“God, more plaid! I swear it looks like a bunch of prep schools exploded inside this place.” Marissa made herself at home on one of the chairs in front of the fireplace.
“Actually, each room has its own specific plaid according to the clan or area in Scotland the suite is named after.”
Marissa slowly blinked at her. “Is working for the department of tourism another one of your part-time gigs here in Mayberry?”
Ginger heaved a sigh and sat down in the chair facing Marissa’s. “It’s late, Marissa. What do you want?”
“Just because this town has rolled up all the sidewalks by ten doesn’t mean it’s late. I’d assumed Diesel was staying here, but he’s not. I wanted to ask him a question.”
“I guess you’ll just have to ask him tomorrow, then.” Ginger rose from her chair, hoping Marissa would get the hint.
“So you two aren’t shacking up? As close as you both have been all these years, I have to say I’m surprised. You do kind of deserve each other.”
“Marissa, I’d really like to take a shower,” Ginger lied. Anything to not have to listen to Marissa spew her venom.
Rising from her own chair, Marissa eyed her from head to toe. “You do look a little . . . rumpled. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you just had sex. And good sex, at that.”
Ginger cursed herself for mentioning a shower as her blush gave her away even more.
Marissa’s jaw dropped and her head spun toward the bedroom. Both women spotted Gavin’s tie on the floor at the same time.
“I don’t believe it,” Marissa said. She marched over and scooped up the tie off the floor. “Well, no wonder you’ve moved on from Diesel. This show is almost over; you don’t need your little BFF for a job anymore.” She held up the tie with two fingers. “Not when you have a sexy contractor who’s probably got his own series lined up.”
Ginger snatched the tie out of Marissa’s hands. “For your information, Diesel and I are working on the network’s reality music talent show after this, not that my personal life is any of your business.”
Marissa blanched, her blue eyes going round in her face. “What? A talent show? But I thought he invited me here because he was producing something else for his father. Something more suited for me!”
If it were anybody else, Ginger would feel guilty for the underhanded way she’d lured Marissa to town, but seeing the woman’s distressed face wasn’t having that effect on her. “Diesel didn’t invite you here. I did.”
“I—I don’t understand,” Marissa stammered.
“I don’t understand, either, but for some reason, everyone in this town adores you. They wanted you for their parade.”
“This really is about a stupid parade?!”
Ginger shushed her. “Yes. I was in a position to make their wish a reality and I acted on it.”
Marissa choked out a groan. “And what do you get in return?” Ginger shrugged before Marissa continued. “No wait—let me guess—the key to the city?”
“It’s called being nice. You should try it sometime.”
“Well, it wasn’t very nice of you to make me pimp myself out to Diesel’s blowhard of a father for the past twelve hours.” Marissa backed her into the door. A shard of guilt slithered through Ginger. She hadn’t meant for her to stoop that low. Marissa obviously read the thoughts on Ginger’s face. “Oh, relax. I’ve never had to sleep with a man to further my career and I’m not going to start now. But this little junket is officially over. First thing tomorrow, I’m heading up to Wilmington and flying back to New York. Marvin can find his own arm candy for the affiliates’ meeting.”
Ginger couldn’t say she was surprised. “Suit yourself, Marissa. If you want to disappoint your fan base, then go ahead. But the gossip is that this is the last season for Saints and Sinners. You’re going to need those fans—and the affiliates—if you want another job in the industry. But then, you always did think only of your immediate gratification.” Ginger pulled the door open a few inches before Marissa slapped her hand on it and pushed it shut.
“I’m not like you, Ginger,” she whispered. Ginger nearly snorted at the understatement. “You live with your heart on your sleeve, so giving and trusting of everyone. I’ve learned the hard way that I can’t be like that. I have to make my own way. I won’t depend on anyone.”
There was that shard of guilt again, poking Ginger in the side. Marissa’s words sounded ominous, as though she suffered some traumatic hardship in her life. But she was the adopted daughter of two famous movie stars. As far as Ginger knew, she’d lived a life of luxury and entitlement.
“No one’s asking you to be anything other than the character you play on the soap opera. Heck, all you have to do is wave from the backseat of a convertible. Is that too much to ask?”
“You have no idea how cloying it is to be typecast as the perfect Savannah Rich.”
Ginger did snort this time, and Marissa reached for the doorknob.
“Just so we’re clear, I’m not doing this for you,” she said as she slipped into the hallway.
“Don’t worry, Marissa. That has always been perfectly clear.”
TWENTY-TWO
“Hi there, Gavin!” Mrs. Elderhaus called across the crowded sidewalk. Both tourists and townspeople were strolling along Main Street on the bright May morning, everyone enjoying the events of Founders’ Day. Chances Inlet was decked out in red, white, and blue bunting with flags on every light post. The decorations would carry through until Fourth of July weekend, adding to the town’s historic charm. As he and Miles passed by the Java Jolt, Lois handed Gavin his morning coffee with a kiss on the cheek.
“A guy could get used to this kind of service,” Miles said as she handed him a bottle of mineral water.
Gavin didn’t bother answering his brother, taking a fortifying sip from the cup instead. It was nice to have his coffee made just the way he liked it ready and waiting each morning. He’d definitely miss that. But there was a Starbucks on nearly every block in New York. He’d make do.
They followed the crowd to the town square where Ginger’s class would kick off the day’s festivities with their recital. He was glad to see the place was already packed with people; tourist dollars would be flowing in town this weekend. Miles took advantage of the opportunity by wading into the sea of potential voters while Bernice—dressed in patriotic garb—handed out old-fashioned campaign buttons. Gavin spotted Diesel lounging against one of the huge live oak trees and made his way over to him.
Gavin didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Your father isn’t anywhere near, is he?”
Diesel snorted. “If he was, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
“I never understood why you changed your name. Until I saw him in action last night.”
“Yeah. Unfortunately even becoming someone else doesn’t provide enough distance.”
Gavin tensed. Diesel would still be working for his father after leaving Chances Inlet. Worse, so would Ginger. He didn’t like the idea of Marvin Goldman berating her like he had last night.
“But your father won’t be involved in the day-to-day production of your next show, will he?”
“He spends a lot of time in L.A. now, so it should be tolerable.” Diesel’s face was suddenly hard. “I told you I’d do anything to protect Ginger, and I meant it.”
Diesel wouldn’t be the only one. Gavin would be right there protecting her, too. Not that it meant that their relationship was anything more than it was. He was just living up to the McAlister moral code. That was all.
Music began to play over the speakers before Cassidy took center stage. Dressed in a floral dress with a denim jacket over top, she looked almost wholesome—except for her trademark combat boots.
“Look how pretty Cassidy looks.” Bernice strolled up just as Diesel directed a long wolf whistle at Cassidy. “Our Ginger sure is a miracle worker.”
Gavin chuckled at Bernice’s words. Ginger would be ecstatic if she knew his office manager had referred
to her as “our.” All she’d ever wanted was to belong somewhere, and now it seemed that she did. Too bad she’d be leaving in a few days, though. But he’d bring her back—for holidays and other events, if she wanted. They could surely pull that off without their relationship becoming more than it was.
The little girls started to flutter around onstage. Their parents formed a wall of paparazzi, capturing their every movement. But Gavin didn’t bother watching the pint-sized ballerinas. He was captivated by the dancer dressed as the sun. Ginger’s movements were lyrical, and he knew from watching her dance before—not to mention having her move all over him every night—that she was an inspired artist. The dance was supposed to be about the town waking up for the day, and the crowd oohed and ahhed at the adorable little girls twirling around to the music. Gavin found himself grinning from ear to ear with pride ten minutes later when they’d finished. Audra led them out of the bandstand to a chorus of loud applause.
Ginger was being congratulated with hugs from the parents of her students by the time he navigated through the crowd to end up by her side. Diesel pressed a kiss to her check and Bernice pulled her in for a bear hug. Ginger gave her head a little shake before he could lean in and kiss her, too. Annoyance churned inside of him at her insistence that they keep their relationship a secret. He’d let her have her way for now, but tonight at the wrap party would be a different story.
“Parade! Parade!” The little girls were hopping up and down and clapping their hands.
“It starts in a few minutes.” Bernice tried to get them to form an orderly line, but it was no use. “Let’s get you girls to the float.”
Little Hannah Preston looped her hand through Ginger’s. “Come on, Sunshine, let’s go to the parade,” the little girl said.
Ginger dragged her feet. “The float is only for you girls,” she insisted.
“It most certainly is not.” Bernice placed a hand on Ginger’s back, guiding her toward the float. “We wouldn’t be hosting such a successful Founders’ Day if it weren’t for you. You’re as much of a grand marshal as Miles or Savannah. Now, get up there!”
Ginger glanced over her shoulder, her eyes shining. “I get to be in a parade!”
“Yay!” the little girls chorused.
Diesel chuckled beside him. “Marissa is not going to like sharing.”
Probably not, Gavin thought to himself, but he had no doubt that the people of Chances Inlet would side with Ginger if the actress threw a tantrum.
“Excuse me, Mr. McAlister?”
Gavin turned to find Kyle Preston at his heels. Like Cassidy, Kyle was a kid from the Seaside Vista Trailer Park, but he had the benefit of a mother who worked hard to provide for her two children. He liked the kid well enough, in spite of his rabble-rousing friends.
“What’s up, Kyle?”
“I wanted to talk to you about the, um, prom.”
Diesel laughed. “Whoa, if you’re gonna ask him on a date, kid, I’ll give you two some privacy. I’m outta here.”
Gavin rolled his eyes as the tips of Kyle’s ears turned red. “What? No! I’m going with Cassidy. I mean, sort of.”
He wasn’t sure what the kid was getting at. “You’d better start at the beginning, Kyle.”
Kyle told him about his classmates’ scheme to embarrass Cassidy as the “Swine Queen” at the prom, and Gavin was immediately sorry that he asked. He felt a throbbing begin in his temples and the strong urge to teach some teens a lesson. But Cassidy had apparently enlisted the help of Ginger to carry out her own plan of retaliation, which explained the girl’s sudden interest in working out and her overall transformation.
“She originally kept refusing my offers to be her date, but Ginger somehow talked her into going with me.” Kyle lifted his chin a notch. “There’s no way I’m letting her walk into that room alone. Anyway, I know Ginger is leaving and she won’t be here next weekend for the prom, but I wanted to let her know that I’ve got it covered. And to tell her thanks for everything she did for Cassidy. Swine Queen or not, I think she’ll make an awesome prom queen. I have to get to my shift at the diner, but will you give her the message for me?”
Gavin gave the kid’s shoulder a squeeze. “Sure.”
“Thanks, man.” He disappeared into the crowds lining the parade route.
The high school drum line started its cadence indicating that the parade was about to begin. Gavin glanced back over to the float where Ginger was laughing with her young pupils. Leave it to her to solve Cassidy’s problems. Not only that, but she’d found a way to make sure Cassidy was protected even after Ginger had left. Her heart really was boundless. He found himself wondering whether her big heart was safe with him.
* * *
Dresden House was abuzz with people celebrating the conclusion of filming the Historical Restorations show. The parade had been a huge success; even Marissa had behaved. A long line of fans waited under the portico to have their pictures taken with her.
“I can’t believe she’s being such a good sport about this,” Diesel said.
Ginger couldn’t believe it, either. Whatever had been bugging her last night, Marissa had buried it beneath a sunny smile. Marvin Goldman was scheduled to leave immediately after the party and, if Marissa was smart, she’d be on the plane with him. But Ginger was past caring what the actress did with her life.
Instead, Ginger kept her eyes glued on Gavin. He was giving tours of the mansion to several of the show’s corporate sponsors, charming them all as he went. She soaked up the image of his amazing mouth as he treated one of the city councilwomen to his full-dimpled smile. These memories would be all she had in a few days.
Swallowing around the boulder in her throat, she was determined not to let her emotions get the better of her. Ginger had never been one of those clingy girls and she wasn’t about to start now. Gavin hadn’t once mentioned the end of their affair. Clearly, for him, the past two months had simply been about great sex, maybe a friendship, but nothing deeper. He’d been stressed about balancing all the plates he had in the air and she’d been a way for him to release some steam. She got that. And it wasn’t like she hadn’t received comfort and a great time in return. She only wished she’d been more successful in keeping their relationship only physical on her end.
“Gidget?” Cassidy poked her head out of the butler’s pantry. “Bernice wants to get her makeup done before they film the party scene. She’s worried about her turkey neck. I told her no one is going to notice her neck because they’re going to be blinded by the lime green jacket she has on.”
“It’s not lime green, young lady. It’s mint green,” Bernice called from inside the room.
“Good luck with that. I’m going to find Yasmine. For some reason, she wants to meet my father.” Diesel squeezed her elbow.
“Brave lady,” Ginger called out as he made his way up the grand staircase.
Cassidy and Bernice were arguing over lipstick shades when Ginger entered. Despite their constant bickering, she knew there was a deep bond between the teen and the grandmother—even if it was just their devotion to Gavin. The list of people she’d miss when she got back to her life in New York was growing.
“This is a big day for McAlister C and E.” Bernice fidgeted in her excitement and Ginger had to touch up the woman’s lipstick twice. “Gavin’s father would be so proud to see what his son has accomplished. Oh, hurry up, Ginger! I don’t want to miss anything.”
“Relax, Bernice.” Sitting in the chair next to her, Cassidy fiddled with a makeup brush. “You’ll get your camera time. The party doesn’t start until the tours are over. “
“Still, I ought to go find Mayor Judith. She’s going to make the declaration of Dresden House as a National Historical Landmark. She might like some makeup, also.”
Bernice was out of the room before Ginger could finish applying her powder. Sighing, she glanced over at Cassidy.
“How about you, Cass? Do you want to get camera ready?” The teenager’s heavy Goth make
up had faded as the weeks went by, but she still hid behind her heavy hair and slumped shoulders.
“Nah, I’m not planning on making any pronouncements with the mayor.”
Still, Cassidy remained in the butler’s pantry, rearranging all the makeup when any other time, she’d be trailing in Gavin’s wake. Something was up with the teenager. Ginger began to carefully pack up the makeup for the return trip to New York.
“Is everything okay?” she asked as the silence stretched.
Cassidy tossed a makeup brush between her hands. “My mom called today.”
She knew that Mona’s reentry into her daughter’s life was not something the teenager was looking forward to. Still, Ginger couldn’t help but hold out hope that the two would be able to carve out a new life together. As much as she and her own mother didn’t see eye to eye right now, Ginger knew she’d be lost without her in her life.
When Cassidy didn’t elaborate, Ginger prodded her. “And how was that?”
“She cried, just like she always does. She says she wants to come next week to help me get ready for prom, but she has to be back in the halfway house by five. I think she’s just saying that to make me feel bad. She knows that if she plays the mommy card, they’ll let her out earlier. She’s done it before.”
Her stomach knotted just thinking about the pain the girl was going through. Even in her darkest moments, Ginger’s mother had been there for her. It was hard to imagine being unable to trust the person who was supposed to protect you.
“What did you tell her?” she asked.
Cassidy shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what I say to her. She’s going to do what she wants.”
Not for the first time, Ginger wished her stay in Chances Inlet could be extended. She’d always dreamed of going to the prom, and Cassidy’s was almost the next best thing. But she knew Diesel had already scheduled production meetings for next week.
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