Mystic Park

by Regina Hart

  “It’s not as bad as it sounds.” Vaughn’s assurance didn’t make a dent in the rising cacophony. “Wait a minute. Everybody just wait.”

  “Listen. Up.” Benita’s voice cut through the noise like a machete. “Today is Wednesday, April twenty-second. The musical is scheduled for Saturday, June thirteenth.”

  She rose to pace the auditorium. Her voice was stern. Her body language was determined. This was Benita Hawkins in her element, taking charge.

  “Yes, the schedule is tight. But it’s doable.” Benita paused in front of the center section. Her hands were planted on her hips. She glared at the aspiring actors. “If you can’t handle the schedule, leave now with our thanks for coming. But if you want a once-in-a-lifetime chance to star in a professionally written stage performance while serving your community, we’d love for you to stay.”

  Vaughn waited with increasing tension for the crowd’s reaction. Had Benita been too stern? Would they all get up and leave? He never would have given his neighbors an ultimatum. He needed their help if he was to realize his dream of producing this musical. But Benita didn’t have anything to lose, so she’d played the heavy, a role that fit her well.

  The crowd settled down. Vaughn exhaled as he realized no one else was leaving. He gave Benita a grateful smile. She winked at him in response.

  Vaughn turned back to their audience. “If there aren’t other questions, we’ll get started with the auditions.”

  More than four hours later, Vaughn and Benita said good night to the final auditioner, Virginia Carp.

  Benita watched Vaughn as Ginny disappeared through the auditorium door. She didn’t like his rapt expression. “I’ve heard Ginny’s nuts.”

  “Who would’ve thought a voice that big could come from someone so petite?” The admiration in Vaughn’s voice set Benita’s teeth on edge.

  “She may have a beautiful singing voice but her behavior’s erratic.” Benita angled her body toward Vaughn.

  They sat side-by-side on the uncomfortable crimson-padded folding chairs in the auditorium’s audience. It was late but she wasn’t tired. Maybe she was running on the adrenaline of managing the night’s audition. Or maybe this restless energy came from Vaughn’s company. They were the only two people left in the cavernous room. Maybe the only two people left in the almost one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old building. The sense of intimacy was as thick as a mattress.

  “What makes you say she’s erratic?” Vaughn turned from his rapt attention of the auditorium exit through which Ginny had left.

  “I don’t think you want her to be involved in your production.” Benita was torn between keeping her friend’s secrets and warning Vaughn away from Ginny.

  “You still haven’t told me why not.” A smile flirted around Vaughn’s too-sexy-for-words lips. She’d known those lips so well for so long.

  “She’s the kind of person who’ll key your car if she doesn’t get her way.” Why won’t he just listen to me and move on?

  “You’re talking about Ginny keying Darius’s car and spray painting his apartment door.” The smile materialized, curving his lips and brightening his eyes.

  “You know about that?” Surprise lifted Benita’s eyebrows.

  “Trinity Falls has very few secrets.” Vaughn balanced his right ankle on his left knee. “But how did you hear about it all the way in Los Angeles?”

  “Aunt Helen told me. She was concerned for Darius.”

  “Ginny’s reaction to Darius’s breaking up with her was extreme. But this play is different.” Vaughn linked his fingers together. “It’s a professional commitment. It’s not personal.”

  “Do you think someone who’d key another person’s car can be professional?”

  “With a voice like Ginny’s, I’m willing to take the chance.” Vaughn lowered his right leg and pushed himself to his feet. “It’s late and I have an early class in the morning. Let’s get together tomorrow night to cast the rest of the parts.”

  Benita uncrossed her legs and stood as well. “Ginny has a beautiful voice. But I think we can find other women in Trinity Falls with attractive singing voices.”

  “I don’t want to hold another audition.” Vaughn collected his folder and writing tablet. He packed everything into his black knapsack and threw the bag over his shoulder. “We don’t have time.”

  Stubborn man.

  “I know.” Benita stuffed her paperwork into her emerald green tote bag. “But you don’t want Ginny on your cast. Trust me.”

  “Benny, let’s give Ginny a chance.”

  Benita fell into step beside Vaughn as they walked to the auditorium’s exit. Their footsteps echoed in the empty room. “What about Audra?”

  “She didn’t audition.” Vaughn sounded dismissive.

  “She doesn’t need to. You’ve heard her sing dozens of times while she was rehearsing with your concert band for the town’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.”

  “I could be wrong, but I think Audra didn’t audition because she doesn’t want to be in the play.” Vaughn’s voice was dry.

  “I’ll ask her. I’m sure she’ll be happy to play the lead in your musical. Think of the publicity that’ll give you.”

  “Benny, the audition is over.” Vaughn came to a stop at the exit and faced her. “Don’t make Audra uncomfortable by asking her to participate. I respect her decision not to be in the musical. She shouldn’t have to be in every performance the town has.”

  “Fine.” Benita sighed. “If you really want Ginny Carp as the female lead for your play, I’ll accept that.”

  “I really do.”

  “You’re making a mistake.”

  “Benny—”

  “I just hope she doesn’t key your car.” Benita turned to lead Vaughn down the stairs to the rear parking lot.

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure my car will be fine.”

  They’d both parked in the first row of the visitors’ parking lot, which was steps from the academic building’s rear exit. Streetlights cut through the inky darkness, aiding their visibility and adding a cloak of security.

  Benita used her security keypad to deactivate her car alarm. “Your place tomorrow night?”

  Vaughn nodded. “I should be home by six.”

  “I’ll expect dinner since you aren’t paying for my services.”

  “Fair enough. But don’t expect anything fancy.”

  “I know your limitations.” Benita gave him a teasing smile before slipping onto her driver’s seat.

  She couldn’t wait for tomorrow night. Operation Lure Vaughn Brooks to L.A. was in full swing.

  Vaughn needed to get off TFU’s campus. It was half past four o’clock on Thursday evening. Benita would be at his house by six P.M. He wanted to clean up and start dinner before she arrived. It wasn’t a date. He knew that. They were getting together to review their casting choices for Mystic Park. But there was no reason he couldn’t look nice while they were doing that.

  He shut down his laptop computer and stood from his desk. The knock on his office door was unexpected. “Come in.”

  Olivia Stark stood in his doorway. Her fist gripped his doorknob. “Can I interest you in dinner?”

  Why would having a beautiful woman invite him to dinner make him tense? Because she wanted something he couldn’t give her.

  “Can I have a rain check?” Vaughn found a smile. “I have a meeting.”

  “I understand.” Olivia laughed nervously. “I’m not usually spontaneous. Actually, I’m never spontaneous. But I thought I’d try it today.”

  “And I would’ve loved to have joined you.”

  “But you have a meeting.” Olivia’s gaze wavered. “Is it just a meeting?”

  “What do you mean?” But he thought he knew.

  “I’ve been asking about you around town.”

  That couldn’t bode well. Vaughn gestured toward his guest chair in an invitation for Olivia to make herself more comfortable. “What’ve you found out?”

  “You
recently broke up with Benita Hawkins, a woman you’ve been dating since high school.” Olivia settled onto one of his gray cushioned chairs.

  “You learned a lot.” Vaughn sat. He thought he’d been prepared to hear her say that. He’d been wrong.

  “It had been a long-distance relationship.” Olivia watched him closely.

  Vaughn was afraid to blink. “Benny and I went to separate out-of-state colleges. After college, I came back to Trinity Falls. She didn’t.” Vaughn forced himself not to shift on his seat.

  “May I ask why you broke up?”

  The question hurt, but he understood Olivia’s need to ask it. They’d dated a couple of times. He’d thought he could move on, but he hadn’t been able to. And she could tell. Olivia was an attractive, intelligent, charming woman who seemed to enjoy living in Trinity Falls. On the surface, she was perfect for him.

  Then why am I allowing Benita to come between us?

  “We want different things out of life.” Vaughn worked hard to keep his voice steady.

  “But you still love her.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “We’re not together anymore.”

  “The two of you dated for half of your life. You don’t just wake up one day and decide you’re over the other person.”

  “I wish it was that easy.” Vaughn looked away from Olivia.

  “Each time we went out, I sensed someone else was on your mind.”

  “I’m sorry.” He’d never meant to make her feel uncomfortable or disrespected.

  “So am I.” Olivia stood. “I think our relationship was over before it had a chance to begin.”

  Vaughn rose to his feet. “Olivia—”

  She raised her right hand, palm out. “Benita’s a very lucky lady. I hope she comes to her senses soon.”

  Why can’t I fall in love with Olivia? She would be perfect for me.

  “I’m an idiot.” Vaughn scrubbed his hands over his face.

  “No, you’re a man in love.” Olivia turned toward the door. “Like I said, Benita’s a very lucky woman.”

  “Thank you, Olivia.”

  She paused with her hand on the doorknob. “I’ve heard you have two brothers who look a lot like you. Any chance they’ll be visiting soon?”

  Vaughn smiled. “They’re coming home for my play.”

  “I look forward to meeting them.” Olivia disappeared through his office door, closing it behind her.

  There was a burning sensation where his heart should have been. Vaughn drove the heel of his hand into his chest. Did Benita consider herself a lucky woman? Somehow he didn’t think so.

  “Thanks again for dinner. It smells delicious.” Benita stole another look at Vaughn, seated across from her at his small circular ash wood table in his tiny kitchen Thursday evening.

  Benita gathered a forkful of the wild rice Vaughn had made to accompany the curried chicken. She’d bought the set of dishes for him as a housewarming gift when he’d moved into his first apartment in Trinity Falls.

  Vaughn was a wonderful cook. Has he cooked for Olivia Stark yet? Benita felt the sharp bite of jealousy.

  “Thanks for your help.” Vaughn seemed preoccupied as he sliced into his chicken again.

  “Does Olivia know you invited me to dinner?” From where had that question come?

  “Don’t start, Benny.” Tension bracketed Vaughn’s mouth framed by his neatly shaped goatee.

  Interesting. “I just asked whether she knew we were having dinner together. I’m curious.”

  “There’s no need for you to be.” Vaughn drank his iced tea.

  “Is that your polite way of telling me to mind my own business?” Benita cut another piece of chicken. It had a strong, spicy flavor and melted on her tongue like well-seasoned butter.

  “Yes.” Vaughn paused as he ate more rice and drank more iced tea. “Olivia and I aren’t dating any longer.”

  “Oh? What happened?” The stranglehold around Benita’s throat eased. Her heart felt lighter.

  “Nothing happened.” Vaughn shrugged his broad shoulders under his gray long-sleeved TFU jersey. The material flirted with the well-developed muscles across his chest. “We just aren’t right for each other.”

  “I see.” Joy washed over her.

  For the remainder of the meal, they talked about their day, shared memories from their past, and discussed their plans for the rest of the week. Benita helped Vaughn clear the table and load his dishwasher. Then they made two cups of chai tea.

  “OK, let’s talk about casting your musical.” Benita led Vaughn back to his kitchen table. She resumed her seat, crossing her legs. “I assume I can’t talk you out of giving Ginny Carp the lead female role?”

  “Not a chance.” Vaughn’s warm cocoa eyes laughed at her as he sipped his tea.

  “And I can’t change your mind about holding another audition?”

  “No, you can’t.” Vaughn set his mug on the table and cupped his hands around it. “Why would you want to?”

  “Producing this musical has been your dream for years. Now that you have your chance, you should give it your best shot. Instead you’re rushing it.”

  “I’m satisfied with the people we found during yesterday’s auditions.” Vaughn shrugged off her suggestions.

  “That’s my point. You’ve worked too hard to settle for being ‘satisfied.’” She flung her arm in a dramatic flourish. “You should be thrilled, excited, enthusiastic.”

  “Another day or two of auditions isn’t going to make a difference. I’d rather start the rehearsals.”

  “Fine.” It was clear she wasn’t going to change his mind. Stubborn man. Benita studied him over the rim of her cup. His determination was sexy—except when he was being obstinate with her.

  “With Ginny as the female lead—the water fairy—whom do you have in mind for the male lead—the farmer?” Vaughn referred to his notes.

  “Glenn Narcus.” Benita opened her project folder and scanned her summaries.

  “I agree.”

  “Well, that’s a nice change.”

  “Be kind, Benny.”

  “Whom do you want to play the villain, Mama D’Leau?” Benita ran her right index finger down the sheet of paper.

  “That one’s hard.” Vaughn shuffled some papers. “I’m torn between Belinda Curby and Yvette Bates. What do you think?”

  “Yvette Bates.” Benita was decisive. “Her voice is fuller, richer. Belinda fits better in the fairy chorus.”

  “Good point.” Vaughn looked up from his papers and captured her gaze.

  Benita smiled into his eyes. Was Operation Lure Vaughn Brooks to L.A. working? “This is fun. It reminds me of working on our high school senior project together.”

  “Yeah, it does.” His voice was full of special memories, some innocent, some not quite as innocent. “Whom do you have as the villain’s accomplice?”

  They agreed on all of the remaining roles: Simon Knight, Darius’s father, as the villain’s right-hand person; and Stan Crockett as the hero’s neighbor and best friend. In addition to Belinda, they agreed to cast as members of the fairy chorus Ethel Knight and Cece Roben.

  The only casting on which they disagreed was Ginny Carp as the water fairy. Benita considered Vaughn in her peripheral vision. She’d pushed as hard as she dared. Vaughn was immovable. She’d have to come up with an alternate plan just in case her worst fears of Ginny flaking out on the production came true.

  Vaughn gathered together his summary sheets. “It’s nice to have someone to bounce off ideas about the play. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Benita packed her notes as well.

  “I also owe you my thanks for defending the performance schedule to the auditioners yesterday.”

  Benita smiled at his wry tone. “You’d have done the same for me. We make a good team.”

  “We always have.”

  Then why are you willing to throw that all away?

  Benita folded her arms on the table and leaned into it. “
It’s like the time in high school when you backed my campaign for senior class treasurer against one of your football teammates.” The memory of his support made her feel warm inside even eighteen years later. She needed him to stand with her again now and agree to her decision for them to live in L.A. Why wouldn’t he?

  “I still think you should’ve run for president.” Vaughn leaned back on his chair. He rested his right ankle on his left knee.

  Benita pulled her gaze from his muscled thigh wrapped in denim. “And you’d still be wrong. I’ve explained this a thousand times. First, Jack was running for president. No one would’ve voted for me over a descendant of our town’s founding family.”

  “I would’ve.”

  Benita ignored his interruption. “Second, the real power is with the money. Aunt Helen told me that and she was right.”

  “You drove Jack nuts.” Vaughn chuckled.

  “You guys had to justify every penny to me—for homecoming, prom, the senior class trip, everything. It was wonderful.” Benita licked her lips at the memory.

  “Jack wanted to impeach you.” Vaughn’s husky voice shook.

  The comment burst her happy bubble. Vaughn had shared that insight before.

  “You can’t impeach a treasurer.” Benita scowled. “Can you?”

  “If you hadn’t relented on the prom theme, we would’ve found out.” His voice was full of laughter. She still couldn’t decide if he was serious.

  “Whatever happened to the football player who ran against me?”

  “He works on Wall Street.” Vaughn propped his elbow on the table and cradled the side of his head on his palm. The movement brought him closer to her. She could smell his soap. Her heart fluttered.

  “Are you serious?” It was a struggle to concentrate on their conversation, especially since she didn’t want to.

  “He must have gotten Ms. Helen’s speech on money and power.” The warm laughter glowing in Vaughn’s eyes was like a caress.

  Benita’s body responded to it. She didn’t want to lose this man. Could she find a way to hold on to him as well as her dream of living in L.A.?

  “I’m glad losing the election for high school senior class treasurer didn’t distract him from his career goal.” Benita stood, carrying her empty tea mug to the dishwasher. She could feel Vaughn behind her.