An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  Estelle’s boots clicked on the tile-floored hallway. “Well done,” she whispered.

  He stood a little taller. “Thanks.” He pulled open the door. “After you.”

  She nodded and walked to the front. He’d had one of the older teens come in early to get the auditorium ready. Everything was exactly as he’d requested.

  The volunteers were efficient, but they still started a little late.

  ~

  Two hours into the auditions Estelle slid a note to him.

  Take five?

  He nodded and raised his hand for the girl singing to stop. He’d heard enough. Why would the parents of someone who was tone-deaf allow their child to audition for a musical? He scribbled a note to remind himself she must be an extra with no singing parts. “Thank you.” He stood and faced everyone who was still waiting. “We’re going to take a break.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s be back in fifteen minutes.”

  Estelle rose and discreetly stretched. “Why do you do this? From what I’ve seen, this town is in need of talent.”

  He frowned and pulled her toward a side exit so no one would hear their conversation. “It’s been a rough start, but we only need three good singers. The rest are in the chorus or won’t have a speaking part at all.”

  “Okay, but that last girl couldn’t dance or sing if her life depended on it. How’s that going to work in a musical?”

  “She’s a kid. Be nice. I anticipated we’d have some with two left feet. I’ve hired an excellent local choreographer. She’s great with kids.” There was no way he’d allow this production to be a flop. The theater had been his wife’s passion—he owed her this. If it wasn’t for him . . . No. He needed to stop going there. Trinity had loved working with the children because they were so genuine. In many ways, he’d begun this summer theater as a tribute to his late wife and daughter. They were both triple threats—singing, dancing, and acting. He didn’t have an ounce of talent when it came to those things, but he knew talent when he saw it.

  “I didn’t mean to be unkind.” Estelle’s blue eyes darkened. “Helen told me everyone who auditions gets a part, and I panicked.”

  He patted her shoulder, sending a tingle zipping up his arm. He yanked his arm to his side. “Leave the panicking to me. I need some air.” He moved toward the exit leading to the alley.

  Estelle two-timed it after him, her heels giving away her haste. She spoke in a loud whisper. “Stop running from me.”

  He pulled up short and turned to face her. “What?”

  “Why the rush? You gave everyone fifteen minutes. There’s plenty of time.”

  He shrugged. No way would he admit to trying to create a little space between them. That tingle bothered him big time. He couldn’t be attracted to Estelle Rogers. Even though he wanted to honor his wife and daughter’s memory with this children’s theater, he could never get involved with an actress again. Especially one Trinity had disliked.

  He raised his face toward the sky, soaking in the sunrays that shone through the parted clouds and breathing in deeply of the warming air.

  “Are you just going to stand there?” Estelle asked. She placed her hands at her waist and tapped her foot. “You were rushing a minute ago.”

  “I wanted some fresh air. Relax, Hollywood. We take things a little slower here.”

  Her brow puckered. “Don’t call me that.”

  Whoa. Someone was a little sensitive. “Sorry. I suppose we could head back, since you’re in such a hurry,” he teased. “We’ll need to walk around to the front. These doors are locked from the outside.” He glanced at his watch. More time had passed than he realized. He increased his stride.

  “Oh. We could have put a stopper in the way.” She kept pace beside him as he walked through the alley and toward the front of the building. Coming out here had been stupid, except he’d been trying to get away from her. A lot of good that did. Now they’d both be late. They finally reached the front of the big building, and he held the door for her.

  “Thanks.” She picked up the pace once they were inside then breezed into the auditorium.

  He clapped his hands together. “Okay, everyone! Let’s get going.” He sat and flipped his clipboard right side up. “Jenny Denton,” he called out, “you’re up.”

  Jenny ran onto the stage. She opened her mouth, beginning the theme song for the musical. A hush fell over the room. Her voice, clear and strong, graced each note with perfection. She pirouetted across the stage and ended with a leap at exactly the right moment. She was a triple threat. His shoulders tightened.

  Estelle leaned in close. “Looks like we found our lead.”

  “Maybe.” He wasn’t ready to commit. She was exceptional, but seeing her up there reminded him so much of Kendal. They could be sisters, their appearance was so similar. How would he survive the summer if Jenny played the lead? It was going to be hard enough having her in the musical at all, but if she played Cindy he’d be working with her constantly.

  “What’s the matter?” Estelle asked as everyone applauded.

  “Nothing.” How could she always tell when he was upset? His job had gotten a lot harder. He suspected there would be several angry moms on Monday when he posted the parts. This very well might be his last summer with the theater.

  Chapter Three

  “How can you say Jenny isn’t the one?” Estelle paced the width of the stage with a hand resting on her hip. “Did we sit through the same audition?” She didn’t bother to temper her frustration. Blake was being a stubborn mule about this, which made no sense considering he had to want the best person for the part. She’d heard of being a control freak, but this was ridiculous.

  Blake scrubbed a hand up and down his face as he sat at a table with pictures of all the kids spread out in front of him. “She doesn’t have the look I was going for.”

  “So what? Jenny Denton was born to play Cindy Stetson.” She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “You know as well as I do that I’m right. Come on, Blake. What gives?”

  “She lacks experience.”

  “It’s children’s theater! What do you expect? She’s not going to have a lifetime of credits to her name.”

  Blake stood and strode toward the doors in the back of the auditorium. “I need a break.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered. What was wrong with that man? They could have been out of here hours ago, but instead it was after nine on a Friday night and they still hadn’t finished casting. She stepped down the side stairs and strolled over to the table Blake had occupied.

  Three pictures grabbed her attention—Paris, Jenny, and Melody, the girl whose mom had given Blake a difficult time. All the girls were close in age and talent, but Jenny could sing circles around the others.

  The door to the auditorium opened and Helen scooted in. She raised a brown sack. “I brought provisions.” She strode toward the table. “Where’s Blake? I thought he’d be in here with you.”

  “He took a break.” Estelle sighed and sat in an auditorium chair.

  Helen joined her at the table and pulled out roast beef sandwiches. “What’s wrong?”

  “How long have you known Blake?” Maybe the older woman could offer some insight on why he was being so difficult.

  “My goodness. He and Derek have been friends since they were kids. I feel like I’ve known him his entire life. I suppose I’m like a second mother to him.”

  “I had no idea. You never said anything.”

  Helen shrugged. “There was no reason to. Why all the questions?”

  “I’m trying to figure him out. He wanted my help with casting, yet he won’t let the best person for the role have it.”

  Helen frowned. “That doesn’t sound like Blake. Who’s this person you want?”

  Estelle slid Jenny’s photo over to Helen.

  She gasped. “Oh my goodness. She looks so much like Kendal.”

  “Who’s Kendal?”

  “She was my daughter.” Blake towered over
them. His brow bunched as if he was in pain.

  Estelle jumped. “You’re like a ninja or something.” He had a daughter? Wait, he said was. Could that be what was causing them to butt heads?

  “Thanks for the food, Helen. I can always count on you to take care of me.”

  Helen took his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before letting it go. “You know it.” She stood and slipped her arm through her purse. “The two of you have been here all day. Maybe a change in scenery would help this process move along.”

  Blake let out a long sigh. “You might be right.” He glanced at Estelle. “You okay with moving this to the farm?”

  Estelle couldn’t believe he’d agreed. When she’d made the same suggestion two hours ago he’d refused. Go figure. “It’s fine.” She quickly gathered everything into a pile and slid it all into her oversized purse. During the auditions earlier she’d taken notes about who she would cast in each of the roles. She figured they’d have been out of here in under an hour, but Blake clearly had an emotional connection to this musical and these kids, so it was personal for him.

  They headed out together. She walked to Helen’s car, which was parked right outside the door. “You got lucky. I had to park a block away.”

  “Hop in. I’ll give you a ride to your car.”

  “Thanks.” She climbed in and buckled up. “Make a left at the next intersection. I’m parked about halfway up the block.”

  “Okie-dokie.” Helen pulled away from the curb. “I haven’t seen Blake like this since he first came to live in Oak Knoll four years ago. I’m worried about him.”

  “Aren’t you the one always telling me not to worry and quoting scripture?”

  “True, but when someone you care about is hurting, that practice is easier in theory,” she said drily. She turned at the intersection.

  “I hear that.” Lord, we both know I’m self-centered, and I’m really not asking this for me. I’m concerned about Blake. Please help him through whatever is going on in his head. Thanks.

  Helen had taught her so much about turning her troubles over to the Lord that it had begun to become second nature, except for one thing. Although she was good at the praying part, the letting go part was tough.

  Helen pulled over. “That looks like yours.”

  “Yes. Thanks.” Estelle got out and walked to her car. Except for the streetlights, the town was dark. It seemed Oak Knoll went to bed early. She waited for Helen to pull out then followed her to the farm. She parked in front of the barn beside Blake’s pickup.

  Helen got out of her car. “I imagine Blake will want to work in there.” She motioned toward the barn. “There’s lots of room to spread out, and the cottage is a little cramped.”

  “Okay. He’s probably already inside,” Estelle said. “Good night.”

  “’Night. I’ll pray the two of you can get this figured out sooner than later.”

  “I appreciate that. I’ll be praying too.”

  Estelle slid the barn door to the side, noting the lights shone bright.

  Blake balanced a table on its side. He pulled the legs out, flipped it upright, and looked in her direction. “You ready to finish this?”

  “Maybe we should wait until morning.” It had been a long day. If Blake had time to sleep on it, he might be more likely to see things her way.

  “No. I want to nail this down tonight. It won’t take long.”

  With a sigh, she stepped further into the well-kept barn. The scent of fresh hay filled the air.

  Blake pulled two metal chairs over to a long banquet-sized table. “We can work here.”

  She pulled the audition photos out of her bag and placed them on the table. “Before we begin, I’m curious about something.”

  He shot her a wary look.

  “You said Jenny looks like your daughter. Is that why you don’t want to give her the lead?”

  He sat quiet for a moment, as if lost in thought then stood. “I’ll be right back.” He moved into a room off to the side and returned a moment later holding a framed picture. “That was my wife, Trinity, and my daughter, Kendal.”

  She took the framed photo. Jenny resembled his daughter but only slightly. They both had long, dark hair and a sweet smile. Estelle looked a little closer. Their eyes were similar too. His wife didn’t look like their daughter at all, though. She must take after her dad. Trinity had long, wavy blonde hair. Her green eyes were gorgeous. And her face was perfectly heart-shaped. She was stunning.

  “They’re beautiful.” She handed him the photograph. Clearly he wasn’t going to answer her question about why he wouldn’t give Jenny the lead.

  “Thanks.” He set it on the table. “You met Trinity once.”

  “I did?” When she saw the anger that filled his eyes, she recoiled—as if he struck her. Why was he so angry? She was afraid to hear what he would say but needed to know. It was no secret she hadn’t been the kindest person once upon a time. It wasn’t until she’d met Helen and been introduced to the Lord that she’d begun to change her ways and treat people with kindness and respect. Helen had gently pointed out that her reactions to people could use some work. She was ashamed of the way she’d behaved but couldn’t take back her past. It would always be there. “Tell me about it.”

  “My daughter was a big fan of yours, and Trinity had a small part in Tide of Love.”

  “The last decent movie I starred in.” Estelle remembered well the summer they’d filmed that movie—record high temperatures had made it miserable. In spite of the uncomfortable heat, she’d been full of herself, riding high on her success.

  He nodded. “She asked for your autograph for Kendal. You refused and gave Trinity the brush-off.”

  Regret washed over Estelle. No wonder he had seemed wary of her when they’d first met. “I’m sorry. I know it’s too little too late. There’s no good excuse for my behavior.”

  “At least we can agree on one thing.”

  She winced. “Ouch. What were your wife and daughter like?”

  He shuffled through his notes as if he hadn’t heard her.

  She narrowed her eyes and clenched her hands together. She had enough to deal with without taking on Blake too. Now that she’d had time to think things through, she felt badly about Jeff and needed to figure out how to make amends with him. Not that she wanted to get back together. He was right—if she truly loved him, saying yes to his proposal would have been easy. She would miss him though. He was a good man, and she enjoyed spending time with him. She especially enjoyed his cooking. But Jeff was in California, and Blake was here. She pushed her thoughts aside and focused on him. “I understand not wanting to tell me about your wife and daughter, and I understand why you don’t like me, but I’m here to help. If you don’t want it, I’ll leave.”

  The angry look on his face softened, and he blew out a breath. “I’m sorry. That comment was uncalled for, but I’d rather not talk about Trinity and Kendal anymore.”

  “Should I leave?”

  “No. Helen is right. I need you.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I think I’m stalling. Whatever we decide, there will be at least a few disappointed kids and possibly angry parents to deal with.”

  “Wimp,” she teased.

  His eyes narrowed.

  She raised her hands. “I was teasing. I’m a different person now. If you give me a chance, I can prove it.”

  Indecision crossed his face then cleared. “I suppose that’s only fair.”

  ~

  Blake flicked a pencil back and forth between his fingers. He hadn’t meant to tell Estelle about her connection to his wife. His intent had been to stuff his bias aside and do as Helen had suggested—take advantage of Estelle’s experience. Instead he’d made a mess of things. If they were going to work together, he could put in a little effort to get to know her as she requested. “So tell me about yourself. Who are you?”

  Surprise lit her eyes. “For starters, I’m actually a nice person most of the time.” She shot him a wry gr
in. “My life is wrapped up in my restaurant. I was dating my executive chef until he proposed. It’s over now.”

  “You broke up with him because he proposed?” What kind of person did that? She wasn’t gaining any points to his way of thinking.

  She shook her head. “No. He broke up with me the day I got here.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “I had told him I needed time to think. Being the smart man that he is, he realized that if I truly loved him, I’d have been able to give him an answer. I couldn’t. So after a week of waiting, he broke up with me over the phone.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I will be. I feel horrible because I know he’s hurt. But I’m not brokenhearted.” She shrugged. “Okay, maybe I’m a little sad, but it’s for the best.”

  When he’d asked her to tell him about herself, this was the last thing he’d expected to hear. Clearly she was more open than he’d realized. Her transparency shocked him and drew him to her at the same time.

  He picked up the photos of Paris and Jenny. If he were honest, Jenny was perfect for the role of Cindy. Her acting skills weren’t as strong as her singing, but he had no doubt she’d bring Cindy to life on the stage.

  He looked up and met Estelle’s eyes. “Jenny can play Cindy.”

  “Really?” The sadness from a moment ago cleared. She leaned forward. “Just like that?” She snapped her fingers.

  His breath hitched. Her eyes shone, and she seemed more beautiful than she had when they’d first met. How was that possible? “Yes. You inspired me to look past my own insecurity and pain.” He dipped his head. “Now what did you think of Melody and Paris?” She seemed to take his comment in stride—good. He didn’t want to make a big deal about his decision.

  “Paris has exceptional stage presence, but Melody’s rawness makes her perfect for the role of Anna.”

  “I agree.” Although he hadn’t thought of it until she pointed it out. “I wonder if that will be good enough for her mother?”

  “Why does it matter?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder.