“What makes you say she’s erratic?” Vaughn turned from his rapt attention of the auditorium exit through which Ginny had left.
“I don’t think you want her to be involved in your production.” Benita was torn between keeping her friend’s secrets and warning Vaughn away from Ginny.
“You still haven’t told me why not.” A smile flirted around Vaughn’s too-sexy-for-words lips. She’d known those lips so well for so long.
“She’s the kind of person who’ll key your car if she doesn’t get her way.” Why won’t he just listen to me and move on?
“You’re talking about Ginny keying Darius’s car and spray painting his apartment door.” The smile materialized, curving his lips and brightening his eyes.
“You know about that?” Surprise lifted Benita’s eyebrows.
“Trinity Falls has very few secrets.” Vaughn balanced his right ankle on his left knee. “But how did you hear about it all the way in Los Angeles?”
“Aunt Helen told me. She was concerned for Darius.”
“Ginny’s reaction to Darius’s breaking up with her was extreme. But this play is different.” Vaughn linked his fingers together. “It’s a professional commitment. It’s not personal.”
“Do you think someone who’d key another person’s car can be professional?”
“With a voice like Ginny’s, I’m willing to take the chance.” Vaughn lowered his right leg and pushed himself to his feet. “It’s late and I have an early class in the morning. Let’s get together tomorrow night to cast the rest of the parts.”
Benita uncrossed her legs and stood as well. “Ginny has a beautiful voice. But I think we can find other women in Trinity Falls with attractive singing voices.”
“I don’t want to hold another audition.” Vaughn collected his folder and writing tablet. He packed everything into his black knapsack and threw the bag over his shoulder. “We don’t have time.”
Stubborn man.
“I know.” Benita stuffed her paperwork into her emerald green tote bag. “But you don’t want Ginny on your cast. Trust me.”
“Benny, let’s give Ginny a chance.”
Benita fell into step beside Vaughn as they walked to the auditorium’s exit. Their footsteps echoed in the empty room. “What about Audra?”
“She didn’t audition.” Vaughn sounded dismissive.
“She doesn’t need to. You’ve heard her sing dozens of times while she was rehearsing with your concert band for the town’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.”
“I could be wrong, but I think Audra didn’t audition because she doesn’t want to be in the play.” Vaughn’s voice was dry.
“I’ll ask her. I’m sure she’ll be happy to play the lead in your musical. Think of the publicity that’ll give you.”
“Benny, the audition is over.” Vaughn came to a stop at the exit and faced her. “Don’t make Audra uncomfortable by asking her to participate. I respect her decision not to be in the musical. She shouldn’t have to be in every performance the town has.”
“Fine.” Benita sighed. “If you really want Ginny Carp as the female lead for your play, I’ll accept that.”
“I really do.”
“You’re making a mistake.”
“Benny—”
“I just hope she doesn’t key your car.” Benita turned to lead Vaughn down the stairs to the rear parking lot.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m sure my car will be fine.”
They’d both parked in the first row of the visitors’ parking lot, which was steps from the academic building’s rear exit. Streetlights cut through the inky darkness, aiding their visibility and adding a cloak of security.
Benita used her security keypad to deactivate her car alarm. “Your place tomorrow night?”