CHAPTER TWENTY
WHITNEY
As promised, Pam Sawyer showed up at play rehearsal with her daughter. Whitney was happy to see her because she hoped to get her input on ideas for future productions both in the community and hopefully within the school system.
A buzz of excitement rose from the children as they took their places on the stage in their costumes. The five kids working on sets had painted a large canvas with bunches of flowers, a blue sky, and a vibrant yellow sun.
“It’s wonderful that the children have had this summertime activity. It’s kept them busy with a creative, positive experience,” said Pam, smiling at Whitney. “I’m so glad you decided to come back to Lilac Lake after your troubles in Hollywood.”
“Thanks. I like it here,” said Whitney.
“It must be difficult to deal with all the recent negativity your career has brought you. I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.”
“Thanks, but what are you referring to?” Whitney asked. Was there more trouble from the Zaniacs?
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude. It’s simply that I’ve seen some of the online comments and threats about your part in Zane Blanchard’s death.” Pam gave her a worried look.
“Yes,” said Whitney grimly. “People love to blame me for something I had no control over. It’s pretty scary.”
Pam placed a hand on her shoulder. “They’ll find another victim for their venom. Give it a little more time and, hopefully, the worst will be over.”
“I certainly hope so. I don’t understand how people can be so hateful,” said Whitney.
“Mom, we’re ready,” said Elissa, looking adorable in her mouse costume.
“Okay, honey,” Pam said. She turned to Whitney. “I’ll help with the costumes.”
Whitney went over the script with the young actors, delighted by their growth and enthusiasm. They would be performing for a younger audience. Whitney was confident those kids were in for a treat.
When at last she felt the performers were ready, Whitney said, “Okay, everybody. On Sunday afternoon we’ll meet at the community center at two o’clock for a quick rehearsal and at three thirty, we’ll put on the play. It’s going to be a long, exciting afternoon, so get plenty of rest.”
“Afterwards, Elissa and I will host a cast party at our house for you kids and your parents,” announced Pam.
“How nice,” said Whitney.
“It’s the least we can do for all the work you’ve put into this project, Whitney. We know most of the families through teaching in the schools and have already talked to them.”
“Can I help in any way?” Whitney asked.
“Just bring yourself and Nick,” Pam said, grinning when Whitney’s face turned pink. “You can’t hide anything in Lilac Lake. I’m very happy you two have found one another.”
Whitney shook her head. “Nothing goes unnoticed, huh?”
“That’s about the truth,” Pam admitted. “But the people here are generally lovely and very supportive, and Nick is a favorite in town.”
###
Later, as Whitney told Taylor in a phone call, “Small-town living is totally different from anything I’ve known. But I’m growing to like it.”
“I’m glad, especially knowing how much you care for Nick,” said Taylor. “How are you going to feel being married to the police chief?”
“Whoa! We’ve agreed to date exclusively, but marriage hasn’t come up. It’s a little early for that,” said Whitney.
“Dani and I have proven how fast a decision like that can be,” said Taylor laughing. “But each in her own time. Gotta run. I’m going sailing with Cooper.”
“Sounds like fun. Thanks for the call.” Whitney ended the conversation and smiled. This summer was proving to be a thrilling one for all three Gilford girls.
###
Labor Day weekend arrived with a burst of late summer heat. But Whitney could already smell a bit of fall in the early morning air that Sunday. She sat on the patio sipping her coffee anticipating the day ahead. Nick had left to go to work. Though it might be a holiday for some, for him, the weekend would be busy.
Dani called over the fence between their houses, “Are you up for company? We’re starting late today, and I’d love to see you.”
“Come on over,” said Whitney pleased. “Coffee’s ready anytime you are.” It pleased her to be able to see her sister so often. For years, their schedules and locations had meant spending time together only at the holidays and little else.
Dani came over with Pirate. The black lab and Mindy, best of friends, were soon chasing each other in the backyard.
Whitney and Dani watched them, chatting easily.
“I’ll try to come and see the play today, but I promised to help Brad’s mom with the farm stand this afternoon. It’s a super busy time for them.”
“No problem. How are you and Mary Lou getting along?”
“Fine. She’s a warm, loving person. She and Mom are talking every so often and seem to like one another, which makes it very nice for their talks about the wedding.”
“Thank goodness Taylor is planning a fancy one. That takes some of the pressure off you for having a small ceremony here,” said Whitney.
“Brad and I are working hard to get our house done. Working on three or four houses at once makes it easy because the subcontractors know what we expect and can work at the site in one house or another without wasting any time.”
“Sounds good,” said Whitney. “The fact that you can give them a steady stream of work is helpful too, I would imagine.”
“Yes, we sold another lot. Aaron and Brad are looking into buying more land there. We’ll see,” said Dani. “I’m so proud to be a part of their development. And, of course, I’m setting up my own consulting company, too.”
“You told me Anthony Albono was pleased with your work and may want you to do more for him,” said Whitney.
“Yes. He’s such a strong supporter of mine. I’ve promised to invite him and his wife to my wedding. They’ve been very sweet to me.”
“That’s nice,” said Whitney. She was pleased Dani was finally getting some recognition for her talent.
“I hope things work out between you and Nick,” said Dani. “I saw him downtown the other day, and he was beaming.”
“We’re being open with each other but careful, too. We aren’t going to be foolish by moving too fast. It’s a huge leap of faith for us to be together again, but it feels so right. Looking back, we had a very special relationship as kids.”
“Yes, that’s why everyone is happy to see you two together. Like you said, it seems so right,” said Dani. She lifted her coffee cup. “Here’s to the two of you.”
Laughing, Whitney raised her cup. “Here’s to all the Gilford Girls.”
“Amen,” said Dani. She got to her feet. “Guess I’d better go. I told Mary Lou I’d get there by ten.” She whistled for Pirate.
Whitney walked them to the door and then returned to the kitchen, wondering what Nick’s mother was like. She had a vague recollection of a quiet, pretty woman who adored her son. Once abused, she’d never remarried and lived in a modest home in the same neighborhood as Jamie’s family and still worked in the regional library.
When Nick was ready, Whitney knew he’d ask her to meet with his mother. Until then, Whitney would let it remain Nick’s decision.
###
When Whitney arrived at the community center, the kids were all but jumping around in their excitement, bringing a smile to her. She greeted Pam and another mother, Susan Jenkins, whose son, Samuel, was in the play.
“This is a day we’ve all waited for. I know it’s going to be good,” said Whitney.
“Samuel is so pleased to be part of this, even if he has only one line,” said Susan.
Whitney grinned. “’Look! There she goes.’ is an important line. That’s the thing about plays. Each line is part of the whole.”
Susan laughed. “I love what you’re doing with the kids.”
Whitney gathered the kids in a circle around her. “Okay, let’s work together to get the scenery and props ready, then we’ll do a quick read through and then you can get in your costumes.”
The large painting of flowers and blue sky was mounted on a portable white board, plants and potted flowers were placed about, and the pet bird of one of the girls chirped in his cage.
Whitney stood back and looked at the scenery with satisfaction. “You kids have done a marvelous job.” She held up the programs which someone in the community center office had printed up. They were decorated with pictures of flowers and an outdoor scene. “And, Jamie, your drawings on the program really dress them up. Thank you.”
A huge grin broke across Jamie’s face. “I like drawing.”
Linda, from Linda’s Dance Studio, arrived. “Anything I can do to help?”
Whitney smiled. “All we need to do now is run through the lines. Then you can help kids with their costumes.”
“Okay. Can’t wait to see how my dance kids do. They’ve planned a little surprise for the end. I hope you won’t mind.”
Whitney studied her. “You approve?”
“Oh, yes. It’s very touching.”
“Then I won’t worry about it. After all, the play would never happen without your encouragement.”
By three thirty as the play was about to begin, the floor in front of the stage held at least two dozen toddlers sitting with older siblings. Adults sat in chairs behind them, seeming as eager as the kids. Whitney noticed Jamie’s mother and his siblings enter the building. His father didn’t join them.
Whitney stepped onto the stage. “Welcome to the first production by the Lilac Lake Children’s Theater Group. We’re pleased to present the play ‘A Mouse’s Mistake’. Lucy, the mouse, loves to brag about herself. But what happens when she loses her squeak? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.” She held up a finger to her lips. “Everyone quiet now.”
Pam pulled the curtain open, and the play began.
Later, after what seemed no time at all, applause rang out.
While people were clapping, the actors and crew lined up across the front of the stage and began to do a soft-shoe dance.
Whitney watched, as amazed and pleased as the rest of the audience.
“Thank you to the kids at Linda’s Dance Studio for that little bit of entertainment,” said Whitney. “A surprise for us all.”
As applause filled the room, Whitney watched the kids take a bow, their faces aglow with accomplishment. She could remember times like this when as a child, she had participated in a theatrical event, and she filled with joy at the thought of providing the same opportunity to these children.
Backstage, she reminded everyone about the party at the Sawyer’s house. “Remember, you and your families are invited.”
Linda helped the kids with their costumes, and a few of the parents quickly helped dismantle the stage.
Whitney turned to see Jamie, his mother, and his siblings waiting for her. “Sorry, I took so long. Mrs. Thompkins.”
“No problem. I just wanted to thank you for all the work you’ve done. And please, call me Sandra. The girls and I enjoyed seeing the play, even when Lily fell asleep.” Sandra gave Whitney a shy smile. “I’m glad Jamie could be part of this.”
“Your husband wasn’t here to see it?” Whitney asked.
Sandra’s lips thinned. “He’s at home sleeping. He got in last night.”
“I see. Well, I hope you’re coming to the picnic at Elissa’s parents’ house.”
“Thanks, we are. Pam spoke to me about it.”
As Whitney helped load the three little ones into Sandra’s car, she wondered if that’s what it would be like if she and Nick married and had kids. When at last, they took off to go to the Sawyer’s house, Whitney’s admiration for Sandra knew no bounds. She was a kind, patient mother who dealt with fussing kids calmly.
Whitney drove up to the Sawyer’s house, pleased to see the colorful balloons tied to the mailbox. Their house, a two-story white colonial in a new neighborhood on the eastern side of town was pretty, with green shutters and a side porch.
She parked and helped Sandra and Jamie with the little girls and walked with them to the backyard. Pam’s husband, Tyrone, was at the grill, surrounded by other fathers. The kids were playing croquet at the far end of the yard. Some of the boys were shooting baskets in the driveway. A circle of chairs had been set up beyond the picnic table laden with food. Whitney realized to her chagrin the chairs and food were donations from the other mothers and wished she’d thought of it.
Pam hurried right over to them. “Hi, Sandra and Whitney. Come take a seat in the circle of chairs we set up over there. I’ve asked a few girls from my school class to be here and help babysit some of the younger kids.” She waved a teenaged girl over. “This is Lisa. She can help with your girls.”
Sandra smiled at Lisa. “Thank you for your help. That would be lovely.” She put a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “Go ahead and play with the other kids.”
As he ran away, Sandra said, “He’s such a good boy. I depend on him a lot. That’s why I can’t deny him the lessons he wants.”
“What would his father think of the kids dancing at the end of the play?” Whitney asked, curious.
Sandra shook her head. “He wouldn’t like it at all.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad you’re allowing Jamie to study what he’s passionate about. Dancing is hard work.”
“Thank you for your encouragement. You and Linda Forrest are important to this community because not every kid wants to be a sports star.” Sandra watched Jamie playing with the others and then turned to Whitney, her eyes shiny with tears. “Like I said, he’s a good boy.”
Whitney drew a breath of satisfaction. She couldn’t let someone like Bud Thompkins derail her efforts to give children a chance to participate in theater work. She left Sandra, walked over to Tyrone, and introduced herself to him.
“Thanks for having everyone here. It’s such a nice thing to do.”
He smiled. “Pam and I enjoy meeting and being with people outside our jobs at the schools. It’s nice to have you here. Pam told me you might be bringing Nick Woodruff. Where is he?”
“He has to work, but said he’ll try to join us later,” said Whitney.
Tyrone smiled. “Great. He’s one of the good guys.”
Whitney went inside to see if Pam needed help. She was in the kitchen when they heard a commotion in the backyard.
She and Pam peered out the kitchen window.
Bud Thompkins was standing in front of Sandra shouting at her as he waved a beer can in the air.
Whitney followed Pam out of the kitchen and stood aside as Tyrone and another father moved toward Bud.
“Hey, there, Bud. What’s going on?” asked Tyrone in a calm voice.
“I told Sandra she couldn’t go see that stupid play Jamie was helping with. But when I fell asleep, she went anyway. What kind of wife would do that? I didn’t give the boy my permission.”
“This was a special occasion for all the kids in town. You wouldn’t deprive your son from participating in that, would you?” Tyrone asked calmly.
“Damn right I would. A wife has to obey her husband. And she can’t be raising some pansy kid because I’m not here to stop it. I work hard for a living driving a rig around the country.”
“Yes, I know. And I’m sure you do a good job of it,” said Tyrone, putting a hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t touch me,” said Bud, slapping Tyrone’s hand away. “I don’t need you to tell me what my son can and cannot do. I just want to get my wife and the kids home.”
Another father stepped up. “I can smell your breath from here. I don’t think it’s a smart idea for you to be driving anywhere. Why don’t you sit down and cool off?”
Bud sank onto a chair and finished off his beer. And then he looked around. “Boy? Where are you, boy?”
Whitney had seen Jamie hurry behind the garage. She waited for anyone to point him out but realized they knew how frightened Jamie was and remained quiet. Even the kids.
Nick arrived. “Hello, everybody? What’s going on?” he asked brightly and then noticed the men standing around Bud.
“I think Bud needs someone to drive him home,” said Tyrone. “He’s had too much to drink.”
Bud jumped to his feet. “I’m going to drive my wife and my kids home. I didn’t give them permission to be here.”
“I told you, Bud, the children and I want to stay here,” said Sandra.
Nick shook his head. “No one is going to drive anyone home if there’s alcohol involved. I’ll be glad to take you home, Bud. That will make it easy and safe for everyone.”
“I can drive on my own,” said Bud stubbornly, crinkling the beer can in his hand.
“My offer was more than a suggestion,” said Nick firmly. He placed a hand on Bud’s shoulder. “Come on, pal. Let’s go.”
As they walked away, Bud stumbled, unsteady on his feet.
Nick caught Whitney’s eye and she said quietly, “See you later.”
Bud whipped around at the sound of her voice. “You! It’s all your fault. Better stay out of my family’s business.”
Pam walked up beside Whitney and faced Bud. “You’re drunk. Go with Nick now.”
“You’re going to pay for messing in my business. I promise,” said Bud, stumbling once again as Nick took hold of his arm and moved him away from the crowd.
As soon as Bud left the yard, Whitney went over to Sandra. “Is there something I can do for you?”
Sandra shook her head. “He’s impossible to deal with once he’s had too many beers.”
Whitney drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping she wasn’t crossing any lines. “Are you and the kids safe with him?”
“So far. He’s going through a rough time. The company he works for has threatened to fire him if he doesn’t make some changes and get his temper under control.” She shrugged. “He might be mean from time to time …”
Whitney gave Sandra a steady look. “If you ever feel unsafe, you’ll let someone know, won’t you? There are lots of people able to help you. Just call me and I’ll be there. Or better yet, call Nick.”
“I will. I’ll do anything to protect my kids.”
“Jamie, most of all, I hope,” Whitney said quietly as Jamie approached them.
“Is he gone?” Jamie asked his mother.
“Yes, the police chief is driving him home,” Sandra told him.
One of the other mothers came over to them. “Jamie and my son, Jake, worked together on sets and he’s asked me if Jamie could spend the night. He’s welcome at our house if it’s okay with you.”
Sandra’s face brightened. “That would be nice.” She turned to Jamie. “Do you want to have a sleepover with Jake?”
“Yes,” said Jamie. “Jake and I are friends.” He ran off shouting, “Jake! I can spend the night! My mom said it’s okay.”
The two boys fist bumped one another and took off toward the croquet game.
“Okay,” said Pam. “That’s settled. How about food? We have plenty of it.”
Soon the yard was full of the sounds of adults chatting and kids playing.
Whitney and Pam gave one another looks of relief. But Whitney didn’t think either one of them would forget to keep an eye on Sandra and her family.