Mystic Park (Finding Home 4)

Opal hummed noncommittally. “On which island does the story take place?”

Why wasn’t Opal taking notes? The reporter had activated a recorder. But Benita was certain Darius would still take notes, regardless of the recorder. Why wasn’t Opal?

“Stories of the water nymph are most popular on Trinidad.” Vaughn became more relaxed as he talked about his play. “The water nymph is known as Mama D’Leau. She’s part woman, part anaconda.”

“Sounds scary.” Opal pretended to shiver.

Benita lowered her head and rolled her eyes. “Mama D’Leau is considered the protector of the rivers and waters.”

“She punishes men who hurt the environment, especially the waters.” Vaughn straightened in his chair. It was as though he’d forgotten that he was supposed to be irritated about the newspaper interview.

Benita hoped his good mood continued when the newspaper’s photographer arrived to take his picture for the article. He looked very handsome. His bronze shirt made his nutmeg skin look warmer, richer. The material stretched across his broad I-can-rock-your-world shoulders.

“Why did you want to do a story featuring Caribbean folklore?” Opal asked.

“My parents were from Trinidad. They’re both dead now.” There was love and a touch of heartache in Vaughn’s voice. “But they told my brothers and me some of these stories.”

Benita had great memories of Vaughn’s parents. There was a lot of love and laughter in the Brooks household, with Vaughn’s parents, Jerome and Geneviève; his older brother, Benjamin; Vaughn; and his younger brother, Zachariah.

Vaughn’s mother had been as beautiful as a silver screen movie star and his father was sinfully handsome. The Brooks brothers took after their parents in looks. When Benita had been in high school, all the young women in Trinity Falls felt they owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks for bringing such handsome young men into their community.

“As a talent manager for famous celebrities, what did you think of the auditions?” Opal’s question for Benita brought her back to the present.

“There’s a lot of natural talent in Trinity Falls. I was very impressed. I’m confident Mystic Park is going to be a great performance. And that it will raise a lot of money for the Guiding Light Community Center.” Benita glanced at Vaughn. The musical would be the realization of one of his fondest dreams and it wouldn’t be a disappointment. She’d make sure of that.

The interview lasted several long minutes more. Benita grudgingly gave Opal due credit. The reporter asked good questions, including a few about the Guiding Light Community Center and how the performance would benefit it. Still, Benita wasn’t disappointed when the leggy reporter packed up her recorder and left.

“What was that about?” Vaughn turned from his closed office door after wishing Opal a pleasant evening.

Benita didn’t pretend not to understand Vaughn’s question. “She was flirting with you—”

“No, she wasn’t.”

“—and you didn’t stop her.”

Vaughn regarded her in silence for several tense seconds. “Benny, what are we doing? You act as though all we have is a hookup, but you talk as though we have a serious, committed relationship. Which one is it?”

“I’ve asked you to move to L.A. with me.”

“You’re not happy in Los Angeles. Why don’t you come home?”

Benita spread her arms, palms up. “I’ve told you. L.A. has so much more to offer than Trinity Falls, for both of us.”

“Then why aren’t you happy there?” Vaughn stepped closer, shrinking the distance between them.

“I’d be happier if you were with me.” Benita held Vaughn’s gaze, willing him to change his mind and join her in the Golden State.

“Suppose I move to Los Angeles and you’re still unhappy?”

“We wouldn’t be.” She spread her arms again. “L.A. has everything: concerts, performances, museums, palm trees.”

“The only thing Los Angeles has that I want is you. And we both belong here.”

“You’re wrong.” Benita’s patience snapped. She circled Vaughn and stomped toward his closed office door. “I belong in L.A.”

“And I belong here.” Vaughn turned to face her. “Where does that leave us?”

The fact Benita couldn’t answer that question only made her angrier. She yanked open Vaughn’s door but didn’t trust herself to close it.