Love on the Sound

by Matthews, Jamie

  “Wow, so thrilling, Mr. English teacher,” Lucas mocked.

  “We could sail over to Friday Harbor, no problem.” Ben nodded. “I haven’t been to that hotel yet, either, just to the touristy shops right off the dock.”

  “Is there ferry service?” Lucas asked, eating with more enthusiasm now. “If so, I could stay here, look at your books, meet up with you for lunch.”

  “Yeah.” Steve nodded. “I like that plan, then we don’t have to deal with your hungover ass until you’re human again.”

  “Excellent point,” Ben agreed.

  Lucas gave them both the finger, and they laughed.

  After breakfast, Ben jogged up to his room and logged onto his laptop, sending up a prayer of thanks when he was able to locate the access code to his financials easily. At least he didn’t look like a total dumbass. Leaving Lucas to fiddle with the computer, he headed back downstairs. Amy had disappeared after checking in on them once during breakfast, but he saw one of the guest room doors cracked open and heard the whir of the vacuum. Good, she was distracted. Maybe when he got back from Friday Harbor he would have gotten over his embarrassment.

  The day remained cloudy and cool, with a brisk breeze that helped them make it to Friday Harbor in record time. Located on San Juan Island, the biggest in the chain, it bustled with tourists. Ben remembered Amy saying something about a pod of 90 orca whales that could be spotted from the island, but he had no idea if it was the right time of year to see them.

  “Want to go through the shops?” asked Ben.

  Steve shook his head. “Not really, dude. Isn’t that the advantage of being single? Lucas will probably drag us to them later so he can get a present for Mary.”

  “True.” Ben surveyed the main drag. “We could rent bikes, head over to Roche Harbor Hotel that way. More interesting than a taxi.”

  Steve agreed, and they headed down the street towards a bike shop Ben spotted about halfway down. After they rented the bikes, they wheeled them down the street, aiming for the road away from the tourist area. Before they could get there, Ben noticed a man in his mid twenties, red haired and slightly stocky, eyeing him. So far, he’d gotten a few glances and double takes, but people had left him alone. But, sure enough, this one made a beeline straight toward him. He sighed.

  “It is you,” the man said as he got closer. “I wasn’t sure at first…oh man. I’m such a fan of your work, Mr. Morrison.”

  “Appreciate it,” Ben said politely but kept walking. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself.

  The man kept pace with him, trotting to keep up. “Listen, I know you probably get people asking you all the time, and I swear I’m not one of those crazy fans.”

  That’s what they all say, Ben thought wryly.

  “I’m the teacher at Island Stage Left? It’s the only professional theater on the Islands.”

  God, even worse.

  “Anyway,” the man rushed on. “I’m on my way to rehearsal now, and the kids would really love to get some tips from a real actor. I mean, I studied in high school and college, and do local theater, but I’m no professional. I just do it for fun.”

  “It’s a kid’s theater?” Steve asked, when Ben didn’t respond.

  “No, but we offer a children’s program. The school is pretty small here, as you might imagine, and doesn’t have a lot of extracurricular activities. We’re putting on Phantom Tollbooth in a few months.”

  Steve socked Ben in the arm. “Remember that? We did that one in high school.”

  Ben couldn’t help but smile. “One of the first plays I ever did.”

  The man’s eyes widened. “God, that’s so perfect. I’m sure you’re busy, and I don’t want to interrupt your day. We’re just about ten minutes from here, and if it’s on the way to where you’re going, you could stop by and see the kids.”

  “Where is the theater?” asked Steve. Ben inwardly rolled his eyes—teachers. They all stuck together. Damned if he wasn’t going to get roped into this one.

  “Just down the road here. Where are you headed to?”

  “Roche Harbor,” Ben said, hoping the theater was in the opposite direction.

  “Perfect, that’s right on the way!” Ben had to give the kid points for his undaunted enthusiasm. It was a good thing he’d stuck to theater up here in the Islands—he’d be eaten alive in New York.

  “Sure, we’ll go,” Steve said cheerfully. “Gotta do it for the kids, right, Ben?”

  “Right,” Ben said, shooting Steve a glance. He smiled back knowingly.

  “I’m a teacher myself. College English,” Steve said. “Is theater the only subject you teach?”

  “No, I’m in my first year teaching elementary school. Sixth grade.” The man stuck out his hand. “I’m Jonah.”

  “Steve. How many plays do you put on a year?”

  “For the kids, one in the fall and one in the spring. For our high school students, we offer them the opportunity to write their own short plays, and the best are performed in the winter.”

  “Do you rotate directors for the plays?” Steve asked.

  Jonah looked at him blankly and then laughed. “No, I’m afraid the kids are stuck with me. I’m the only staff. Actually, I’m a volunteer.”

  “No paid staff?” Ben shook his head.

  “Well, the theater has a few paid staff for the adult plays, but the children’s program doesn’t really have a lot of funding. We rely on the parents to help us make costumes and construct the sets. A lot of times I select the plays based on the materials we already have. Sometimes I can get a high school student or parent to be my stage manager or assistant director. But, it’s a bit of a time commitment.”

  No shit, Ben thought, eyeing the man with new respect. The guy probably had no time to himself. “Why do you do it?”

  Jonah’s eyes lit up. “I love the craft. That sawdusty smell that hits you when you walk backstage, the feeling of anticipation as the seats fill up with the audience, the buzz getting louder and louder. There’s nothing better on earth. Right?” He looked over at Ben.

  “Right.” He smiled in what he hoped was a convincing way. He remembered feeling that way once. A long time ago. So long that he felt ancient in the face of Jonah’s enthusiasm.

  They drew closer to a one story building surrounded by fir trees. The ugly brown paint had worn away in places, and Jonah advised them to watch their step as they navigated up the creaking front porch. The lobby, painted a dull mustard, sported worn gray carpet and a card table that served in lieu of a ticket window. Still, it was clean, and someone had carefully hung posters from what Ben assumed were past local productions. The door to the auditorium was open, and children’s excited shouts and laughs echoed up the aisle as they entered.

  “Whoa!” A short towheaded kid, probably around six or seven, spied Ben and raced over. “This is so cool!”

  A stampede of kids followed in his wake, and Ben found himself surrounded by a slew of questions—about his movies, did he know Zac Efron, what advice did he have for the girl playing Rhyme.

  “Guys, guys!” Jonah raised his voice, and Ben was amazed that the kids all stopped. Instantly. “Chill. Mr. Morrison graciously agreed to spend a little time with us today, so let’s not mob him.”

  Ben had to laugh as the kids deflated somewhat and dutifully dispersed to sit in the auditorium chairs. Which, he noted, were either torn, faded, sagging or all of the above. He made his way over to the stage and hoisted himself up, inhaling deeply. Jonah was right—sawdust. It took him back to those days when he and Steve hung out at all hours at the school theater, doing homework, flirting with girls or bonding with cast mates in the way you only did during the intense schedule of rehearsals.

  The 20 minutes he’d intended to spend at the theater turned into 45 minutes of questions and answers and then almost an hour of watching the kids rehearse. They had an energy that made up for the lack of natural talent—and one or two had glimmers of real potential. But, Jonah was the r
eal star, whose genuine enthusiasm for the story and the play came across and grabbed hold of the kids. Ben ended up jumping in at times, suggesting changes to the blocking, adjusting a few of the lines and calling out tips to the young actors. Steve got into the spirit of it as well, huddling with Jonah to alter the script in a few scenes.

  They left to the sounds of the kids’ applause and cheers, and Ben promised to stop by again sometime before he left the Islands. He blinked as they emerged from the darkness of the building into the sun. Their bikes, unlocked and leaning against the front porch, were still there.

  “Damn, that was fun.” Ben grinned. “I’m glad you dragged me into that.”

  “I’m very wise,” Steve agreed. “Kind of like old times, huh?”

  “Yeah.” Ben shot a look over his shoulder as they pedaled down the road and shook his head at the sight of one of the gutters on the side of the theater hanging precariously off the edge of the roof. He made a note to ask Amy if she knew anything about the financial status of the theater. It was one of those cases where he could probably donate a relatively small amount—for him—that would make a big difference.

  The hotel was situated at the end of the island. Lucas had already arrived and snagged a table on the restaurant’s patio, which overlooked the lush formal gardens that sloped down to the sea. He was sipping on a glass of mineral water and watching the water, his long legs stretched out, face relaxed.

  “You look halfway human again,” Ben commented as he took a seat.

  “I’ve gotta bring Mary here,” Lucas said. “Did you look around the hotel yet?”

  “Not yet.” Steve was already perusing the menu.

  “It’s right up her alley. Very classy.”

  “There’s Rosario Resort on the other island,” Ben said. “It’s supposed to be very posh. With a spa.”

  “Hmmm.” Lucas pulled out his phone and started scrolling through his calendar. “I think I’ll have some free time in March. Wonder if it’s too cold?”

  “I think the baby might find it a tad chilly,” Steve said dryly.

  Lucas stared at him blankly and then grinned. “Right. Damn. It’s just so hard to believe.”

  “Don’t tell Mary about the spa,” advised Ben. “She may just come up here without you and leave you with the baby.”

  “Fine with me,” shrugged Lucas.

  Steve chortled. Ben pulled out his own phone and began scrolling through. “Just making a note to check in with you in March and remind you that you’d be fine caring for an infant for a week,” he said with a grin.

  “You guys are a riot.”

  After the waiter took their orders, Lucas sat up and pulled a pocket notebook out of his jacket. “Let’s talk business and get this out of the way.” He eyed Ben. “You want me to talk specific numbers now, or wait until we can be private?”

  Ben glanced around. Most people were inside, rather than out in the patio, since the breeze was a little brisk. “I don’t think anyone is listening.”

  “I think he means me, you idiot,” Steve said good naturedly.

  “Oh.” Ben rolled his eyes. “I could care less. But, I can tell you the specific numbers aren’t going to mean much to me.”

  “All right.” Lucas flipped through the notebook. “I’ll e-mail you a detailed report later, and you damn well better read it. We’ll just do the view at 30,000 feet. Here’s the good news: No one is robbing you blind. You appear to have honest people handling your money.”

  “See—” Ben started to say. Lucas held up a hand.

  “However. They are morons. A good financial manager will do just that—manage. So, when you spend way too much money on boats that you aren’t even using, for example, they would say, ‘Hey, knock off the ridiculous purchases.’ Basically, you’re still spending left and right as you did when you were raking in the dough from your blockbusters. But, that cash is no longer coming in. And, what little money they put into investments for you is not performing nearly as well as it should.”

  “So, I’m broke?” Ben took a sip of water, his throat suddenly dry.

  “No.” Lucas’ expression softened slightly. “Relax, you’re hardly going to be out on the street. However…” He hesitated and appeared to be debating his words.

  “Just spit it out.”

  “I don’t know what the fuck you’re doing with your career right now.” Lucas sighed. “Maybe you have a plan. But, right now, you seem pretty screwed. At least temporarily until you can make a comeback. So, you need to start cutting back because it’s not inconceivable that if you keep going the way you’re going, you’ll be in deep shit. Do you really need that huge mansion, for example? How many rooms does it have?”

  “Sixteen,” Ben admitted.

  “Uh huh. Sell it. Buy something just as posh so you can keep up appearances, but a normal size with a smaller mortgage. Smaller electric bills, gas bills, etc. Also, that agent you have is pulling an enormous fee. I did some brief checking, and it’s way above industry standard. And, hardly seems merited if you can go on national TV and sing show tunes without one of your people stopping you.”

  Ben winced. “I hate that term. My people.”

  “Well, Ben, you’re a movie star. You’re supposed to have people.”

  “It makes my skin crawl.” He scowled out over the gardens.

  “Here’s a thought.” Steve raised his hand. “Hire some people who don’t make your skin crawl.”

  Ben stared at him.

  “Sorry.” Steve sipped his iced tea. “Maybe I’m over simplifying things.”

  “Maybe.” Ben pinched the bridge of his nose. “Maybe not. It wasn’t like that at the beginning, I guess.” He sat for a moment, thinking it through. “I had Artie. And, I just used his people when I needed extra help.”

  “Shit,” Steve muttered. He gestured for the waiter and pulled out his wallet. “Speaking of Hollywoodland, you’ve been spotted.”

  Ben looked over just in time to catch the glare of a flash, and a small group of people clustered at the edge of the dining patio, gaping and pointing.

  “Go,” Steve gestured. “I’ll take care of the bill and the bikes and catch up to you at the marina.”

  “Damn waiter, I knew he was star struck,” Lucas said.

  Lucas slipped in front of Ben, blocking him from view of the bystanders and shepherded him around the side of the hotel. Luckily, a taxi was idling by the long winding driveway, and they hopped in.

  Ben sighed. “Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.” He tried to act nonchalant but a sliver of panic slid in. If they found out where he was staying, he was sunk. No way would he subject Amy to the nightmare of paparazzi. It’s just—damn it, he wasn’t ready to leave yet.

  He glanced morosely out the window at the little community theater as they drove by. For a moment there, seeing the kids light up on stage as they made a line sing, he had been carried back to the initial joy of acting and had felt the stirring desire to get up there with them, for the first time since…well…at least a few years.

  By the time Steve caught up with them, they were settled on Ben’s boat, beer chilling in the cooler.

  “Cut anchor,” he said as he clambered aboard, already heading over to unfurl the sails. “They tried to follow me, and I’m pretty sure I lost them, but it’s a small island.”

  Once out on the sea, Steve sank down on the deck chair and caught his breath, chest heaving.

  “Christ, did you run the whole way, or what?” Lucas eyed the sweat dripping off his brow.

  “I pedaled like a madman,” he explained, accepting the beer Ben handed him. “They’ll return your bike, Ben. The manager fell all over himself apologizing when he realized what happened. But, not before I managed to let it slip to the blabbermouth waiter about how you were on your way to Vancouver, BC and those damn groupies better not ruin your trip.”

  “Nice.” Ben shook his head. “Sorry I ruined our lunch.”

  Lucas and Steve exchanged glances.
“Get over yourself,” retorted Lucas. “It’s not your fault.”

  “They were obviously taking photos of me,” said Steve. “Ridiculously Good Looking Man Spotted with Ben Morrison. Has Hollywood Found its Next Star?”

  Ben laughed. He busied himself with adjusting the sails and steering as they clipped along the choppy waters. He watched the blob of brown and green that was Lopez become bigger inch by inch. And, thought hard.

  When they got back to Lopez, Steve got up without being asked and began to take the sails in. Lucas sat back lazily and argued with him about where to go for dinner. Ben listened to their bickering with half an ear as he maneuvered the boat into the slip. When he finished tying the ropes to anchor the boat, he stood for a minute then turned to face them.

  “I thought about what you said, Lucas,” he said, interrupting their debate about pizza versus fish and chips.

  “Yeah? Did you come to acknowledge the genius that is me?” Lucas stood up and stretched, steadying himself as the boat rocked on the waves.

  “Yes.” Ben hid a smile when Lucas blinked in surprise, clearly expecting a smart ass comment. “I’m firing my financial managers.”

  “Good. You should. I can give you the names—”

  “And, I’m hiring you,” Ben interrupted.

  Lucas stopped in mid stride towards the ladder up to the dock and slowly pivoted. Steve chortled. “Wow, let’s make a note of this momentous occasion—you’ve actually rendered him speechless.”

  “In fact, I’m firing everyone. Damn.” Ben straightened his shoulders. “That felt good. No more agent. No more publicists. It’s just me. And, I guess, you.” He gestured to Lucas.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Lucas asked. “I mean, we don’t even live on the same side of the country.”

  “There’s these things called the Internets and the emails,” Steve interjected. “Maybe you’ve heard of them?” He laughed when Lucas half heartedly tossed the bag of chips he was carrying at him. “Seriously, Ben, this is a good idea. You know you can trust Lucas.”

  “And, trust is hard to come by for me,” admitted Ben. “I don’t want to end up a cautionary tale of a washed up drunk who also went broke when his managers stole him blind.”