CHAPTER FIVE
WHITNEY
Whitney was pleased to see Ross among the group at Jake’s. As a famous sports star, he understood the difficulties of being in the limelight. They’d enjoyed a pleasant evening together at Stan’s restaurant and bar where Whitney had ended up singing one song on stage. He’d been as pleased by that as everyone else.
She turned to him now. “I’m glad to see you back in town. Are you staying long?”
“For the foreseeable future.” He smiled. “You might say I’m hiding out after being named a part of a group of wild party goers in Miami. The fact that I wasn’t even there doesn’t matter to some people. But still, I’m accused of being inappropriate with women.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Whitney, understanding his frustration. “Lilac Lake is soothing. I hope you find it so.”
“Thanks. My lawyer is working to dispel those rumors, but it can be a nasty business,” Ross said. “How are you doing? Things settling down for you?”
Whitney gazed into his blue eyes. “My relationship with Zane has been over for a couple of years, but the memory of what he used to be like is still painful.”
“If you’re looking to get out of the house, call me. I trust you, Whitney.” His smile warmed her insides.
“Thanks, I might do that. How’s your house coming along? You bought in The Meadows. My sister, Dani, was thrilled to help you design it.”
“It’s going to be fantastic,” said Ross. “Come out and see it. The foundation has been poured, and they’ve started the framing.”
“Very exciting,” said Whitney.
“What are you two talking about?” asked Mike.
“My house,” said Ross. “I’m trying to get Whitney to come and see it.”
“I don’t blame you, buddy.” Mike grinned at her. “I’m Mike Dawson, in case you don’t remember me.”
Whitney held in a chuckle. She’d missed this playful kind of attention, even if it was superficial. She listened as Mike talked about the tennis school he was running for kids in Florida.
“I’m starting a theater program with kids. They’re enthusiastic about doing a very short play here in Lilac Lake,” said Whitney.
“Working with kids is special,” said Mike. “It’s their parents who are the problems. There’s a lot of competition going on.”
“I can imagine,” she said, turning as the waitress arrived to take orders.
After ordering a glass of white wine and a Chicken Caesar salad, she spoke to Crystal across the table. “How was the play?” Crystal sometimes took part in plays at the Ogunquit Playhouse a short distance away on the coast of Maine.
“A lot of work to handle with running the café and all, but a load of fun. But after a couple of weeks of playing a minor role, I was ready to slow down and come home.”
“Sorry I didn’t make it over to the coast to see you,” said Whitney. “Next time, I should be in a better position to do so.”
“No worries,” said Crystal. She waved to a young couple coming into the restaurant.
Whitney couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face. As the owner of the Lilac Lake Café, Crystal knew everyone in town, including visitors, it seemed.
The evening passed pleasantly, and then Taylor announced she was ready to go.
Content to leave, Whitney joined her, and they headed home.
###
The next morning, Whitney awoke with a new sense of anticipation. Today, she’d have her first meeting with the kids putting on the play. She didn’t really expect them to have learned their parts; she simply wanted them to become acquainted with the story line—Lucy, the mouse, liked to brag about herself and runs into trouble when she loses her voice. It was a cute story, short, and doable.
When she went downstairs, Taylor was already up and sipping coffee at the kitchen table.
“’Morning,” Whitney said. “You’re up early.”
“Yes, I wanted to get some words down after I thought of them as I lay in bed. I decided to get up and take a walk. That usually helps with plotting. What’s on your schedule today?”
“I’m going to do some paperwork this morning for the foundation I’m setting up, and this afternoon I’m meeting with the theater kids to talk about the play. Maybe practice some lines. I can’t wait.”
“Sounds like fun.” Taylor gave her a devilish grin. “By the way, this morning I also thought how perfect you and Ross would be together. He, more than many, understands what it’s like to have public attention. That could be helpful to you.”
Whitney shook her head. “Don’t even go there.”
Taylor held up her hands. “Just sayin’. That’s all. He sure seemed into you. C’mon, you’ve got to admit he’s nice … and hot.”
Whitney chuckled at Taylor’s persistence. “Okay, okay. You win. He’s hot.”
“Thought so,” said Taylor. “How about a cup of coffee?” She got up and poured them each a cup.
“Thanks,” said Whitney. “The best suggestion of the day.”
Whitney took her coffee out to the patio. Mindy, who must have gotten up with Taylor, came racing toward her.
“Hey, little girl,” cooed Whitney, stroking her silky head. She took a seat in the shade and took in a long breath of fresh air. It was going to be another hot day.
As she sipped her coffee, she thought about what Taylor had said. She did enjoy Ross’s company. He wasn’t fazed by being with her. In fact, she was the one slightly awed by him. Maybe after seeing his face on television so often. But then, she knew very well what played out on television wasn’t the same as being with the real person or living in the same situation.
Later, she was washing her breakfast dishes when her cell rang. Ross.
“Hello,” she said, “you’re up early.”
“Hi, Whitney. I have a big favor to ask. I understand you’re the person who chose most of the furnishings for the cottage. I’m wondering if you could help me come up with suggestions for what would be suitable for my house. I’m tired of having decorators furnish my houses, making them look like no one would be comfortable living there.”
“I’m flattered to be asked, but perhaps you should go ahead and hire a decorator, but use my input, if that’s what you want. A decorator has better access to materials, fabrics, and furnishings at a better price. Our cottage was meant to be tasteful and simple. That’s all.”
“And that’s what I want. A place where I can relax and be comfortable, maybe eventually settle down and start a family there,” said Ross. “Just as Dani has helped make the renovation of the inn more in keeping with the area, I thought you could provide help to me.”
“When is your house due to be completed?” Whitney asked.
“By the end of the year,” said Ross. “I know from past experiences that furniture can take months to receive after ordering it, and I want to have Christmas in my new house.”
“Okay, let’s go over finishing touches in the house, materials to be used, different styles, and such. We can meet at The Meadow’s Design Center at Collister Construction and begin there.”
“That would be great,” said Ross. “Dani showed me what you did at the cottage, and I really liked it. In fact, she suggested I ask for your help.”
“I see,” Whitney said, wondering if this was a set-up deal to make her feel useful. Even so, it sounded intriguing. “Okay, then, as I said, let’s meet at Collister Construction. I’m available until mid-afternoon.”
“Let’s say 11 o’clock. And if necessary, we can talk it over at lunch, my treat,” said Ross.
“That’ll be fine,” said Whitney pleased by the new project. She’d loved taking over the decoration of the cottage.
After she ended the call, she phoned Dani.
“Yes,” Dani said playfully into the phone.
“I bet you’re pleased with yourself,” said Whitney. “I just got off a phone call with Ross, and now I’m going to help him with the interior of his new home. First Taylor, now you, thinking Ross and I should be doing things together.”
Dani laughed. “It’s a perfect project for you. And if a relationship forms out of it, so much the better. Anyway, you did an excellent job with the cottage. Even without all the furniture, it’s obvious how perfect it’s going to be because of the choices you made.”
“Okay, then. I’ll do my best. Thanks for giving me something more to do. I didn’t get the chance to tell you, but I’m helping a group of kids put on a short play over the Labor Day Weekend.”
“How fun. I can’t wait to see it,” said Dani. “Sorry, but I have to go. I’m meeting with prospective buyers about the different designs we’re offering.”
“Okay. Hope to see you soon. With your living next door with Brad, Taylor and I don’t get to see enough of you.”
“Let’s set up a girls’ night out soon,” said Dani. “I’d love it.”
Whitney ended the call and smiled. Suddenly her days were becoming filled with things that had nothing to do with Zane. It felt good.
###
Promptly at eleven o’clock, Whitney pulled into the parking lot at the Collister Design Center. She picked up her leather-covered notepad and got out of the car as Ross pulled into the lot.
She waited for him to join her, and then they went inside together. It always enthralled her to see the various kitchen cabinets, countertop selections, paint choices, rug, and flooring choices. She loved coordinating items to create a distinctive look.
The office was empty, which was usual unless an appointment had been set up. It made it easier for Whitney to explore different options for finishing touches by pulling samples together from every section. Ross had a schematic of the interior of his house so they could better see how things could be laid out.
They started with the basics: trim pieces and an overall style that he wanted.
From there, wooden and tile floorings were chosen, cabinets, and even some lighting fixtures.
“We’ll save some of the lighting fixtures for later, so you can have something more dramatic in certain areas,” said Whitney.
“You’re really talented at this,” said Ross, giving her a look of admiration.
She grinned. “We have very similar tastes, which makes it easy.”
Rather than going with dark wood tones everywhere, they both liked soft, warm grays and the softest of yellows. She knew from the past how dark and cold some days in New Hampshire could be, and after describing it to Ross, he agreed with her suggestions.
Almost two hours later, Whitney set aside her notebook. “All basics are done. We can go to Boston and look at furniture. The fun will be decorating the house. That’s where your personal touches will be on display.”
“Thanks for helping me. The builders were urging me to take care of this. Now, I can’t wait to do the rest of this with you.” Ross smiled, and Whitney was once more aware of how his boyish grin lit his blue eyes. “How about lunch?” he said.
“I’m ready,” she said. “Nothing like a café meal. Crystal has done such a fabulous job with her restaurant.”
“She certainly knows her crowd,” agreed Ross. “She wanted to start dating, but it was never going to work.”
“Crystal is a very independent person. Very capable. Very kind,” said Whitney, eager to defend her.
“Oh, yes. I know all that,” said Ross. “But that special feeling wasn’t there.”
They remained quiet as they left the building and Whitney realized she and Ross were becoming friends.