Cam clenched his jaw. “You better watch it.”
Ross’s grin hitched up higher. “Ha! I knew it. You like her.”
“No!” Cam wanted to kick himself. He’d walked right into that one.
“Come on, Cam. You don’t have to pretend with me.”
“Look, I wish you’d drop this.”
“If you like her, you should ask her out.”
“No. I’m not ready to date Rachel or anyone else.”
Understanding glimmered in Ross’s eyes, and his mischievous expression faded. “It’s been four years, Cam. It’s okay to be attracted to someone else.”
Cam’s throat constricted. Four years wasn’t long enough to erase the painful memories. He’d never realized how much his wife and son meant to him until it was too late and they were gone.
“Your wife wouldn’t expect you to mourn forever,” Ross added. “She’d want to you to move on and make the most of your life.”
Cam swallowed and tried to find his voice. “You didn’t even know Marie.”
Ross nodded, his expression sober. “You’re right. I didn’t. But I know you. And I think it’s time you stop punishing yourself for what happened. It’s not going to bring Marie back.”
Cam turned away and pulled in a shaky breath. Ross was right. There was nothing Cam could do to bring his wife and son back. Marie and Tyler were gone forever because he’d been too self-absorbed to protect them the way a husband and father should.
He could never forgive himself for that.
Chapter Nine
Rachel flipped through the display of old movie posters and spotted one featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing cheek-to-cheek. She smiled and pulled it from the rack. “Look at this.”
Chandra Wetzel, her friend and choreographer for N.C.Y.T. walked over for a better view. “Oh, I love Fred Astaire. What a charmer.” Sunlight glinted off Chandra’s red wavy hair. Her white peasant blouse and flowing blue skirt showed off her dancer’s figure and reflected her free-spirited style. Chandra sighed with a wistful smile. “Nobody dances like that anymore.”
“They’ve got some great movie posters.” Rachel turned back toward the rack and began thumbing through. “Maybe I should buy a few for the classrooms. What do you think?” When Chandra didn’t answer, Rachel glanced up at her friend.
“Someone is watching us,” Chandra gave a subtle nod as she looked past Rachel’s shoulder.
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a guy across the street taking our picture.”
Fear snaked up Rachel’s back and tightened around her chest, making it hard to pull in her next breath. Could it be Kyle? Had he followed her all the way up here from Seattle? How was that possible? She thought she’d covered her tracks by changing jobs, changing phone numbers and moving more than ninety miles away. “Is he tall with dark hair?” Rachel forced out the words, refusing to turn around and see for herself.
“Yeah, and he’s kind of cute in a quirky way. Nice dresser.” Chandra smiled and started to lift her hand.
Panic skittered along Rachel’s nerves. “Wait!” She grabbed Chandra’s arm. “I don’t want him to know we see him.”
“It’s too late for that. I already smiled at him.” Chandra frowned at her. “What’s the matter?”
“I…I just don’t like the idea of someone taking my picture without my permission.” With a shaky hand she replaced the poster. Should she slip out the other side of the tent and hope he wouldn’t follow, or turn around and face him?
Confronting Kyle had only made things worse in Seattle. The police advised her to ignore him and pretend his skulking around didn’t bother her. But that had been impossible.
What if he started following her again? A cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and her stomach swirled. She touched Chandra’s shoulder. “Let’s get out of here.”
“But I thought you wanted to get some posters.”
“Not now. We need to leave.” Rachel wove through the display of books, heading toward the opposite side of the tent.
“The guy’s not creepy or anything. He looks totally normal.”
Rachel shook her head. That’s what she’d thought at first, too. It was only later she learned Kyle’s problems were well hidden behind his winsome appearance. “It’s not normal to spy on someone with a camera.” She ducked out the back door of the tent. “Come on. Let’s cut across the Village Green.”
Chandra followed, toting two shopping bags of items she’d purchased earlier. “I don’t think he was spying on us. He’s probably just a photographer from the paper or something. He had a nice camera, and there was another guy with him who looked like a reporter—blond curly hair, good-looking, but he had kind of a fierce expression.”
Rachel turned. “What did you say?”
“I’m saying we just walked away from two cute guys who probably wanted to meet us, and that’s a cryin’ shame.”
“No, I mean about the guy with the photographer.”
Chandra shrugged. “I said he’s blond and good-looking, sort of reminded me of a lion.”
Rachel gulped in a breath.
“Rachel?” a man called from somewhere behind her.
She stopped, her heart pounding in her throat, trying to process the voice. It didn’t sound like Kyle, but—
Chandra spun around. “Hey, the photographer knows you?”
Rachel swallowed and slowly turned around.
Ross and Cam wove through the crowded Village Green toward them. Cam sent her a half smile. Ross lifted his hand and waved.
“Well, if it isn’t our mystery men,” Chandra whispered.
Rachel’s heartbeat slowly returned to normal, and she forced a smile. “Hi, guys.”
Rachel introduced Chandra. “She’s the choreographer for N.C.Y.T., so you’ll be seeing a lot more of her around the Arts Center soon.”
“Wow, that’s great. I’m a bit of a dancer myself.” Ross did a brief tap dance right there on the brick walkway.
Chandra grinned. “You could give Fred Astaire a run for his money.”
“If he was still alive,” Cam added with a wry smile.
Ross ignored Cam. “So, have you lovely ladies had lunch?”
“Not yet.” Chandra smiled, her blue eyes shining.
“Cam and I were just headed over to get something to eat. Would you like to come along?”
Rachel glanced at Cam, trying to gauge how he felt about the invitation, but he remained silent and unreadable. Chandra watched her expectantly. “Sure. We’re ready for lunch.”
“I wish we hadn’t parked so far away.” Chandra held up her two shopping bags. “I’d love to stash these. My arms are getting tired.”
“My car is just around the corner. Why don’t you and I walk up there and put these in the trunk?” Ross reached for one of Chandra’s bags. “Maybe you two could scout out the lunch options, and we’ll meet you back here in about ten minutes.”
Cam nodded. “Sure.”
Rachel fell into step beside Cam. An awkward silence settled around them as they followed the smell of grilled burgers drifting in the air. “Did you and Ross see the craft booths?”
Cam nodded. “We should probably sign up next year.”
“Good idea.” She smiled, glad he’d come to that conclusion himself.
“So, drama classes start next week?” He didn’t look too bothered by the prospect. That was a good sign.
“Yes, on Tuesday. I can’t wait for the kids to see our new classrooms and the auditorium. There’s so much more space, such potential. They’re going to love it!”
A smile lifted one side of his mouth. “You are the eternal optimist.”
She ducked her chin and laughed. “I suppose so. Hope it’s not too irritating.”
His gaze connected with hers. “I’m getting used to it.”
A zing of awareness traveled through her, and her heart lifted.
His cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and looked at
the screen. “It’s my sister, Shannon.” He sent her an apologetic look. “I should probably take this.”
“Oh, sure. I don’t mind.” They stopped in the shade of a tree in front of a cute shop called Katie’s Cupcakes. Rachel turned to look at a display of delicious looking bakery items that had been set out on tables along the sidewalk.
Cam tapped the screen and lifted the cell phone to his ear. “Hi, Shannon. What’s up?”
Rachel took a couple steps away, giving him a bit of privacy, but she was still close enough to hear his side of the conversation.
“What?” His face darkened, and his golden brows drew together. “When did you find out?” He turned and paced down the sidewalk a few steps. “Are you sure about this place? What does Eric say? Maybe I should check it out.” He listened for a couple more minutes, his profile stern.
“What about Kayla?” Cam’s lips formed a grim line. “Sure. Whatever you need. I’ll see what I can find out and call you tonight.” He tapped the screen to end his call and dropped the phone in his pocket.
“Everything okay?” Rachel asked.
An unsettled look filled his eyes. “My sister had cancer a few years ago, and it’s back.”
Rachel’s stomach dropped. “Oh, Cam. I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. She had surgery and chemo treatments four years ago. That was really rough on her, but she made it through, and every test has been clear until now.”
Rachel folded her arms, hugging them across her stomach. “What will she do now?”
“She wants to go to a special treatment center in Mexico. I’m going to check it out online, maybe give them a call. I don’t really like the idea of her going out of the country, but she seems to think it’s the best option.” He rubbed his neck and blew out a deep breath.
“Is she married?”
“Yes. Her husband, Eric, is a great guy. If she goes to Mexico, he’ll go with her, and they want me to take care of their daughter, Kayla.” Uncertainty filled his eyes. “I’ll do anything I can to help them…but I’m not sure how I’d keep a fourteen-year-old girl busy all summer.”
“She’d need to stay that long?”
He nodded. “Eight to twelve weeks. The program includes medical treatment, nutrition, counseling and emotional and spiritual support.”
Her ears perked up at the mention of spiritual support. What did he mean by that?
They started off down the sidewalk at a slower pace. Rachel couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be to face cancer the second time, or to watch your mom fight that kind of battle. Remembering the girls in her drama group and all the normal emotional ups and downs at that age, her heart went out to Kayla. This had to be a huge challenge for her, for all of them.
But just feeling sympathetic wasn’t going to change anything. True compassion meant reaching out to help. But what could she do?
An idea began to take shape in her mind, and she looked up at Cam. “Do you think Kayla would like to come to drama camp?”
“I don’t know.” He pondered it a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t think we can afford that right now. Paying for Shannon’s cancer treatment has to be the priority for all of us.”
Rachel nodded. “I’d like to offer her a scholarship. She could come as many days a week as you like for as long as she’s here. Maybe she’d like to try out for the summer musical. That would really keep her busy. And she’d be right there in the building with you all day.”
The lines on his forehead eased. “Wow, that’s quite an offer.”
“She’d spend time with kids her own age and learn some new skills.”
He smiled. “Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate it, and I know Kayla will, too.” His warm expression totally changed his face.
“I wish I could do more. I can’t imagine going through something like this at her age.”
“Yeah, it’s been hard on all of them for the last few years, especially waiting and wondering after each checkup. And now Shannon is facing an even bigger battle.” He clenched his jaw and looked away, but not quick enough to hide the moisture glistening in his eyes.
Rachel touched his arm. “I’ll pray for her, Cam, for all of you.”
“Thanks. I know that’s how she made it through the first time. Hundreds of people prayed for her. She and Eric are both Christians…. I just hope their faith is strong enough for what’s ahead.”
Cam talked about his family’s faith in such familiar terms, but where did he stand?
A tremor passed through her. “What about you, Cam? How are you going to get through this?”
He narrowed his eyes and focused on the crowd passing by. “Guess I’m going to do what I always do. Stay focused, keep working, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
Her heart sunk like a rock tossed in a pond. How could that kind of belief system help him through a huge trial like this? Why didn’t he tap into the hope and spiritual anchor God longed to provide?
Chapter Ten
Bright morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows on the side of the Arts Center auditorium. Rachel stood by the first row of chairs with her eyes trained on Amy Buchanan.
Her college-age intern led a group of young drama camp students up the steps to the stage. After assisting Rachel and Chandra for four days, Amy had reluctantly agreed to lead a group by herself. But she had begged Rachel to stay for a few minutes and be sure she got off to a good start. That made sense. These kids had a lot of energy, especially this younger group.
“Okay. Let’s have everyone sit in a semi-circle.” Amy’s soft voice could barely be heard over the kid’s conversations.
“Hey, everyone, listen up!” Rachel clapped her hands, and the kids immediately settled down. She forced a smile and motioned for Amy to continue.
“We’re going to do a fun activity called Story, Story.” Amy’s gentle voice quivered as the students filed across the stage.
Rachel held her breath. This had to work.
“Okay. Sarah, you’re first. Come up here in the acting area.” Amy motioned the petite ten-year-old to join her at center stage. “Jeff, you’re going to tell a story, and Sarah will to act it out as you tell it in whatever way seems best to her.”
Rachel’s stomach tightened. Amy needed to speak up and take charge or the kids were going to run all over her. Please, Lord, help her figure it out.
They’d almost made it through the first week of drama camp. But it had been a rough start with a new location, a new intern and several new younger students. Keeping the kids quiet while they changed classes was a constant struggle. So far, she’d managed not to upset any of her co-op partners.
Her thoughts drifted to Cam, as they did more often lately. Since they’d talked about his sister at the festival, they seemed more comfortable around each other, less like enemies and a bit more like friends. That thought made her smile. But her smile faded as she thought of the spiritual chasm that seemed to separate them.
Chandra strolled down the aisle to meet Rachel. She leaned closer. “How’s Amy doing?”
“Not too well,” Rachel whispered. “I hope she’s got what it takes.”
“She better, or we’re in deep trouble. Twenty-five students is too many for one group, especially with the age spread.”
“You’re right. We need three groups, but I can’t afford to hire anyone else. It’s Amy or nothing.”
“Then we’ll just have to keep praying and coach her along.”
Rachel nodded. “That’s the plan.”
Chandra shifted her gaze toward the back of the auditorium, and her eyes widened. “Uh-oh, here comes trouble.”
Rachel tensed and turned around. Cam walked toward them wearing a stern expression.
“I better scoot and check on my group. I left Ryan in charge.” Chandra headed up the opposite aisle, cutting a wide path around Cam.
He headed straight for Rachel. As he came closer she noticed the sag of his shoulders and the troubled look in his blue-gray eyes.
/> “Can we talk for a minute?”
“Sure.” She glanced at Amy, shot off another prayer, then followed him out into the hallway.
He turned and faced her. “Shannon called this morning. The arrangements are all made. My niece arrives Saturday.” He looked at her as though she ought to understand why that was such distressing news. “Next Saturday?”
“No. Tomorrow night.”
“Oh…. Are you ready?”
He blew out a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. All I have in my guest bedroom is a twin bed and a dresser. I have no idea what a fourteen-year-old girl needs, so I was wondering if you had time to take a look and give me some suggestions.”
“Sure. I could do that.”
“Thank you.” He looked so relieved she thought he might hug her, but he didn’t. “When are you done today?”
“Camp is over at noon. I just have a few things to finish up in my office after that. I could be back at the house around one. Would that work for you?”
“I have a couple people coming in this morning, but I’m sure I’ll be done by then.” He sent her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Rachel. I really appreciate this.” Then he headed back to his shop.
Rachel grinned and did a little dance step as she walked back to the auditorium. So, he needed some feminine input and decorating advice. No problem. She’d be glad to help. This was a great opportunity for her to strengthen their relationship. And if she and Cam became good friends, N.C.Y.T. would be assured of a permanent home at the Arts Center.
But she’d have to be careful and not let her emotions lead her down the wrong path. Cam didn’t seem to have a personal faith in God, and that was a nonnegotiable on her list.
Cam shifted his weight and tried to look interested as Hannah Bodine continued describing several more old family photos she planned to bring in for framing.
“I hope you’ll be able to find more of that sepia mat board. That’s the perfect color. I’d like these other photos to match the first one you framed for me.”
Carrie Turansky Page 7