* * *
She didn’t turn him down, and a week later he found himself waiting for her in front of the hotel. As she came out and handed her case to the valet to place in the car, his heart lifted at the sight of her. She suddenly looked like the same woman he had spent the day with in Albuquerque what seemed like a lifetime ago.
“Taylor, what is it with you and sports cars?” Laura asked as she looked at the ice blue BMW roadster he had rented.
He opened the door for her, then came around to the driver’s side before answering. “It’s a guy thing, Laura. Bigger, better, stronger, faster…although bigger doesn’t really work for this, does it?”
Laughing, she pulled a scarf from her purse and tied back her hair as he pulled out into the California sunshine.
* * *
Woodland hadn’t changed much in the years he’d been gone. It was still a small community in the middle of the farmlands around it. There were a few more fast-food restaurants than he remembered, but it was mostly the same. He was surprised at the sense of homecoming he felt as he drove into town. He pointed out various landmarks to Laura as he drove.
“That’s the high school up ahead. It looks smaller than I remember it,” he said, sounding surprised.
“I know the feeling. I had to do a report about my old high school shortly after I started with the Herald. I couldn’t believe how much smaller it seemed, how young the students looked.”
The sign in front of the school announced that “Our Town” would be playing that night. “I wonder who’s teaching drama here now,” Taylor said as they drove by.
A few blocks later, he turned down a quiet, tree-lined residential street and came to a stop in front of a two-story, wood-framed house. The yellow paint had faded, and the white trim was beginning to peel. The grass was too long, and the gardens were overgrown. There was a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Instinctively, Laura knew this was the house where he’d grown up.
He sat there for a few minutes, the car still running, as he was deluged by memories. Finally, he turned off the engine and got out of the car, slowly opening the gate and walking halfway up the front walk.
Laura got out of the car and stood beside it, watching Taylor, not wanting to intrude on his memories. She saw him walk slowly up onto the wide, shady front porch, his hands unconsciously caressing the post at the bottom of the steps. He automatically reached for the doorknob before he caught himself and, instead, cupped his hands against the window to peer inside.
He turned around then and was almost surprised to see Laura waiting for him. She wasn’t a part of the time he had just been in, wasn’t a part of this place. She could have been, should have been, if his parents had lived. He should have been bringing her home to meet them, the girl he was going to marry, and he glanced back over his shoulder at the door that should have been opening to frame his mother welcoming them home. For a moment, the grief was as fresh as the day he had lost them, as he slowly walked down steps that he used to take two at a time.
“It’s a beautiful house, Taylor,” Laura said as he came to stand beside her.
“It was once. My mother would be furious to see her gardens so neglected. She had the proverbial green thumb. Dad and I could kill a plant just by looking at it.”
Laura reached out and took his hand, wanting to let him know he was not as alone as he felt in this moment. He didn’t seem to notice at first but then gently squeezed her hand to let her know he knew she was there.
“See that tree?” he said, pointing with his free hand. “My room was right beside it. I used it on more than one occasion to sneak out late at night to meet my friends. One morning, after I’d used that route, Dad greeted me at breakfast and handed me a key to the front door, suggesting I might want to use it instead.” Taylor laughed softly. “I never could get much past him. I think it was why he was such a good principal.”
Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he said, “C’mon, Laura,” as he went around to the driver’s side of the car. He didn’t bother with the door, swinging himself up and in before she had even moved. “Move it, girl,” he said, starting the car.
“Taylor? What are you up to?”
“You’ll see,” he said as he pulled away from the curb.
An hour later they were back with the key to the house. Taylor had driven to the realtor’s office, prepared to explain that he used to live there, but it hadn’t been necessary. The realtor was an old classmate of his, and she’d been thrilled to see him and more than happy to trust him with the key.
He opened the door and stood aside to let Laura go in first. It was empty of furniture, holding only the waiting silence of a long-empty house. Their heels sounded uncommonly loud as they walked across the hardwood floors.
Memories rushed at him. His father’s voice as he came in the door in the afternoons. His mother’s exasperated voice as she told him again to “quit sliding down the banister, Taylor!” The house was full of ghosts, but they weren’t the ones he had feared. It was good to be back, and he walked through the house accepting the gifts it offered to him.
He was surprised when he looked at his watch and realized it had been two hours that they’d been there. Two hours that he’d ignored Laura! He came back down the stairs and found her sitting in the bay window that had been his mother’s favorite place. The late afternoon sun was glinting off her hair and he realized she looked like she belonged there.
“Still here, Laura?” he said quietly as he came to sit beside her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to have taken so long.”
“It’s all right, Taylor. Did you find what you were looking for?”
He took her hand and said, “I think I did. I’m glad I came, and I’m glad you were here with me.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. In the shadows he studied her face, then brushed his hand across her cheek. “Thank you for being here.”
He locked the door behind them and walked with her to the car. Looking back at the house once more, he could see how the light streaming in the windows on the other side of the house made it look as if lights were on and someone was waiting. He smiled as he got in the car and drove away.
* * *
The distance made it difficult to make the trip in one day so they’d planned on staying over. Dinner, then maybe a walk around the park—Taylor really wasn’t quite sure how they would spend the evening. It was still too soon to let Laura know his feelings— he wouldn’t risk frightening her away. As he drove back past the high school, he suddenly had an idea.
“Laura? What would you think about going to a play tonight?”
“What, Taylor?”
“A play. I feel like seeing Our Town. What do you think?”
Not knowing how they were to fill the long evening ahead, Laura clutched at the lifeline he was throwing her way. “It sounds like fun, Taylor. Let’s do it.”
When he returned the key, he mentioned to the realtor that they were planning on seeing the high school production that evening. When he left, she picked up the phone and made a few calls. Taylor Morgan, back here in Woodland—it was the best gossip she’d had to spread for a long time!
* * *
When he pulled up in front of the high school’s Little Theatre, he was embarrassed to see a banner that said, “Welcome Home, Taylor Morgan” draped across the front of the building. And it looked like half the town was waiting for them. “She always was a terrible gossip,” Taylor muttered as he turned off the engine. “If I’d known it would turn out like this, I would never have come, Laura.”
“They’re proud of you, Taylor. That’s all.”
As he opened Laura’s door, he saw a woman coming down the steps to greet him, and a smile lit up his face as they walked to meet her.
“Hey, Lady,” he said softly before he hugged her. Stepping back he drew Laura forward. “Laura, this is Lady—Mrs. Carroll, I mean. She was my dram
a teacher.”
“I’m glad to meet you,” Laura said as she shook her hand. “I’m Laura Collins, Taylor’s assistant.”
“I’m so glad you’re both here. The kids are beyond excited, Taylor. You’re legendary around here, and they can’t believe you’d come to see one of their plays.”
“Lady, I’m sorry. I hadn’t planned on any of this fuss.”
“Don’t be sorry, Taylor. This is the biggest house we’ve had in a long time.”
* * *
It was closing night, and the cast party afterwards had two extra guests. Taylor had been reluctant to go, but finally gave in when he went backstage to congratulate the cast. They’d been the ones to finally break down the barrier and convince him to come.
It had been a great party. He’d put them at their ease quickly when they realized he might be famous, but was really just a regular guy who’d taken the same classes they had and eaten the same bad cafeteria food. He’d won them over with stories of Lady and some of the things they’d done when he’d been a student there. “Do you realize this woman,” he said, looking at Lady with the devil in his eyes, “actually turned me down on my first two auditions? It wasn’t until Simon Stinson came along,” Taylor said gesturing to his counterpart in this production, “that she let me on the stage.” Before he could finish the story, Lady had chimed in, “And I couldn’t get him off of it after that!” and the whole group had dissolved into laughter.
It was the early morning hours when the party finally broke up. Taylor had talked with them about the real life of a theatre gypsy, had posed for photographs and signed autographs, and altogether had a wonderful time. Laura had enjoyed watching it, realizing that this is what her life would be if she stayed involved with him—always in the shadow of his celebrity. She didn’t mind.
The sun was just coming up as he walked her to the door of her room.
“I hope this wasn’t too hard on you, Laura. I really hadn’t planned on all of this happening.”
“Don’t be silly, Taylor. I had a good time. You know, you would have been a great teacher if New York hadn’t worked out for you.”
“Maybe. I’m glad I didn’t have to find out.”
“Goodnight, Taylor, or should that be good morning? Either way, I’ll see you after I’ve had a few hours of sleep. How about we meet around noon to go back?”
“That should work, Laura.” He took both her hands and held her eyes with his. “Thank you for being here,” he said. “Sleep well,” he whispered before he turned away to go to his own room.
* * *
He woke earlier than he expected. Looking at the clock, he realized it was only nine. Laura would kill him if he woke her this early, he thought with a smile.
There was a new feeling of peace in his heart this morning, and he knew that coming here had been the right thing to do. There really was only one other place he should visit before they left. He got up and showered and dressed, leaving a message for Laura that he’d be back by noon.
The cemetery was quiet, only a few people here and there visiting the graves of their loved ones. He knew it would get busier after church and was glad he had this quiet time.
He found his way to the dual stone that marked the resting-place of his parents. He took the wilting flowers out of the vase on the stone and replaced them with the roses he carried. Sitting on the grass, reading the simple words on the stone, he knew that they weren’t here. All that they had been—all the love and joy his parents had shared—they’d left with him. Only now, with Laura, had he found a way to use that gift. He sat in the sun, feeling their love surround him once again.
Chapter 40
The group reconvened on Catalina Island for the taping of two concerts that would be edited together for an upcoming television special. The beautiful and historic Casino building that dominated the harbor would host the performances. Built by William Wrigley as a “meeting place,” the original meaning of the word “casino,” the three-story round building housed an art deco theatre, the island museum, and the impressive ballroom where the concerts would take place.
During rehearsals, they were interrupted once an hour during the day when tour groups were brought by to peer in the doorways at the chaos that marred the normally serene beauty of the historic ballroom. No one seemed to mind. The tour guides kept the crowds at a distance, and the cast and crew learned to ignore them. All too quickly, the rehearsal week had passed, and the concert nights had arrived.
As he dressed for the second concert, Taylor knew this was his last chance to get it all right. A hopeless perfectionist when it came to his performance, Taylor wanted the finished program to include only the best. Laura and Daniel had assured him that last night’s concert was perfect, and he should stop worrying. He’d laughed with them as they’d laughed at him, but he was still nervous about this first foray into television.
Looking out the window high above the harbor, he could see the boats docking from the mainland and the glittering audience members disembarking and walking up Casino Way, much as the crowds had done when William Wrigley first built it. Then, the crowds had come to dance and be entertained by the legendary big bands. It was a pretty heady legacy to live up to.
The knock at the door came at precisely five minutes before performance. Laura opened the door and said, “Taylor, you ready?”
“I think so, a little stage fright. Was that really Tom Hanks I saw coming in a while ago?”
“It was. I think anyone who is anyone is here tonight!” He could hear the suppressed wonder in her voice.
“Oh, good. If I screw up, all of Hollywood will witness it.”
“Most of America, too, since ‘Entertainment Tonight’ is here as well. You promised them a post-concert sound bite,” she said as she smiled at him.
“No, Laura Collins, you promised it to them. I’m just the one who has to deliver!” He tried to sound stern, but it didn’t work.
Her smile softened as she came over to him. “Here. I brought you something.” Her hands trembled as she pinned a yellow rosebud to the lapel of his tux, and she kept her eyes lowered as she said, “Thank you, Taylor, for letting me be a part of this.” She looked up at him and smiled, “It’s been wonderful.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Now, go out there and show them who Taylor Morgan is.”
As he heard the opening music starting, he took her hands in his, gazing into her green eyes. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that you were along. I couldn’t have done it without you.” He brushed his lips across her cheek and then turned to head toward the door. He looked back at her and said, “See you after the concert,” while his eyes told her he loved her.
Laura straightened up his dressing room, killing time while she tried to get her thoughts under control. She’d seen the message in his eyes, and she knew he had been able to see the same in hers. The rest of the cast and crew were leaving in the morning after the post-concert party tonight. Taylor had asked her to stay here on Catalina with him for another day—and night. And she’d said “yes.” Looking at herself in the mirror, she realized that the frightened girl who had taken this job as an escape had made it past the need to be rescued. She was on firm ground again and knew exactly where she was heading.
* * *
Laura woke slowly the next morning. She knew from the light streaming in the windows that it was late. She squinted at the bedside clock. Almost eleven. Taylor was probably having fits, even though he’d promised to let her sleep in.
Last night’s concert had been a resounding success. The rich and famous had been as appreciative as Taylor’s regular fans always were. The fan club president had been seated next to Tom Hanks, who had turned out to be a real charmer, if you believed her report. “Entertainment Tonight” had done interviews with his fans before and after the concert and their brief interview with Taylor after the show had caught his elation. Once the int
erviews were over, he’d showered and changed before he and Laura headed for the Inn on Mt. Ada where the closing night party would take place.
Taylor had been touched by the cast’s heartfelt applause as he entered the room. They had become a family over the last few months, and there were more than a few tears at the thought of breaking up the group. There had also been more than a few whispered comments at the way Taylor had watched Laura all evening. Most of them expected wedding bells before long and were genuinely happy for them.
The party had gone on until the early hours of the morning, when good-byes were said and plans made for the morning departure. Daniel had been one of the last to leave. He’d drawn Laura to one side as the others were saying goodbye to Taylor.
“What are your plans now, Laura? Taylor said you’d only agreed to do this on a trial basis for the tour. Are you going back to your newspaper? Or are you planning on staying on with Taylor?”
“I really don’t know yet, Daniel. I’m going home for a few days to try to figure out exactly what it is I want to do.” And a lot depends on what happens in the next forty-eight hours, she thought.
“Whatever you decide, Laura, I wish you the best. I’ve enjoyed working with you. Personally, I hope you decide to stay on with Taylor. He needs you.” More than you know, he added silently. “Be well, Laura,” he said before he kissed her cheek and walked away.
With everyone gone, Taylor walked Laura down the hall to her room, across the hall from his. That was when she’d made him promise to let her sleep in.
The others would be gone by now, leaving her alone with Taylor. She thought again about the look in his eyes last night. There’d been no mistaking it. And, she knew she was hoping tonight would lead to its logical conclusion. The smile that crossed her lips at the thought quickly disappeared as she also realized she had to tell him about Cary before they could go any further.
The phone rang, and she smiled again, knowing who it had to be. “Good morning, Taylor.”
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