Loving

  The kid took a big bite of his taco and nodded while he chewed. When he could talk he tapped his finger on the table. “She wasn’t the girl for you, Coach. You know that, right?”

  Cody waited, his eyes on DeMetri. “Why?”

  “Don’t get me wrong … Bailey’s hot.” He seemed to dislike his choice of words. “Scratch that. She’s very pretty.”

  “I’m with you so far.” Cody could see how seriously Smitty was taking this.

  He gave a shake of his head like he was baffled. “I mean, the two of you look good together, and there’s all this history stuff between you. Like, anyone could feel it.”

  A chuckle came from Cody. “Okay.”

  “But there’s this problem in your eyes. Both your eyes.” He lifted his gaze to the sky and squinted. “When you were talking to her outside the theater, when we went up to New York, it was like … like you both had goodbye in your eyes.”

  “Hmmm. Goodbye, huh?” Cody liked keeping things light with DeMetri. He struggled to do so now.

  “Yeah, you know. The way people look at each other when it’s over. When there’s nothing left but goodbye.”

  Cody angled his head, not sure what to say. If a high school kid could see goodbye in their eyes, and if Cheyenne could see it, then no wonder he and Bailey were finally able to see it too. Cody pressed his lips together and breathed in sharply through his nose. “You’re right. Just took us a while to figure it out.”

  “Happens.” DeMetri shrugged and grinned at the same time.

  Then the conversation switched to the Liberty football stadium and back to the droning English professor. They made small talk as they finished their lunch. Ten minutes later, Cody was collecting his taco wrappers when his cell phone rang.

  “Hello?” He stood and walked toward the trashcan.

  “Cody Coleman?” The voice was loud and distinct.

  “Yes, sir?”

  “Cody, this is Edwin Baylor, athletic director at Oaks Christian School, Thousand Oaks, California. Got your number from Jim Flanigan of the Indianapolis Colts.” He spoke fast, his words choppy bursts. “I hope that’s not a problem. Getting your number, calling you on your cell.”

  “No, sir. It’s not a problem.” Cody took a few steps away from the table where DeMetri sat watching him. Oaks Christian? The school was one of the most well known in the country. Its student body included the kids of several famous actors and athletes.

  A group of loud students entered the outdoor area. Cody covered his free ear as Edwin Baylor continued. “Listen, our football coach stepped down last week. Taking an early retirement.” A frustrated huff of air blew through Cody’s phone. “The fact is we’ve really tanked these last few years. The kids are rich and lazy and complacent and we need … well, we need what you brought to that Lyle team. I figure you’re committed out there, not looking to move.” He came up for a quick breath. “But the fact is you’re top of our list. We’d love you to at least consider the position.”

  Cody released a bewildered laugh as he glanced back at DeMetri. His player had gathered his lunch wrappers and was halfway back from the trashcan to the table. He shot Cody a curious glance, and Cody held up his hand, letting the kid know he wouldn’t be long. “Wow … yes, sir. I can certainly consider it.” He paused. “Do you have a time frame, a date when you need to know by?”

  “Good question. Actually, I haven’t thought about that. By the end of the semester, I guess. Our strength coach is running spring training with the boys. The decision with our former coach came rather quickly.”

  “I understand.” Cody’s mind raced. “I can tell you if I’m interested by the end of the week. Then we can go from there.”

  “Perfect.” The man sounded optimistic. “You’ve got my number. Call me when you know something.” Edwin thanked him again. “I think this school really needs you, Cody. Our team will be praying.”

  The call ended and Cody turned to find DeMetri, his brow raised, eyes curious. “Who was that?” The kid stood and met Cody halfway. “What are you certainly gonna consider, Coach?”

  Cody slipped his hands into his back pockets and motioned for DeMetri to walk with him. “I’m not sure I’m supposed to stay at Lyle. Like maybe God is leading me somewhere else.”

  “What?” DeMetri rarely sounded angry. But this was one of those times. “You’re not leaving us, Coach. Not after I prayed for you to come to Lyle.” He stopped and stared at Cody, his eyes narrowed. “You’re our coach. Those other schools, they can find their own guy.”

  They were out in front of DeMoss Hall on a shady tree-lined pathway. “Smitty, sometimes God calls us to a place and time for a season.” He stopped and looked around at the grand campus. “You’re leaving Lyle because God is calling you here. But you won’t be here forever.” He put his hand on DeMetri’s shoulder. “It’s that way for all of us.”

  For a few seconds, anger framed Smitty’s face and tension made the muscles in his arms tight. Then slowly the fight left him, and his shoulders relaxed. “The guys need you, Coach.”

  “They need each other.” There was another detail Cody hadn’t shared. “The team doesn’t know this … but I talked with Coach Schroeder. His son starts high school this year, and Schroeder’s crazy about the idea of being head coach. Something he’s prayed and dreamed about since the boy was born.”

  DeMetri thought for a long moment. “Coach Schroeder has college experience.” He gave the slightest shrug. “He’d be good, I guess.”

  “He’d be great. Plus he lives in Lyle and he loves it there.”

  “What?” Smitty looked shocked, but already the sparkle was back in his eyes. “You don’t love Lyle?”

  “Of course I do.” Cody chuckled. “But I never planned to live there.” He hesitated. “Coach Schroeder … he’d coach the team for the next two decades if he could.”

  They started walking again, in less of a hurry than before. “Coach S’ll do good,” Smitty shot a slow, crooked grin in Cody’s direction. “Must be nice, Coach. Getting big time offers from other schools.” He puffed out his chest. “Just don’t forget … we made you famous.”

  Laughter filled the air between them, and Smitty put his arm around Cody’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Coach. I know what you’re thinking. We didn’t have anything to do with it, right?”

  “That, and the fact that I’m not famous.” Cody was grateful the kid wasn’t still mad at him. “God did everything. Through Him and for His glory.”

  “His way.”

  “Exactly.” Cody grinned and for a few seconds he relived the phone call. He had an offer on the table from Clear Creek High School in Bloomington and now this — a job possibility at Oaks Christian.

  DeMetri removed his arm from Cody’s shoulders and quickened his pace. “I wanna catch the lunch crowd at the café.”

  “We already ate.” Cody kept up with the kid. “Don’t tell me you’re hungry again.”

  “Actually, I am.” DeMetri winked at him. “But I sorta want to see the kids, you know? Make sure I fit in.”

  For an instant Cody felt a flicker of heartache. He realized how much he’d miss the kid, miss the way he could brighten any room or lighten any mood. Miss having him around the apartment. “You’ll fit in, Smitty. Like I said … fifty friends, easy.”

  “But what about a best friend, Coach … you think I’ll find a best friend?”

  “Of course.” He elbowed the kid. “They’ll be lining up for the spot.”

  “I don’t know.” DeMetri laughed. “I hope you’re right.”

  They reached the café, and a couple of girls from the English class approached them. In no time they invited DeMetri and Cody to their packed table. Cody kept quiet while Smitty and the other students got to know each other. No, the kid wouldn’t have a problem. Cody was sure.

  As the day played out, Cody was even less concerned about Smitty’s transition. Rather, he was concerned for himself, for the next step in his coaching career, and the decision he n
eeded to make about where he would work. If he stayed in Lyle, he would forever see Cheyenne along the sidelines of their practice field, forever feel the memory of a beautiful girl whose life was cut short far too soon.

  He could move to Bloomington, but there the memories would be worse.

  It was a fact that made the phone call from Edwin Baylor very interesting. A move to Thousand Oaks outside Los Angeles might be the perfect solution. A few high school friends had wound up in Los Angeles, and last he’d heard Andi Ellison and her parents lived there too, though he hadn’t talked to her since she left Bloomington. Of course, Bailey and Brandon would be there, but that didn’t really impact his decision one way or the other. He doubted he’d run into them teaching and coaching. Yes, the move to Southern California was definitely a possibility. But, if he was supposed to take the Thousand Oaks position, he had the same question Smitty had. Not whether he’d fit in, but whether or not he would ever find a real friend.

  Five

  BAILEY NEEDED TO TALK TO BRANDON SOONER THAN LATER.

  He wasn’t going to like what she had to say, and her heart hurt over what lay ahead. But she couldn’t wait any longer. He had an open afternoon that day, and the two of them planned to meet at Will Rogers Beach — Bailey’s new favorite spot. If they came in two different cars, they’d have a better chance of avoiding the paparazzi. They’d figured out that pictures of the two of them were much preferred by the media over either of them alone.

  Bailey ran the towel once more over the clean kitchen countertop at Katy and Dayne’s beach house. More than twenty-four hours had passed since Bailey had turned down the teacher part, but Brandon had worked late last night and this morning in the editing room with the production team from his New York movie. His busy schedule had given her more time to think, time to pray with Katy privately last night. And now — just a day after reading the script — she was sure she’d rushed her decision to move to LA. No matter how strong her feelings for Brandon.

  Underlining the point were the two talks she’d had this week with Brandon’s agent, Sid Chandler. Sid felt certain the right part would come along, but each time they spoke he treated her with a little more condescension. “You’re very picky, Bailey,” he’d told her yesterday over the phone. Like he was trying to hide his frustration. “You agreed to take the NTM role, and then you back out. Brandon told me you’d be selective, but I didn’t expect anything like this.”

  The comment confused her. “I’m no pickier than Brandon.” She didn’t want to fight with the guy, but she wasn’t sure what he expected.

  “Well, now, I wouldn’t say that.” Sid seemed sure of himself. “I know Brandon. He’s an actor first. Ultimately, he will be open to a lot of different roles, no matter what his contract eventually reads. That’s why West Mark’s willing to be patient with him.” He paused. “Something to think about if you plan to work in this business. Don’t confuse art with morality. Many times the two aren’t exactly in sync. Walking away from a part will only hurt your reputation in the business.”

  His comments hurt, and now as she added soap to the dishwasher Bailey found herself analyzing them. She knew Brandon better than Sid knew him. He wanted creative control because he didn’t want to make movies that compromised his faith. Sure, movies could deal with difficult topics and show the reality of hard issues facing the current culture. But Brandon wouldn’t cross certain lines, no matter what Sid Chandler thought.

  Bailey caught her long hair at the back of her neck and pulled a hair tie over it. The ponytail felt good, since her hair was still damp from the shower. She’d cleaned the kitchen and dining room earlier that morning and now she had half an hour before meeting up with Brandon. She poured a glass of water and was heading toward the back deck when Katy and little Sophie came through the front door. Their eyes met and instantly Bailey knew something was going on. The two had known each other long enough that Bailey could read her friend’s eyes.

  “What’s up?” Bailey moved to Katy and took Sophie from her.

  “Hold on.” Katy set her bag down and began to make a quick tray of sandwich bites for Sophie. Along the way she stopped to stretch her back. She was five months pregnant now, and it looked like she was carrying a small soccer ball. They’d just found out they were having a boy, and Sophie often patted her mommy’s tummy so she could talk to her brother.

  While Katy worked to get Sophie situated, she looked back at Bailey. “It’s so weird. I mean, we prayed about this yesterday and then today … today I get this crazy call from my CKT director back home.”

  Katy and Dayne owned Christian Kids Theater in Bloomington. They’d bought the business and the local theater with the intent of running it, but then they’d moved to Los Angeles to be involved in the development of Christian films. At this point they only attended CKT meetings a few times a year. Especially now that Katy was pregnant with their second child.

  When Sophie was in her high chair eating, Bailey and Katy sat across from each other at the table. “So …” Bailey’s heart beat harder than before.

  “My director is quitting. She’ll be around for another week, and then she’s moving to Chicago.” Katy sat back and crossed her arms. “We should probably sell it, what with this little one on the way.” She rested her hand on her abdomen. “But I can’t rush into a decision like that.” She looked straight at Bailey. “Basically I need a director in a hurry. Someone to take over before we audition for the spring show in a week.”

  A week? Bailey swallowed. “So what were you thinking?”

  “Well,” Katy handed Sophie her cup of milk. “What are you thinking? You still see yourself moving back at some point?”

  “Probably.” Bailey felt a wave of sadness. “I haven’t talked to Brandon yet. I go back and forth. We can handle long distance, but it’s not ideal.” She let out a shaky sigh. “At the same time … this isn’t where I want to be.” She stopped herself, dizzy and sick over the way the pieces seemed to swirl around. “All I’m sure about is Brandon.”

  “Good.” Katy let that settle. “He loves you … very much.”

  “I love him too.” Bailey’s stomach still hurt at the thought of leaving him. She stared at the floor. What did her willingness to leave say about her? If she loved Brandon, shouldn’t she be willing to stay? To sacrifice?

  Katy leaned her forearms on the table so she was closer to Bailey, her eyes kind and understanding. “What are you thinking?”

  “I should be willing to stay.” She hesitated. “I mean, isn’t that what love’s supposed to look like? Two people sacrificing everything for each other?”

  Katy’s smile was gentle. She didn’t need to answer, really. After all, Katy had made the sacrifice to move to LA for Dayne. Her answer took a few seconds, and during that time she gave Sophie some broken pieces of a graham cracker. The little girl was being so quiet she almost seemed caught up in the conversation. Katy faced Bailey. “Sometimes love looks like that.”

  Bailey hated this, feeling so scattered. One minute certain she should leave LA and return to Bloomington, take time to think through her life. The next desperate to stay here or wherever Brandon might be. She leaned her elbow on the table. “What’s that mean? Sometimes?”

  Again Katy took her time. “I remember when I was dead set against living here.” A sad, quiet laugh came from her. “It wasn’t really about LA or Bloomington for me. Back then … I loved Dayne, but I was scared too. I wasn’t sure if I could spend the rest of my life in the limelight. I guess … love changed my mind.”

  The truth in Katy’s words wrapped itself around Bailey and helped her see clearly for the first time in days. She loved Brandon, but did she love him enough to live in LA? To spend the rest of her life with him wherever that might be?

  “See …” A new depth shone in Katy’s eyes. “When you love someone for life, when your souls are at rest because they’ve spent a lifetime searching for each other, the places become irrelevant.”

  “Hmmm.” Baile
y blinked and stared out the back window at the distant sea.

  “Because when you love like that, just being with that person means you’re home.” Her smile filled her face. “Home becomes a person, not a place.”

  Bailey and Brandon had discussed that very truth only a few months ago. She stood and hugged Katy. “Thank you.” She pulled back and looked into her friend’s eyes. “I needed to hear that.”

  “It’s okay to not be sure.” Katy’s tone remained empathetic. “God will show you, Bailey.”

  “Whether it hurts or not.” Bailey stepped back as Sophie clapped her hands and then slapped them on her high-chair tray. Bailey leaned down and kissed the little girl’s cheek. “When you’re older, listen to your mommy, Soph. She’ll know what you need.”

  Katy looked touched. “Thank you.” She stood and ran her hand over her daughter’s head, then paused. “If your decision really takes you back to Bloomington — even for a season — we’ll miss you. But in the meantime, I need a director by Monday. Just so you know.”

  A smile warmed Bailey’s heart. “It would be an honor.” So many memories were tied up with the Bloomington theater and her time performing with CKT. Her and Connor auditioning for one play after another and Katy directing them, like that chapter in their lives would never end. But the one thing she couldn’t do was rush into taking the position, thinking that just because the opportunity came along it was God’s plan for her life. Instead she would take her time … talk to Brandon and pray. Maybe then the answers would be clearer.

  Bailey grabbed her purse and gave Katy another quick hug. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “You’re meeting him?”

  “If I can use your car again, yes.” She breathed in deep, steadying herself. “Pray for us.”

  BAILEY CALLED HIM ON THE WAY to Will Rogers State Beach, where she’d read the script and talked to her mom just the day before. “I’m on my way.”

  “Okay.” Brandon hesitated. “You sound upset.”

  “I’m sorry.” Bailey tightened her hand on the wheel. “I’ve been talking to Katy. About LA and Bloomington.” She was quiet for a moment. “I have a lot on my mind.”