She shot a look of annoyance at him. “It would have been nice to be given the choice. As long as I’m here, I don’t want to miss anything.”
He raised both hands. “Okay, okay—I won’t make that mistake again.”
Her face relaxed. “Thank you.”
He hadn’t realized this musical was so important to her. His heart warmed at her passion for his pet project.
A commotion on the sidewalk outside drew his attention.
Chapter Nine
Estelle rose on tiptoe, hoping to see what had drawn the crowd’s attention. Was someone injured? She didn’t hear any sirens and no emergency responders were parked nearby. She turned to Blake. “Can you see what the problem is?”
A grim look covered his face. “Come on. We need to take the back exit.” He gripped her forearm and tugged her toward the kitchen.
If she didn’t trust Blake, there was no way she’d allow him to forcefully direct her like this. “What’s wrong?” Her pulse amped.
“Nick, Estelle needs to duck out the back way. Okay?”
“No problem.” Nick tugged off his apron and went in the direction they’d come.
She needed to take the back exit? She dug in her feet and refused to move. “Hold on. Why do I need to leave this way? What did you see out there?”
“I recognized a photographer. He’s rather aggressive, and I figured you’d prefer to avoid the paparazzi, but if I was wrong . . .” He removed his hand from her arm. “By all means, take the front exit.”
Estelle’s pulse thrummed in her ears. “How did you know he’s a paparazzo?” Did Blake tip him off that she was here working on his musical to drum up interest in his work? She crossed her arms and focused on his face.
He didn’t so much as blink. “Trinity and I were at one of Derek’s concerts years ago. There was one man in particular who was very aggressive. He got into a scuffle with one of the guys on Derek’s security team.”
“Oh.” She remembered that. Derek had been pretty upset, and it wasn’t long after that he took off for Italy and then settled here to be with his mom. “I’m sorry for thinking you had anything to do with him being here.”
But how did the media know she was here? Maybe he wasn’t here for her at all. Then again, maybe he had found out about the musical. Panic filled her. What should she do? It wasn’t like she could hide from him forever. If he knew about the musical, then he’d simply lie in wait at the community center. No, it was best to face this head on—even if he was an unpleasant person.
“What are you thinking?” Blake narrowed his eyes as he studied her.
“That some things, or rather people, need to be dealt with and not ignored. In this case Mr. Paparazzo. The sooner I give him the photo op and sound bite he wants, the sooner we can be rid of him.” She tugged on his arm.
He didn’t budge. “Are you sure about this?”
“No, but I’m going with it anyway. Come on. I want you with me.” The paparazzi scared her. Always had. They were a necessary evil once upon a time, but no more. She glanced over her shoulder as they exited the kitchen. “Stay close.”
“I’m here.”
As she pushed out the door, an unexpected calmness filled her. She squared her shoulders and plastered on her camera-ready smile.
The crowd parted and hushed. It looked like he’d been interviewing the community. Had he turned into a reporter or something?
He looked in her direction and smiled. “Ms. Rogers. Just the woman I wanted to talk to.”
The crowd’s attention turned to her.
“I’m walking to the community center. We can talk on the way.”
His eyes widened. “Works for me.” He shouldered his camera bag on one side and held a voice recorder in the other. His camera was draped around his neck. No telephoto lens—interesting. That used to be a staple of this particular man.
She set out toward the community center with Blake to her right and the “reporter” to her left. A plethora of questions swam around in her mind, but she refused to speak until spoken to. There was no reason she needed to make his job easier.
“Word is that Estelle’s is going under. Do you care to comment?” He thrust the voice recorder in her face.
Estelle’s? That’s why he was here? She took a breath and let it out in a puff. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Estelle’s doors will not be closing anytime in the foreseeable future.”
“According to my sources, your chef quit and most of your kitchen staff did as well.”
Panic shot through her. Could he be right? Had Jamie kept the full truth from her? “Who is your source?”
“A good reporter never reveals his sources.”
“You’re suggesting you’re a good reporter? That’s rich.”
Blake cleared his throat and rested a hand on her back.
“Tell you what, you tell me your source, and I’ll give you an interview. Until that time we’re done.” She walked up the steps to the community center.
“What are you doing in Oak Knoll? The townspeople said you were volunteering with the children’s theater. Why are you here when your restaurant is falling apart, Ms. Rogers?”
She let him shoot questions at her back, never once altering her gait.
Blake opened the door. “After you.”
“Thanks.” Her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you mind if I use your office? I need to make a private phone call.”
“Not at all. Should I hold the meeting for you?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know how long this will take.”
Concern filled his face. “Do you think he was telling the truth?”
“That’s what I aim to find out. There’s no reason for him to make it up. I’ve been off his radar for years. I can’t imagine why I am suddenly news, unless there’s more going on than I’m aware of. Regardless of how this phone conversation goes, I’ll be on the next flight out of Portland. I need to see with my own eyes what’s going on.”
His shoulders drooped slightly. “I understand. You do what you must. We’ll be here when you get back.”
“Thanks for understanding.” Blake was a true friend. She appreciated that he didn’t lay a guilt trip on her. She hustled to his office backstage and closed the door. The meeting would more than likely be in the auditorium, so no one would be nearby to overhear.
She called Jamie’s cell phone.
After four rings, Jamie picked up. “Before you say anything, it wasn’t me. I’d hoped to contain the story, but failed. I assume that’s why you’re calling.”
“So it’s true?” Estelle slumped against the chair back.
“Half the kitchen staff is moving to New York with Jeff. I had hoped to rehire help quickly, but there’s more.”
Estelle closed her eyes, bracing herself for whatever Jamie had to tell her.
“Someone has been stealing from the till. I don’t know who, and until I can narrow it down, I don’t want to hire anyone new.”
“Great. Just great.” She leaned forward and rested her head in her hands. “I’ll be there tomorrow. Don’t do or say anything to anyone.”
“But the media wants to know what’s going on.”
“And how do they know about any of this?”
“Well, it seems someone here tipped them off.”
“Who?”
“I may have said something to my sister.”
“Jamie!” Her sister was a reporter with a local TV station. “Of all people. Why?”
“I needed advice. I didn’t think about her being a reporter. She’s my sister.”
Estelle took a long, slow breath, stopping herself before she fired her manager and was left with no one to run the restaurant in her absence. “I trusted you.”
“I know. And I’m sorry.”
“Keep things together until I get there. Can you do that for me?” If someone had told her she’d doubt Jamie’s competence and loyalty even a week ago, she’d have stuck up for the woman. How had
things gone bad so fast?
“I’ll do my best, Estelle.”
Estelle hung up and left the office. She sent her assistant a text to book her on an evening flight out of PDX.
Blake parted the black velvet-like curtains and stopped when he saw her. “You look like you lost your best friend.”
“Pretty close. I have to pack. My assistant is booking me on a flight for tonight. Things are a lot worse than I knew. I’m sorry, Blake, but I don’t know if I’ll be back before the performances.”
“It’s okay. I understand. We’ve got this. Don’t worry.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Everything will work out.”
How could he be so sweet when she was bailing on him? She blinked back tears then wrapped her arms around his middle and held tight.
His body slowly relaxed as he held her. “I’ll be praying for you.”
The tension lifted, and she breathed easier. When was the last time someone had that effect on her? She tilted her head back. “Thanks. I’ll call you when I know more.” She stepped out of his embrace.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and looked into her eyes. “If you need anything, I’m only a phone call away.”
“And a thousand miles.”
He waved away her concern. “It’s only a two hour flight or a day’s drive. No biggie.”
She gave him a sad smile. “Thank you, Blake. I’d better get a move on.”
“Do you need a ride to the airport?”
She bit down on her bottom lip. “I forgot about that. I don’t want to leave my car there indefinitely.”
Amber stepped from the other side of the curtains. “I love going to PDX. I’d be happy to take you, Estelle.”
“You were eavesdropping?” Blake asked.
“Not really. I was heading back here to ask you a question when I overhead you ask Estelle about needing a ride.”
“I’ll take you up on that, Amber. Thanks. When I know my itinerary I’ll text it to you.” She’d rather Blake took her but it would be easier this way.
Three hours later, Estelle sat beside Amber in her Honda sedan. “I sure appreciate you taking me to the airport. Especially during this time of day. The traffic is a pain.”
“I like driving, and I love going to Portland, so you’re doing me a favor by giving me a reason to go there.”
They drove in silence, listening to the radio for close to an hour when Amber glanced toward Estelle. “So is there anything going on between you and Blake?”
Estelle thought of their hug, but that had probably meant nothing to him. “No. But I thought you had your sights on him.”
“What?” She glanced toward Estelle. “No way.”
“You were flirting with him at the barn the other day.” Estelle watched Amber closely, and then it hit her—she’d promised not to say anything about the flirting. Big oops. But she couldn’t take it back now.
“I was? How embarrassing. I’ve been told I’m a flirt, but I don’t mean to be. I tend to be too friendly, and it’s misunderstood as flirting.” She shook her head. “How will I ever face him again?”
Estelle could tell the woman was being truthful, and she felt for her. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure he’s forgotten all about it. But out of curiosity, why aren’t you interested in him? He’s single, good looking, solid as a rock, sweet . . .” Estelle’s face heated. Great—she’d better not get all blotchy again.
Amber shot her a knowing look. “I suppose he’s all those things, but he comes with way too much baggage.”
Estelle twisted to face Amber. “You’re kidding.”
“No. Why would I kid about that? You know about his wife and daughter? He blames himself that they died. That’s a big burden to carry alone—baggage.”
Estelle frowned and faced forward. Her gaze locked on the truck in front of them. She knew about Trinity and Kendal, but why did he blame himself? Surely he didn’t think a car accident he had nothing to do with was his fault. Sadness that he carried that burden settled on her. “Okay, so you’re not into men with baggage no matter how ruggedly handsome?”
“Nope. He’s all yours, and if I’m reading him right, he’s interested too.”
Estelle’s head whipped toward the driver’s side of the car. Had Amber also seen their hug and read too much into it? She had to explain. “Blake could barely stand me when we first met. There’s no way he’s interested. Granted he’s a great friend, but beyond that . . .” She shook her head. Could Amber be right? She caught her breath. What was wrong with her? She’d just broken one man’s heart, and here she was excited by the possibility that Blake was attracted to her.
Amber shrugged. “I suppose I don’t know him all that well. My aunt told me what I know, so maybe I read him wrong. He’s a pretty serious guy. I try to lighten things up when I’m around him, but . . . well.” Amber sighed and flipped on her blinker as she took the exit to Airport Road.
Estelle chuckled. That explained so much. “As soon as I get things straightened out with my restaurant I’ll be back. Maybe I’ll help you try to lighten him up.”
Amber smiled. “That could be fun. Give me a heads up, and I’ll come get you.”
“How is it you have time? Don’t you have a dance studio to run?”
“My studio is still small, and most of my classes are on Saturdays. Thanks to the students I’ve been picking up from the theater, I might be able to add another class to my schedule soon, but I still have plenty of time to come and get you.” She moved over to the drop-off lane and braked. “Here you go.”
“Thanks again.” Estelle hopped out and grabbed her bags from the backseat. “See you.”
“’Bye.” Amber waved and pulled into traffic.
What an interesting person. Estelle looked forward to getting to know her. But right now she had to get checked in and through security.
~
Blake sat in his room in the barn, staring at the wall. He could move back to the cottage but hoped Estelle would return sooner than later. Weariness weighed on him. He missed her already, and she’d only been gone two days. Rehearsals had gone well—much better than he’d expected, considering Estelle’s sudden departure. It still amazed him how easily the kids had bonded with her.
A knock sounded on his door.
“Come in.” He sat up.
“There you are,” Helen said. “I’ve been looking all over for you. I saw your pickup, but you weren’t in the cottage.”
“No. I decided to stay here for a while.”
“I see. You’re hoping Estelle will be back.” Helen stepped over to the lone chair in the room. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“Not at all. What’s on your mind?”
“More like who. It’s not the same around here without Estelle. I know she was only here a short time, but she fit in like she belonged.”
Dare he admit out loud that he missed her? “Maybe you should go visit your granddaughters. That’ll tire you out enough you won’t have the energy to miss anyone.”
“I’m already ahead of you. They’re spending the morning with me tomorrow. Derek can’t watch them during rehearsal.”
Blake nodded. “Have you heard from Estelle?”
She pressed her lips tight and shook her head once. “I hope things at her restaurant weren’t as bad as she feared.”
“Me too.” He wanted her to return to Oak Knoll. He felt something with her he hadn’t felt in a long time. “I was hoping she’d communicated with you.”
“Not yet. Before she came for a visit we would exchange emails a couple of times a week.”
“I had no idea.” Helen and Estelle were much closer than he’d realized.
“I haven’t seen you this down since you first came to Oak Knoll.”
He jerked his head back. “I’m sure I’m not that bad.” Was he really that low over a woman he’d only met a short time ago? There was no way Estelle’s leaving compared to the loss of his wife and daughter. Then again, he hadn’t come here until a year after
their deaths.
“You could always Facetime or Skype with her.”
He raised a brow. “Listen to you. I had no idea you were up on that kind of stuff.”
She shrugged. “Derek and Kayla taught me so I could visit with the girls while they’re traveling.”
That sounded like his buddy. Family was everything to Derek. “I don’t think Estelle would appreciate me trying to Facetime her, but maybe a text to see how things are going would be okay.”
Helen nodded. “Of course it would be okay.”
He cleared his throat. “Nick asked about you the other day. He said to say hello.”
Her eyes lit. “Really? That was nice of him.” She was quiet for a moment, clearly thinking. “I’ve been keeping busy in the garden, but I could use a day off to run errands. Maybe I’ll stop in there tomorrow.” She strode toward the door.
“Good idea. You deserve to find some happiness.”
She stopped and faced him. A frown puckered her brow. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Uh-oh. “Only that you’ve been alone for a long time. Maybe you and Nick would be good for each other.” Oh boy—that did not come out the way he wanted it to. What happened to staying out of it? His head was more messed up than he’d realized.
“I love you like a son, Blake, but you have no idea what you’re talking about. I am plenty happy.”
“Sure, but I think Nick likes you, and I thought—”
She raised a hand, silencing him. “Stop right there. I won’t listen to another word. Have a good evening.” She pivoted and marched out.
“Great,” he muttered under his breath. Should he go after her? No, he’d only make it worse with the state of his mind. He pulled out his cell phone and opened his texting app. “How are things? Concerned about you. Call or text with an update soon. Blake.” He added his name in case she hadn’t programed his number into her phone. His thumb hovered over the send button. He pressed it before he chickened out. There was no reason he couldn’t text her. After all, they were friends.
His phone rang. Without thinking to look at the screen he accepted the call. “Hello?”
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) Page 9