Lights, Cowboy, Action

by Lesley Ann McDaniel

  Gulping, Courtney stood and crossed to her. “You know, I think Jeffrey would give you another chance.”

  “No way.” Angela shook her head. “After the show last night, we had a huge fight. He said he doesn’t want anything to do with me. He was so humiliated—not just because of Adam but for the way I let everyone know about that animal thing.” Her face scrunched up again. “He said he can never trust me.”

  A dull ache throbbed at Courtney’s temple. Regardless of how inappropriately Angela had behaved, Courtney had been the one to tell Macy about Jeffrey’s fear. She was as much to blame for this as Angela.

  She struggled for the right thing to say. “Is there anything I can do?”

  A corner of Angela’s mouth lifted. “Grab me a bottle of water?”

  Relieved that Angela’s crying seemed to be slacking off, Courtney went to the fridge and got an icy D’eau Douce. Just as she handed it to Angela, her cell phone bleeped a notification that she had a text. She jolted, suddenly remembering her appointment.

  “Oh.” Her eyes met Angela’s. “I have to go. Are you all right?”

  Angela waved a hand toward the door.

  Stepping outside, Courtney checked her phone.

  Oprtion Dmage Cntrol

  Jody. Great. Probably another lashing, only this time written out in text-ese.

  Brace yrslf. M. K. is coming back 2 Thornton Springs 2morrow.

  Macy was coming back?

  This time, let ME do the tlkng

  Fine, let Jody do the talking. Courtney started to speed walk across the school lot. If she had her way, she’d stay as far from the double-crossing Ms. Kendall as possible.

  Chapter 22

  Rounding the corner near the diner, Courtney slowed her pace and caught her breath. She was a couple of minutes late to meet Mr. Bloom, but why hurry to her own execution?

  Through the window, she saw him sitting at a table with his back to the door, reading a book and looking more like a man of leisure than a movie mogul planning his next hit.

  As the bell over the door signaled her arrival, the lunch crowd silently gaped at her. Who could blame them? She had wanted to help Macy put Thornton Springs on the map, and she had. The map of the “backwoods.”

  She steeled herself and headed for Mr. Bloom’s table, unsure of what to expect.

  Sheepishly, she slipped into the chair across from him. He glanced up, removed his glasses and closed his book.

  Her jaw slackened. A Bible? Travis Bloom was a believer? And a huge somebody in Hollywood? If he could do it, maybe there was hope for her, too.

  Fumbling for something meaningful to say, she uttered a feeble, “Sorry I’m late.”

  “Oh...” He consulted his plain but pricey-looking watch. “Well, what’s ten minutes either way?”

  She raised a brow. This guy didn’t sound like any Hollywood director she’d ever known.

  Joe approached and filled their coffee cups. “Afternoon, Miss Jacobs. Special today’s that Reuben sandwich you movie folks like so well.”

  She drew in a breath. He seemed as friendly as ever, and she was pretty sure he wasn’t the type to poison someone’s food. She offered him a cautious smile. “Sounds great.”

  Mr. Bloom considered. “I’ll have the same.”

  A modicum of relaxation eased through her as Joe went to put in their order.

  “Now, let’s get down to business.” Sitting forward, Mr. Bloom assumed his professional persona. “Tell me about your experience working with Angela.”

  She drew back. This wasn’t what she’d expected. “Ms. Bijou?”

  “Yes. You see, I would love to cast her, but I’ve heard she’s quite difficult to work with.”

  She gave a dumb nod, feeling totally blindsided.

  “Keith has told me his opinion, but frankly he has very little patience with anyone. You’ve worked closely with her these past several months and I’d like to know what you think.”

  Relief that he wasn’t admonishing her morphed into a nauseating mixture of despair and embarrassment. He hadn’t asked her here for a job interview. This was totally about Angela.

  Collecting herself, she carefully considered her response. “Ms. Bijou can be a challenge.” Her shoulders drooped. If she had learned anything over the past few days, it was that she had to be honest. “The truth is, she’s given me a pretty hard time. But I think she’s done some soul searching recently. I know she really respects you and she wants this part. If you’re upfront with her about keeping her diva antics in check, I think she’ll give you a fabulous performance.”

  “I see.” He seemed to let that sink in. “Thank you, Ms. Jacobs. I appreciate your candor, and I respect your opinion.”

  He did? “What about that show last night? I mean, I leaked personal information to a reporter. You still trust my judgment?”

  Mirth played at the corners of his mouth. “Let me tell you a little something about this business we’re in, Ms. Jacobs.”

  She held her breath. So he wasn’t going to tell her she didn’t have the right stuff for a career in Hollywood?

  “At one time or another, every one of us has said something that’s been made to sound far more scandalous than it actually was. I wouldn’t worry about it. It will blow over.”

  Her brow pinched. “But...that show was supposed to make Thornton Springs out to be a great tourist destination.”

  He shrugged. “This town doesn’t want to be a tourist destination. They want their ranchers to succeed.”

  “Oh. But—” her throat tightened “—that part about Adam...”

  He lifted one shoulder. “As far as I can remember, nothing was said that cast him in a bad light.”

  She pondered. Maybe he was right. Still, she had lied, or at least she didn’t blame Adam for seeing it that way. How was she supposed to continue to do this job if it meant treating people like that?

  Her thoughts whirred and her eyes dropped to the Bible in the center of the table. “Can I ask you...?”

  He inclined his head. “Yes?”

  “How long have you been a believer?”

  His face softened. “It happened three years ago, after my second divorce. I had managed to find huge success professionally, but total failure in my personal life. Even with all the money and fame I’d achieved, I had managed to hit rock bottom.”

  Talk about candor. Since he didn’t appear self-conscious about it, she waited for him to go on.

  “An actor in the movie I was directing heard a little about my situation, ironically from a segment on Breaking Story.”

  They shared a smile.

  “He took me aside and asked if he could pray for me. Ordinarily, I would have thought that was a ridiculous waste of time, but he got me at the right moment. He planted the first seed.”

  “So, you don’t feel like it’s impossible? Living a Christian life and working in the movie business?”

  He arched a brow. “On the contrary. We are needed there.” He paged through his Bible. “Let me give you something to think about that has helped me through numerous trials.” Finding what he wanted, he rotated the book to face her.

  Her mood lightened. That verse had always been one of her favorites. “‘But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’

  “Seek God’s will first in all things, Ms. Jacobs. Then everything will fall into its proper place.”

  She blew out a long breath. That was what she’d been doing wrong. Consulting herself first and God second, if at all. There could be no compromise if she wanted to live as a true Christian.

  As Joe brought their sandwiches and they dug in, an unexpected contentment washed over her. Maybe she hadn’t gotten the job she had wanted so badly, but she had gaine
d something far more valuable.

  Adam was right. She had come to Montana to find her lost faith.

  Chapter 23

  In spite of the tension in the air as the crew prepared to shoot the nighttime party scene, Courtney trusted that it all rested in God’s hands.

  She skirted the patio behind the ranch house as the set decorators put the final touches on the backyard. Hurricane lanterns adorned the twenty or so white-cloth-covered tables that dotted the grassy area, and dozens of smaller lamps illuminated the trees. By the time the sun set, the effect would be captivating.

  At crafts service she made some tea, then started for Angela’s trailer. As she dipped the teabag in the steaming cup, sadness washed over her. Since it was the final night of shooting, this would be the last time she’d see this big evening sky.

  Hoping for a chance to say goodbye to Adam, she scanned the bustling area. Her heart ached. There were no animals needed for this scene and Adam hadn’t signed up as an extra. She knew he’d given a riding lesson to Jeffrey today, his final duty for the movie. Now he was probably avoiding the place altogether.

  Tears stung as she reached for the door to the trailer. When they finished up tomorrow, she would take off immediately for the airport. It looked more and more likely that she’d never see Adam again.

  She entered just as the hair and makeup people were finishing up.

  “Is this the best you can do?” Glaring at her reflection, Angela tugged at her fake hairline. “It’s Jessie’s big night. Shouldn’t she have a little more...” She swirled her hands like the beaters of a mixer. “Flare?”

  Looking bored, the hair woman packed up her tools. “You can flare up on your own time, Ms. Bijou. This isn’t the MTV Awards.”

  Angela tugged a couple of tendrils free from her chignon. “You people are all against me.” Catching Courtney’s eye, she slipped her a subtle wink.

  Courtney managed a small smile in response as the crew filtered out. “They’re ready for you, Ms. Bijou.”

  “Fine.” Angela stood, smoothed her skirt and headed for the door.

  With a peculiar sense of relief that her boss’s familiar fire seemed to have been rekindled, Courtney fell into stride behind her. They made their way across the drive to where Breaking Story had set up.

  Courtney had been told they’d tape in the driveway near the barn, but Jody seemed to be waving them toward the corral.

  “We’re going in there?” Angela balked.

  “I’m sorry about the last-minute change.” Jody smiled through gritted teeth. “If you’ll follow me, we have a pair of boots for you to wear in the mud.”

  After what looked like a moment of mentally cycling through her possible objections, Angela shrugged and followed Jody.

  Seeing Macy Kendall charging toward her, Courtney fought the urge to go hide under a hay bale. Instead, she firmed her stance and bit her lower lip.

  “Courtney.” Macy wore her signature form-fitting suit, paired with pink cowgirl boots instead of her usual stilettos. “I owe you an apology for failing to ask permission to site you as a source for my last report.”

  An apology? Seriously? Remembering Jody’s warning, Courtney stuck with a curt nod.

  Macy seemed oblivious to her restraint. “I had put together a wonderful feature on the town, but my producer is so one dimensional. He reminded me that viewers don’t watch our show to make travel plans, but to catch the latest star casts.”

  Courtney couldn’t keep her confusion from showing on her face.

  “You know,” Macy clarified. “Infotainment. Entertainment broadcasts.” She let out a huff. “Oh, face it. They can call it whatever they want. It’s still just gossip disguised as celebrity news. You have my apology. I get a little carried away, especially during sweeps.”

  Courtney gave up a conciliatory smile. She had to feel sorry for a woman who made her living spreading rumors.

  As Macy and Angela took their positions with the barn and pink-streaked sky in the background, a crowd started to gather. It was no surprise that the local extras wanted to watch, but several crew members and even Mr. Kingsley joined them. Courtney craned her neck. Still no Adam.

  Given her cue, Macy smiled and spoke into her hand mic. “Angela, I understand you’ve acquired a new skill for this movie.”

  “I’ve always wanted to learn to ride a horse. This was the perfect opportunity.”

  “It was even more perfect for your costar, and I’m told he has a surprise for us.”

  Macy turned, prompting Angela to do the same. A horseman in full Western costume galloped out from behind the barn on Miss Molly.

  Courtney squinted. Jeffrey?

  He brought the horse to a halt next to the women, and dismounted like he’d been doing it all his life.

  Courtney’s jaw dropped and, judging from the buzz around her, the crowd was equally stunned. A smattering of clapping grew to lively applause, prompting Jeffrey to turn to his audience and take a deep bow.

  Angela looked more shocked than anyone as he milked the ovation. The second it began to wane, she spoke. “You are such a show-off.”

  Smirking smartly, he tipped his Stetson in her direction.

  “Jeffrey Mark Caulfield.” Macy radiated enthusiasm. “The last time we spoke, I reported on your fear of animals. You certainly don’t look fearful now. What’s your secret?”

  Jeffrey leaned in. “I like to call it brilliant acting, Macy.”

  They shared a chuckle while Angela made a big show of rolling her eyes.

  “The truth is—” he turned serious “—I do have an intense fear of animals. It’s called ‘zoophobia,’ believe it or not.”

  Macy’s head bobbed, as if this were new information to her.

  “It started when I got attacked by a dog as a child. I’ve always managed to keep it hidden.” He arched a glare at Angela. “Until recently.”

  “And what made you decide to open up about it now?”

  “Two things, Macy. I was forced to learn to ride a horse for this movie. The man who taught me was the first person who ever said it was okay to be afraid.” Jeffrey seemed to blink back surging emotion. “He then proceeded to make me face my fear.”

  A lump formed in Courtney’s throat. Adam was such an amazing guy.

  “You said there were two things,” Macy said brightly. “What was the second?”

  Courtney blinked back tears as Jeffrey disclosed how the previous segment on Breaking Story had prompted a slew of emails from fans who share his phobia. He insisted on coming back on the show because he wanted to help people. Who would have thought that of Jeffrey?

  “One more thing,” he continued. “The guy who taught me to face my fear of animals taught me to face something else, too. My fear of relationships.”

  Courtney straightened.

  “Just today, he told me that you can’t expect a woman to hang around long if you don’t tell her how you feel.”

  Courtney froze. Adam had given that advice to Jeffrey today. Had he been thinking about her when he’d said it? A revival of hope sparked in her heart.

  Turning to Angela, Jeffrey took her hands. “I love you, Angela. Please give me a second chance.”

  The crowd held its collective breath. Angela’s eyes grew round and for a moment she looked like she might leap onto Molly’s back and ride off into the sunset. Instead, she nodded, her face puckering as she gave in to tears.

  A roar went up from the onlookers as Jeffrey wrapped her in an embrace.

  Jabbing a finger in her ear, Macy shouted to the camera. “That was one love scene that wasn’t in the script. This is Macy Kendall saying ‘I love a happy ending’!”

  As the TV crew began dismantling and the crowd started to disperse, panic coursed through Courtney’s veins. She had to find Adam
. If he had any feelings at all for her, she had to give him a chance to say so.

  Her thoughts whirred. If he was at the ranch, where would he be? She glanced around. Jeffrey and Angela still stood in the corral, but it took a moment to register that Miss Molly was gone.

  Then it hit her. Jeffrey had ridden Miss Molly. That meant that Adam would have to take care of her. This, not today’s lesson, would be his final task for the movie.

  Instantly, she knew where she’d find him. Darting through the shifting throng of technicians and extras, she made her way toward the barn. She heaved the door open and held her breath as she peered inside the dark, quiet space.

  There he stood with his back to her, stripping Molly of her saddle. Her heart slammed against her rib cage. Sending up a prayer, she slipped inside, allowing the door to thump shut.

  He twisted around, then stopped cold. An array of emotions passed across his face, and he moved to the saddle wall.

  Frantic, she fumbled for words. “It was nice what you did for Jeffrey.” Her voice sounded far away, as if it had come from someone else.

  He grabbed a brush and returned to the stall.

  Soldiering through a growing despair, she took a few steps forward. “It sounded like all he needed was a little encouragement.”

  His eyes fixed on Molly as he drew the brush across her neck.

  The silence goaded her. She had apologized, and he couldn’t even show her a little grace?

  She folded her arms. If he was going to give her the silent treatment, he deserved a little honest perspective. “I remember something Janessa said one time. She said the two of you live to serve. Well, I do, too. In my job, I mean.” She took a bold stride toward him. “But I made the mistake of taking my orders from the wrong people and ignoring the One who matters.”

  Adam worked his way to Molly’s other side, turning his back on Courtney.

  In spite of the pain that maneuver caused, she went on. “I know what I did was wrong, but I told you I was sorry.” A physical pull forced her to close the gap until all that stood between them was the gate to the stall. “I let the fear of losing my job cloud my judgment. Maybe you’ll never forgive me, but I want you to know I learned something important.” Anguish filled her. “You showed me how far I’d strayed from God. But I’m back now, ready to put Him first in my life.”