The teasing smile that had lit her eyes suddenly vanished, and the hazel color shifted into the dark brown spectrum. “I’m not going anywhere for a long time. I have three, maybe four months of rehab yet to do before I’ll be cleared to dance, so you can stop stressing over that. I’ll be here to finish the performance.”
“Good, because it would break Gram’s heart if you just disappeared one day.”
“Noah, I left here suddenly because an incredible opportunity came my way. I apologize for not keeping in touch afterward, but frankly, I didn’t think you’d care one way or the other. You transferred to another college and got married. Your life went in a different direction. So did mine.”
Why would she think he hadn’t cared? He opened his mouth to ask when someone tapped his shoulder. He glanced around to see the director of the show at his side.
“Is this our new dance teacher?” She gasped, before letting out a high-pitched squeal. What was it with women that they had to screech when they were happy? Chloe did it all the time.
“Beth Montgomery. Please tell me you’re replacing Allison.”
“Jenny Olsen. Oh, it’s so good to see you. Yes, I am. You?”
She held out her arms. “I’m the director of this extravaganza.”
Noah tamped down his irritation while the women went through another round of squeals and giggles. He’d forgotten that Jen and Beth had been friends since grade school. As soon as he could get a word in, he made his escape. “Now that you two have been reunited, I’m going to get back to the board meeting. Jen, I’m sure you can give Beth the tour.”
Jen linked arms with her old friend and waved him away. “I’d love to.”
He watched as the women walked off, knowing his Plan A to keep his distance from Beth was toast. Beth glanced over her shoulder at him, a taunting smile on her face. She was enjoying his discomfort, and he had his gram to thank for this. Pivoting, he started back to the stage, pausing only to remind his daughter to finish her homework.
He had to come up with a Plan B. Fast. He was already having a hard time with Beth working next door. Now he’d have to deal with her at the theater for the next several weeks, as well. Maybe she’d leave soon.
No. Then the show would suffer. And Chloe would be upset.
Rubbing his forehead, he sent up a prayer for strength and guidance in dealing with the three females complicating his life.
Chapter Four
Beth moved to the large mirror leaning against the wall in her bedroom, taking a few deep breaths. Tonight would be her first rehearsal for the Christmas show, and she wanted to make a good impression so she’d pulled on her best dark jeans, low-heeled boots that ended right above her ankles and a sophisticated dark green cowl-necked jersey top with a diagonal insert.
She frowned at her reflection. She was overdressed for a little theater practice. Tugging off the tunic, she slipped on a simple gray crew neck sweater and draped a loop scarf over her head. Better. At least in Mississippi she didn’t have to wear a bulky winter coat and hat. Clothes usually gave her confidence. Not tonight. Now she was wishing she’d thought things through more.
Learning Noah was on the board of directors of the little theater had challenged her decision. Judging from his expression when he’d walked into the room, he’d been blindsided, too. She grinned as she remembered the look on his face, like a man who’d been dumped in the lake and suddenly realized he couldn’t swim.
She was treading water, as well. The more she was near him and the more they talked, the more she remembered how much his friendship mattered, and how he’d given her a sense of belonging she’d always missed. As much as her family loved her, and she had no doubts that they did, she’d always felt different. Her siblings were all extroverts—she was the only introvert in the clan. Noah had made her feel that being different was the perfect way for her to be.
Taking a deep breath, she put on her earrings and squared her shoulders. How bad could it be? It’s not as if Noah was involved with the production. Besides, in a few weeks it would be over, and she needed something to fill her time beyond working in the real estate office. Once she got past this first meeting, everything would be fine.
Her gaze landed on her tablet as she reached for her purse, sending a thread of shame through her mind. Noah’s comment about his divorce had spurred her curiosity. She’d caved to temptation and looked up Noah’s wife online. Apparently the stunning blonde had exploded on the news scene like a rocket, going from weekend reporter on a network affiliate to being an anchor to having her own talk show in less than three years. What had disturbed her, however, was that there was no mention of a husband or a child in her bio, only the celebrity aspects of her life. No wonder Noah was so against Chloe getting ideas about anything concerning performing. He was probably afraid Chloe would want to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Noah was a black-and-white thinker, and knowing him, he’d obviously equated her leaving to become a professional ballerina with his wife doing the same to become a TV personality and concluded that keeping Chloe away from the arts was keeping her from heartbreak. But that didn’t fully explain why he was so angry with her. She hadn’t left a husband and child behind.
She locked the door and dropped the key into her bag, striding down the sidewalk along Main Street. The little theater was only a block off Peace Street, an easy walk from her apartment. The parking lot was full when she arrived. Making her way up the concrete steps at the back of the old two-story brick building, she stepped inside and her concerns melted away. This was her world. She took a deep breath and went in search of Jen.
Shorty Zimmerman, the theater manager and insurance agent, informed her Jen was backstage. Beth made her way down the aisles, taking time to appreciate the surroundings. She’d been too busy meeting cast and crew the other night. The theater looked the same as she remembered. Old, small and in need of major remodeling. It wasn’t designed as a theater originally. It had been coaxed into the role with leftover seating and other materials from a variety of sources, one of which was the old Palace movie theater on Church Street. She hated to think of that grand old structure decaying away, but no one had stepped up to preserve it. Supposedly a full restoration was too expensive. Not to mention Dutch Ingles owned it and the building next door, and the old miser refused to sell or donate the theater. But old or new, a theater had a certain atmosphere about it that revved up her excitement.
Jen hurried toward her. “Are you ready for this madness?”
“I think so.”
“It’ll be fun. You’ll see.” She handed her a piece of paper. “This is our program. Three acts. The first focuses on the secular aspect of Christmas—pop songs, presents and the like. Act two is family-oriented, with carols, a short scene from The Nutcracker and ‘White Christmas.’ Act three is about the real reason for the season—hymns, a nativity and a scripture reading.”
“It sounds wonderful. You’ve included something for everyone.”
“Beth.” Jen touched her arm gently. “I didn’t have a chance to mention it the other night, but I heard about your injury. I’m sorry. I know how much dancing has always meant to you.”
Beth’s heart swelled with warm affection. It would be good to have a friend to talk to. She hadn’t realized how much she missed that. “Thank you. It’s been a long, painful recovery.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to go back to ballet?”
A few days ago she would have snapped out a firm yes, but at the moment that seemed more like a hope than a certainty. “I’m not sure.”
“Well, if anyone can make a comeback, it’s you. You’re the most committed, dedicated person I’ve ever known.”
“I have to admit I’m nervous about this rehearsal.”
“Don’t be. Everyone here is sweet and eager to please. They are looking forward to working wit
h you. Allison designed the dance numbers and the costumes, and everyone has learned their steps. Basically you’ll just have to oversee rehearsals and keep them on track until the show. I think for tonight you can just find a seat, watch the numbers and then we’ll go over any questions or concerns you might have.”
Jen’s enthusiasm lightened Beth’s mood as she found a seat in the sixth row, where she could see the entire stage. Pulling out her tablet, she swiped to the note app and turned her full attention to the performers.
The numbers were charming and engaging, but she saw room for improvement both in the dances and the scenery. With a little effort she could easily bump up the show to another level and make it sparkle. She wasn’t sure how Jen would take to her ideas, though.
When the rehearsal was over, Jen motioned Beth forward and introduced her to the cast. Beth made the appropriate speech of reassurance and encouragement.
Jen dismissed everyone then faced her. “Did you have any suggestions or questions about the numbers? I saw you making notes.”
“I do.” Beth ran through some of her thoughts about changes to the choreography and expanding the scenes to amp up the excitement. Jen nodded thoughtfully, and Beth braced herself for pushback. She didn’t want to complicate things. She was here to help and not to cause trouble. If Jen didn’t agree with her suggestions, then she’d leave things as is.
Her friend released a long, slow sigh. “I’m so glad you said that. Allison did her best, but I felt the numbers lacked that element of excitement. They seemed flat and boring to me. Do you think you can fix them?”
Relief and anticipation swirled inside her chest. “I believe I can. Do you have the time and money to add to the sets and maybe a few new costumes?”
“Absolutely. Miss Evelyn is fully committed to this show, so money isn’t an issue. We can certainly add to the sets if our carpenter has time. We won’t rehearse over Thanksgiving, so that leaves only three weeks until we open.” She pulled out her phone and typed in a text message. “I love your ideas, Beth. I think you’re exactly what we needed for this production. We all want it to be a worthy addition to the holiday celebrations. I know we’re all amateurs, but I’d like this to be as professional as possible.”
“Hey, Jen, what’s up?”
Beth spun around at the sound of Noah’s smooth voice. “What are you doing here?”
Jen glanced at her. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? Noah is our set builder. Anything you want constructed for the numbers, he’ll make it happen.”
Beth wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Being around Noah was already stirring old emotions. She didn’t need any more exposure to this new, compelling version of her old friend. “I’d forgotten you were handy with a hammer.”
“Thanks to the insistence of my grandpa.” He raised an eyebrow, and his blue eyes held a challenge. “I’m the go-to guy. Whatever you need built, fixed or scrounged up, I’m the one to call.”
“Beth has some ideas to spruce up the show, and she might need a few props built.”
Noah looked like he’d sooner swallow nails. “Give me a sketch, and I’ll see what I can do.”
Jen was called away for a phone call, leaving them alone, a painfully awkward silence hanging between them, like actors who had forgotten their lines. If her presence here was going to create tension, then maybe she should bow out. “I had no idea you were so involved in this production.”
“Like I said, it’s hard to say no to the women in my life. Gram asked me to help out.”
“If this is going to be uncomfortable, I’ll quit.”
Noah looked surprised. “I never said that. I’m sure the show will benefit from your knowledge and experience.”
The performers had drifted out, and the stagehands were putting their gear away. When the bank of lights over the stage shut down, Beth draped her purse over her shoulder. “That’s our cue to leave. Say hello to Chloe for me.”
“Sure.” They walked to the back door, exiting with a few stragglers. After saying good-night to Shorty, they stepped out into the small parking lot. Beth searched for something to say. “It was like old times. We helped your gram with a couple little theater shows, as I recall.”
Noah shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and rocked back on his heels. “That was a long time ago.”
He was shutting her out. It was a feeling she was well acquainted with. Being different. Not being included in groups. But it had been Noah who’d given her a place to belong. They’d both been oddballs; it’s why they’d grown so close. But now he was the one closing the door.
She blinked and turned away, not wanting him to see how hurt she was. “Yes, it was. Good night.”
Folding her arms around her waist to ward off the night chill, she started toward home. Would she always feel like the outsider? The one who didn’t fit? Not with her family, not with her school friends, not even with her coworkers. The only place she fit was on stage. And that was closed to her now, as well.
* * *
Noah watched Beth walk across the parking lot and down the sidewalk toward her apartment. He’d caught a glimpse of the moisture in her eyes, and he’d quickly regretted his harsh words. Being close to Beth brought out the worst in him. She’d stepped in to help, and he’d behaved like an ungrateful jerk. A quick glance around the deserted street raised his concern. It was a full block to the town square, and the building where she lived stood at the far end. He couldn’t in all good conscience let her walk alone. After tossing his things into the back of his car, he jogged to catch up with her. “Hey. You shouldn’t walk home alone.”
She stopped and faced him. The light spilling from the corner streetlamp danced on her dark hair and made her eyes shine.
“It’s only a block, and there are plenty of streetlights.” She pointed to the one on the edge of the square. “Besides, Dover is the safest place on earth.”
“Maybe, but I think I’d better see you home.”
She chuckled. The sound washed through him like sparkling water.
“You sound so formal and polite. Evelyn would be pleased. But seriously, I’ll be fine.”
Noah took her arm and steered her forward. “Nope. I want to make sure you get home safely.”
“Thank you.”
They walked in silence, and Noah searched for a topic that didn’t touch on their past. Sadly, there were none he wanted to bring up. Finally Beth spoke.
“I have a confession to make. I looked up your former wife on the internet.”
He wasn’t surprised. He knew she’d be curious. “No problem. I looked you up, too.”
He’d learned enough about ACL reconstruction to know that Beth’s dream of returning to dancing was a slim one.
“You did?”
“Chloe wanted to see some videos of you performing.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed.
“I didn’t realize how serious your injury was. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks. Other dancers have made a successful comeback. I could, too. I don’t give up easily.”
“I remember.” Nothing came between her and her desire to dance. “Did you find all the answers to your questions about Yvonne?”
“Some. What disturbed me was that there was no mention of a husband and child in her bio.”
A strangled chuckle escaped his throat before he could stop it. “That’s because a family didn’t fit with her image. Her manager wanted to present her as free and unencumbered.”
“I’m surprised she agreed to that. It seems so cold and heartless.” She stopped. “I’m sorry. That was a very thoughtless thing to say.”
He looked at Beth. Even in the faint light, her hazel eyes were filled with sympathy. The Beth he remembered, even when obsessed with her dancing, had carried a heart for others. For the first time, he wondered if perha
ps she still existed beneath the professional drive. He hoped so. He’d like to spend time with her again.
“But true. She wasn’t always like that. We met in college my sophomore year. She wasn’t like anyone I’d ever met. She was outrageous, impulsive and exciting. She showed me a way of life I’d never known before. I was looking to make a change, and she made it happen.”
The boy he’d been hadn’t been enough for Beth, so he’d decided to reinvent himself, and Yvonne had been his teacher. Yvonne had changed the outside of him. She’d encouraged him to work out, taught him how to present himself. She’d given him a total makeover, down to hairstyle and wardrobe. Unfortunately, clothes could only make the man to a point. While he looked confident and polished on the outside, on the inside he was still the same misfit with thick glasses who never belonged. Except with Beth.
“She sounds amazing.”
“It all happened fast. We fell in love, got married and then Chloe came along. Everything seemed possible. We were going to school, working and raising our daughter. After graduation, she got an offer from a big network affiliate in San Francisco, and I hired on with a prestigious engineering firm. All our dreams were coming true.”
“Then her career took off?”
He nodded. “An overnight sensation.”
“And she just left? How could she do that?”
“I believe her reasoning was that she couldn’t make us happy if she didn’t first make herself happy.”
Beth slipped her hand in his, sending a jolt along his senses. He told himself to pull away, but her fingers felt good entwined with his. The old habit of baring his soul to her took over. “Truth is, she left long before she walked out the door. I stayed in San Francisco so Chloe could see her mother from time to time, but those times eventually became never. When Gram got sick last spring, I decided to come back home.”
“Chloe told me her mother is going to send her a plane ticket to visit for Thanksgiving.”
A Mom for Christmas Page 6
