An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “Nothing much other than Kayla’s pregnant.”

  Blake slapped him on the back. “Congratulations! When’s the baby due?”

  “March.”

  He nodded. “That’s great. Since I have you here, I wanted to talk to you about something else too. You know I moved here to keep an eye on your mom for you.”

  Derek nodded.

  “She’s doing fine now, and I wondered how you’d feel if I found my own place. Not right away,” he quickly added.

  Shock registered on Derek’s face. “I didn’t see that coming. You do whatever you need to do. I understand needing your own space. I suppose you can’t live there forever.” He frowned. “But Mom will sure get lonely without someone around the farm.”

  “Maybe she could move in with you and Kayla.”

  Derek shook his head. “No. She’d have another stroke with three kids underfoot all the time. I’ll figure something out.”

  He sure didn’t want Helen to suffer because of him, but he had faith that Derek would do what was best for his mom. “I’m not in a hurry to move, but I thought I should give you a heads up.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  Blake glanced at his watch and rose. “Thanks for meeting me. You’ll let me know what your attorney says?”

  “As soon as I know something, I’ll call.” Derek stood and gave him a bro hug.

  “Talk to you soon.” Blake strode from the building and headed to the theater. It was still early, so he should have the auditorium to himself.

  He parked and noted Estelle’s car. Odd, she never had her car here. Oh no. They carpooled, and he’d left her behind. He rushed inside, swept the auditorium door open. Estelle, rather, Doris the stepmother was on the stage. She didn’t break character with his intrusion. He sat in the nearest seat transfixed.

  She said her final line then broke character.

  He hopped up and clapped. “Bravo.”

  Estelle screamed. “You startled me.”

  He strolled toward the stage. “Sorry. You held back in rehearsals.”

  She shrugged. “I wanted Kayla to shine.”

  He nodded with sudden clarity. “You are a pretty amazing woman, Estelle Rogers.” He leapt onto the stage.

  “Don’t tell Kayla.”

  He stepped closer to her. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  She looked around the stage, clearly uncomfortable. “What time is it? Do I have time to get some air?”

  He nodded. Was she running from him? “Mind if I join you?”

  “Don’t you have things to do?”

  “Nothing that won’t keep. I met with Derek this morning.”

  “Oh?”

  He shook his head. “Not here.”

  “Fine. You can walk with me.” She pulled on a lightweight cardigan sweater.

  He hopped off the stage then reached up to her. “Come on. I’ll help you down.”

  “I can do it myself.” She jogged to stage left and trotted down the stairs.

  Disappointment hit him. He’d lost some ground with her, but he hadn’t understood how much until now. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he joined her in the center aisle. “Where to?”

  “I could use some herbal tea.”

  “Java World it is.”

  They left the community center and strolled side-by-side down Main Street.

  “Derek told me about Kayla.”

  “Okay.”

  “He’s also having his attorney look over the contract from Alexis.”

  “Good.”

  These one-word responses were annoying. Had she completely pulled away? He hadn’t realized until now how open she’d been with him before. Was he too late?

  Chapter Thirteen

  The first of August marked the final two weeks of rehearsal. Estelle sat in the courtyard between the cottage and main house sipping herbal tea. A part of her couldn’t wait to head back to California at the end of the month following the performances. Another part wanted to stay in this quaint town forever and take over the children’s theater or maybe do an improv night a couple of times a month. A dinner theater could be fun. There was nothing like it within fifty miles of Oak Knoll. She had really enjoyed acting again. She had so many ideas, but no way would she step on Blake’s toes. The theater was his brainchild, and it belonged under his direction.

  Riding with him to rehearsals every day had become torture, as had rehearsals—a daily reminder of what she wanted but couldn’t have. If only he’d let go of the past. She had thought for sure after their talk last month that a seed had been planted and he would change, but she’d seen no evidence. He still carried the burden of blame and seemed set on hiding out on this farm indefinitely.

  Sadness settled over her. She missed the connection they’d shared before her trip home. They’d had some fun times. Was she expecting too much from him? Watching him from afar and not engaging in his life for the past two weeks had been agony.

  “Good morning.” Helen strolled out her back door holding a large mug.

  Estelle pulled herself from her thoughts and forced a smile. “What are you up to?”

  “I enjoy sitting out here on early summer mornings, listening to the birds.”

  “Me too. But it’s been a while since I’ve had the time before rehearsals.”

  Helen settled into the chair across from her at the bistro table. “Have you heard the news?” She placed her mug on the table.

  Estelle looked to her friend for a hint about the news and shook her head. “I don’t think so.” Unease gripped her. Helen looked torn about it whatever it was.

  “Blake found his own place and is moving the first of September.”

  “Really? I had no idea.” When had he had time to go house shopping? Rehearsals had been going long and he’d been painting houses nearly every day after. Clearly she was out of the loop, and it was her own fault. Had she been wrong to give him an ultimatum—let go of his past or forget about her?

  Helen nodded. “Derek warned me this might happen soon, but I was hoping there would be more time. I’m going to miss having Blake here. Makes me think I should sell and move into town.”

  “But it’s so beautiful on your farm.” Estelle couldn’t imagine her friend being happy in town. Helen loved her peaceful garden so much.

  She looked around. “It is, but it’s a lot for one person to care for.”

  “You’ve worked so hard to make this what it is.”

  “It’s perfect, isn’t it?” A gleam lit Helen’s eyes.

  “Yes, it is. I’m going to miss it when I’m gone.” Helen’s farm represented everything she loved about Oak Knoll. Estelle had a lot of fond memories here, from her pillow fight with Blake to her long talks with Helen. This was a special place. She couldn’t imagine visiting and not staying here.

  “I wish you weren’t going back, but I know your life is in California with your restaurant.”

  Estelle nodded. She wished things could stay the way they were right now—minus what was going on with Blake. Her heart ached from missing the connection they’d once shared. She was so stupid to throw that away. Not for the first time, she wondered if she’d been wrong about Blake’s need to let go of the past. Would it be so bad if he didn’t? Everyone had at least a little baggage they carried around with them—so his bag was big. She sipped her tea.

  “I have a date,” Helen blurted.

  Estelle set her cup of tea on the table, forcing herself to remain calm and not let her friend know how excited she was for her. “With who?” She allowed a smile to spread across her face.

  Helen held her mug between her hands, looking like she might break it in half if her white knuckles meant anything. “Nick. He owns Deli on the Rye. I’m sure you’ve met him.”

  “Yes, actually I have. He’s a nice man and gave my new chef an excellent recommendation. There’s no way I’d forget meeting him. So when’s your date?”

  “Friday night.” Helen’s hand fluttered to her neck. “I’m so nervous
. The last man I dated was my husband, and he passed away some time ago.” She focused on her lap then looked up after a moment. “I feel so out of my element.” She met Estelle’s eyes. “I need your help. I don’t know what to wear, how to act—”

  “Okay. It’s going to be okay.” Estelle used her most soothing tone. “First off, be yourself, because that’s who he asked out.”

  “Right. Good point.”

  “As far as what to wear; where are you going, and what are you doing?”

  “I don’t know. He said to dress casual.”

  “I hate when men do that.” Estelle bit down on her bottom lip. Helen wasn’t a jeans kind of person, and she’d never seen the woman in a dress. “What about capris and a pretty blouse with sandals? It stays hot until the sun starts to go down, so wearing something cool would be comfortable.”

  Helen seemed to mull over the idea. “I have several pairs that would work, but my tops are old.”

  Estelle smiled. “Sounds like we get to go shopping. I’d love to help you pick something out if you’ll let me.”

  “Of course. There are a few clothing boutiques in town we could check out, or we could go to one of the malls in Salem.”

  “Let’s check in town first. If we can’t find what you want, then we’ll head to Salem.”

  Helen’s eyes sparkled. “I haven’t been clothes shopping in a very long time. I never enjoyed it, but I’m kind of excited now.”

  She could feel her friend’s excitement. “Maybe we can find a new pair of capris and sandals to complete the outfit.” Now that she thought about it, Helen’s wardrobe was a little tired and out of date.

  Helen looked uneasy. “I don’t know. I hate to spend money on clothing I don’t need.”

  “It’s only one outfit.”

  “Good point.” Her face lit again.

  Blake rounded the corner of the house, his brow puckered. “There you are.”

  Estelle popped up off the chair. “I lost track of time. I’ll meet you in the truck. I just need a minute.” She headed toward the cottage but spoke over her shoulder to Helen. “Meet me at the community center at noon. We’ll get lunch and then go shopping.”

  “Okay. Break a leg.”

  Estelle chuckled. The phrase sounded funny coming from Helen. She rushed inside the cottage, deposited her mug in the sink, grabbed her purse, and rushed back to where Blake waited. “Sorry.” She lowered her voice. “I have news you’re going to want to hear.” She two-timed it to his waiting pickup and climbed in. “You started the engine already?”

  “I thought you’d be here any minute. When you weren’t, I went looking.” He pulled forward and drove along the driveway to the main road. “So what’s this news?”

  “Brace yourself. This is huge.”

  He only looked annoyed. Seemed someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.

  If this didn’t cheer him up, nothing would. “Nick asked Helen out. They have a date for this Friday. Can you believe it? I can’t. I didn’t think he had the guts. I mean, sure, it was clear he liked her and all but still—”

  Blake’s low chuckle silenced her. It grew louder into an all-out laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You. As excited as you are, you’d think he’d proposed.”

  She crossed her arms. “Aren’t you excited for them? This is a big deal.” Had his heart grown so hard that he couldn’t even be happy for the older couple?

  “Sure it is. But listening to you go on about it was pretty funny.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Ha ha.”

  He glanced her way. “Aw come on, don’t be like that. I’m only having fun with you. I’m happy for them. And I’m happy we’re talking like this again. I’ve missed our conversations on the drive to town.”

  “I suppose we haven’t had much to talk about.”

  “I guess. But this is nice nonetheless.”

  Warmth moved up her body. He was right. Being together and talking like good friends once again was very nice. But how long would it last? Did she dare hope they’d had a breakthrough?

  ~

  Something was different with Estelle today—something other than her excitement about Helen’s date. He slid another glance her way. Her smile radiated over her entire face. She’d been quiet and subdued since returning from California. He liked seeing her like this.

  Pleasure bubbled inside him. “It’s supposed to be a hot day. You want to get ice cream after rehearsal today?” He asked without thinking, then held his breath, afraid she might reject him yet again.

  “That sounds refreshing, but I can’t. Helen and I are getting lunch, then shopping for a new outfit for her to wear on her date.”

  “Oh. Maybe another time.” His shoulders sagged a little. He wouldn’t ask again. He’d been rejected twice now, and he had no desire to strike out.

  Her warm hand rested on his arm. “Hey, I wasn’t making an excuse. Helen and I set up our plans this morning. Why not join us for lunch? I’m sure we’ll head over to Deli on the Rye. You like it there, right?”

  “Yeah. But, I don’t want to intrude.”

  “Are you kidding? Helen would be happy to have you join us, and so would I.”

  He pulled into a parking space and killed the engine. The sincerity in her voice caused him to turn and face her. He put down the windows. “Before we go inside, there’s something I want to say.”

  “Okay.” Her voice softened in uncertainty.

  “I’ve been thinking a lot about the stuff we talked about on the drive back from the airport.”

  Her eyes widened slightly, but she remained silent.

  “I’ve come to realize that you were right about me needing to get a place of my own. I hadn’t given it much thought up to that point, but staying on at Helen’s indefinitely was a rut I needed to get out of.”

  “She told me you bought a place.”

  It was his turn to be surprised. “You talked about me?”

  She nodded and her cheeks lightly pinked.

  He rushed on, not wanting to be the cause of a full-out blush, where her face went all blotchy. “I bought a little place on the edge of town. It has a couple of acres with a large workshop. It’s actually perfect for me.”

  “Sounds that way. I wish I could see it, but I heard you won’t be moving until after I leave. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” Disappointment struck him. He’d hoped she’d changed her mind about leaving Oak Knoll. He’d bought the place with her in mind. He envisioned Estelle cooking in the gourmet kitchen he hoped to add one day. It wouldn’t be the same here without her—he wouldn’t be the same.

  “I think you’d like it,” he said. “The yard has an old oak tree that towers over the house keeping it cool during hot days like today.”

  “It sounds lovely.”

  “Maybe I can drive you by it sometime.” He had known the minute he saw the property it was the one. It needed some work on the inside, a fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, and flooring, but he’d gotten a great price on the place, so he could afford to freshen the house up.

  “I’d like that. Did you know Helen is thinking about selling her place and moving into town?”

  His stomach dropped. “Seriously?” If he’d known, he’d have bought her property instead. It was a great piece of land, and the buildings were all in top condition. Helen’s place had come to feel like home over the years. He was going to miss it before, but now he’d miss it even more, knowing he couldn’t stop in whenever he wanted. “I guess life keeps moving on.”

  “That’s the truth.” She paused before opening her door and sliding out. “I’ll see you inside.”

  “Sure. I’ll be in soon.” He climbed out and locked up, leaving the windows slightly cracked. Even though they were later than he liked, they were still a good thirty minutes early. He strolled toward the town park. Life keeps moving on. That’s pretty much what Estelle had hammered at him a few weeks ago, and now he saw the truth in those words.<
br />
  He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. Life was going to pass him by while he trudged along carrying a load he wasn’t meant to carry. He knew his Bible and what it said. He understood the Lord had healing for him, and it was up to him to receive that healing. It had been five years—it was time to let go.

  He found an out-of-the-way park bench and sat in the shade of a lace leaf maple tree. Lord, you know my heart. You know I feel responsible for Trinity and Kendal’s deaths. I know I didn’t cause it, and I’m tired, so very tired of carrying this guilt. I give it to you. Please forgive me for hanging onto it.

  You’re innocent. The words came out of nowhere.

  His throat thickened. He cleared it and blinked away threatening tears. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Peace washed over him, and the heaviness lifted. He sat there a few moments longer, absorbing the new feeling, then rose and jogged back to the community center. Cars were pulling up, and kids were getting out and meandering inside.

  He stopped as a sudden thought hit him. He was done. This would be his last season as director of the children’s theater. He finally felt released . . . free of all that had entangled him. Mrs. Smith would be thrilled. He chuckled then sobered. How would the kids react?

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” Nick said as they strode into his deli. His facial features reminded Estelle of Robert De Niro. No wonder Helen had a thing for him.

  “Hi, Nick.” Estelle smiled, noting his gaze rested on Helen, who seemed to have lost her voice. She nudged her friend’s shoulder and whispered. “Say hello.”

  “Hello,” Helen croaked. She cleared her throat.

  “You want your usual?” Nick asked.

  “Yes please,” Helen said.

  “I’ll have a green salad with vinaigrette dressing on the side, a fresh fruit bowl, and an iced tea please.” Estelle pulled out her wallet and swiped her debit card. “I’ve got this, Helen.”

  “I can get my own.”