by Nina Lindsey
Her shoulders slumped. “It’s such a slog, you know? I love acting, but I hate this part of it. Sleazebags like Birch are always trying to get into my pants, and it’s so hard to even be seen, much less actually get hired. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother.”
Jake put his hand on her shoulder, hating her despondency. He’d seen countless desperate actors and actresses over the years, but now he was driven to do something more to help them. Or at least keep them out of the clutches of a predator on a power trip.
“Here, take my number.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and brought up his number. “I can introduce you to some directors and writers…good people who aren’t going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do…and maybe we can find a decent job for you. Because Birch’s film isn’t it.”
She wiped away a tear and gave a shuddering sigh. “Why would you do that for me?”
“I know you’re talented, and I don’t want you to end up at the mercy of an asshole director.”
“What about you?”
“Don’t worry about me.”
She took her phone from her bag and inputted his number into her call list. After slipping her phone back into her bag, she glanced up at him.
“Thanks for this. I’ve always heard you’re a genuinely good guy, but you never know what to believe in this town. It’s nice to get the truth firsthand.”
“Good luck, Anna. Stay in touch, okay?”
He returned to the audition room. The men had resumed their seats, and Birch was pacing behind the camera.
“There you are.” The director snapped his fingers at Jake. “No one leaves my set without permission. Get back in front of the camera.”
“Fuck you.”
Birch’s mouth dropped open. The producers stared. One of the writers grinned.
“Brace yourself for a career fallout, Birch.” Jake grabbed his jacket from a chair and pointed a finger at the director. “And get another actor to be your goddamned puppet.”
He stalked out of the room. The instant the door slammed shut behind him, he knew what he was going to do.
Chapter 24
Flower bouquets bloomed throughout the Sugar Joy Bakery, and colorful helium balloons danced up to the ceiling. The tables were draped in white linen, and a huge banner proclaiming Congratulations, Professor Callie! hung over the front counter. Dozens of townspeople meandered in and out of the open front doors, helping themselves to a vast array of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres.
“You really didn’t have to do all of this, Mom.” Callie stopped beside Eleanor, who was at the counter slicing the massive chocolate sheet cake she’d baked and decorated.
“I wouldn’t have missed throwing you a celebration for anything.” Her mother began cutting the cake into squares. “It’s not every day that one’s daughter is promoted to full professor and gets a substantial book deal. A town party was the least I could do. Is Sam here yet?”
“No.” Callie smiled and set more paper plates on the counter. “You want to coerce him into hosting a signing for me at Title Wave when my book is published, don’t you?”
“I just thought I’d suggest it.” Eleanor placed cake slices onto the plates and shrugged innocently.
“Sam would never host anything resembling an actual social event.”
“True, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” Eleanor cut into the cake again and glanced at her daughter. “By the way, you look phenomenal. When did you get that dress?”
“A couple of days ago.” Callie ran her hands over the front of the figure-hugging red sheath and extended her foot encased in a strappy red sandal. “Heels to match, too. I’ve never owned a red dress or red shoes, and I figured it’s about time I did.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Eleanor placed another slice of cake on a plate. “Even with all your success this week, I know it’s been hard dealing with the Jake situation. But I have to tell you you’ve handled it beautifully. You’re so young and have so much to offer…I would have hated seeing you shut the world out.”
“I’ll be fine.” Callie picked up two plates and forks and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you for this party.”
She wove her way through the crowd, thanking people who stopped to congratulate her. She’d told her mother the truth—she would be fine, even if parts of her still weren’t. Though she was exceedingly proud of both her tenure and book contract, she hadn’t yet filled the hollow ache that had started the instant Jake walked out of her life.
She didn’t know how long it would take for her heartache to heal entirely, but by surrounding herself with her family and friends—and wearing bright colors—she could start to look forward again. And upward toward the sky.
Henry was sitting at a table by the window, writing carefully on a paper napkin. Callie set the cake and forks on the table and pulled out the opposite chair.
“Ah, here you go.” He capped his pen with a flourish and pushed the napkin toward her as she sat across from him. “I was going to organize it by genre, but that might invite too much comparison. So I went with chronological order, starting with It Happened One Night. 1934. The first and greatest rom-com.”
“Wonderful, thank you.” Callie studied the list, then folded the napkin carefully and tucked it into her purse. She’d had dinner with her mother and Henry a few nights ago, and she’d discovered that not only was he a kind, caring man, he was also a film buff. They’d taken to exchanging emails about various movies, with Callie appreciating both his recommendations and expertise.
“You’ll find the dialogue of classic films much snappier and quicker than in today’s movies.” Henry cut into the slice of cake, his forehead furrowing. “I should add some of the Marx Brothers movies to the list, too.”
“I watched Duck Soup last weekend.”
“Did you? What did you think?”
“It felt really good to laugh.” As she ate a bite of cake, Callie caught sight of her mother watching her and Henry. Instead of the exasperation or worry Eleanor had exhibited so often recently, now she radiated nothing but happiness.
That made Callie happy, too. Turned out it also felt good to let go a little and trust that things would be fine.
She polished off the cake and promised that she’d email Henry with her thoughts as soon as she watched It Happened One Night. As darkness fell outside, the crowd began to disperse. Callie started to help the bakery staff clean up the empty plates and cups.
“No, no.” Eleanor waved her away. “You’re not to clean up anything at your own party. It’s not even eight yet. The night is still young and you look smoking hot, so why don’t you call a friend and go get a drink at the Mousehole? Rory had to leave early to work on some coding, but stop at her place and see if she’s available.”
“Maybe I will.” Callie hugged her mother. “Thanks for everything, Mom.”
“Love you, Professor Prescott.”
After saying goodbye to the lingering guests as well as Aria and Hunter, Callie retrieved her cashmere sweater from the back and headed out to her car. Though she didn’t really feel like going out, she refused to go home and sit around by herself on a Saturday night.
She paused on her way to the Mousehole to text Rory and see if she wanted to get a drink. A text alert from the Vitaphone movie theater appeared.
“A Rich and Beautiful Masterpiece.”
“Best Film of the Year.”
“Mesmerizing, Gorgeous, Thought-Provoking.”
At 8:00pm, join us for this once-in-a-lifetime premiere of a film that is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Don’t miss out!
This is a one-time, pop-up showing only!
Undeniably curious, Callie closed the screen. She’d never even heard of a “pop-up” movie, but maybe the Mortimers were trying something new to draw a crowd. In addition to wondering about the “masterpiece,” she wanted to support the historic theater. It was where Jake had fallen in love with movies…and where she’d started falli
ng in love with him.
Ignoring a pang of sorrow, she checked her watch for the time. Half an hour until eight. She’d see if she could catch the special feature.
After that, depending on how late it was, she’d text Rory about getting together. Her sister was a night owl to the nth degree, so she’d be game for going out well past midnight. Maybe Callie would too, thank you very much.
Slipping her phone back into her purse, she turned toward the movie theater. Only a few cars lined Mariposa Street, and though the marquee lights flashed brightly, the front of the theater was devoid of people. Not even one patron hovered around the ticket booth.
Well, the text had just been sent. People needed time to get here.
Callie crossed the street, reaching for her wallet as she approached the ticket booth. The interior was dark, and no one was staffing the booth. Had they not started selling tickets yet?
She went to the door and tried the handle. Locked. A posted sign on the window read Closed for a Special Screening.
Wasn’t that this “pop-up masterpiece”?
Maybe they’d already cancelled. She checked her phone again. No messages.
“Miss Prescott.”
Callie turned as gravelly-voiced Gus Mortimer pushed open a door on the other side of the ticket booth. In his late seventies, with his shock of white hair, a bowtie, and horn-rimmed glasses, he’d always reminded her of everyone’s favorite grandfather.
“Hi, Gus.” She approached him. “I got a text about a special feature tonight at eight. Was there a mistake?”
“Not at all.” He stepped outside and held the door open for her, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “Come on in.”
“I haven’t bought a ticket yet.”
“Oh, this is a freebie.”
“Really?” She went into the theater, which was empty aside from Martha Mortimer bustling around behind the concession stand. “How many people did you send the text to?”
“Can’t recall.” Gus closed the door and indicated the concession stand. “Care for popcorn? It’s on the house.”
“No, thanks.” Still baffled, Callie greeted Mrs. Mortimer with a little wave. Maybe everyone was already seated in the auditorium. “But thanks for the offer.”
“Go on in, dear.” Mrs. Mortimer gave her a benevolent smile and gestured to the auditorium doors. “The film will start in about fifteen minutes.”
With a shrug, Callie walked into the auditorium. The old Art Deco chandelier hovered from the ceiling, and the two wall sconces that still worked flickered light against the faded murals.
All the seats were empty.
What in the…?
At least Callie wouldn’t have a problem getting a good seat, even if it was a bummer that the Mortimers’ new idea hadn’t drawn a small crowd. She climbed the lighted steps to the mezzanine. A sudden warmth crackled through her. She glanced up.
Right into the blue gaze of Jake Ryan, who was standing in the front row of the mezzanine.
Callie froze. Her heart leaped—a wild, crazy spin flooding her with astonishment. She grabbed the stair railing, struggling to believe that he was here. He’d come back. And one look from him still had the power to span the distance between them and burrow right into her soul.
“Hello, Callie.” His warm voice sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine.
“Jake.” She swallowed to ease her dry throat. “What…what are you doing here?”
“I heard there was a special screening, and I didn’t want to miss it.” He nodded toward the seats. “Will you join me?”
Tightening her grip on the railing, Callie forced her feet to move. Her heart raced, filling her with a combination of excitement and unease.
When she reached him, she couldn’t stop herself from drinking in his appearance—astonishingly gorgeous in a tuxedo and a crisp white shirt that stretched beautifully over his broad chest and shoulders. His dark hair was brushed away from his forehead, emphasizing his strong features, and up close, his face held a thousand emotions—love, wariness, hope, even a touch of fear.
She curled her fingers into her palm to stop herself from reaching for him. “You look incredible.”
“So do you.” He skimmed his gaze over her dress, his eyes warming with appreciation. “More than incredible. That dress looks like it was made for you.”
“My mother just had a town party for me over at Sugar Joy.” She ran shaking hands over her hips. “I was granted tenure on Monday, and my book proposal was accepted by Cambridge Press.”
A heartbreakingly beautiful smile crossed his face. “I read about the tenure on the college website, but I didn’t know about the book. Congratulations, Callie. I’m not the least bit surprised. You deserve both of those so much.”
“Thank you.” The tension in her shoulders eased a little. “When did you get back?”
“This morning.” Stepping aside, he glanced at his watch. “Gus told me about this movie, and I wanted to see it. Have a seat. I think it’s about to start.”
Callie sat down, her pulse jumping as her arm brushed against his. This close, she sensed the warmth of his body heat and breathed in his delicious scent—a combination of the outdoors and his woodsy, citrus shaving cream.
She suppressed a tiny spark of hope. Even if he was here to make amends, which appeared likely, she still couldn’t imagine them finding a way to be together.
“Popcorn?” He picked up a large carton from another seat and extended it toward her. “I also got you your own box of M&Ms since you ate most of mine last time.”
With a smile, Callie accepted the box and thanked him. As the theater lights darkened, the red velvet curtain in front of the screen swept to the sides.
A grainy image flickered. The title And I Love Her appeared onscreen as the Beatles’ song spilled from the speakers.
A montage started—still photos intercut with videos of Bliss Cove. The ocean and beaches, the boardwalk washed in the light of dawn, the bustling interiors of the Mousehole and Ruby’s Kitchen, Sam glowering at the camera from behind a stack of books, Destiny smiling and fluttering her eyelashes, the bakers rolling out dough at Sugar Joy, her mother and Rory busy behind the counter, pedestrians walking down Starfish Avenue, Aria nuzzling a plump orange cat. The shops, people, and coastal beauty of a town that contained Callie’s entire life.
A town that Jake had left…and returned to.
Her throat constricted. The image onscreen shifted to a video of her. Clad in a pink shirt and jeans shorts, she was throwing darts at a boardwalk game booth, pausing between throws to make faces at the camera.
Callie pressed a hand to her racing heart. The image shifted to a close-up of her and Jake at the Love Tester machine, both of them smiling—until he tested as Clammy and his face darkened with a scowl. Then her again, laughing, before the scene changed to another one of her working at home, again tossing amused and chiding glances at the camera.
The whole movie was about them and the town where they’d once known each other and met again, unexpectedly and with a force neither of them had anticipated. Bliss Cove was where they’d both come of age, navigated their high school years, and suffered great loss. This was where their lives had diverged so drastically.
But somehow, the universe had intervened and brought them back together. This was where they’d fallen in love. The evidence was all there in the movie—the affectionate, tender way he looked at her right before swooping in for a kiss, the adoring way she touched his cheek and tweaked his ear. The smiles she gave to the camera that were, of course, meant just for him.
The montage continued—Jake, shirtless in the kitchen cooking breakfast as she unabashedly filmed close-ups of his flexing biceps and ladder-like abs. Callie on the porch of his rental beach cottage, her hair whipped by the ocean wind. Endless shots of them kissing, laughing, touching. Based on this movie, they’d packed a lifetime into three short weeks.
Callie wiped a tear running down her cheek. Happy. She had been so happy
when she was with him. She looked like a different woman than the rigid, controlling academic she’d been before he rescued her and her shoe in the elevator. She was carefree, pretty, in love. She was a woman who knew that every minute of life was amazing.
The song began to slow. The movie zoomed in on a slow-motion, close-up of her smiling face before fading out to the final strains of “And I Love Her.” The screen flickered and went dark.
“That was beautiful.” Callie fumbled in her purse for a tissue and couldn’t find one. Jake handed her a napkin. She wiped her eyes again. “Thank you so much, Jake.”
She hiccupped and turned to face him, everything inside her weakening as their eyes met. He gazed at her with such blatant adoration that even if she’d been a woman who didn’t believe in love—though she most assuredly did—that one look from him would have changed her mind forever.
“It was all the truth.” He took her hands. A sudden nervousness flashed across his face. “I love you, Callie. I want to be with you forever. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you I mean that with my entire heart and to earn your forgiveness. I know I should have—”
“Jake, wait.” She wiggled one hand out of his grip and placed it on his chest. “I love the movie. I love you. I’ve missed you so much but being apart made me realize that there isn’t anything to forgive. If things hadn’t happened the way they did, you might not have come to my office to ask me to hang out. And frankly, that would have been a tragedy worse than Antigone disobeying Creon’s orders and then getting caught for burying Polynices.”
He blinked. “Uh…okay.”
“My point is that I’m glad you and my mother cooked up that little deal because it ended up bringing us together.” She moved her palm right above his wildly racing heart. “And I never want…” she swallowed past the tightness in her throat, “…I never want us not to be friends.”