Hot liquid slid down her throat. “I suppose I should begin from the start. But I’ll give you the condensed version since time is of the essence.”
Helen nodded encouragingly.
Estelle laid out the facts in less than five minutes.
“Wow.” Helen blinked. “That’s quite a lot. Since you’re clearly rushed for time, regarding your decision about the movie, I have one question. What does your heart say? I believe that when we’re seeking the Lord’s will, our heart’s desire will align with His desires for us.”
“Interesting. That’s what Kayla asked me.”
“My daughter-in-law is a smart woman. She knows the Lord often places His will on our hearts. If you feel no contradiction in your spirit, I’d say follow your heart.”
Could that be it then? Estelle wanted to say yes, but if she said yes, how did she do it all? “I want to do the movie.”
Helen slapped the table and beamed a smile. “There you go.”
“But what about everything else?”
“One problem at a time. Go make that call. I’ll clean up here.”
“Are you sure?” She didn’t want to bail on her friend.
“Yes. Now scoot. I’m better now. I think I need to take my own advice.” She grasped Estelle’s hand and gave it a light squeeze.
“Okay, but to be clear, you are going on your date with Nick tonight. Right?”
Helen nodded. A twinkle lit her eyes. “Yes, now go. And don’t worry about the rest. It will work itself out.”
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) Page 14
