It stunk.
No, it didn’t just stink. It was an embarrassment.
He glanced across the aisle at Tangie and her grandparents, wanting to slink from the room. Oh, if only he could read her thoughts right now. Then again, maybe he didn’t want to. Maybe it would be best just to pretend she thought it was great.
He watched as Tangie slumped down in her chair. Was she. . .sleeping? Surely not. He tried to focus on the screen, but found it difficult when a couple of people got up and slipped out of the sanctuary, whispering to each other. Great.
Lord, I don’t mind admitting this isn’t my bag. But I’m feeling pretty humiliated right now. Could we just fast-forward through this part and get right to the next?
Gregg was pretty sure He heard the Lord answer with a very firm, “No.”
***
Tangie continued to watch the video, but found the whole thing painful. Gran-Gran had been right. It wasn’t just poorly acted; the entire show was lacking in every conceivable way. And talk about dull. How did people stay awake throughout the performance? Looked like half the folks in this place had fallen asleep tonight. Not a good sign.
She glanced across the aisle at Gregg Burke, saddened by the look of pain on his face.
Poor guy. He had to know this wasn’t good. Right?
Surely a man with his artistic abilities could see the difference between a good performance and a bad one. And, without a doubt, Gregg Burke was a guy with great artistic skill. By the end of Sunday’s service, both his voice and his heart for God had won her over. The way he led the congregation in worship truly captivated her. And though she’d performed on many a stage over the years, Tangie couldn’t help but think that leading others into the throne room of God would far surpass any experience she’d ever had in a theater setting.
She snapped back to attention, focusing on the video. For a moment. As a child on the screen struggled to remember his lines, Tangie’s thoughts drifted once again. She pondered her first impression of Gregg—as a stodgy, geeky guy. Tonight, in his jeans and button-up shirt, he was actually quite handsome. Still, he looked a little stiff. Nervous. But why? Did he ever just relax? Enjoy himself?
At that moment, a loud snore to her right distracted her. She looked as Gran-Gran elbowed Gramps in the ribs. Tangie tried not to giggle, but found it difficult. She didn’t blame her grandfather for falling asleep. In fact—she yawned as she thought about it—her eyes were growing a little heavy, too.
Before long, she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of badly dressed wise men and Christmas angels who couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.
FIVE
It didn’t take Tangie long to settle into a routine at Gran-Gran and Gramps’ house. Her creative juices skittered into overtime as she contemplated the task of putting on a show with the children. Oh, what fun it would be. She could practically see it all now! The sets. The costumes. The smiles on the faces of everyone in attendance. With the Lord’s help, she would pull off a toe-tapping, hand-clapping musical extravaganza that everyone—kids and church staff, alike—could be proud of.
Tangie received a call from the pastor on Monday morning, asking if they could meet later that afternoon. She stopped off at Sweet Harmony—Gramps’ favorite bakery—to pick up some cookies to take to the meeting. Unable to make up her mind, Tangie purchased a dozen chocolate chip, a half dozen oatmeal raisin, and a half dozen peanut butter. Just for good measure, she added a half dozen of iced sugar cookies to her order.
“I can’t live without my sweets,” she explained to the woman behind the counter. “My family’s in the sugar business and I’ve been in withdrawal since moving away from home.”
The clerk—an older woman whose nametag read Penny—gave her a funny look as she rang up the order. “Sugar business?”
“Yes, we run a candy shop on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, specializing in taffy.” Tangie pulled a cookie from the plain white bag and took a big bite. “Mmm. Great peanut butter. They’re my favorite.”
“You really do have a sweet tooth.” Penny laughed as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Well, just so you know, I’m hiring. Sarah, the girl who usually helps me in the afternoons, has gone back to college. So, if you’re interested. . .”
“Hmm.” Tangie shrugged. “I’ll have to see how it works with my schedule. In the meantime, these cookies are great. If you’re interested in adding any candies, I’d be happy to talk with you about that. I’d love to bring some of our family favorites to Harmony. I think you’d like them.”
“Let me think about it,” Penny said. “And you let me know when you’ve made up your mind about the job. Otherwise, I might put a “help wanted” sign in the window.”
“Give me a couple days to pray about it.” Tangie took another bite of the cookie, then headed to her car.
By four o’clock, she and Gregg Burke sat side by side in Dave’s spacious office, all three of them nibbling on cookies.
“I’m so excited about what God is doing, I can hardly stand it,” Dave said between bites. “We’ve already got the best music pastor in the world, and now we’ve just added a Broadway-trained actress to our staff to head up the drama department. Between the two of you, the Easter production is going to be the best thing this community has ever seen.”
Tangie felt a little flustered at the pastor’s glowing description of her. If he had any idea of the tiny bit parts she’d taken over the past four years, he’d probably rethink his decision. On the other hand. . .
God brought you here, Tangie, she reminded herself. So don’t get in the way of what He’s doing.
“What are you looking for, exactly?” Gregg asked Dave as he reached into the bag for another cookie. “What kind of production, I mean? More of a variety show or an all-out musical?”
“Doesn’t really matter. I just want a production that will work hand in hand with the outreach we’ll be doing for the community,” Dave explained. “I’d like to see something that’s different than anything we’ve done before.”
“Different?” Gregg’s eyebrows arched as he took another bite. “How different?”
“That’s for you two to decide,” the pastor said. “We’re going to be hosting an Easter egg hunt for the neighborhood kids, as always. But this year we’re looking at this as an outreach—the biggest of the year, in fact.”
“Easter eggs? Outreach?” Gregg shook his head. “Not sure those two things really go together in one sentence.”
“Oh, I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Tangie said, her excitement mounting. “The Easter egg hunt will be a great draw. And people are always more willing to hear about the Lord during the holidays, so we’ll have a captive audience.”
Dave nodded. “My thoughts, exactly. We’ll advertise the Easter egg hunt in the paper and draw in a large crowd. Then, just after the hunt is over, we’ll open up the auditorium for everyone to come inside for the production. It will be free, of course.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Tangie said. “That way all of the kids can watch the show, even the ones who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise.”
“You’ve got it!” Dave looked at her and beamed.
Clearly, they were on the same page.
She looked at Gregg, hoping for a similar response. He sat with a confused expression on his face. What was up with that?
“I don’t really have anything specific in mind, as far as what kind of production it should be,” the pastor continued, “just something that appeals to kids and shares the real meaning of Easter in a tangible way. But different, as I said. Something kid-friendly and contemporary.”
Gregg looked a little dubious. “How will we get the kids and their families to stay for the musical? I can see them coming for the Easter egg hunt, maybe, but how do we get them inside the building once it’s over?”
“I’ve been thinking about that.” Dave rolled a pen around in his fingers. “Haven’t exactly come up with anything yet, though.”
“Oh, I know,” Tangie said. “Maybe we could do some sort of a drawing for a grand prize. A giant Easter egg, maybe? The winner to be announced after the production. That might entice them to stay.”
“Giant Easter egg?” Gregg asked.
“Made of chocolate, of course.” Tangie turned to him, more excited than ever. “At my family’s candy shop, we have these amazing eggs. . .oh, you have to see one to believe it! They’re as big as a football. No, bigger. And they’re solid chocolate, hand decorated by my sister. I know Taffie will help. She loves things like this.”
“Taffy will help?” Gregg looked at Tangie curiously. “What does that mean?”
“Oh, sorry.” She giggled and her cheeks warmed. “Taffie is my older sister. There are three of us—Taffie, Candy, and me.”
“Tangie.” Dave said with a smile. “Your grandmother told me they sometimes call you Tangerine, just to be funny.”
Tangie groaned. “As you might imagine, Tangie wouldn’t have been my first choice for a name. How would you feel if you were named after the flavor of the month when you were born?”
Gregg chuckled, offering Tangie her first glimmer of hope from the beginning of the meeting till now. His eyes sparkled and a hint of color rose to his cheeks. “So, we’re giving away an egg, then?” he asked.
“If that’s okay with both of you.” Tangie looked back and forth between them “They sell for a fortune, but I’m sure Taffie would send one for free, especially if I tell her what it’s for. My sister and her husband love the Lord and would be thrilled to see one of their candy eggs used for ministry.”
“Eggs for ministry.” Gregg groaned and shook his head. “What’s next?”
“Oh, that’s easy.” Tangie nodded. “Sheep, bunnies, and chicks, of course. And anything else that might appeal to little kids. Oh”—her heart swelled with joy as the words tumbled out—“this is going to be the best Easter ever!”
***
Gregg watched with some degree of curiosity as Tangie and Dave talked back and forth about the production. Talk about feeling like a third wheel. Why was he here, anyway? He did his best not to struggle with any offense. He’d been through enough of that as a kid. No, in fact, he looked forward to Tangie’s help with the production, though he still had a hard time admitting it to anyone other than himself.
Still, that bunnies and chicks line had to be a joke. Right?
Listening to her talk, her voice as animated as her facial expression, he had the strangest feeling. . .she was dead serious.
He glanced at his watch and gasped. “Oh, sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got a date with my mom. I’m taking her to the movies this afternoon.”
“A date with your mom?” Tangie flashed a smile. He couldn’t tell if she was making fun of him or found the idea thoughtful. Not that it really mattered. No, where his mom was concerned, only one thing mattered. . .convincing her that the Lord loved her. And there was only one way to accomplish that really. . .by spending quality time with her and loving her, himself. Not an easy task sometimes, what with her brusque exterior. But Gregg was really working on not judging people by outward appearance, especially his own mom.
“When can we meet to talk about the production?” Tangie asked. “One day this week?”
“Mornings are better for me,” he said as he rose from his chair. “What about Thursday?”
“Thursday it is. Where?”
“Hmm.” He reached for his coat. “The diner on Main? They’ve got a great breakfast menu. Very inspirational. I’m going to need it if we’re talking about putting on a show, trust me.”
Tangie grinned. “Okay. I’ll see you there. Will seven thirty work?”
“Yep.” He nodded. “Sorry I have to bolt, but my mom is expecting me.” After a quick goodbye, he headed toward the car, his thoughts whirling in a thousand different directions.
SIX
Tangie pulled herself out of bed early on Thursday morning and dressed in one of her favorite outfits—a pair of faded bell-bottoms and a great vintage sweater she’d picked up at a resale shop—a throwback from the 1960s in varying shades of hot pink, orange, and brown. Why anyone would’ve parted with it was beyond her. Sure, the colors were a little faded, but that just gave it a more authentic look. And coupled with the shiny white vinyl go-go style boots, which she’d purchased for a song, the whole ensemble just came together. Once you added in the hat. She especially loved the ivory pillbox-style hat with its mesh trim. Marti said it reminded her of something she’d once seen on I Love Lucy. What higher compliment was there, really?
Tangie made her way into the living room, laptop in hand.
Gramps took one look at her and let out a whistle. “I haven’t seen a getup like that since Woodstock. Not that I went to Woodstock, mind you.”
“I believe I wore a little hat just like that on our wedding day,” her grandmother added. “Wherever did you find that?”
“Oh, I get the best bargains at resale shops,” Tangie said with a nod. “Who wants to shop at the mall? The clothes are so. . .”
“Normal?” her grandfather threw in.
Tangie laughed. “Maybe to you, but I think I’ll stick with what makes me feel good.”
“And all of that color makes you feel good?”
“Yep.” In fact, on days like today—dressed in the colorful ensemble—she felt like she had the world on a string.
After saying goodbye to her grandparents, she eased her car out of the slick driveway. As she drove through town, Tangie passed Sweet Harmony and smiled as she remembered meeting Penny. What a great lady.
“Lord, what do You think about that job offer? Should I take it?” Hmm. She’d have to pray about that a bit longer. In the meantime, she had one very handsome music pastor to meet with.
Handsome? Tangie, watch yourself.
She sighed, thinking of how many leading men she’d fallen in love with over the past four years. Taffie and Candy had always accused her of being fickle, but. . .was she? After less than a second’s pause, she had to admit the truth. She had been pretty flighty where talented guys were concerned. And the more talented, the harder she seemed to fall. All the more reason not to fall for Gregg Burke.
Not that he was her type, anyway. No, he seemed a little too “in the box” for her liking.
She arrived at the diner a few minutes early, but noticed Gregg’s SUV in the parking lot. “He’s very prompt,” she said to herself. Pulling down the visor, she checked her appearance in the tiny mirror. Hmm. The eyeliner might be a bit much. She’d gone for a forties look. But she’d better touch up the lipstick to match in intensity. Tangie pulled it from her purse and gave her lips a quick swipe, then rubbed them together as she gazed back in the mirror. “Better.”
Then, slip-sliding her way along, Tangie made the walk across the icy parking lot, cradling her laptop and praying all the way. She arrived inside the diner, stunned to find it so full. Gregg waved at her from the third booth on the right and she headed his way. As she drew near, his eyes widened.
“What?” she asked, as put her laptop down, then shrugged off her jacket.
“N–nothing.” He paused, his gaze shifting to her hat. “I, um, just don’t think I’ve ever seen a hat like that in person. In the movies, maybe. . .”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” She laughed, then took her seat. Glancing around, she said, “You were right. This place is hopping.”
“Oh, this is nothing. Most of the breakfast crowd has already passed through. You should see it around six thirty or seven.” He continued to stare at her hat and she grew uncomfortable. Should she take it off? Maybe it was distracting him.
“The food must be good,” Tangie managed. She reached to unpin her hat just as a young waitress appeared at the table and smiled at her.
“Oh, please don’t take off that hat! It’s amazing!”
Tangie grinned and left it in place.
The girl’s face lit up. “You’re Tangie Carini.”
; Tangie nodded.
“I knew it had to be you. That’s the coolest outfit I’ve ever seen, by the way. Seriously. . .where did you get it? Is that what they’re wearing on the runway this season?”
“Thanks. And, no. This is just vintage stuff. I love to shop in out-of-the-way places.”
“I have a feeling I’m really going to like you,” the waitress said. “I’ve been wanting to meet you ever since I heard you speak in church on Sunday morning.”
“Oh?” Tangie took the menu the girl offered and glanced up at her with a smile. “Why is that?”
“Brittany is one of the leaders of the youth group,” Gregg explained. “She was a big help to me with the Christmas production.”
“I’ve always been interested in theater,” Brittany said. “Our high school did The Sound of Music my sophomore year.”
“She played Maria,” Gregg said. “And she was pretty amazing.”
Brittany’s cheeks turned red. “My favorite role was Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We did that show my senior year and I loved every minute of it.”
“Oh, that’s one of my favorites,” Tangie said. “I played the role of Milly at our local community theater back in Atlantic City.”
“Oh, I can’t believe you just said that!” Brittany clasped her hands together and grinned. “This is a sign from above. A community theater is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.” Brittany’s eyes lit up and her tone of voice changed. She grew more animated by the second. “Several of us have been wanting to start a community theater group here in Harmony. There’s an old movie theater that would be perfect. It’s not in use any more, but would be great. Just needs a stage.”
“Do you have funding?”
Brittany shrugged. “Never really thought about that part. I guess we could hold a fundraiser or something like that. But I’d love to talk to you more about it. Maybe. . .” The teenager flashed a crooked grin. “Maybe you could even direct some of our shows.”
Love at Center Stage: Three Theatrical Love Stories Page 4