“What do you mean?”
Doreen bit her lips. Saying the words would give the fear power. “What if he’s decided that it was a mistake to propose to me? What if he really doesn’t want to marry me?”
“Mom, that’s ridiculous.”
Is it? “I’m open to other suggestions.”
She was at her wit’s end. She’d given Alonzo plenty of opportunities to share what was on his mind. She’d even asked him directly if he was having second thoughts. If he didn’t confide to her the reason for his distant behavior, she was considering making the unilateral decision to postpone their wedding—if she could get her heart to agree.
“I’m going to need help coordinating the play.” Vaughn Brooks followed Darius to one of the few available tables in Books & Bakery’s café Tuesday.
It was lunchtime and the place was packed. Employees from local businesses, and students, staff, and faculty from Trinity Falls University were looking to console their sorrows over the start of a new week with Doreen’s famous Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies.
“I had a feeling you might.” Darius spoke over his shoulder as he closed in on the table for two. “A production that ambitious is more than a one-man show.”
“I gave it my best shot.” Vaughn lowered himself onto a chair at the small, white, rectangular table. He was glad Darius had snagged the spot before anyone else had claimed it. “There’s a lot to do: scheduling, auditions, costumes, props.”
“Not to mention promoting the performance and managing the ticket orders.” Darius bit into his turkey-and-cheddar-on-wheat sandwich.
“I was thinking of asking Peyton again. She turned me down the first time.” Vaughn scooped his spoon through his chicken-and-wild-rice soup.
“Why?” Darius paused with his iced tea halfway to his mouth.
“She said she didn’t have experience with theater performances. But she did a great job with the fund-raising event for the Guiding Light Community Center.”
Vaughn studied Darius for his reaction to his request. This past fall, The Trinity Falls Monitor’s managing editor had thought Vaughn and Peyton were dating. In truth, Vaughn was one of several Trinity Falls residents who were matchmaking Darius and Trinity Falls University’s newest faculty member. Now that Darius and Peyton were the latest happy couple in their little town, did the newspaper man harbor any lingering resentments toward him?
Darius sipped his drink. “You’re right. Peyton did a great job on the charity dance. The entire fund-raising committee worked really hard and raised a lot of money for the center.”
Vaughn appreciated Darius’s generous words since he was one of the members of the fund-raising committee. “Do you think I could convince her to help with the play?”
“Under different circumstances, probably. But as you know, TFU hasn’t replaced Ken Hartford yet.” Darius mentioned the recently retired head of the Department of History. “That means all of the history professors are carrying extra courses and advising additional students. Her plate’s pretty full right now.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” Vaughn looked down at his bowl of soup and his half chicken-and-pepper-jack-cheese-on-wheat sandwich. He wanted to produce this musical. But to do it well, he needed help; someone who was meticulous, well organized, who could multitask and manage difficult people. Someone like Peyton, but with an edge.
“I know someone who could help you.” Darius’s words were like lifelines thrown to a drowning man.
“Who?” Hope sprang anew.
“Benita Hawkins.”
Time slowed to a crawl. Vaughn’s blood roared in his ears. His pulse pounded in his throat. In their past, the idea of working with Benita had filled him with excitement. Now there was dread mixed with enthusiasm. He’d thought he’d see her again last Friday. Ms. Helen and Benita had been on TFU’s campus that morning. But Ms. Helen had stopped by his office alone. Obviously, Benita was avoiding him. Even if he could see himself working with her, would she want anything to do with him?
“That wouldn’t be a good idea.” Vaughn made himself swallow more soup.
“Why not? Benita has experience managing performers and performances. She’s meticulous, organized, and can handle challenging personalities. You’ve seen her in action.”
Vaughn looked away. “I know. We’ve worked together before.”
“And the two of you make a good team. Ask her to help with your play.” Darius finished his sandwich and started on his soup.
“I don’t think she’d agree.” Vaughn sensed Darius’s dark eyes boring into his forehead as though the journalist was trying to read his mind.
“Because you’re no longer hooking up with her?”
The stinging burn of a flush traveled under Vaughn’s skin. He shook his head in disgust. “How many other people know?”
“This is Trinity Falls. It’s easier to count who doesn’t know.”