Chapter Six

 

Mac sat at his desk while his students watched a documentary on the early exploration of North America. He rarely used media to supplement teaching, but this video was done well. It was one of his favorites that he’d watched multiple times.

A movement in the air caught his attention. Someone in the back of the room had thrown a wadded-up piece of paper that hit Keely Martin in the first row. He pinched the bridge of his nose. The combination of sugar highs from last night’s Halloween candy and the anticipation of the season’s first snowstorm had the kids out of control.

“If I see anything else fly through the air, I’ll turn the movie off, and you’ll have to listen to me drone on about the cause-and-effect relationship of European exploration and American colonization.”

The class groaned but settled down.

Two minutes later, someone started tapping their pencil. Within a minute, the entire class joined in impromptu drumming of “We Will Rock You.”

Mac cut the movie off on his laptop, ending the projection onto the screen. He rose from his desk and flipped on the lights. “I warned you.”

“But we were just adding sound effects.”

“Come on, Mr. Banfield.”

He silently laughed at their protests and couldn’t be mad at their behavior. Not every day could be a raging teaching success. Sometimes, he had to be flexible and go with what he had to work with. “Everybody stand up.”

They looked at him with confused expressions but followed directions.

“Now choose a corner.”

“What for?” Trina asked.

“You’ll find out in a minute.”

The kids scuffled from their spots and picked their corners.

“We’re going to see how well you’ve listened.” He numbered their corners and grinned at their wide-eyed looks of dismay. “Each corner will represent an explorer we’ve studied. If you can tell me one fact about them, you get to sit down and won’t have homework tonight.”

The prospective reward made his students cheer. Let’s see how well they do. Despite their distracted behavior today, Mac had faith his students would make him proud.

“Corner three, you’re up first. Give me what you know about Francisco Vázquez de Coronado.”

“He explored what is now New Mexico.”

“Good job, Keith. Have a seat.”

Trina waved her hand and didn’t wait to be called on. “He discovered the Kansas plains.”

“You’re on a roll. Damien, do you have an answer?”

“They took the easy ones.” Damien frowned and tapped his chin. “Wait, he was twenty-five when he first came to the Americas.”

“Awesome. Have a seat.”

The game continued until everyone had answered. A few kids struggled, but he gave them an opportunity to change explorers. By the time the class finished, Mac had confidence they’d pass their exams next week. They’d learned more than they’d realized, and the activity helped his students to recognize that fact.

They had ten minutes of instruction time until the bell rang. Knowing he couldn’t fit anything productive into that short timeframe, he gave them free time as long as they remained in their seats and weren’t disruptive.

Mac went back to grading papers, occasionally glancing up to make sure they were behaving. His finger clutched his red pen tightly when he saw all but two of his students on their phones. Whatever happened to face-to-face interaction?

Three minutes before the bell rang, he heard a loud commotion and saw the students clamoring around Keely’s desk, looking at him, then at Keely’s phone.

He cleared his throat. “Didn’t I say to stay in your seats?”

They ignored his question.

Greg pointed to Keely’s phone. “Have you seen this, Mr. B? You’re a celebrity.”

He didn’t think much of the comment. Kids were always coming up with crazy stuff. “Seen what?”

“Word has that you and Deena Frasier are dating. Is that true?” Mateo asked with awed reverence.

Mac coughed and sputtered. “Not at all.”

“But TEW has it reported with pictures and all.” Trina crossed her arms and stared at him with raised brows, clearly not believing him.

“TEW is a tabloid that’s full of garbage. You can’t believe ninety-nine percent of what they post.” He tapped his knees under the desk. His curiosity was piqued, but he wouldn’t let on to his students.

“Deena and Mr. B. sitting in a tree. K. I. S.—”

“That’s enough,” he roared louder than he’d meant to, but fortunately the bell drowned out most of it.

Once the kids left the room, Mac walked through the halls to his duty station at the bus line. He noticed several sets of eyes staring at him, adults and kids alike. Maybe he was paranoid because of what the kids told him about TEW. He couldn’t wait to get back to his classroom and check out the website. Once he knew what it said, then he could plan a path of action.

Of course, a bus had a mechanical failure and arrived late to pick up the children. Twenty minutes after he should have left for the day, he was able to go back to his classroom. He pulled out his phone and did a search for TEW.

He dropped his phone and ran his hands through his hair. What in the world? On the front page of the biggest online tabloid was his picture with the caption “Deena Frasier Settles Down with Small-town Heartthrob.”

After reading the full article, Mac took a deep breath. Most of it was drivel. Even the statements were made-up, given by so-called longtime residents he’d never heard of. The only truth to the story was that he’d sat with Deena during church on Sunday and had lunch with her afterward. The article didn’t mention six other young adults from church had eaten with them at the diner.

A headache formed, crushing his temples from behind. He didn’t mind being the target of Deena’s flirtations, but he didn’t want to make national news. What would Deena think when she saw it? She was probably used to fake news about herself, but he didn’t want her to think he had anything to do with that report.

He had to call her and straighten this out. Except he didn’t have her number. He could call Phoebe and ask for it, but she wouldn’t break professional protocol, even for him. Mom wouldn’t have it because she worked directly through Phoebe for all the catering arrangements. That left him driving to the set or her cabin, neither of which he wanted to do.

Although he did enjoy her company.

Deena was more brash and forward than he was accustomed to, but she also made him laugh, and he enjoyed being around her. Her vivacious nature rubbed off on those around her if they were a part of her social circle. He had noticed she sometimes came off as a snob to those in a service position, but he didn’t think she meant to, and he passed it off as a byproduct of being indulged for years.

He packed his students’ papers into his briefcase and gathered the rest of his belongings. Soft flakes of snow drifted from the sky in a whimsical fashion—barely a flurry, not enough to worry about. Unsure if he’d be allowed on set, he drove out to the cabin once owned by the poet Theodore Magnus.

From what he understood, the movie was a fictionalized romance between a descendant of Theodore and one of Aliza Wilde, another poet of the eighteen hundreds. He’d watch the movie when it released because of its filming location and the history, but he hoped they did justice to the work of Theodore Magnus. His work focused largely on nature, popular of that time period, with the difference being that Theodore Magnus often included mentions and allegories of God as Creator into his poems

Hired security lined both entry points to the road that led to Theodore Magnus’ cabin. Mac knew a hiking trail that would get him there, but he wouldn’t risk it in this weather. The payoff wasn’t great enough to warrant that effort. He’d swing by Deena’s rental, and if she wasn’t there, he’d leave a message with his number and ask her to call him.

The sky transitioned from overcast gray to coal black. With no moon or stars to assist in illumination, Mac turned on his high beams and navigated the back mountain roads. The snow fell in thicker sheets but didn’t stick to the roads. Most of the students and half the teachers hoped for a snow day tomorrow, but his gut said no, and he wouldn’t bank on school closing. When he got home, he’d finish grading papers and go to bed at a normal hour.

A deer jumped in front of him on the road. He slammed the brakes and fishtailed. His heart beat erratically as he fought to regain control of his vehicle. The deer made it safely to the other side, oblivious he’d almost been a goner. Thank You, Lord, for protecting me from the deer. He’d hit one in college, and his poor first car had been totaled.

He swallowed the adrenaline that surged through him. A voice in his conscience told him to head straight home, but he didn’t listen—wouldn’t rest until this issue with Deena was addressed. He doubted she’d be at the cabin since the set had so much security, but that scenario worked better for him.

With each passing minute, he doubted his instinct about the storm. Contrary to the norm, the lower he came down the mountain, the more snow stuck to the ground. He’d make a brief stop by Deena’s, drop a note, and hurry home to bunker down in his warm home. When he’d left that morning, Mom had a large pot of chili simmering, and it called his name. He could see the bowl now, loaded with corn chips and a heaping pile of shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.

Dim yellow light broke through the snow. He put his turn signal on and came to a slow stop before steering carefully onto the driveway. Not planning to be there long, he pulled into the closest spot to the luxury cabin. Several lights brightened the home from inside, and the exterior lamps burned bright, but that didn’t mean Deena was there. She had her assistant, bodyguard, and a personal maid and chef who’d arrived Sunday, all of whom could be there now.

Gathering his wits, he tugged up the lapels of his coat to cover his neck and jumped out of his truck. The wind didn’t blow as fierce as it had on the road, likely due to the large pines blocking its path. Thanks to the security system, the door opened before Mac had a chance to knock.

Gage, Deena’s bodyguard whom he’d met at singles’ event, answered the door. “She’s expecting you.”

She was? “My students showed me the article on TEW. I wanted her to know I had nothing to do with it.”

For the first time, Gage broke a smile. “She knows. We all do.”

“How?”

“That’s life in showbiz.” Gage’s steely eyes let amusement slip through.

Another emotion hid in the shadows, but Mac couldn’t read it. “Is she here?”

Gage nodded. “Come in.”

He darted a glance behind him at the snow falling. He’d have to make to it quick.

This was the first time he’d made it past the entryway of this cabin, though one could hardly call it a cabin—its massive size put it in the league of a mansion. His fingers itched to rub a hand over the exposed stone and admire its beauty.

Deena glided down the staircase, trailing a hand along the rail. Dressed in a black cold-shoulder top and a pair of high-end denim black jeans, she looked ready for a night out, not settling in for the night. Good luck getting anywhere. Most places in town closed by eight, earlier since the weather was bad.

Lynz met her at the bottom of the steps. “Stanley called, and he wants to shoot that farewell scene tonight. He said the atmosphere is perfect.”

“We filmed for fourteen hours today.” Deena’s forced pleasantness pushed through her clenched teeth. “I’ve been up since two a.m. Tell him it can wait.”

“He won’t like that answer.” Lynz’s exasperated sigh said it hadn’t been a good day.

Deena shrugged. “Tell him to find another actress and see what he says.”

Mac watched the scene unfold, shocked to witness Deena’s prima donna attitude. Then he saw the dark shadows under her eyes that makeup couldn’t hide, and his judgment softened. He’d always assumed acting was an easy job, but he’d never stopped to think of the long hours that went into creating a movie. Even the kindest soul was known to get snippy when they were exhausted.

She turned her head and spotted him. “I’m sorry for that. There’s no reason the scene can’t shoot tomorrow.”

“No apologies needed.” Not knowing where else to put them, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Is Stanley the director?”

“Yes, and he settles for nothing less than the best.” She moved forward and stood in front of him. “He’s amazing though. His movies always succeed because of his dedication to perfection.”

“A true master.”

“He is.” She leaned forward and gave him a conspiratorial wink. “Don’t tell Lynz, but if Stanley continues to insist I return to shoot the scene, then I’ll go. I don’t always agree with him, but I’ve learned to trust his judgment.”

He jerked his thumb toward one of the massive windows. “I doubt you’ll go anywhere tonight. The snow’s coming down harder. In fact, I can’t stay too long.”

“Then let’s talk.” She gestured toward the white leather sofa.

Not gawking took immense effort as he walked toward the living room. Strange how this cabin had been here for years in his hometown, but it was so far out of his league that he couldn’t even dream of renting a place like it, let alone own one.

He lowered himself into the supplest piece of furniture he’d ever sat on. It hugged his body and warmed his back and thighs. Man, if this were his sofa, he might never leave the house. Once Dad had recovered more, and Mac moved out, he’d investigate purchasing a sofa with heated seats. He’d never realized how luxurious they could feel.

A fire crackled several feet away in the stone hearth. Exterior lights illuminated the powdery precipitation. He hadn’t noticed until now the soft strains of jazz.

The entire effect produced a scene directly out of the beginning of a movie—celebrity comes to small-town, falls in love with local, then they live happily ever after once their friends step in to point out that they can make their differences work.

I’ve got to stop watching those movies with Mom just because it’s what is on the television. “How’s filming?”

“Hectic, but to be expected for the first week until we find our groove.” She ran her French-manicured nails along the top rim of the sofa. “Are you hungry? I can have Leola make you a plate. I promise she can match your mother’s abilities.”

Mac laughed, and although his stomach rumbled, he couldn’t afford the time to eat. “Thanks for the offer, but the weather…”

“That’s right.” She rubbed her hands, seeming slightly nervous. “I guess you saw the TEW report?”

“I did. I promise I didn’t say anything to them.” Although he’d already said that to Gage, he wanted Deena to hear it from his mouth.

“I know.” A hesitant smile formed on her painted lips. “I did.”

His eyes burned from their rapid widening. “You what?”

“You don’t understand what it’s like. The media constantly makes up whatever they want to sell stories.” She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “I’ve learned the only way to control them is to beat them at their own game by giving them what they want.”

“But it’s still a lie.” He sensed her frustration, but he’d never be comfortable with the deception.

“Does it have to be one?”

He narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You’re a breath of fresh air. Not once have you tried to impress or flatter me because of who I am. You welcomed me into your church group even though I barged my way in.”

“It’s church.” He shrugged. “Everyone should be welcome.”

“You’d be surprised.” She scooted a foot closer to him. “I like you. Can’t we spend time together and see where it goes?”

Rendered speechless, he covered his mouth to hide his gaping jaw. “I don’t know. We live in two different worlds.”

“A lot of celebrities have thriving relationships with so-called everyday people.”

“I’m a simple man, Deena. Between work and helping to take care of my dad, I don’t have much time to explore other interests.” He draped an arm loosely over the top of the sofa, suddenly unsure of where to place it. Truth be told, he was unsure about quite a lot of things at the moment.

Her eyes conveyed understanding. “I’m not asking you to marry me, but to spend time together and see if it leads anywhere.”

His heart said no, but this would help him move past the feelings for Phoebe. He didn’t see a serious relationship happening between him and Deena, but what harm could come from hanging out and going on a few casual dates? “All right.”

“All right as in you understand and will think about it, or all right as in yes?” Her voice wavered, and her teeth grazed her bottom lip as she waited for an answer.

The vulnerability in her question made him chuckle. It helped to know she had insecurities like every other person. “All right as in, we’ll try this.”

Her eyes gleamed. “I guess we’re dating then.”

“I guess so.” Now what? “Are you free tomorrow evening?”

“Filming all day.” She bit down her lip again. “What about Thursday morning? I could meet you for breakfast before school?”

“Can you make it that early?”

Controlled laughter slipped from her. “You must think I sleep all day.”

“I don’t know.” The right side of his mouth curled into a smile. “Isn’t that what celebrities do? Party all night and sleep all day?”

“I wish.” She rolled her eyes. “On occasion, but mostly we work long, hectic schedules and rarely see anyone outside of those involved with whatever movie we’re filming.”

Lynz came in and interrupted the conversation. “Stanley says to get yourself out to the set, and we’re shooting this scene now while there’s real snow falling.”

“Duty calls.” Deena winked at him before addressing Lynz. “Tell Gage please and inform Stanley I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

After Lynz scurried from the room, Mac stood to excuse himself. “I need to leave, too, while I still can. Be safe driving to the set. The roads can get bad in an instant.”

“Gage rented one of those four-wheel-drive trucks to get around while we’re here. He often doubles as my driver for short distances.”

The comment rolled so easily off her tongue, Mac didn’t think she realized how uncommon it was to have both a bodyguard and a driver. “Either way, be careful. Give me a call when you get there, so I know you’re safe.”

She wiggled her brows. “If I had your number I could.”

“That would help.” He started to give her his number, but she stopped him.

“My phone’s upstairs. I’ll give you my number. Give it a call then we’ll both have each other’s.” She hesitated for a second. “Very few people have that number, so please guard it and don’t give it out to anyone.”

“I won’t.” He called the number and heard a distant ring. “You should have it now.”

“I’ll send you a text when I go upstairs.” She stood and picked up the cashmere throw blanket draped over the sofa then wrapped it over her shoulders. “I’ll walk you out.”

A wall of frigid air greeted them at the door. Deena didn’t have adequate protection from the cold, so Mac kept the goodbye short. “Be safe. I’ll talk to you later.”

She glanced down at the floor. Her shoulders shook with a slight shiver. “You’re not upset, are you?”

“I wish you would have told me first, so I didn’t find out from my students, but no, I’m not upset.”

“What will you tell them?”

He rubbed his hand across his jaw and then down his neck. “I’m not sure.”

“We can talk about it later and work out the details.” She hunched into the blanket. “Text me when you’re home.”

After agreeing, he returned to his truck, half in a daze. His night—and world—had taken an interesting turn.