Chapter 15
fifteen
“W hat do you mean that handsome man isn’t a talent scout?” Madame Paulette crossed her arms over her ample chest and glared at Cade. The noon sunlight cutting through windows caught the bangles on her wrists and nearly blinded everyone gathered in the dance studio. “That’s what Trish said!”
“Yeah, he’s clearly from Hollywood.” Owen, still holding his tightrope and umbrella, gestured to his own head. “You can tell by his hair.”
Madame’s studio had been turned into a temporary town hall, since the number of scorned potential actors wouldn’t fit in Cade’s office and Sheriff Rubart had kicked them off the street. People lined the walls on both sides of the crowded space, earning muttered reprimands from Madame for leaning on the mirrors.
Cade pinched the bridge of his nose. Janie, the movie studio exec., had sent Trent Lawson to scout as promised—almost a week early. After recognizing the man, Cade had sprinted toward him, hoping to usher Trent out of the chaos somewhere private where they could talk. He couldn’t tell at first if Trent had been amused or irritated by the bombardment.
Two sentences into the conversation, it became clear.
“Yeah, it’s totally him! Why are you lying to us?” A voice he couldn’t identify shouted from the back of the room.
Cade hurried to find his “politician’s smile,” which he offered to the rows of people both standing and sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor. “If you’ll all quiet down for a moment, I’d be happy to explain.” Well, happy might not be the most accurate word.
Not that it mattered, as the noise—and accusations—continued. The hyped-up teenagers chatted loudly among themselves, while Sadie and Delia talked over each other to identify all the reasons they believed Cade was wrong about the man. Elisa and Noah spoke quietly to each other, gesturing around the room, while Zoey stood beside Linc, arms crossed and rolling her eyes at whatever he said.
Trish pointed her baton at Cade and shouted something he couldn’t make out. Even Farmer Branson joined the melee, pacing the back of the room with thumbs hitched in his overall straps, and he hadn’t even been part of the impulsive talent show.
Rosalyn was nowhere to be seen.
And somehow, her absence felt even more overwhelming than the presence of the mob.
“Um, guys?” Cade tried to keep his tone pleasant, despite his desire to run out of the building, down Bayou Boulevard, and straight into the nearest pothole. His stomach twisted at the thought of his father hearing about how Cade couldn’t command a room.
He wasn’t mayor potential, and this further proved it.
Cade’s anxiety grew in direct proportion to the din around him. He tried again, louder this time. At this point, he’d give a month’s worth of his drawer snacks for a microphone. “ Guys ?”
Linc slipped two fingers into his mouth and whistled. The sudden blast echoed off the walls and the entire room was instantly blanketed in silence.
“Thanks.” Cade rubbed his ear. “I think.”
The annoyed voices morphed into annoyed expressions. But at least they were quiet. Cade cleared his throat. “To clarify, Trent—Mr. Lawson— is a scout.”
“See!” Owen shouted triumphantly.
Cade shot him a look. “I asked the film company that shot here a few years ago to consider coming back to the area, and they agreed. So they sent a location scout.”
Owen winced. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh .” Cade pointed behind him to the street outside the studio. “Mr. Lawson has nothing to do with hiring actors.”
Delia’s gray brows furrowed. “Then why did he watch us so carefully?”
Elisa snorted. “What would you do if the entire town put on an impromptu show right in your face?”
“Exactly.” Sadie nodded briskly. “He’s polite.”
Owen frowned. “I thought people from Hollywood were rude.”
Several hands swatted him.
Madame Paulette bumped Owen with one hip, sending him stumbling forward a step. “He might be nearby.”
“I’m sure he’s aware of the stereotypes.” Owen crossed his arms, accidentally jabbing Linc in the back with his umbrella. Linc glared down at him.
Cade sighed. “Mr. Lawson is aware of too many things already, trust me.” Your town here definitely knows how to put on a show. Trent’s laugh had carried more disdain than amusement. I didn’t realize I was walking onto the set of a bad sitcom.
“Next order of business.” Cade planted his hands on his hips and let his gaze drift over the room. “Mr. Lawson came several days early—I didn’t even know he’d show up when he did. So how did this happen?”
The entire crowd took a step back and pointed to Trish.
She offered a sheepish grin as she reached up to adjust her top hat. “I heard him introduce himself at the café when he came in for brunch. I might have Googled him, and, uh, spread the word.”
The chaos escalated again as everyone started either accusing or defending Trish.
Cade clapped his hands together before a brawl broke out. “Look, I think you guys definitely made an impression.” Not the one he’d been hoping for, but it was too late now. “We should all head home, before Sheriff Rubart reminds us of the fire code.”
“We’ve exceeded the legal limit by ten.” Madame Paulette jerked her thumb toward the sign posted on the wall.
Great. Sheriff Rubart on his back was the last thing Cade needed.
“Okay, everyone out.” Cade pointed to the door. He had zero energy left to put into this. All that begging, and his one chance at getting the movie company interested in a post-hurricane Magnolia Bay had been blown by fifty people seeking their fifteen minutes of fame.
The mob filed past him out the front doors. Didn’t they realize he was doing all of this for them? For the town? How was he supposed to meet all their requests without the money to do so? And how was he supposed to raise said money if they were getting in the way of his efforts?
Elisa shot him sympathetic eyes as she made her way past, her fingers laced through Noah’s. The sight sent a fresh pang through Cade’s stomach. He still hadn’t made things right with Rosalyn, and now he had this mistake to deal with—and to explain to his father.
“Sorry, sugar,” Elisa said with a wince. “Pie on the house, whenever you want to swing by the Blossom.”
Noah palmed Cade’s shoulder with his free hand. “It’ll all work out. Don’t give up yet.”
Easy for him to say. Noah had gone on a treasure hunt last spring organized by his recently deceased grandfather and had saved the inn he worked so hard for. Cade worked hard for the entire town, and all he got in return was what—anxiety attacks? Humiliation?
He looked at Madame Paulette, who was now the only other person left inside the studio.
She regarded him with a wary expression. “You think we messed up, huh?”
“I don’t know. I tried to talk with Mr. Lawson, but he wanted to go back to Chug a Mug and finish his latte in peace.” Cade ran his hands down his cheeks. “Maybe there’s still a way to help Trent see Magnolia Bay isn’t crazy and is worthy of further consideration.”
Though with all that drama, at least the man probably hadn’t noticed the potholes and half-finished repairs.
“Oh, we’re crazy, honey.” Madame laughed. “Anyone wanting to shoot a movie here better learn that quick.” Her bracelets jingled as she grabbed a push-broom out of the storage closet. “Now, off you go. I can’t have my dancers plié-ing on all this dirt y’all brought in.” She started sweeping before Cade could even make it to the porch.
He coughed against the cloud Madame swept his way and quickly shut the door behind him. Then he rubbed his eyes. For a moment, he was a child again. Playing hide-and-seek with his grandmother, who finally—gently—had to explain that just because he closed his eyes didn’t mean people couldn’t see him.
Maybe this time, if he stood there and kept his eyes shut, he could disappear. Then Magnolia Days would be over, the campaign would be over, Rosalyn would go wherever she was booked next, and his life would be?—
His phone buzzed with a text. He looked down.
Rosalyn.
Rosalyn: Come to Chug a Mug, quick.
* * *
All Rosalyn thought since the moment she saw Cade standing on the sidewalk in front of Chug a Mug, hands shoved helplessly in his pockets as he watched the entire town make fools of themselves, was how much she wished she could give him a hug. The stress lines on his forehead had bothered her, and she’d felt responsible for at least two of them.
So when she saw the middle-aged scout duck his head and beeline inside the coffee shop after the energetic, costumed crowd dispersed to Lettie’s studio, she’d seen her chance to make things right. The surprised look on Cade’s face now, as they crowded around Trent’s meant-for-two table by the window at Chug a Mug, made all her fast-talking a few minutes ago worth it. And okay, yeah, maybe she’d name-dropped herself to get the guy’s attention. But it worked, and here they were.
“Thanks for agreeing to see us, Mr. Lawson.” Rosalyn clutched her cup of herbal tea between both hands. She had to keep her voice steady despite the nerves flushing her body as she made eye contact with Cade—the closest she’d been to him since he dropped her off at her car after their trip to New Orleans last weekend. “Cade, you sure got here fast.”
Honestly, she’d wondered if he’d even see her text or if he’d maybe blocked her number. The scent of his cologne wafted over her, mixing with the aroma of freshly ground beans as Miley whipped something in a blender behind the front counter.
He returned her gaze, and man, she wanted to touch the stubble on his face, smooth the frown lines around his brow. Be snuggled back in his arms under a rain-soaked awning. But wanting that had led to her doing that, and look what that had gotten them? Disaster.
One day she’d stop making bad decisions.
But now—now, the air was ripe with cocoa and fresh baked scones and…hope? The midday sun streamed through the coffee shop windows, glinting off the hanging brass light fixtures overhead. Down the street, a dog barked, and children shouted as they went about their summer day. Everything felt peaceful again on Village Lane—just in time to try to change Trent’s mind.
She had to remember this meeting was about Magnolia Bay—not her and Cade.
“Thanks for ordering me a coffee.” Cade shot her an appreciative smile before twisting to face Mr. Lawson. “And I’m so glad Rosalyn caught you. I think we have some explaining to do.”
“It’s Trent, please. And no, I apologize for my abrupt dismissal earlier. This young lady convinced me I had the wrong idea.” Trent flashed white teeth as he tugged the front of his blazer into place. “We didn’t get to officially meet in the melee. I understand you’re the one who requested I come?”
“I did, yes.” Cade shook the man’s tanned hand. “Welcome to Magnolia Bay. I’m the town director and was involved in a movie that was shot here several years ago. I had the idea to see if you guys wanted to come back.” He blasted them with a grin Rosalyn knew the camera would love. “Maybe take advantage of those Louisiana tax breaks.”
“Ha. Good pitch.” Trent leaned back and patted the sunglasses that hung in his shirt collar, as if suddenly remembering where they were. He grinned. “I thought I came to scout a location, but Rosalyn here assured me the people of this town are the location.”
“Is that so?” Cade’s eyes darted to Rosalyn and she offered a quick smile. He looked away, his expression pleasant but his eyes neutral. She hated not being able to tell what he was thinking. Had she done the right thing in rushing after Trent, talking up the town? Cade didn’t seem to want much help with anything lately, but she couldn’t pass the chance when she saw it. If she could use her bit of fame to help Cade…help the Bay…she had to.
Even if that did increase her risk of Blaine knowing she was performing. She ran her finger around the edge of the teacup.
The sun drifted behind some clouds, casting a shadow over their table. Rosalyn cleared her throat. “I told Mr. Lawson— Trent —that Magnolia Bay is pretty special. And that I think we got off to a…confusing start.” She darted another glance at Cade. Would he hear what she meant? “Maybe accidentally misled you.”
Cade nodded. “I agree—on both fronts.”
Her stomach dropped. He’d missed her subtext.
But then he paused, his gaze tangling with hers. “Sometimes you just need more information before reacting. Time to process.”
Her shoulders relaxed and she released a slow breath. Maybe they could move forward, after all. “I agree on that too.”
Trent looked between the two of them, his brow pinched. “Um, right. Great. So we’re all in agreement…”
Oops. She’d almost forgotten what they were actually talking about. Rosalyn raised her eyebrows at the scout, found her smile. “So does that mean you’ll give Magnolia Bay another shot?”
Trent hesitated. “I have to say, in my decade of scouting, I’ve never seen anything like…that.” He gestured toward the window, where the impromptu talent show had gone on. “I was intrigued.”
“That’s one word for it, I’m sure.” Cade offered a little laugh. “I’ve got to echo Rosalyn and assure you Magnolia Bay is a very special town. That’s why I was so adamant about getting someone out here. We have a lot to offer, especially in the summer, and tourist season has officially begun. It’s a great time to get something going.”
“Obviously there’s a lot to consider when scouting for a set.” Trent tapped the side of his cup with one finger, his wide-banded ring thumping against the lid. “Proximity to highways, the cultural connotations of the area, and so forth. But one thing I personally consider is the people. That’s the pool they fish from for extras, so there’s that factor, for one.”
“I did do a mean Crowd Scene Guy Number Three in that last flick.” Cade saluted Trent with his coffee.
Rosalyn snorted. “I’ve really got to see that movie at some point.” She took a sip of tea.
“See?” Cade grinned at Trent and pointed at Rosalyn. “I’m raising the ratings as we speak. Magnolia Bay is definitely the place to shoot.”
Trent chuckled. “Oh, I can see, trust me.” He wagged a finger between them. “How long have you two been together?”
Rosalyn sprayed her tea.
Cade’s eyes widened. “No.”
She gulped, coughed. “We’re friends.”
“We’re old rivals.”
She and Cade spoke over each other, frowned. Tried again at the same time.
“He almost beat me for valedictorian.”
“Her friends hated me?—”
“He was always with the jocks?—”
“I mean, not that we’ve not thought about?—”
“There was this volcano?—”
“ Whoa .” Trent lifted both hands in apology. “Sounds like there’s a story there. Might have to get the writers out here for that one.”
Rosalyn’s chest heated under her shirt and she sought a sip of tea she could actually swallow this time. She pasted on a composed smile, trying not to read too much into Cade’s fumbled words. Not that we’ve not thought about…
Did he mean last weekend or in the years before? Not that it mattered.
Except it sort of did.
Cade’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he nodded at Trent. Definitely avoiding eye contact with her. “Please, continue.”
“As I was saying, I also consider the overall vibe of the locals. Do they want to be involved? Will they be supportive? Some aren’t, if you can imagine.” Trent winced. “They don’t like progress or blocked roads or anything getting in the way of their daily routine. It can get nasty.”
“I’m sure as you saw earlier, the people of Magnolia Bay are very invested in their hometown and whatever it takes to help it thrive.” Cade hesitated, then glanced at Rosalyn. He raised an eyebrow. “Hopefully you consider passion a plus and not a negative.”
Now who was using subtext? Rosalyn licked her suddenly dry lips. “Cade’s right. The people here are very passionate. But sometimes passion can get carried away.”
She fought to keep her gaze on Trent despite the feel of Cade’s gaze on her profile. “But I think if you guys set up shop in the Bay, everyone would put that eagerness aside and adhere to the rules that were set…and not cause a problem.”
Like she had. With her— ahem —passion.
Cade held her gaze. “But wouldn’t you say sometimes rules cause more harm than good?”
Oh boy. Her stomach fluttered. “Sometimes. But usually rules are there for everyone’s safety.”
“Safety?” Cade grinned, sending her flutters into a full-fledged swarm. “Don’t you work without a net?”
Felt like it right now, actually. “Yes…and I’ve got the bruises to prove it.”
“Okay, are you sure you two aren’t dating?” Trent tilted his head, eyes narrowing. “You have more chemistry than that last rom-com I scouted for.”
Cade’s eyes widened, then he leaned forward, covering the reaction with a cough. “I think what we’re trying to express is that the people of Magnolia Bay will be on board with whatever is expected of them.” He kept his eyes on Trent. “Because they’ll have to be.”
Rosalyn’s heart thundered. Was he still talking about them? Or the town? She couldn’t tell and honestly, did it matter? They had to find a way to work together through this festival and circus.
Not give in to the chemistry.
“To that point, I have to admit, I purposefully came earlier than I’d told Janie so the town couldn’t prep for me. I like to come on scene and see things exactly as they are.” Trent spread his hands wide. “Which was a bit of my annoyance. I assumed word leaked and I was being manipulated.”
“Well, you were,” Cade admitted. “But it was innocent. Someone heard who you were in the diner and word spread quick.”
“That’s part of the charm around here though.” Rosalyn shrugged, grateful for the rush of the AC kicking on overhead and cooling her cheeks that she knew had to still be hot pink. “Everyone is very genuine—what you see is what you get.” Except for maybe her and her secrets. She shifted in her chair. The urge to tell Cade the rest of her situation burned on her tongue.
But that could put him in danger. Not to mention—what would he think of her then?
“Of course, the downside to the whole ‘what you see is what you get’ thing is you might see a waitress in a top hat or a banker on a tightrope.” Cade snorted. “But regardless, it’s genuine.”
“I understand.” Trent waved one hand. “I’d hoped to stay under the radar, but then I wouldn’t have had the honor of meeting your star here.” He smiled at Rosalyn. “I’ve always been very impressed with aerialists—it’s a unique talent.”
The praise washed over her, warm at first, then slowly icing over. More expectation. More pressure to make the show go well as a headliner.
A headliner trying to stay out of the news.
“Any town hosting a top-notch circus with professional aerialists is something to notice.” Trent took a last sip from his mug. Through the window, the sun reemerged from behind the clouds, warming Rosalyn’s hands clutching her nearly empty cup of tea. “A circus is a very creative idea for a fundraiser, by the way.”
“Thank you.” Cade nodded. “The entire week-long festival should be entertaining. Food trucks, vendor booths, carnival rides, face-painting…plus the three nights of the circus at the end.”
Rosalyn’s stomach tightened. She’d almost forgotten there were three separate performances. Three attempts to shine, but not too much. Three attempts to help save her hometown, but in a low-key way that wouldn’t bring nationwide attention.
Three attempts to not fall from the silks—or fall for Cade.
“You guys have sold me. I’ll be back next week and do my best to make sure my boss tags along. Could mean good things.” Trent brushed off the sleeve of his blazer, then included them both in his grin as he started to stand. “At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team, looking for a win, right?”
“Right.” Cade nodded, shook his hand again. He shot Rosalyn a victory smile when Trent turned to pick up his cup.
Same team. Rosalyn smiled back, stood more slowly. Maybe that’s why things kept getting out of whack. She and Cade were used to being on opposite teams. There was clearly a measure of safety in competing against each other, keeping that distance. Look what had happened when she’d crossed that invisible boundary line.
She lingered at their table, taking her time gathering her trash. Eyed Cade’s broad back following Trent toward the front door, absorbed his charming smile and charismatic laughter as he clapped the scout on the back and said goodbye. Watched as he turned and scanned the coffee shop with a slight frown, as if looking for where she’d gone.
Acknowledged the way his smile returned when he saw her—and what that smile did to her stomach.
For better or for worse, it looked like for the next few weeks she’d be working without a net once again.