Mystic Park

by Regina Hart

  CHAPTER 17

  Benita considered Opal Gutierrez as The Trinity Falls Monitor reporter flirted openly with Vaughn in his office Thursday afternoon. Opal had curled up on the other gray guest chair in front of Vaughn’s desk. Wasn’t this supposed to be a newspaper interview? It seemed more like a speed dating session. The younger woman was entirely focused on Vaughn. Opal hadn’t even glanced Benita’s way since she’d arrived.

  Does she even realize I’m here?

  Benita checked her Movado wristwatch. It was almost a quarter after four o’clock in the afternoon. The reporter had been flirting with Vaughn steadily for almost fifteen minutes.

  Benita unclenched her teeth. “I suppose we should start the interview.”

  “Of course.” Opal laughed lightly as she bent forward to rummage through her tote bag. The emerald bodice of her figure-hugging dress fell away from her cleavage.

  Benita shot a look at Vaughn to see if he’d noticed. Luckily for him, he hadn’t. Instead, he caught her eye, sending her a questioning look. Benita shook her head and made an effort to relax. It was the last day of April. It would help her nerves some if the weather actually warmed up. She was used to Southern California climes. These chilly days were making her tense.

  Opal reached forward and set an audio recorder on Vaughn’s desk. “I don’t like using these things, but Darius insists I record my interviews. And, well, he’s my boss.”

  “I think it’s a good idea.” Benita came to Darius’s defense. “You can have more of a conversation this way.”

  “It’s a little intimidating for the person being interviewed, though.” Vaughn regarded the recorder with discomfort. “It’s unnerving to know that your every word is being recorded.”

  Opal pressed her right hand to her bosom. “That’s what I said to Darius.”

  Why was Vaughn agreeing with the reporter? Benita wanted to pinch him. Really hard.

  “Isn’t that better than being misquoted?” Benita tried for a smile. Did it look as insincere as it felt? “Let’s get started. We don’t want to take too much more of your time, Opal.”

  Opal blinked and looked at Benita as though finally registering that she was in the room. Benita set her teeth.

  The newspaper reporter pressed a couple of buttons on the recorder, then settled back on her chair. “The title of your musical is Mystic Park. What’s it about?”

  Benita considered Opal as she reclined in the chair beside her. Her long legs were crossed. Her hands were folded on her lap. She looked more like she was on a coffee break than interviewing someone for a serious article. Why should that bother her? Benita shrugged off her irritation. Opal could sit in Vaughn’s office wearing a bikini as long as she wrote a decent article, promoting his musical. She looked at the other woman again. On second thought, nix the bikini. More like a turtleneck sweater and Mom jeans regardless of the temperature.

  “Mystic Park is based on Caribbean folklore.” Vaughn seemed comfortable with that question, much to Benita’s relief. “A farmer falls in love with a water fairy, but a jealous water nymph is determined to keep them apart.”

  Opal hummed noncommittally. “On which island does the story take place?”

  Why wasn’t Opal taking notes? The reporter had activated a recorder. But Benita was certain Darius would still take notes, regardless of the recorder. Why wasn’t Opal?

  “Stories of the water nymph are most popular on Trinidad.” Vaughn became more relaxed as he talked about his play. “The water nymph is known as Mama D’Leau. She’s part woman, part anaconda.”

  “Sounds scary.” Opal pretended to shiver.

  Benita lowered her head and rolled her eyes. “Mama D’Leau is considered the protector of the rivers and waters.”

  “She punishes men who hurt the environment, especially the waters.” Vaughn straightened in his chair. It was as though he’d forgotten that he was supposed to be irritated about the newspaper interview.

  Benita hoped his good mood continued when the newspaper’s photographer arrived to take his picture for the article. He looked very handsome. His bronze shirt made his nutmeg skin look warmer, richer. The material stretched across his broad I-can-rock-your-world shoulders.

  “Why did you want to do a story featuring Caribbean folklore?” Opal asked.

  “My parents were from Trinidad. They’re both dead now.” There was love and a touch of heartache in Vaughn’s voice. “But they told my brothers and me some of these stories.”

  Benita had great memories of Vaughn’s parents. There was a lot of love and laughter in the Brooks household, with Vaughn’s parents, Jerome and Geneviève; his older brother, Benjamin; Vaughn; and his younger brother, Zachariah.

  Vaughn’s mother had been as beautiful as a silver screen movie star and his father was sinfully handsome. The Brooks brothers took after their parents in looks. When Benita had been in high school, all the young women in Trinity Falls felt they owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks for bringing such handsome young men into their community.

  “As a talent manager for famous celebrities, what did you think of the auditions?” Opal’s question for Benita brought her back to the present.

  “There’s a lot of natural talent in Trinity Falls. I was very impressed. I’m confident Mystic Park is going to be a great performance. And that it will raise a lot of money for the Guiding Light Community Center.” Benita glanced at Vaughn. The musical would be the realization of one of his fondest dreams and it wouldn’t be a disappointment. She’d make sure of that.

  The interview lasted several long minutes more. Benita grudgingly gave Opal due credit. The reporter asked good questions, including a few about the Guiding Light Community Center and how the performance would benefit it. Still, Benita wasn’t disappointed when the leggy reporter packed up her recorder and left.

  “What was that about?” Vaughn turned from his closed office door after wishing Opal a pleasant evening.

  Benita didn’t pretend not to understand Vaughn’s question. “She was flirting with you—”

  “No, she wasn’t.”

  “—and you didn’t stop her.”

  Vaughn regarded her in silence for several tense seconds. “Benny, what are we doing? You act as though all we have is a hookup, but you talk as though we have a serious, committed relationship. Which one is it?”

  “I’ve asked you to move to L.A. with me.”

  “You’re not happy in Los Angeles. Why don’t you come home?”

  Benita spread her arms, palms up. “I’ve told you. L.A. has so much more to offer than Trinity Falls, for both of us.”

  “Then why aren’t you happy there?” Vaughn stepped closer, shrinking the distance between them.

  “I’d be happier if you were with me.” Benita held Vaughn’s gaze, willing him to change his mind and join her in the Golden State.

  “Suppose I move to Los Angeles and you’re still unhappy?”

  “We wouldn’t be.” She spread her arms again. “L.A. has everything: concerts, performances, museums, palm trees.”

  “The only thing Los Angeles has that I want is you. And we both belong here.”

  “You’re wrong.” Benita’s patience snapped. She circled Vaughn and stomped toward his closed office door. “I belong in L.A.”

  “And I belong here.” Vaughn turned to face her. “Where does that leave us?”

  The fact Benita couldn’t answer that question only made her angrier. She yanked open Vaughn’s door but didn’t trust herself to close it.

  Stubborn man! Why couldn’t he see that she was right? Los Angeles was where they both needed to be. Everything would be fine, as long as they were together. What did she need to do to convince him of that?

  Benita knocked on Darius Knight’s office door Friday afternoon, the first day of May. The newspaper reporter turned managing editor looked up from his computer monitor. Benita took that as an invitation to enter.

  “You’ve come up in the world.” She surveyed his office
, taking in the myriad reference tombs on his overcrowded three-foot-by-two-foot mahogany bookcase, the announcements and production schedules pinned to his bulletin board, and the knickknacks and tchotchkes positioned on his desk and file cabinets.

  “That’s what Ramona said when she heard about my promotion.” Darius swiveled his chair to face her.

  “Ramona’s never liked me.” Benita lowered herself onto one of the two gray guest chairs facing Darius’s desk. The chunky tweed-upholstered seats were probably older than she was.

  “Ramona doesn’t like a lot of people.” Darius shrugged. “She barely tolerates me. But my investigative reporter senses tell me you’re not here to discuss Ramona.”

  “Your instincts are right.” Benita tried a diplomatic approach. “I wasn’t happy with the way Opal interviewed Vaughn and me yesterday.”

  “What happened?” Darius’s face and voice were devoid of inflection.

  “She spent the entire time flirting with Vaughn.” The memory of the gorgeous newspaper reporter fawning all over her boyfriend took a toll on her diplomacy.

  “Vaughn left a message on my voice mail this morning.” Darius glanced toward his phone. “He sounded happy. Thanked me again for the publicity. Never said anything about Opal being unprofessional.”

  “That’s because he doesn’t think Opal was flirting.”

  From the thick black executive chair on the other side of his desk, Darius returned Benita’s regard in silence. She recognized that look in his eyes from high school. It was unsettling the way it made her think he could read her mind.

  “I’ve read Opal’s article.” Darius broke his silence. “It’s good. Her best piece yet.”

  “I’m sure she’s a good writer. But you need to talk with her about her interviewing style. She’s not just representing herself. She’s representing your paper.”

  “Are you sure she was flirting?” It was as though Darius hadn’t heard her.

  “She absolutely was.”

  “Or are you jealous?”

  Benita stiffened. “Of Opal?”

  “She’s an attractive and younger woman.”

  “I’m not jealous.” And if she said it often enough, she just might believe it.

  “Women seem to find Vaughn attractive.” He shrugged. “I think it’s the goatee.”

  Was Darius deliberately testing my temper? “Vaughn is an intelligent, successful, handsome man.”

  “Does that worry you?”

  “Should it?” Benita crossed her arms and legs. It was getting harder to keep her composure as Darius picked at her as though testing a scabbed wound.

  “You live almost two thousand miles away.” Darius shrugged again. The gesture seemed intended to mask how closely he was watching her. “You make it back to Trinity Falls how often—three or four times a year for a day or two?”

  Benita cast her gaze around Darius’s office, buying time while she breathed in her calm. The room was clean and well organized. But there was a chill in the air. The room even smelled cold.

  She wrapped her arms more tightly around her torso to stay warm. “I’m just here to offer constructive criticism on one of your reporters. How did I become the focal point of this conversation?”

  “Lucky, I guess.” Darius gestured toward her. “If you’re that insecure about your relationship with Vaughn, why don’t you move back to Trinity Falls?”

  Benita stilled. How had Darius known she was feeling insecure in her long-distance relationship with Vaughn? She hadn’t realized it herself until Vaughn had broken up with her. Still, she wasn’t ready to give up her dreams. She could have a high-powered career and a happy personal life.

  Benita uncrossed her legs and leaned forward on her seat. “Why do I have to move back to Trinity Falls? Instead ask Vaughn why he doesn’t move to L.A.”

  “I know the reason Vaughn won’t move to Los Angeles.” Darius sounded as though he held the answer to the secret of the universe.

  “What is it?” Benita held her breath.

  “Trinity Falls is home.”

  That old argument. Benita dropped back against her seat. “L.A. could become his home. It’s become mine.”

  Darius shook his head. “No, it hasn’t. And, if you were honest with yourself, you’d realize that.”

  She couldn’t hold Darius’s gaze. Everyone kept telling her that. Worse, she was beginning to fear that everyone was right.

  CHAPTER 18

  Vaughn couldn’t take his eyes off Benita Friday evening during Trinity Falls University’s gala in Ms. Helen’s honor. She was a vision in a modest cream A-line dress. The hem came to just above her knees, showing off her shapely calves. He took a long drink from his glass of lemonade. His gaze tracked her as she escorted Ms. Helen into the university’s President’s Dining Room.

  Darius nudged him with his elbow. “Are you going to stand there staring at Benita all night or are you going to greet our guest of honor before her crowd of admirers gets larger?”

  “Lead the way.” Greeting Ms. Helen would also get him closer to Benita.

  Peyton poked Darius’s arm. The history professor’s voice was dry. “Why don’t I lead the way since you gentlemen are more interested in debating.”

  The trio paused behind a small group of faculty, staff, administrators, and board members that claimed Ms. Helen’s attention. Vaughn shifted his stance to watch Benita while he waited. Her hair hung in loose waves that floated just past her slender shoulders. An easy smile lit her hazel eyes. Its warmth cast a spell on him, making him feel as though they were the only people in the room.

  Darius stepped forward. His movement broke Vaughn’s trance. He could finally see Ms. Helen, standing beside Benita.

  “Ms. Helen, you’re beautiful.” Darius took the emerita professor’s hand and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

  The diminutive lady glowed in her ankle-length black evening gown. The dress was accented with a chunky silver necklace and matching dangling earrings. Her snow white hair, swept into her customary thick chignon, was a dramatic contrast to her outfit. Her makeup was minimal.

  Ms. Helen slipped her hand from Darius’s hold. Her dark eyes twinkled up at him. “Save your flowery compliments for your age-appropriate girlfriend.”

  Darius wrapped his left arm around Peyton’s waist. “Your words wound me, Ms. Helen. Besides, Peyton knows you hold a special place in my heart.”

  “Give it a rest, Romeo.” Peyton patted his chest, then offered Ms. Helen her hand. “Congratulations, Ms. Helen. This recognition is very well deserved.”

  “Thank you, dear.” Ms. Helen beamed at Peyton with affection.

  Vaughn took their guest of honor’s hand. “Ms. Helen, it’s always been an honor to know you.”

  Ms. Helen’s smile faded and a blush rose into her pale gold cheeks. “The honor has been mine, Vaughn.”

  The elderly professor stepped forward to hug him. She was small and slight in his arms. He bent lower to return her embrace. Her fragile hand patted his back twice before she stepped back.

  “Well.” Ms. Helen waved her hand to encompass Vaughn, Darius, and Peyton. “After this welcome, I don’t think the rest of the ceremony is necessary. Benita can just take me home now.”

  “Nice try, Aunt Helen.” Benita’s laughter wobbled a bit. “But the guest of honor has to stay until the end.”

  “That’s right,” Peyton added. “We have a lot more in store for you, Ms. Helen.”

  “It’s Doctor Gaston tonight.” A new voice joined the group. Lana Penn, the donor of the Doctor Helen Gaston Endowed Chemistry Chair, joined their circle with Foster. She stood between Vaughn and Ms. Helen. “Good evening. I’m glad everyone could make it.”

  “Lana, I was Ms. Helen before I was Doctor Gaston.” Ms. Helen squeezed the other chemist’s forearm. “I don’t need a special title to keep track of my accomplishments. The people who care about me—like you and the others you see here—are the only reminders I need.”

  The simple words
hit Vaughn in his heart. Benita gave her great-aunt’s hand a gentle squeeze. What did she think about Ms. Helen’s words? Did they give her any insight into how people felt about the town and their neighbors?

  Foster gestured toward the tables. “We should take our seats. The university’s president will make his speech soon.”

  Vaughn glanced toward the front table where the president sat with several members of the board of trustees. “Hopefully, he won’t be as long-winded as he was during Ken’s retirement dinner.”

  “Be nice, Vaughn.” Foster led the group to Ms. Helen’s table. He held her chair.

  Benita sat to the left of her great-aunt. Vaughn found himself sitting beside her. Lana sat on Ms. Helen’s other side with Foster beside her. Darius sat on Vaughn’s right with Peyton beside him. Conversation paused as other dinner guests greeted Ms. Helen and Lana, and offered Ms. Helen their congratulations.

  The parade of well-wishers ended when the university president took the podium. As he spoke, servers quietly distributed small salads to each attendee. Fifteen minutes later, the president’s speech mercifully came to an end.

  Foster turned to Ms. Helen. “Would you say grace?”

  Vaughn and the six other people at the table bowed their heads as Ms. Helen gave thanks for the food and the friendships, and asked for God’s blessing on the university community.

  “In addition to the classroom, Doctor Gaston also has had an impact on the Trinity Falls community.” Foster addressed his comment to Lana. “She was the driving force behind the Guiding Light Community Center.”

  “The center turned forty years old in January.” Ms. Helen’s smile was both pleased and proud.

  Lana forked up more salad. “One of the things I enjoyed about TFU was the sense of a close-knit campus community as well as its connection to the town.”