CHAPTER SEVEN
WHITNEY
Whitney decided to meet the parents of the twelve kids involved in the play right away, so they’d feel more comfortable about their children being involved in the project. Whitney was especially interested in meeting Jamie’s parents and saved their meeting until last.
By the time she arrived at Jamie’s house, Whitney was convinced that Lilac Lake held the best of American families—they all seemed like hard-working, law-abiding citizens who genuinely cared about their children.
Jamie’s house, located in a small subdivision behind the one where she and her sisters were renting, was smaller than some, but neatly maintained. When his mother answered the doorbell, Whitney was surprised to see how young she was. She was holding a baby, and Whitney saw two toddlers in the background.
Whitney introduced herself to Jamie’s mother and explained that she was getting a group of children together to put on a play, and that Jamie had offered to help with the staging of it.
The frown that had appeared on his mother’s face deepened as she listened. “My husband, Bud, won’t like hearing about this. The boy is supposed to be playing baseball this summer.”
Whitney studied the tired-looking woman whose brown hair needed a shampoo and thought quickly. “What if I told you that Ross Roberts, an ex-Yankees player, was in town and might give lessons to the kids doing the play?”
Jamie’s mother’s eyes widened. “Well, now that would make a big difference. That would be no problem at all. Where are they going to practice for the play?”
Whitney explained about the space at Beckman Lumber. “If you’d like, I can pick up Jamie and drop him off after rehearsal.”
“Thanks,” she said. “It’s hard for me to get all the kids in the car, even for a short trip like that.” One of the children started to cry and then another joined in.
“I won’t keep you,” said Whitney smoothly. “I’ll pick up Jamie at three o’clock if that’s all right with you.”
His mother nodded. “Fine by me. He’s a good kid. But we’ve got to be careful to follow Bud’s rules when it comes to him being around. As Jamie is the only boy, my husband has placed a lot of hopes on him.”
“I understand he doesn’t know about Linda’s school,” said Whitney, careful not to say anything that one of the smaller kids could repeat.
A look of terror crossed Jamie’s mother’s face and disappeared. “No, he don’t. And we got to keep it that way.”
“Of course. I understand,” said Whitney. “Thank you for allowing Jamie to participate. He’s going to be doing some drawings for programs, too.”
“His father don’t like that none,” said Jamie’s mother. “Just don’t have him sign his name. Like I said, Jamie is a good boy. He helps me a lot. It’s only fair he can do some stuff that makes him happy.”
“Yes, I agree,” said Whitney, catching a glimpse of Jamie in the background leading a little girl by the hand into the kitchen. “See you later.”
As soon as Whitney was settled in her car, she punched in the number for Ross Roberts, hoping he’d understand.
Ross picked up the call right away. “Hi, Whitney. What’s up?”
“Can you meet me at the café? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Okay,” said Ross. “I’m accepting the fact that it must be important.”
“Yes, it is,” said Whitney. “I need your help with something.”
“No problem. I’ll leave now and meet you there in a few minutes.”
Whitney ended the call grateful for Ross’s support. He hadn’t asked for more information; the fact that she needed his help was enough for him. That was something she’d always remember.
###
Whitney was sitting on the patio at the café when Ross walked onto it looking for her.
She lifted her arm in a wave and waited for him to come to her. He was taller than average, with a ripped body, and the smile that was adored by millions. Yet, he did nothing to draw attention to himself even now, as other diners recognized him.
“What is this about? I can never refuse a damsel in distress,” he said, smiling as he sat down opposite her.
“You mentioned once that you’d be willing to help me out with the theater project for kids. Well, it isn’t exactly what I’m asking, but this might even be better for you.” Whitney explained the situation about Jamie and said, “When his mother mentioned baseball, I knew that’s how you could help not just one boy in town, but many. Are you willing to work with them however you want?”
He grinned. “Sure. Why not? I’m staying in Lilac Lake trying to keep a low profile until my name gets cleared from the scandal I wasn’t even involved with.”
“You’ve mentioned it before. What exactly is this scandal?”
“A group of us rented a hotel room in Miami. One of the guys invited a bunch of girls up to the suite. Alcohol was served and one of the girls got very drunk and had to be taken to the hospital. The thing was, I’d decided to go home and visit my dad. He’s dying from cancer, and I had a feeling I should go see him.”
“Oh, my god! How is he?”
“Not good. It’s end-stage cancer. He still has some good days but not many. Lucky for me, it was one of his better days.”
“So, you weren’t even there?”
Ross shook his head. “No, but my name was on the reservation for the suite. They’re trying to say I was responsible. It’s a mess, but my lawyer says they have no grounds to blame me for the party. I will have to pay for damages, unless my so-called friends pitch in and pay for them.”
Whitney sensed how betrayed Ross felt and automatically reached for his hand. “I’m so sorry,” she managed to say suddenly feeling awkward as the touch of his skin caused her to blush. Good lord! Had it been that long since she’d socialized with a man?
“Are you alright?” Ross asked, gazing steadily into her eyes.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she said, pulling her hand away from him. On screen she’d had to fake attraction. Compared to the nonchalant act she was performing now, that had been nothing. “What in heaven’s name had happened? Maybe it was the heat,” she told herself, but she knew the shock she’d felt had nothing to do with the hot day.
She gazed at Ross.
He was staring out at the street, watching the people stroll by.
Telling herself she was being ridiculous, she said to him, “So, you’re willing to help out with a few baseball clinics?”
“Sure. I’ll be glad to do that. Let’s figure out how to tie it into your play rehearsals.”
They talked about logistics and agreed that Ross would meet the kids today and set up a time for a Saturday morning session. In the meantime, the news would get out by word of mouth and with the help of various organizations willing to spread the information.
“Don’t be surprised if you get a lot of the dads, too. I’m hoping Jamie’s dad will be one of them. That poor kid has no chance of doing what he really wants unless he has a way to tie it into a sport. Baseball will be good for him.”
“Glad to help out. Now, maybe you’ll help me and agree to go out to dinner with me. I’ve been trying to do my own cooking in the house I’m renting, but what I really want is dinner at Fins.”
Whitney smiled. “I’d be delighted.” One good deed deserved another, didn’t it?
###
Even before they entered the restaurant, a young couple recognized Ross and rushed up to him to ask him for an autograph. He politely did as she’d asked. Then, the woman noticed Whitney and said, “Oh, my god! Whitney Gilford! What are you doing here? You’re with Ross? Wait until my girlfriends hear about this.”
“Ross and I are simply friends,” Whitney said, and realized that’s all she wanted from him. A friendship with no complications. Understanding how it would be dating him, distaste made her stomach fill with acid. She’d had enough of that kind of behavior dealing with Zane. There was no way she wanted to be part of a relationship like that again. As attracted as she was to Ross, she’d stand firm on this.
Ross gave her a questioning look.
“Ross is doing something nice for the community and we’re celebrating,” said Whitney, smiling at him. “That’s all.”
Ross put an arm around Whitney’s shoulders. “We’re only friends, like the lady said.”
When they entered the restaurant, Melissa Hendrickson’s mother, Susan, acting as hostess, gushed a flirty welcome to Ross. Witnessing Ross’s effect on women, Whitney knew she was right to banish any thought about a relationship with him. She couldn’t do it.
Whitney was happy when Melissa, who was Whitney’s age, came out of the kitchen to greet them wearing her chef’s coat and toque. “The special tonight is fresh-caught cod. I can cook it any way the two of you want.”
Ross grinned at Melissa. “Music to my ears. How about a typical scrod dish with lots of lemon?”
“Done,” said Melissa returning his smile with flushed cheeks. “And you, Whitney?”
“I’ll have the same,” Whitney said. “I know how delicious it is.” She and Taylor had splurged on dinner at Fins a few days ago.
After Ross had ordered a Napa Valley sauvignon blanc and they sat back facing one another, Ross gave Whitney a penetrating look. “Did you mean it? You want to be just friends?”
“Yes. I think it’s best for both of us. I’m still recovering from a terrible relationship with a famous actor, and I have no idea what I’m going to do with my career or my life going forward.”
“I understand. I’m in a state of limbo, too. At the moment, I’m busy doing publicity work and trying to get into the television side of things. So, it’s best if I don’t get involved with anyone.”
“That’s good,” said Whitney, relieved. “If we should end up living in Lilac Lake together for any period of time, I want to be able to count on you as a friend.”
“Me, too,” said Ross. He shot her a teasing grin. “In the meantime, if either of us changes our mind, let’s talk about it.”
Whitney laughed. “That’s a promise.” She loved that they’d been honest with one another from the start. That spark of attraction was there, but she wouldn’t act on it. More than one thing was holding her back, and she’d learned to listen to herself.
They shared a delicious meal, with the scrod baked perfectly with a lemony bread crumb topping, fresh asparagus with a light lemon sauce, and boiled New England potatoes.
Now that they’d made the decision to be friends, Whitney found herself totally relaxed with Ross. He, in turn, told her about his time growing up in New Jersey and how baseball had kept him out of trouble.
She had no similar story. Compared to his tough life, hers was simple. Zane had once accused her of not knowing the darker side of life, and she couldn’t deny it. She’d had a happy childhood with kind and loving parents.
By the time they left the restaurant, Whitney felt she and Ross were truly friends.
Ross drove her to her house, thanked her for a nice evening, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “See you on Saturday.”
Taylor greeted Whitney at the door with a bright smile. “How’d your date with Ross go?”
Whitney sighed. She knew Taylor and Dani were anxious for her to find love like they had, but she needed time. “We’ve decided to be friends. We both agree it’s best that way. His future is as uncertain as mine and we don’t want to become involved with someone at this stage. Believe me, it’s a relief. I’m attracted to him, but there are enough issues with him being famous and from a different background. I don’t want another relationship with someone famous and in the public spotlight.”
Taylor’s look was crestfallen. “Oh. Well, then, I’m glad you both decided that’s how it would be. I bet Ross doesn’t have many, if any, girls turn him down.”
“I think you’re right. But he was a real gentleman about my honesty and was as relieved as I simply to relax and enjoy one another’s company.” Whitney shook her head. “A group of admirers saw us outside the restaurant. One of them said she couldn’t wait to tell her girlfriends that Ross and I were together. I hope that goes nowhere.”
Taylor made a face. “Me, too. Rumors like that can be dangerous.”
Whitney blinked in surprise. “What do you mean ‘dangerous’”?
“Oh, dangerous may be too strong a word. I meant unhealthy more than anything.” Taylor gave her a hug. “I certainly don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“I know,” said Whitney, laughing off the shiver that had crossed her shoulders.
###
After rain the previous day, sunshine welcomed Saturday morning with a brightness Whitney appreciated. Ross’s baseball clinic was the talk of town, and she was looking forward to seeing Jamie and meeting his father.
Taylor had left for New York, and she and Mindy had the house all to themselves. She got out of bed and headed downstairs to fix a cup of coffee, enjoying the solitude on this summer morning.
Later, sitting on the patio with her coffee, she could hear Dani’s dog, Pirate, chasing a ball next door, his feet pounding the ground with an undeniable rhythm. Rather than call over the fence to her sister, Whitney remained quiet. She knew Dani and Brad liked their privacy and could hardly wait to have a house together in Brad’s new development.
After a refreshing shower, Whitney got dressed and headed to the local ballpark to join Ross at this first-ever baseball clinic. She hoped her decision to give Jamie a sport to talk about with his father would take the pressure off him for wanting to participate in the play’s production.
On a leash beside her, Mindy pranced with excitement on her short, crooked legs, enjoying being out and about. A crowd of young boys and girls stood in a clump beside the baseball field. Whitney smiled at Ross in the middle of them trying to answer all their questions at once.
“Hello,” Whitney called to him and approached a group of parents who were talking together. She noticed how many of the dads had shown up and was pleased to see them. She made a mental note to ask Ross to mention the play at the end of his clinic. With Ross’s stamp of approval, perhaps Jamie’s father would understand there was room for different kinds of activities for Jamie.
Even though many of them knew who she was, Whitney introduced herself to the parents and told them about the need for this clinic and other opportunities she hoped to offer the kids in the area. An average-sized man with broad shoulders and a thick midriff, balding black hair and hazel eyes approached her. “We don’t want no theater stuff, no dancing, singing, and the like for our kids. We want them outdoors doing sports. That’s what they need.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” said Whitney, stalling for time.
“Bud Thompkins,” said the man drawing himself up. “My son, Jamie, is a talented ball player. I want him to keep at it, not wasting his time on indoor stuff.”
“I’m glad we could put on the clinic today, but the opportunity for kids to try all kinds of healthy activities is what we hope to achieve. Some outdoors, some not.”
“He knows what I expect,” said Bud in a threatening tone that made Mindy growl.
Determined not to show her unease, Whitney stood her ground and waited for Jamie’s father to step back.
As other parents spoke to her, Whitney took advantage of the time with them to talk about her plans for a children’s theater program which she hoped would be tied into the schools and summer camps in the area. Most parents were receptive, a few not.
Ross approached them. “I’m going to start with a few tips on batting. My friend, Mike Dawson, will pitch and my pal, Ben Gooding will catch. I’ll stand by and make notes for each of the boys and girls as they bat.”
With everyone asking for autographs, Ross held up his hand. “No autographs right now. We’re not prepared today. We’re here for the kids’ clinic. Maybe another time.”
He and his friends took their positions, and then one by one, the boys and girls tried their hand at batting. Twenty-one children had shown up, which meant a couple of hours of individual coaching addressed to not only the batter but the others as well so they could all learn.
“Remember, no one is perfect. We all have a lot to learn.” Ross patted Jamie on the back. “You’re off to an excellent start.”
Jamie’s father met him walking off the field. “We’ll have to practice a lot while I’m home. No more foolishness about dancing and other activities.”
“But, Dad, I’ve promised to help with the play. I’m working on sets for it.”
“No way,” Bud said.
Overhearing him, Whitney confronted him. “Jamie’s talent is needed for the play a new group is putting on. It won’t take much time, I promise. But now that he’s started, we need him to finish it.”
“Who said you could do this? Your mother?” Bud said, narrowing his eyes at Jamie.
Jamie’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I promised I’d still help with the kids. It only takes a short time between taking care of them. Mom said it was okay.”
“We’ll talk about it at home,” said Bud, glaring at Whitney. If looks could kill, Whitney knew she’d be mortally wounded.
Just then, Ross’s voice called out to everyone, “Remember to support the new play in town over Labor Day. It’s really important.”
Bud looked from Ross to her. “I suppose you got him to say something like this.”
Whitney forced a smile. “I’m sure Ross Roberts wouldn’t endorse anything he didn’t believe in.” She knew from Ross’s interviews on television that he made a point of saying that.
“We’ll see,” said Bud. He returned a wave from Ross, who, bless his heart, was supporting Whitney’s project every way he could.
“See you later,” she said to Jamie. “Great job on the batting.”
Jamie glanced at his father, frowned, and shrugged.
Whitney sighed. On his own, dancing or painting, Jamie was a joyful, smiling boy.
After everyone had left the field, Whitney thanked Ben, Mike, and Ross. “You don’t know what a boost this is to my plan of offering other activities to the kids in the area. It means a lot.”
“One guy isn’t very happy about them,” said Ben. “I noticed him glaring at you. Are you going to be all right?”
“There’s a hothead in every crowd,” said Ross. “I’ll keep my eye on him at our next clinic.”
“Me, too,” said Ben. “There’s something about him I don’t trust.”
“Can I buy you lunch at the café?” said Whitney. “That’s the least I can do for your help.”
“Sounds fine to me,” said Ben. “I told Crystal I’d see her when I got back to town.”
Whitney studied him. With his broad shoulders and sturdy body, Ben looked the part of baseball catcher in earlier years. She liked his upbeat manner, his easy smile. The thought of him with purple-haired, dramatic Crystal amused her. She glanced at Ross, and he winked at her as if he’d read her mind.
###
As usual, when Whitney and the others entered the Lilac Lake Café, it was buzzing with conversations and the sight of people enjoying their food.
Ben left them to say hello to Crystal behind the counter. The way Crystal’s face lit at the sight of him brought a smile to Whitney. Maybe there was something more than friendship brewing there.
They elected to sit outside. Though the sun was high and the temperature warm, a gentle breeze cooled their skin. That, and iced tea were welcome after their busy morning.
Whitney was finishing the salad she’d ordered when Crystal walked over to them. “How’s everything?”
“Delicious as usual,” Whitney said.
Crystal’s gaze went from Ross to her. “I understand the two of you are together now. I guess, it takes Instagram and TikTok to keep me up to date on things happening in my own town.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Whitney, feeling a cold chill.
“Someone posted a photograph of the two of you together here in town,” said Crystal. “She said that although you tried to tell her you were only friends, she could tell it was something more than that.”
Whitney looked at Ross and sighed. “We were just being honest.”
“Maybe my agent can stop the spread of that news,” said Ross, giving her a sympathetic look.
“It might be too late,” said Crystal looking concerned. “There is a group of Zane’s fans who think you were to blame for his downfall, Whitney. Now, they’re saying they’re going to stop you from ruining Ross’s career too.”
Whitney hugged her stomach, feeling she might throw up. She’d thought those earlier threats were over.
Ross placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll call my agent as soon as I get back to my house. I promise.”
Whitney couldn’t shake the fear that filled her. Fans could become obsessed by posts that weren’t healthy or true.
“It’s good that you live in a small town,” said Crystal. “There isn’t a person here who wouldn’t help to keep you safe.”
“I want this as quiet as possible. Otherwise, someone will make the problem even worse by saying something that could be spread. I’ve already experienced how that can work.” Whitney couldn’t hide the bitterness in her voice. She’d been blamed for Zane’s drug use when she’d tried every way that she could to convince him to get help.
“I think you should tell Nick what’s going on,” said Crystal.
“I’ve already promised to let him know if anything happens to cause me worry,” said Whitney. “Let’s not overreact.”
Crystal studied her, and though she silently agreed, her look of concern didn’t disappear.
“You’d better tell him about that hothead father,” said Ben. “There’s something going on with him and his family that I don’t like. His son looked afraid of him.”
“I know,” said Whitney. “That worries me too.”