Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee (17 page)

An awkward silence gave her the answer she’d feared. from the opposite side of the room, one lone hand went up.

“I—I used to be a cheerleader during high school back in Texas.”

“Annabelle?” Amy tried not to let her surprise show.

“Yes, and I was on the drill team too. I even took ballet and jazz as a kid, so I’ve had a lot of experience.” A sad look passed over her and she shrugged. “It’s been awhile. Obviously.”

“Well, I’d be honored if you would talk with me before you leave today,” Amy said. “We’re going to need someone to choreograph two of the numbers for sure. Maybe three.”

“I’d be happy to give it a shot. I don’t mean to brag, but back in the day, I was quite a dancer.” A hopeful look came to Annabelle’s eyes. “Sounds like fun.”

“Great.” One problem down, approximately ten million to go. At least she had a plan of action now. That helped. “One last thing, everyone. I’ve put together a schedule for our future rehearsals. You’ll each get a copy. In fact, let me give those to you now.”

She reached inside her bag and came out with several copies, which she passed around. Several of the cast members began to chat among themselves, and Amy decided to dismiss them—not that anyone actually left. No, they seemed content to visit. The guys, anyway. The women couldn’t seem to tear themselves away from Jackson.

She approached the group and handed Jackson a copy of the production schedule. “I’ve laid out a full plan of action for our rehearsals,” she explained. “That way every scene gets covered multiple times. And the musical numbers too.” She pointed at Eula Mae. “We’ve got the best pianist in the county, and now Natalie has agreed to help our soloists with their vocals.”

From across the room, Natalie gave a little wave.

“Wow.” Jackson gave Amy an admiring look as he glanced down at the page in his hand. “I’ve seen a lot of production schedules over the years, and this is top-notch. You’ve thought of everything. And I like the way you’ve divided the music rehearsals from the drama rehearsals. That’s always helpful.”

She forced back a grin. “Well, I can’t take the credit. I found a sample production schedule online and emulated it. That’s really the only reason I knew to start with a round-table reading.”

“Well, if you need any advice from here on out, don’t be afraid to ask me,” he said. “I’ve been around the block a few times.”

From across the room, Steve’s eyes reflected his “Sure you have” thinking.

Gwen drew near, a smile lighting her face as she stood next to Jackson. “Speaking of going around the block, would you like someone to show you around Camelot one day this week?” she asked. “I’ve lived here all my life and would be tickled pink to show you off.” She giggled. “I mean, to show off the town, of course. Silly me. But anyway, we’ll have fun. I’ve got the cutest little convertible.”

“Sounds tempting,” Jackson said. “Of course, I came to work, not to look at the scenery.” For whatever reason, his eyes riveted into Amy’s at that last part. She had a few things to say about the scenery.
Wowza
, as Lucy would say. She closed her eyes and took a mental snapshot. When her eyelids sprang open, she found Steve staring at her from across the room.

Focus, Amy. Focus.

Thankfully, Pastor Crane and Natalie came over, distracting her from the confusion in Steve’s eyes.

“Brent Crane,” the pastor said, extending his hand in Jackson’s direction. “Can’t tell you how glad we are to have you here.”

“Nice to meet you.” Jackson shook his hand.

“Pastor Crane is the owner of the funeral home,” Amy explained.

“Interesting coincidence,” Jackson said.

“Yes.” The pastor laughed. “I spend the weekends getting their souls into heaven and the weekdays getting their bodies into the ground.” An exuberant laugh followed. “Get it?”

“Yep.” Jackson chuckled. “I can’t even imagine trying to balance those two. If you’ve taken on the role of funeral director, then who counsels the families when a loved one passes away? Wouldn’t that be your job as pastor?”

“Well, I do,” he said. “And sometimes Steve helps. He’s really good at talking people through rough times.”

“Steve?” Jackson shrugged. “The Steve who’s playing King Arthur?”

“Yes.” Pastor Crane nodded.

“Is he a counselor?” Jackson asked.

“No, he’s our mayor.” Amy hoped her voice wouldn’t betray her. Steve was clearly more than that, but she didn’t need to share that with a total stranger. “He’s got a great heart for people.”

Jackson’s smile warmed her heart. “It’s been crazy, being on the road so much. I haven’t really had time to get to know people long-term. I mean, I have friends, but none that I’d spend Thanksgiving with. That’s one reason I’m glad to be here with Gramps.”

“We’re glad you’re here too,” Natalie said, giving his arm a pat.

“Very glad,” Annabelle and Blossom spoke in unison as they stepped up beside him.

Hmm.
Looked like the fair maidens of Camelot had their eye on a certain knight. Only time would tell if he would dazzle and delight them as the real Lancelot had done. Still, Amy had a feeling that Jackson was halfway around the bend on that one already.

“Dealing with the green-eyed monster, eh?” Woody asked.

“What?” Steve jerked to attention.

“Can’t say as I blame you,” Woody said. “Looks like Romeo’s making his move. Better move in to capture the fair Juliet before she jumps off the balcony and lands in his arms.”

Steve’s blood began to boil. So he wasn’t the only one who’d noticed it. Well, he’d put a stop to this all right. Had the kisses he and Amy shared meant nothing? Why would she stand there—so close to a total stranger—drinking in his every word and giggling like that? Didn’t make a lick of sense. Then again, nothing about this afternoon’s chain of events made much sense right now.

He drew in a deep breath, counted to three, then exhaled. There. Much better. No point in letting his frustration get the better of him. Finally prepared, he took a few steps in Amy’s direction.

He’d just reached her when she grabbed his hand. “Oh, Steve! I’m so glad you’re here. Jackson was just telling me a story about Sarge that you’re going to love.”

“Oh?”

The edges of Jackson’s lips turned up in a smile. “Yeah. Gramps came to visit us in Nashville when I was in elementary school. My grandmother was still alive back then. I was just a kid and loved to play army. He gathered all the neighborhood boys together and acted like our drill sergeant. We had to do push-ups, run laps, you name it. Then he had us hide in the bushes, to keep from being found by the enemy.” Jackson laughed and Steve’s tension melted. “He was always so much fun.”

“You should write those stories down, Jackson,” Amy said. “Seriously. One day you might have kids, and they’ll need to know all of this.”

“I guess.” Jackson glanced at his watch then looked his grandfather’s way. “Right now I think I’d better get him home. He’s been looking a little…I don’t know…different lately.”

“What do you mean?” Steve asked. “Something we need to know?”

A look of concern settled in Jackson’s eyes. “Maybe it’s just because I haven’t seen him in several months, but I’ve really noticed a change in him. He’s moving a lot slower, and his stories are more scattered too.”

“How can you tell?” Amy giggled then put her hand over her mouth. “Oh, sorry.”

“No, you’re right. It’s always been hard to tell with Gramps.” Jackson shook his head. “But I’m glad I’m here with him. Seems like he’s at that point where he really doesn’t need to be alone.”

“He’s lucky to have you,” Steve added, feeling much better about this situation. Maybe Jackson didn’t have hidden motives after all. Maybe he hadn’t come to town to sweep the ladies off their feet. Perhaps he’d simply come at his grandfather’s bidding.

“Oh, I’m the lucky one.” Jackson grinned. “He’s great. And I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” A pause followed. “I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone. I was just telling Amy, my life in Pigeon Forge was a little different. I’m hoping that Camelot will be a place where I can really get to know people for a change.”

“Oh, we’re very friendly here,” Amy said. “You’ll see.”

A niggling of jealousy distracted Steve, but he forced it away.

Lucy Cramden chose that moment to approach. A coy smile followed as she turned Jackson’s direction. “Yes, we’re very friendly here.” An awkward pause rode on the heels of her flirtatious wrangling, but she quickly recovered. “Jackson, your grandfather is ready to go. He sent me to fetch you.”

“Yes.” Jackson glanced Sarge’s way. “It was great meeting all of you. I can’t wait to get this show on the road.”

“Show on the road. Funny.” Lucy took him by the arm and ushered him across the room—out of sight but certainly not out of mind.

No, Steve had a sneaking suspicion it would be a long while before any of the women of Camelot would get Jackson Brenner off their minds. He only prayed that one woman in particular would shake him sooner rather than later.

I was planning to go into architecture. But when I arrived, architecture was filled up. Acting was right next to it, so I signed up for acting instead.

G
ILBERT
K. C
HESTERTON

The following Saturday, the men of Camelot showed up at the Civic Center to begin work on the amphitheater. With Grady’s hardware-store connections, the workers were equipped and ready. And thanks to a couple of Darrell’s friends in the construction industry, they had heavy equipment aplenty. Amy had never seen so many bulldozers and backhoes in her life. It looked like everyone in Knox County had arrived to help.

Or hurt.

Fred Platt, the county official who had badgered her over the phone, had decided to pay them a visit as well. Oh well. Might as well head him off at the pass…or send him Steve’s way. Yes, she’d be better off letting Steve handle this one. He could charm birds out of trees. Surely he could handle one lone government official.

Sure enough, Steve managed to talk the fellow through the process and showed evidence that everything would be done to code. He seemed to take it in stride, thank goodness. Then again, Steve usually managed to get people calmed down. He had that way about him.

On this particular day, ironically, the person who needed consoling was none other than Amy herself. She’d hardly slept a wink for nights. Every time she closed her eyes, another problem played itself out on the stage of her mind. And now, before another minute slipped by, she needed to address them. She waited until the county official left before approaching Steve with her list of concerns.

“Can I take you away from your work for a minute?” she asked.

“Um, sure.” He looked at Darrell and shrugged. “You guys okay without me for a little while?”

“Yeah. We’ve got this.” Darrell gestured for one of the bulldozer drivers to begin the work of digging out the area for the first row of seating. Amy found herself caught up in watching for a moment before she remembered the reason she’d pulled Steve away from the task at hand. She made a point to step far enough away that the others couldn’t hear her. No point in raising red flags or causing undue concern.

“Steve, I’m worried,” she managed at last.

He pulled her close and gave her a little kiss on the nose. “About what? The play?”

“Yes.” She shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, I’m concerned about the play too. But there’s so much I didn’t think about, and it’s all staring me in the face.”

“The only thing staring you in the face right now is me.” He gave her a little wink, which sent her heart fluttering—only she didn’t feel like being cheered up. Not yet. Not with so much on her mind.

“This is important, Steve,” she whispered.

“Okay, sorry.” He released his hold on her and ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair. “What’s got you most worried?”

“It’s just all happening too fast. I’m afraid we’re going to forget something, leave something out. Something important, maybe. You know?”

“No.” He shook his head. “I don’t have a clue. Like what? What do you mean?”

“Well, if this play is going to take place the first weekend in July like we’ve talked about, then everything has to be ready, and I don’t just mean the amphitheater. Or the tickets. Or the programs. I’m talking about the big stuff.”