“And I am Juliet’s nurse,” she said.
Bradley sighed.
“Thanks, girls. I think it would be easier if I give Miss Nelson a cast list and she can go from there. Remember, she’ll call you one at a time, and meanwhile, we’ll continue with rehearsal. Stage crew, head up with Mr. Black and go over your blocking so you can help the cast,” he said as JW started to lead the pack.
“Wow, you sure sound like you know what you’re doing,” Tamlyn said as she took the cast list from Bradley that he’d taken off the clipboard he held.
“It’s just a cover, but don’t tell them. I was up almost all night reading about how to do this. I can pretend really well, and hopefully they won’t notice.”
Tamlyn covered her smile and turned away from the kids.
“You’re very convincing. You had me fooled.”
Bradley smiled, touched the brim of his baseball cap and nodded at her.
“Good. There’s hope,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
Tamlyn spent the rest of the morning talking to kids, taking measurements and talking to them about their roles so she’d have a better feel for what type of costume. The girl who played Juliet’s mother would need something fancier than the girl who played Juliet’s nanny—or whatever she was. Tamlyn took as many notes as she could to keep it all straight in her head, and by the time she was done a couple of hours later, she sighed. It was going to be a big job. She’d have to thank Adiel as soon as she saw him for giving her the time to do it.
“I think I have what I need,” she said to Bradley as she gathered up her things during a break in rehearsal.
“Perfect timing,” he said. “It’s almost time for a break, and you’ll want to get out of here before then. They turn into a gaggle of kids asking twenty questions each.”
Tamlyn glanced over toward JW and grinned as he nervously looked at the large clock on the wall of the multi-purpose room.
“Yeah, he looks a little nervous. I’ll get while the getting’s good.”
“Wise woman,” Bradley said as he walked her to the door. “Thank you again, Tamlyn. I could say it a thousand more times but it wouldn’t be enough. I couldn’t do this without your help.”
She nodded, and said, “Well, you’ve said it plenty. Let’s just make this the best production Riston has ever seen. It’ll be worth it.”
“From your lips to God’s ears,” he said with a laugh as he waved goodbye.
As Tamlyn walked back through the middle school toward her car, she patted her notebook. She’d gotten great notes and all the measurements she needed. Her ankle wasn’t hurting and the kids seemed really nice. Maybe this would be fun after all.
Chapter 9
Tamlyn wiggled her foot, her boot crinkling under the table. She pulled off her boot and rubbed her ankle. She hadn’t been on her feet all that much as she’d been sketching and planning for the past few days since she’d been to the middle school.
“Maybe you should make a doctor’s appointment.” Felicia pointed to Tamlyn’s ankle. “You were doing great for a long time, but now it seems to be worse.
Tamlyn shook her head as she pulled her boot back on, wishing she hadn’t done that in front of Felicia. “I’m sure it’s nothing. No big deal.”
While Tamlyn wasn’t exactly annoyed with Felicia for getting her into this Romeo and Juliet thing, she didn’t want to push her luck with what Felicia might insist on next. Her ankle hadn’t been that bad, and maybe it was just because she wasn’t sleeping very well. Burning the candle at both ends. She’d been having bad dreams lately, and was a little more tired than usual. The dreams weren’t about anything in particular that she remembered, but enough to keep her from sleeping soundly.
She’d stopped by the school every day for the past week, and either taken additional measurements or done some kind of fitting with the kids, although all of the costumes were by no means finished. But she had another whole week to finish and she and Felicia were actually having fun with the whole thing.
“All right, suit yourself,” Felicia said, but Tamlyn had forgotten what they’d been talking about.
She put the last of the costumes she needed fittings for in the bin and snapped on the lid. Felicia helped her carry it to the car, and she headed over to the middle school. She glanced at the clock in the car—she knew they were doing blocking today, but she wouldn’t interrupt much. She could start with the kids who weren’t on stage and shouldn’t be much of a distraction.
It had been a really fun week to see the kids make so much progress. They were working through the play from the beginning. They were a little hyper at times, for the most part they were really focused and wanted to make this the best rendition of Romeo and Juliet ever. Even if it was set in a pioneer town, which still made Tamlyn laugh sometimes. She couldn’t wait to see the actual final product, and it was only a week from tonight.
She hummed as she headed down the beautiful road to Riston. She drove it almost every day, but she still thought it was one of the most beautiful places she’d ever seen. She’d been so busy that she hadn’t seen much more than the road, though. Like her aunt had mentioned, she really should get out and see more. That was exactly what she’d intended to do, before she’d taken on this project. But there would always be time for that later.
She and Bradley had exchanged phone numbers earlier, and when she arrived in the parking lot of the school, she texted him and let him know she was there. She’d need help carrying the bin of costumes, and he said he’d send out one of the kids as he couldn’t leave the student teacher there alone quite yet. Or at least probably didn’t think he should.
As she waited for assistance, she flipped on the radio and dialed it to the local Riston radio station.
Sheriff Clapper plans to be in the courtroom next Friday, when Cameron Burton is due for sentencing in his vehicular assault case. With a blood alcohol content that high, the sheriff informed our reporter, he wanted to make sure that the residents and visitors to Riston were aware that these things are taken very seriously by the sheriff’s department.
Tamlyn closed her eyes as her breath left her again. She tried to breathe slowly to calm her racing heart, but it didn’t work. She leaned her head on the headrest of the seat and wished whatever this was would just stop.
Someone rapped on the window of the car and she was jolted out of her panic. Panic. She’d never put a name to it, but when these things happened, they felt like sheer panic. But of what? It didn’t make any sense to her, and she mustered a smile at Sean, the boy Bradley had sent to help her.
She opened the car door and said hello.
“Are you all right, Miss Nelson? You don’t look so good.”
She stood, her knees a bit wobbly but she cleared her throat and took a deep breath.
“I’m fine, Sean. Thanks.”
He eyed her warily as he lifted the bin out of the trunk.
“Here, let me help you,” she said as she reached for one of the handles.
“Nope, I got it,” he replied as he closed the trunk with his elbow. “You don’t look up to it.”
As she followed him to the multi-purpose room, she shook her head. What was happening to her? She’d never had things like this happen to her before. It was a little unsettling.
Maybe she just needed a break. A walk in the woods. A day trip somewhere. She made a mental note to make that happen as soon as possible. These weren’t fun, and she needed to do something to stop it from happening again.
Sean held the door open for her and she entered the multi-purpose room, pausing for a moment while her eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting.
“Over here,” Bradley said from stage left with a wave.
She waved back, and all the kids said hello as she passed.
Bradley hopped down from the stage and took the bin from Sean.
“Thanks, son,” he said.
“Sure thing. Miss Nelson wouldn’t have been able to carry it, even if she wasn’t so upset. Happ
y to help,” Sean said before he walked back on stage.
Tamlyn looked over at Bradley, who was staring at her as he held the bin.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his eyes narrowed at her.
“I am. I’m fine.” She set her bag down on one of the chairs and pointed to the next chair over.
“You don’t look fine.” He set the bin down on the chair she’d indicated.
“Well, I am. Just lost my breath for a second.”
Bradley cocked his head and folded his arms over his chest.
“Okay, if you say so. Thanks for coming,” he said as he walked toward the stage but looked at her over his shoulder, still frowning.
“Listen up, guys. Miss Nelson is here and will be calling some of you individually for costuming consultations. Be ready when she does, and remember, we’re on our best behavior.”
“Today and every day, Coach,” Kayla said with a smile toward Tamlyn. “I can’t wait to see my costume.”
Tamlyn knew from experience by now that Kayla would be bouncing until she got to see her costume and that Delanie would be eavesdropping no matter what, so she decided to call them over first, together.
Tamlyn laughed as they walked as fast as they could without breaking into a full run from the other side of the multi-purpose room.
“I can’t wait to see,” Kayla squeaked, clapping her hands.
Tamlyn smiled and said, “I hope you like it so far.”
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Delanie whispered as Tamlyn held up a pink satin dress with white ribbons woven in.
“I’m glad you like it,” Tamlyn said as she held the dress up to Kayla.
Tamlyn turned to Delanie with a smile, hoping for an equal vote of confidence. She stood still when she noticed that Delanie was staring at her, her brow furrowed.
“Are you all right?” Delanie asked.
Tamlyn frowned. All these people asking if she’s all right? She must look awful. How awful could she look for feeling a little faint?
“I’m fine. Just fine. Maybe I just need some time off or something. I don’t know. A drive in the mountains,” she said, although she was really just thinking out loud.
Kayla quickly whispered something to Delanie before getting back to oohing and aahhing over her dress as Tamlyn was adjusting some final measurements. She wouldn’t have the kids try the costumes on until probably Monday or so, and she wrote the final calculations in her notebook.
She looked up as Bradley said, “That’s gorgeous. Really nice,” as he walked up with Kayla by his side. She hadn’t even noticed the girl slip away.
“Thank you. I’m glad you all like it,” Tamlyn said.
“Delanie said you needed me?” Bradley asked.
“Um, I don’t think so,” Tamlyn replied, a little confused.
Kayla and Delanie exchanged glances.
Kayla cleared her throat. “Miss Nelson isn’t feeling well. She said she needed some time off, maybe a drive in the mountains.”
“I didn’t say that. Did I?” Tamlyn said, feeling a little confused.
“Yes, you did,” Kayla said. “We both heard you.”
“Oh,” Bradley said, looking a little confused himself. “Well, I’m sure she gets weekends off and could do that.”
Delanie giggled.
Kayla said, “Coach, didn’t you tell us earlier during break that you were looking forward to a long drive in the mountains tomorrow since it was the weekend and you’d be glad to be away from us for a little bit?”
Tamlyn watched as pink crept up from Bradley’s collar. She felt bad for him—she was sure he hadn’t meant it like that. Probably just needed a break.
“No, no, I didn’t mean I wanted to be away from you. I just—”
Kayla interrupted. “No, we know you didn’t mean that. But wouldn’t it be nice to have some company on your trip? Someone who needs a break, too?”
“What do you mean?” Bradley asked, looking now thoroughly off balance. Kayla and Delanie looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
“Ahem,” Delanie said as she not-very-subtly gestured her thumb at Tamlyn.
Tamlyn’s eyes flew wide open as she realized what they were doing.
“Oh,” Bradley and Tamlyn said in unison as they exchanged an uncomfortable glance.
“I’m sure Miss Nelson would love to go on your drive with you,” Kayla said.
“You could even take a picnic,” Delanie added.
Bradley shifted his weight from foot to foot and Tamlyn looked down at her boots, wishing the floor would swallow her.
“Thanks for the suggestion, ladies,” Bradley said, a little harshly. “Head back to the stage. I’ll be with you in a minute.”
The girls headed back to the front of the multi-purpose room, and Tamlyn noticed they high-fived each other on the way.
“I’m sorry about that. They’re a little forward at this age.”
“Oh, no problem at all,” Tamlyn said, although her cheeks still felt hot.
Bradley looked from Tamlyn over to the girls and then back to Tamlyn.
“Actually, I am going out tomorrow. Taking the jeep out, get some fresh air, maybe stop in Quinn Valley. I’d love the company if you’re up for it.”
Tamlyn wished she could disappear. He clearly hadn’t intended to ask her until the girls got involved.
“You don’t have to take me if you don’t want to.”
“No, really, I’d love the company. It’d be more fun. Have you been out and about around here much?”
“No, actually, and I’ve wanted to. But I’m sort of new to the area and I don’t know my way around.”
Bradley nodded. “That settles it, then. I’ll be your tour guide. It’ll be nice to see something besides the inside of this room for a change. Text me your address and I’ll pick you up at ten, say?”
Tamlyn took a deep breath and thought she might as well take him up on his offer, even if it was one brought on by arm-twisting.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. I’ll see you then,” she said.
Bradley smiled and hopped back up on the stage. Tamlyn went through the measurements with the other kids, but it was all she could do to concentrate. With the week she’d had—little sleep and those weird little episodes—getting out in the open air sounded great.
And since she’d met Bradley and they’d spent a fair amount of time together during the past week, she was pretty confident that going with Bradley made it sound even better.
Chapter 10
It was a beautiful day for a drive in the mountains. The sky was bright blue and it wasn’t expected to be too warm—and rain showers weren’t in the forecasts although she’d seen that Idaho summer weather was a bit unpredictable.
She stretched her arms to the sky as she stood on the balcony of her apartment in Riston, the one she’d originally shared with Alicia before she got married. She’d toyed with the idea of another roommate—had even considered Felicia when she’d arrived—but she liked being alone. Or at least she thought she had.
Things seemed quiet now as she waited for Bradley. She’d texted him the night before and offered to pack a picnic, but he’d said it wasn’t necessary. He’d bring snacks, and there was a restaurant somewhere called Quinn Valley that he wanted to visit to take her to. She’d hadn’t been anywhere but Riston and River’s End Ranch, so she was game for anything.
As she paced on her balcony, the summer breeze blowing through her hair, she ticked off her list of things in her bag. Sunscreen, a visor, a sweater and her phone. She felt funny bringing nothing else besides her wallet, but he’d told her not to. She did sneak in a bag of chocolate chip cookies she’d made, but that was it.
She waved when Bradley pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex and he got out, looking around at the several entrances and staircases.
“Up here,” she said and he shielded his eyes and tried to follow her voice.
She waved again, and he spotted her.
“How do I get up th
ere?” he asked.
Tamlyn laughed. The complex was really pretty, pathways meandering through small stands of trees, but it was a little confusing.
“I’ll be right down. Just wait there.”
She rifled through her bag one more time, making sure she had everything, and realized that she’d forgotten her hiking boots in her car. She grabbed her keys and headed down, not taking the stairs too quickly. She wasn’t sure if they’d be hiking, and she’d pulled on her cowboy boots, but wanted to take her hiking shoes with her just in case.
“I’ll be just a minute,” she said as she opened her trunk and grabbed her hiking boots. She took in a breath when she saw the little gift bag that Bradley had given her almost a week ago—he must think she was incredibly rude. She had forgotten all about it—hadn’t even opened it. She decided that honesty was the best policy and grabbed it, expecting to apologize once she hopped into his Jeep.
He opened the door for her and she nodded, reaching up for the bar to help her get in. It was a 4-wheel drive, for sure, and was a little higher than her car and she laughed as she pulled herself up.
“I’d help, but I think you’ve got it,” Bradley said as he laughed and shut the door.
Tamlyn waited until he’d started the engine to say, “Bradley, I want to apologize for not having opened your gift before now.” She swung the pretty gift bag between them. “I got so caught up in the play and rehearsals and work that I—”
He turned onto the main highway out of Riston and smiled.
“No worries. Open it now. You being too busy to remember is my fault, anyway.”
“I don’t feel like that,” she said. “It’s fun to be busy. I’ve been pretty solitary since I got here. This is a nice change.”
She rifled through the pink tissue paper and pulled out a long, thin box.
“Oh, peppermint oil,” she said. “I love peppermint.”
“Whew,” Bradley said. “It’s in a roller bottle. Thought that might help.”
“Help what?” Tamlyn asked as she unscrewed the top and smelled the fragrant oil. It tickled her nose and certainly made her perk up.
Teaching Tamlyn Page 5
