Romancing Rachel (River's End Ranch Book 51)

by Pamela M. Kelley

  “Do you usually live in L. A.?”

  Sandy nodded. “Yep. I’m from San Diego but moved to L. A. when I graduated from college. It’s where all the action is. It’s lovely here, but it’s a bit of a culture shock.”

  “I can imagine.” Riston was tiny compared to where Sandy was from.

  “I bet you still manage to have fun here though? We went into town over the weekend and saw a pretty good band. I was pleasantly surprised.”

  “Did you go to Figs? I was there too, on Saturday night.” And the band had been awesome.

  “Yes! Too funny. We were probably there at the same time.”

  They stopped talking when Adiel took a seat at the head of the table and everyone turned their attention his way. Rachel guessed that there were maybe sixteen or seventeen people in the room. A mix of writers, actors and various production folks.

  “Good morning everyone. I’d like you to welcome our newest cast member. Rachel McIntyre is going to play the part of Susan.”

  There were murmurs as everyone welcomed her at once. Adiel then went around the table introducing everyone. Some of the faces and names were familiar, but most weren’t, and Rachel hoped that she’d remember everyone.

  “So, I have an exciting announcement that I think you’ll all be interested in. The network has seen our pilot episode, and they were so impressed that they’ve green lighted us. They have a sudden hole to fill since Richard Smither’s comeback show was just cancelled due to his inappropriate Facebook post. This means we’re going to be shooting an episode a week. Read through on Mondays and shooting rest of the week. The first two episodes are airing back to back in two weeks.”

  “Back to back, on the same night?” someone asked.

  Adiel nodded. “Yes. They want to catch the people who like to binge watch shows and think it might be a way to hook an audience faster. It’s an experiment of sorts. And we’re the guinea pigs.” He grinned. “I think it’s a brilliant idea myself. But it means we will be going full speed. I hope you are all up to the challenge.” He paused before adding. “It also means that we have the chance to make an impact faster and get picked up for a second season sooner. It could be a really good thing.”

  There was a lot of murmuring and agreement and Rachel noticed the excitement level in the room rise.

  “Okay, so let’s get to work. Everyone should have a copy of this week’s script in front of them. Let’s begin.”

  Rachel alternated between being absolutely riveted in the story and terrified when it came for her turn to speak. But each time, once she started to talk, she lost herself in the story. The writing really was amazing. And when they finished the read through, everyone seemed to feel it too. The story was good, and all the people seemed really well cast. Rachel hoped that they thought she sounded okay. She’d tried her best.

  “You were great!” Sandy said softly as they finished the reading, and Rachel relaxed a little. The others all chimed in as well, and Rachel sensed that there was some relief that she’d done okay. They all knew it was a risk to cast someone completely unknown in a big role. If she blew it, it would affect all of them.

  The rest of the day was a whirlwind of more readings, fittings with the costume people and visiting the set where most of the scenes would be shot. By the time they called it a day around five, she was about ready to fall into bed. She was tired just from being so alert all day and trying to absorb everything and remember everyone’s names and roles and how they related to hers.

  Everyone was starting to file out of the room and Rachel went to join them when Adiel caught her eye.

  “Rachel, can you hold on a minute?”

  “Sure.” She suddenly felt nervous, wondering if there was something Adiel hadn’t liked about her reading. She would happily make any changes that he suggested. She was already impressed with how he worked with everyone, making small suggestions that improved the story or their performance so much.

  “Relax, it’s nothing bad,” he said, and she knew he’d read her face well. She’d always been told she was like an open book—all her emotions were right there on the surface, easy to see.

  “I just wanted to see how your first day was?”

  Rachel relaxed. “It was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it. The story is great, and it was so fun to read through it. I can’t wait to be Susan.”

  Adiel smiled. “Good. It’s going to be a fun time, Rachel.”

  “It will be the first time I’ve thought of work as fun.”

  “Get used to it. When you love what you do, you get to play every day. We’re very lucky to be able to do this.”

  “I know.” Rachel grinned. “I feel like I’ve won the lottery to be honest.”

  Adiel laughed. “Well hold on to that feeling. Good work today. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Good night.”

  Rachel drove home, feeling happier and luckier than ever. She finally had her dream job, and so far, it was even better than she’d ever imagined.

  Rachel’s first week was going by quickly. She enjoyed every minute of it and just about everyone on the show was great to work with. Sandy was quickly becoming a good friend, and she was getting to know everyone else that worked on the production. It was amazing how many people were involved in putting a show together.

  Wednesday afternoon during their fifteen minute break Rachel decided to walk over to Sadie’s Saloon to get a caramel nut coffee. Sadie’s had the best homemade ice cream and fresh brewed coffee in Riston. She got in line to order and recognized the older man in front of her. It was Norm, one of the camera guys. He smiled when he saw her.

  “Hi Rachel. Did you have a craving for a good cup of coffee too?”

  “Yes. I felt like taking a walk too, to stretch my legs and get outside for a minute.”

  Once they both had their coffees, they walked back to the set together.

  “Did someone say you’re a local girl, from Riston?” Norm asked.

  Rachel nodded. “Yes, I’ve lived here all my life.”

  “I used to live here once, many years ago. My family moved to California when I was a sophomore in high school. It’s strange to be back here after so long. It hasn’t changed much. Still the best place on earth.” He sounded nostalgic and Rachel could sense his sadness. He really had missed living there. She thought he looked to be around her mother’s age.

  “I wonder if you knew my mother? Lauren Holmes?”

  Norm stopped and stared at her. “Lauren is your mother?”

  “You knew her?”

  He nodded. “Your mother was the first girl I ever dated.” He was quiet for a moment before asking, “How is she? Please tell her I said hello.”

  “I will. And she’s great. Do you have any kids?” Rachel wondered if he was married now. He wasn’t wearing a ring, but she knew a lot of the guys that carried equipment around didn’t always wear their rings.

  He shook his head. “No, I never married. I travel so much for my job. I’m never in the same place for long. Though if this show gets picked up, there could be steady work here for the next few years, maybe longer. As soon as I heard the show was going to be filming here, I was first in line to put my name in. I always wanted to come back here at some point.”

  “I’ll tell her you said hello. I bet she’ll be thrilled.”

  Norm looked thoughtful. “Do you have any brothers or sisters? Your mother’s happily married I suppose?”

  Rachel smiled. “Divorced actually. I’m the oldest of three.”

  She thought she noticed a hint of a smile. “Three children. Has she been divorced long?”

  “Yes, over ten years now. She works downtown at the Riston diner, mostly for breakfast and lunch.”

  “The Riston diner? I haven’t had a chance to explore much since I’ve been back. So many new businesses since I was last here.”

  They reached the set with about a minute to spare. Rachel was curious about Norm. Her mother had never mentioned him. She wondered
if the relationship had meant as much to her mother as it seemed to mean to Norm.

  Her mother’s face lost color when Rachel told her about Norm.

  “Norm Sandler is here in Riston?”

  “Yes, he’s a cameraman on the show. He seems really nice. Said he missed living here.”

  Her mother looked out the window and seemed lost in thought. Finally she turned her attention back to Rachel and smiled. “A cameraman. I always wondered what happened to Norm.”

  “He said that you were the first girl he ever dated. Is that true? You never mentioned him before.”

  “No, I never did. And yes, he was. Norm was very special to me. I was heartbroken when his family moved away. We were in love. Well as much as you can be at that age. At the time though, I think we both thought we’d get married.” She looked lost in her memories and Rachel was surprised. She’d never heard her mother talk this way about anyone.

  “You never kept in touch?” she asked.

  Her mother shook her head. “No, not really. We did at first. We wrote letters, but we both eventually accepted that the move was permanent and after a while, the letters slowed and we both moved on. And then I met your father.” Rachel knew that her mother and father met in their senior year of high school and married a few months after graduation. Less than a year later, Rachel was born. Her mother never went on to college and her father worked in construction.

  They divorced when her mother discovered that her father was having an affair with his secretary. They ended up running off together and moving to Las Vegas. They only saw their father once or twice a year after that and it was always awkward and for the first few years full of anger on Rachel’s side. She never could understand how her father could up and leave his family.

  “I’ve thought about Norm a few times over the years. Glad to hear he’s doing well. Please give him my regards.”

  Rachel looked at her mother closely. She was still a very attractive woman with big brown eyes, shiny sandy blonde hair that fell in a stylish bob just below her chin and though she wasn’t as thin as Rachel, she was still in very good shape. And she had the same look in her eyes that she’d noticed in Norm’s. Maybe it wasn’t too late for the two of them.

  “Mom, he seems like a really nice guy. And he never married. He’s single.”

  “Really? How interesting.”

  Chapter 5

  Adiel was dreading his date with Lexy. The pretty nurse was nice enough, but he just hated first dates in general. He’d asked her where she wanted to go for dinner and she’d suggested his favorite restaurant, the Italian place, Mamma Mia’s. He had mixed feelings about that. He went there so often that he felt a little funny going for a first date, but on the other hand, at least he knew he’d enjoy the food.

  He’d almost forgotten about the date entirely. Ben had told him he needed to ask for her number and go on at least one date, so he’d called her the day after trivia and she said that she was working the rest of the weekend, so they made plans to go out Wednesday night. His thoughts all week had been entirely consumed with the show. There was even more of a sense of urgency about it now that they knew it was green-lighted.

  And Rachel was doing an incredible job. He knew some of the other cast members were a little worried that he’d hired a complete unknown for such an important role but once they started filming, they quickly came around. Rachel was easy to work with, a complete professional and there was a wonderful vulnerability and rawness to her performance that was breathtaking. He knew it was good as he watched it live, but looking at the film later gave him goosebumps. He couldn’t wait to see what the audience reaction would be to this second episode.

  He’d offered to pick Lexy up, but she wanted to meet at the restaurant as she was going to go straight from her shift at the hospital. Adiel waited outside for her and she arrived right on time. They went in and were seated at a quiet table by the window. When the waiter came over, Adiel ordered a bottle of chianti and they chatted a little before putting their order in. He got his usual lasagna and Lexy chose the chicken Marsala.

  She was friendly and easy to talk to, which was a relief. Adiel was impressed to learn that she was actually a nurse practitioner, a step above a regular nurse and that she loved her job at the hospital.

  “I work in pediatrics, which is children of all ages, and it can be heart-breaking at times, but also really rewarding too.”

  “It’s nice to love what you do. Have you always lived in Riston?” It seemed like most people he’d met were from the small town and had never left. He didn’t blame them though. It was a lovely area. But her answer surprised him.

  “No, I’ve only been here for a few years, actually. I was a traveling nurse and took three month assignments all over the country. It was a great way to experience living in different areas and learn where I wanted to stay.”

  They both looked up as their server set down their salads.

  He smiled. “So, you came to Riston and never left?”

  “Pretty much. I extended my stay for another three months and then accepted a permanent offer with the hospital. I love it here.”

  “I was a little hesitant to come here. I’d never been to Idaho before and it seemed like it was in the middle of no where. It was the only reason I didn’t jump on this opportunity at first, but now that I’m here, I get it. I bet it’s a great place to raise a family.”

  Lexy’s eyes lit up. “I think it would be!”

  They were halfway through eating their dinners when Lexy suddenly tensed up.

  “What’s wrong?” Adiel followed her gaze to a couple that was being seated. A very tall man with dark hair and a petite blonde woman. “Do you know them?”

  Lexy nodded and looked miserable. “That’s my ex. This was always our favorite restaurant. I never imagined we’d come on the same night.”

  Adiel sympathized. “Has it been long?”

  “Three months. We were engaged and dated for almost two years. It just fell apart at the end. It’s a long story.”

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work out. We’re just about done, I can ask for the check if you don’t want to stay for dessert?”

  “Could we? If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to just go. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s no problem at all. I understand it’s hard to run into an ex, especially if they’re with someone else.” Lexy looked close to tears as Adiel waved down their waiter and asked for the check. He handed him a credit card before he even set the bill on the table and a few minutes later, they walked out the door. Lexy didn’t think that her ex had seen them and wanted to get out before it became too awkward.

  “The last thing I feel like doing is saying hello to him and his date,” she said as they walked to their cars.

  “Well, I had a nice time tonight,” Adiel said when they reached their vehicles. Clearly Lexy wasn’t over her ex yet, but until he showed up, they’d had a pleasant enough time.

  She nodded and her eyes were damp. “I did too. I’m sorry I had to end things so abruptly. I’d love to go out again sometime, maybe.”

  Adiel wasn’t sure if she was just being polite, but he smiled.

  “Of course, I’ll call soon and we’ll make a plan.”

  As he drove home, he thought to himself that he was glad he’d gotten out there. It had been a nice enough evening even though it had ended abruptly. It might be good for both of them to have a second date and see if there was anything there to explore.

  Cameron called Rachel on her lunch hour on Thursday to confirm that they were on for trivia that night.

  “Sure, I’ll just walk over to the restaurant when I finish up here.”

  “Is your hunky director coming tonight?”

  “The director? Oh, you mean Adiel? I don’t know if he’s coming. He hasn’t mentioned it.”

  “I heard he had a date last night, with Lexy. That girl that showed up last week at trivia.” That was news to Rachel.

  “Really? How did you hear that?”
>
  “She told me over coffee this morning. She said they had a lovely time until her ex, that doctor she was engaged to, walked into the restaurant she and Adiel were at.”

  “Oh, no! How awkward.”

  “Well, it could have been worse. He didn’t see her, so she avoided having to talk to him. But still, it ruined her night. Fortunately, they were just about done eating by then, anyway.”

  “Do you think they’ll go out again?”

  “Maybe. She said he was nice, and she felt bad that she freaked out when she saw her ex.”

  “So, you really think he’s hot?” Cameron hadn’t said anything before.

  “Adiel? Yeah, he has that artsy look going on with his wavy hair that is just a little too long and those black glasses. He kind of looks smart and hot at the same time.”

  Rachel laughed. “He does actually. He’s my boss so I haven’t really thought much about it. He’s nice.”

  “How old do you think he is?”

  “Are you really interested? I think I heard someone say he’s thirty-five.” Rachel never knew with Cameron. She always got bored easily and was on to the next thing.

  “Oh, really?” She sounded disappointed. “For some reason I thought he was younger.”

  “Thirty-five isn’t exactly old.”

  “It is to me. I’ve never gone for older guys. You know that.”

  Now that she thought about it, she realized Cameron was right. Just about every guy she’d dated was her age or even a little younger.

  Rachel noticed people heading back on to the set. “I should get back to work.”

  “Okay, see you later.”

  Rachel had a scene that afternoon with Corey Walker, who played a playboy type that was trying to charm her character, but wasn’t getting anywhere. It was hard to tell where Corey left off and his character began because he was playing a part that was so similar to himself. He was a rising star in Hollywood and had quite a following of devoted fans. The tabloids loved him because he always had a parade of young women that he was in and out of relationships with. They never lasted long. He was tall and too handsome for his own good, almost pretty with full lips and vivid green eyes and impossibly long lashes. His hair was naturally light blonde and tousled.