Page 79 of You Found Me
“Really.” Della drew the word out. “Well, I’m honored. And I can see where Donovan gets his charm.”
The hint of accent that always lurked in her voice became slightly more pronounced. He suppressed a wince. She was supposed to be from California, not Tennessee.
Dad put an arm around Elyse. “How long are you two planning to stay?”
Della cast an uncertain look in Ward’s direction. “Oh, I don’t know. A few weeks?”
“Maybe,” Ward said. “We’re playing it by ear.”
“Oh good,” Elyse said. “That gives us a bit of time to get to know Lucy.”
“Usually my son never stays more than three days,” Ralph grumbled.
“Ralph, don’t start,” Elyse chided. “Now, Lucy. Donovan mentioned you’re an actress. Have you been in anything we might have seen?”
Ward stiffened. They hadn’t gone very deep into the Lucy Carmichael backstory.
“Oh no, I doubt it. I’ve done a couple of really bad commercials.” Della wrinkled her nose. “I was up for a voice role in an animated movie, but they went with someone else at the last minute. It really broke my heart, you know? That’s why I wanted to come here with Donovan for Mason’s birthday. I needed a break.”
Della gave Ward a bright sugar-wouldn’t-melt-anywhere-near-me smile.
She’d basically claimed Piper’s recent history as her own on the fly.
It actually wasn’t a bad idea. Lies were always easier if they were sprinkled with truth.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. It would have been exciting to be involved in something like that,” Elyse said. “But I hope that means you can be here for the festival. You’d get to see Mason put your present to good use in the talent show. You know, you could sign up for the talent show too. It’s not too late, and anybody can sign up.”
“Oh.” Della’s eyes widened. “I don’t think…”
His stepmother’s crafty look made him tense all the way to his toes. Ward knew where this was headed.
“Donovan won it once. He and his friends did the funniest little skit. I think he was about eight.” Elyse’s face brightened. “Oh, and if you two come for Thanksgiving, Donovan’s aunt Martha is directing the holiday play at the opera house this year. New talent comes here from all over to prove themselves before going on to Broadway. You should have a chat with her, Lucy. Maybe she’d have a part for you to play. It would give you something for your stage credits, right?”
Ward winced and waited for the train wreck.
Della’s eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas. But then she grimaced with real regret. “That sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I think maybe now isn’t the best timing.”
“We really don’t know how long we can stay,” Ward chimed in, relieved.
“I’d hate to say yes and then have to leave.” Della’s voice was full of regret. "Donovan’s job is so unpredictable, you know? Plus, I really do need to step away from the spotlight for a little, just to clear my head.”
Ward almost snorted at the idea of Della volunteering to step out of any spotlight.
Elyse’s happy expression faltered. “Youaregoing to Homecoming, right? This is Mason’s last year, and he’s team captain.”
The gentle reminder that he hadn’t seen any of Mason’s games this year kicked him in the gut. It was a big deal. He should have made time.
It was easier to ignore the guilt when it wasn’t staring at him with Elyse’s kind, understanding eyes. “We’ll try.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” Della flashed him the same look she’d given him when she demanded to do the VIP concert. “I can’t wait. I’ve never seen a live football game. It sounds fun.”
“You haven’t?” Dad looked startled. “Well, you sure need to make the tailgate then. Have the whole experience.”
Ward caught sight of Mason as he stepped into the courtyard flanked by his two best friends.
Mason’s gaze locked on Ward.
Ward lifted his chin in silent greeting.