An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2)
Page 15
Estelle rushed out the back door toward the cottage, but stopped in the garden. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm her nerves. This was really happening. Excitement filled her, now that she’d finally made a decision.
She pulled out her phone and found the casting director’s number in her contacts. “Hi, this is Estelle.”
“I’ve been waiting for your call,” the woman said.
“I’ll take the part.”
“Good. I’ll be in touch.” She ended the call.
“Wahoo!” She was going to act again. Estelle spread out her arms and whirled around in a circle like she had as a child. When she stopped, the world kept spinning. She staggered to a nearby bench and sat to catch her breath. She’d never done a television movie before. It would be interesting to see the differences between the big screen and the small screen.
~
Blake paced back and forth in front of the barn. He’d seen Estelle enter the house about thirty minutes ago. He knew she’d been given a deadline of five o’clock to make her decision about the part and assumed she’d sought Helen’s advice. What was taking so long?
A loud voice shouted from the direction of the garden. It sounded happy. He froze. Estelle? Had she gone out the back door? Of course that was the way she’d go since the cottage was closest that direction. She was clearly thrilled about something.
He couldn’t wait for her to come find him. He raced around the side of the house and found her sprawled on a bench, breathing hard. He slowed to a walk and sidled up to where she sat. “Hey there.”
Her twinkling eyes met his. She slid over and made room for him beside her. “Looks like we’ll be working together awhile longer.”
“You took the part?”
She nodded.
Relief filled him. He didn’t want to do the movie without her. “Great! You’re perfect for the role. No offense to Kayla—she’s done a good job catching up. But you,” he wrapped an arm around her, “bring Doris to life.”
Estelle rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you. Next I need to decide about the theater. Before you even mentioned it to me, I wanted to do it, but now that it’s an actual possibility, I’m scared.”
Shock reverberated through him. “You? What do you have to be afraid of?”
She looped her arm around his bicep. “I’ve never done anything like that before. What if I can’t do it? What if I stink at running the theater?”
“I guarantee you won’t stink.”
She raised her head and looked at him. “How can you say that?”
“You have good ideas. I also know you won’t try to run the entire thing by yourself, which is good, because let me tell you, it’s too much for one person.”
“Yet you did it for how many years?”
He shrugged. “I was driven, but I think you’ll bring some common sense and stability to the theater that’s been missing. If you end up forming a board of directors, I’d like to be considered for one of the positions.”
“Seriously? I thought you were going to focus on writing.”
“I am, but I could spare some time to volunteer for a good cause. Plus how else will I get to see you? You’ll be so busy between your restaurant, the theater, and acting.”
She raised a brow. “I forgot about Estelle’s.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know how.”
“Me neither. But it was only a temporary oversight.” She tucked her feet beside her and snuggled against his side. “What do you think I should do? Sell it or keep it? It makes a nice profit, but it’s a lot of work when things go wrong.”
“True, but doesn’t the place pretty much run itself most of the time?” It seemed to him her manager took care of the day-to-day tasks while her accountant took care of the money end. What was left?
“Yes, but I’m ultimately responsible. It helps if I’m there showing an interest in my restaurant. Customers like it and so does the staff.” She seemed to be thinking. “I wonder how it would work to live part time here and part time there.”
He hadn’t thought of that. “What about us?”
“Something else to consider.”
He wanted more than anything to ask her to marry him, but she’d basically run from Jeff when he’d proposed. Would she do the same with him? “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course.”
He tilted his head. “It wasn’t all that long ago that you were in a relationship with Jeff. Are you sure you’re ready for another one?”
She smiled seductively. “Are you asking me to go steady?”
“I didn’t know you were so old-fashioned. That’s not what I was asking, but I would love to be your one and only.”
She sobered. “If you had asked me that question before I left for California, I would have said definitely no, but I’ve had closure, and I’m much happier now.”
Her words didn’t surprise him, but he’d needed to hear her say them. “I’m glad. You want to go out on a real date with me tonight? I hear there’s a concert in the park.”
“I’d love to. Maybe we’ll see Nick and Helen there.”
“Maybe.” Nick confided in him that he’d planned to pack a picnic dinner and take Helen to the concert. It sounded like a good idea to him too. “Would you like to go get some dinner before heading over?”
She looked down at herself. “I’m not dressed for a date. What time does the concert start?”
“Seven.”
“Pick me up at six?”
“Sure thing.” He stood, drawing her up with him then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “See you soon.” He turned and strode toward the barn. He had a lot to do in the next hour.
~
Estelle tossed clothes onto the bed, searching for the perfect outfit. Nothing looked right. She should have bought a new outfit when she went shopping with Helen. She plopped down on the edge of the bed with a sigh. What difference did it make? It wasn’t like she needed to impress him, since Blake had seen her at her worst. But she wanted to look nice.
Her blue dress caught her eye. Paired with a white sweater and sandals it would be perfect for a summer evening in the park. She quickly changed and freshened her hair and makeup then headed to Helen’s house.
Before she could knock, the back door flew open, and Helen stepped out. “I’m so glad to see you. I was hoping you’d head over this way. Do I look okay? Nick will be here any minute.”
Estelle took in Helen’s small silver hoop earrings, sleeveless, white button-up top, and black capris. “You look lovely.”
Relief shone on her friend’s face. “Thank you.” She paused and seemed to look at Estelle for the first time. “You changed your clothes. Are you going out too?”
“As a matter of fact, I am. With someone you know well.”
“Blake.” Her face shone with happiness.
Estelle nodded.
“It’s about time. I’ve watched the two of you dance around each other and flirt all summer.”
Estelle chuckled. “With the way you’re making me blush, I won’t need this sweater at all. But you might want one.”
“Oh—I didn’t think of that. Thanks. Have fun on your date with Blake.” Helen headed back inside.
“You too,” Estelle called. She strolled toward the front of the house and spotted Blake as he exited the barn. “Whoa.” He wore a black polo style shirt tucked into jeans. How did something so simple look so perfect?
“Hey there, beautiful. I was going to pick you up at your door.”
“Sorry.” She should’ve waited for him. Now she looked eager. “I can go back.” She raised a brow.
He chuckled. “I imagine you would, but please stay. I’m starving.”
“Good to know. Don’t get between a man and his stomach.”
“Words to live by.” He opened the passenger door to his pickup as a black sub-compact car pulled up and parked on the other side. It must be Nick. Too bad she couldn’t be a fly on his shoulder when he we
nt to the door. She’d love to witness the couple when they first saw one another. She leaned into Blake and whispered, “Let’s try to find a place to sit near Helen and Nick. I want to spy on them.”
He laughed. “You’re so bad. Don’t you think they’re nervous enough without us watching their every move?”
She shrugged. “Fine. We can sit close enough to see them but not hear them.”
He chuckled and closed the door. A moment later he slid in beside her.
“If they’re going to picnic at the concert, why is he so early?”
“I guess they plan to get good seats and eat while they wait.”
“Oh.” She should have thought of that. “Where are we going?”
He pointed to a cooler on the seat behind them.
“A picnic?” Excitement bubbled in her. “It’s perfect.”
“I’m glad you approve. I packed bottled water but thought we could drop by Java World for drinks if you’d like.”
“Sure. I’m rather addicted to their peach tea lemonade.”
“That sounds good, but I thought you were strictly a green tea person.”
“I switch it up from time to time.” She sat back and enjoyed the peaceful drive to town. Thirty minutes later, they were seated on a blanket in the grassy park, a discreet distance from Helen and Nick, who’d beaten them there since Estelle and Blake had detoured for beverages. From a distance her friend looked to be having a good time. She still seemed a little shy around her date, but hopefully she’d relax as the evening progressed.
“You’re quiet,” Blake said.
“Am I? Sorry. I guess I was lost in thought. They’re cute together.” She nodded toward Helen and Nick.
“Mm-hmm.” He looked at her without speaking.
“What?”
“Nothing.” He popped a grape into his mouth.
Okay, so maybe she should focus on her date rather than Helen’s. “I’m excited about opening night next week. Are you getting nervous?”
“Not yet.”
“I’m glad Kayla will be doing a performance.” She had struggled with the new steps at first, but then all of a sudden everything had clicked, and she’d had strong rehearsals since.
“Yeah. She’s doing a good job.”
Estelle suddenly realized the park had filled up around them, and the concert was about to start. The evening flew by, and two hours later they were home.
They stood outside her cottage door. “Thanks for tonight,” Estelle said. “I had fun.”
“Does that mean you want to do it again sometime?”
She raised her brows. “Anytime.”
He stepped closer to her. “Good.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her close then kissed her soundly.
Chapter Sixteen
The curtain closed, and the audience remained on their feet, cheering and applauding. Estelle grasped the girls’ hands on each side of her waiting for the curtain to open one last time. As it swept to the sides, she raised her arms and curtsied deeply. Then she motioned for Jenny to bow. The audience went wild.
Estelle caught Blake’s attention and motioned for him to join her on the stage. The audience quieted. She took the microphone from the stand. “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you the creator of A Week in the Life of Cindy, Blake Price. Without Blake’s inspired writing and Derek Wood’s score, this musical would not have been. Let’s give them both a hand.”
The audience clapped wildly.
“We at the children’s theater have some news to share.” She looked to Blake, who encouraged her to go on with a nod of his head. They’d argued for an hour about who would break the news to everyone, and she ended up losing by the flip of a coin. “As many of you know, Blake is the founder of the children’s theater here in Oak Knoll. He’s been running the program with great success for several years. A few weeks ago he asked me to take over the children’s theater, and I accepted.”
A dull roar erupted in the auditorium. Panic seized her. She looked to Blake.
He raised a hand and took the microphone from her. “I asked Estelle to take over because of her passion and vision for the arts. I have no doubt she will take this program far beyond my wildest imagination.”
She mouthed thank you to him as the audience began to applaud, a bit more quietly than before.
Blake nodded to someone offstage. Kayla stepped forward and motioned toward the children who all scurried toward her.
What was Kayla doing there, and why was the cast gathering beside her offstage? Kayla’s performance had been a smashing hit, but Estelle hadn’t expected to see her this evening. She looked to Blake. “What’s going on?” she asked, for his ears only.
The audience sat, and a hush fell over them.
Blake put a hand into his trouser pocket then pulled something out. He dropped to one knee in front of Estelle.
She gasped. Her heart beat wildly.
“Estelle, you are a shining star in the night. You helped me live again, and for that I thank you. But more than that you showed me I can love again.” He held out a beautiful princess-cut diamond. “I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
He rose and wrapped his arms around her. The room was a riot of noise, but she blocked everything out and focused on the only person who mattered. “I love you, Blake, and I can’t believe you proposed in front of everyone.”
His eyes twinkled. “You liked it?”
“Well . . .” It was in fact her worst nightmare, but she didn’t mind as much as she’d imagined she would if ever thrust into this situation.
“Too bad. I wanted everyone to know how much I love you.” He dipped his head and found her lips delivering a toe-curling kiss.
~The End~
Author Notes
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me on Estelle’s journey. She has become one of my favorite characters in this series. In case you were wondering, Oak Knoll, Oregon only exists in my imagination and within the pages of this series. Although real places can be fun to use, and I have done so in other series, I wanted to create my own town for the Melodies of Love Series.
I’m currently writing A Waltz for Amber, which I hope to release in the fall. The first chapter is below.
I enjoy hearing from readers and have several ways we can connect. I’ve put the links below. I hope you join my Facebook Readers Group and subscribe to my newsletter. The Amazon link is for you to be notified whenever one of my books releases.
Finally, if you enjoyed this book, please tell a friend. Word of mouth and writing reviews is the best way you can help me continue to do what I do.
Blessings,
Kimberly Rose Johnson
You may subscribe to my newsletter at kimberlyrjohnson.com
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Books by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Melodies of Love
A Love Song for Kayla
An Encore for Estelle
A Waltz for Amber (Coming soon!)
Sunriver Dreams
A Love to Treasure
A Christmas Homecoming
Designing Love
Wildflower B&B Romance Series
Island Refuge
Island Dreams
Island Christmas
Island Hope
Contemporary Inspirational Romance Collection
In Love and War
~ Excerpt ~
A WALTZ FOR AMBER
Melodies of Love Book Three
Chapter One
“Great class today, ladies.” Amber Jackson looked to each of her top five dancers in her intermediate ballet class. “Remember we have our first rehearsal for the Christmas recital this coming Monday evening. I need all of you to be here.” Without them, the recital would be a flop. “Have a great rest of the weekend.”
The girls rushed to the wall where their bags w
ere hung and quickly slipped sweats over their leotards and shrugged into jackets.
Amber loved this time of year, especially in Oak Knoll. The crisp fall air put an extra spring in her step. Humming, Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, she followed after the girls and slid a pair of jeans over her leotard, pulled a chunky black sweater over her head, then drew the pins from her bun and tugged off the band holding her thick hair in a ponytail. She massaged her scalp quickly with her fingers then ran them through her hair. “Much better.” She was a bunhead through and through, but wearing her hair down felt really good, too.
“Amber?” a timid voice asked.
Still facing the floor-to-ceiling mirror, she spotted Natalie standing behind her. “Hi.” She turned to face the girl. “You did a great job today.”
A nervous smile tugged at the teenager’s face. “Thanks. But I have some bad news.”
Amber’s good mood vanished. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t be in the recital.”
“But you have a solo.” The girl practically floated across the floor when she danced.
“I know, but Mr. Daniels scheduled the winter program at school on the same night.”
She forced a smile. “We’re doing a matinee. Surely you can do both.” She’d booked the auditorium at the community center in the afternoon since the rental fee at that time of day was cheaper. Saving money was key as she tried to grow her dance studio and turn a profit.
Natalie shook her head. “No, because he scheduled a dress rehearsal for the afternoon and it’s the same time as the ballet recital. If I miss any rehearsals, my grade goes down.”
Why was the name Daniels so familiar? “What class does Mr. Daniels teach?”
“Choir. He’s new. But he said he graduated from Oak Knoll High School.”