Take One

  “Like we talked about, with mountains this big we can’t even imagine the vistas on the other side.” Chase smiled and pointed to Keith’s computer. “Just look at the view He’s already giving us.”

  Keith laughed. “It was a good day. Let’s gain more ground tomorrow.” He bid Chase goodnight and headed down the hall to his room. Along the way he started praying about tomorrow. For the cast and crew, for their safety and integrity, and for the pace they were keeping—that they’d continue to make progress. And most of all he prayed for his precious daughter.

  That the news she was going to get in the morning wouldn’t make her doubt herself or how very much he loved her. But that she’d let the experience and disappointment grow her so that one day soon, the girl with the deep eyes and breathtaking inner beauty wouldn’t be someone else.

  But rather his own sweet Andi.

  CHASE WASN’T QUITE READY TO TURN in for the night. It was still only nine o’clock back home and he wanted to tell Kelly about the events of the day, the great way the week had ended even with everything that had gone wrong. He grabbed his hotel key and cell phone and took the elevator down to the lobby.

  He poured a cup of coffee and took the familiar spot by the fireplace. Kelly picked up on the second ring. “What, no video chat this time?” She sounded relaxed and grateful for his call.

  “I’m having coffee in the lobby.” He settled back in a leather armchair on the other side of the fireplace. “I couldn’t wait to hear your voice. You won’t believe the day we’ve had.” He told her everything, from the burned up food truck to the meeting Keith had with the cast and crew. “You should’ve heard him, boldly telling everyone that the movie wasn’t Christian, but we were, and how he hoped the message of the film would change lives around the world.”

  “Lisa was there, right?”

  “She was. I wish you were here too. There was Keith, smiling at everyone, facing a walkout by half his cast, and he tells them that if they want to know more about a relationship with Jesus Christ, they know where to come.”

  “A walkout?” Kelly was clearly trying to keep fear from her voice, but she seemed to have just understood the gravity of the situation.

  “The buzz was that if the movie was a Christian project, several of the key actors were going to leave. One of them—a supporting actress—left before the meeting. We’re looking to replace her with Andi’s roommate.”

  “My goodness, Chase.” She laughed, but she sounded more dazed than amused. “You’re right. That’s some day.”

  Chase took a drink from his coffee and stared into the fire. “But Kelly … you should see what we got today. The actors out-did themselves the last half of the day. Especially Janetta Drake and Jake Olson. Amazing work.”

  Their conversation shifted to Kelly and the girls. Molly had a cold and Macy had tripped and skinned her knee. “We all miss you.” Kelly’s voice was upbeat again. “You still thinking about coming home next weekend? For a day or so?”

  Chase didn’t see how he could—not with their schedule being what it was, but he wanted to try. “I’ll let you know the closer we get.” They talked a few more minutes about life back home, and Chase finished his coffee. “I better turn in. Call’s early again tomorrow. Seven a.m.” He told her he loved her and asked her to give the girls hugs and kisses for him.

  When he hung up, he sat by the fire a few more minutes, thanking God for the truth from James that morning, and how the message had impacted everything about the day, how the theme kept recurring—only what was eternal lasted. He smiled at the goodness of God, tossed his cup in the trash can, and headed for his room. He yawned as he slid the key in the door, but as he opened it he jerked back. It took a few seconds to register what he was seeing, but there, sitting in the chair near his bed, was Rita Reynolds.

  “How’d you get in here?” Chase’s heart was beating hard. He’d never opened a hotel room to find someone had broken in like this.

  Rita wore tight workout pants and a tank top. She held up a key. “Keys are easy to get, Chase. Much easier than you are.” She tossed it on the table and smiled. “Night managers believe anything.”

  The situation was so outrageous, Chase wasn’t sure what to say. “You don’t belong here.” He held open the door and waited. “Get out.”

  “Hold on.” She crossed her arms, her expression a little more tame. “I have a question about tomorrow’s shoot. This seemed like a good place to talk.”

  Chase didn’t believe her for a minute. “We can talk tomorrow. Over breakfast on the set.”

  Rita studied him. “You’re really not going to shut the door and come here? You won’t let me stay and talk with you?”

  “No.” Chase was still trying to believe she’d actually done this, that she’d gotten a copy of his key from the manager and was sitting here in his room. “I’m married, Rita. I don’t entertain women in my hotel room.” He allowed his tone to relax some. “I know you’ll be shocked by this, but not even you.”

  She stood and stretched. “I had a good workout. The weight room here is good for a hotel.” Once more she stretched, and as she did her tan flat stomach became visible below her tank top.

  Chase refused to stare. “Rita. I’m serious.” He pointed out the door. “Leave.”

  She walked toward him on her way out. When she was only inches from him, she stopped and looked deep into his eyes. “You don’t know what you’re missing, Chase. Good Christian boy that you are.” She put her hand loosely on his waist. “I watch you all day, Chase. You’re the hottest producer I’ve ever been around. What’s wrong with a little time getting to know each other?”

  There was no temptation for Chase when it came to Rita Reynolds. But here, with her so close, he could smell the mint on her breath, see how it could happen, how a guy with the strongest convictions and faith could make a series of small compromises and wind up with a giant moral failure. He swallowed and pressed himself back against the wall. “The only woman I want to know that well is my wife.” He smiled, unwavering, his words clear and purposeful. “Goodnight, Rita.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight, handsome.” She shrugged one shoulder as if to say the loss was his. “I’ll look for you tomorrow at breakfast.”

  He held out his hand. “My key?”

  A bit of laughter sounded between her lips. “Okay.” She dropped the key card in his hand. “But there are more where that came from.”

  “Listen,” he wanted to make himself very clear. “I’m serious, Rita. Don’t do this again. My room’s off limits.”

  Her smile told him she wasn’t exactly dissuaded by his request. “Let me know if you change your mind. I think we’d both enjoy getting to know each other better.”

  She finally left and he shut the door quickly, sliding the chain lock across and walking slowly to the edge of the bed. Was she that used to having her way with men, any man she wanted? Or was that the way things played out on most movie sets? He’d heard of starring actors finding their way into a relationship on the set—married or not. But for Rita to sneak into the room of her producer? That had to happen about as often as a food truck burning to the ground.

  He pulled his Bible from the nightstand and read once more from James, chapter 1. No doubt they’d had more than their share of trials and temptations thrown at them. This last one was almost laughable. But God’s Word was true, and Chase clung to that as he brushed his teeth and settled in. Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds … He could be angry at Rita and frustrated by the delays that morning. Fear could’ve dominated his night, knowing that the cast had even considered walking out. But given the events of the day, the trials of many kinds, and the wisdom in the book of James, there was only one emotion Chase allowed himself to feel as he fell asleep that night.

  Pure joy.

  ANDI DROVE OUT TO BAILEY’S HOUSE Saturday morning in the pouring rain so the two of them could study for a few hours. That and she wa
nted to meet Bailey’s family, all those brothers she talked about. As she pulled up, she slowed her car and stared. If this was Bailey’s house, then no wonder she wanted to come home for the weekend. Andi couldn’t understand why she ever would’ve wanted to live on campus if she had the option of living here.

  She turned into the driveway and came slowly past a series of manicured trees and bushes to the circular drive in front of a long covered porch. Three porch swings dotted the stretch on the right side of the front door, and Andi could imagine sitting out here on summer nights watching the sunset. She parked and came to the door.

  Bailey answered it, her eyes sparkling. “You’re in time! Dad made his famous pancakes!” Bailey’s father coached the Indianapolis Colts, but the team was home this weekend and next. “The whole family loves when Dad’s here for the weekend. Come on in.”

  “Wow.” Andi walked through the door and stopped, taking in the chandelier and sweeping staircase. “You didn’t tell me you lived in a resort.”

  “It’s just a house.” Bailey laughed as she took hold of Andi’s hand and led her down a short hallway into the largest kitchen ever. “Come meet everyone else.”

  Sitting around the kitchen bar were Bailey’s brothers—Connor, who was at least six-foot-two, Shawn, BJ, Justin, and Ricky. Three of the boys—Shawn, BJ, and Justin—were adopted from Haiti. Andi already knew that about Bailey’s family from pictures she had in the dorm. But it was great meeting all the boys in person. In no time Andi and the Flanigans were caught up in conversations about college life, the movie Andi’s dad was shooting, and the boys’ football season.

  “Justin scored five touchdowns last week,” said Ricky. He was the youngest, with light blond hair and big blue eyes. “You shoulda’ seen him, Andi.” He tried to squeeze in between Andi and Bailey, anxious for her to hear the details. “It was the middle school championship game and on the second play Justin gets an interception and runs it all the way back.” Ricky held up three fingers. “Three rushing touchdowns, and two interceptions run back for scores. Unbelievable, huh?”

  Andi raised her eyebrows at thirteen-year-old Justin. “I wish I could’ve seen it.”

  He shrugged, embarrassed over the big deal his little brother had made. “That’s okay. It’s just middle school.”

  Ricky pumped his fist in the air. “Yeah, but wait till next year. You have to come to a game, okay?”

  The boys continued to share stories and questions, and after Bailey’s parents came down, Andi understood even better why Bailey wanted to be home over the weekends. Her family was amazing, her parents kind and strong in their faith, and clearly in love with each other. Bailey had said that her mother was her best friend, and after sitting near her at breakfast, Andi could see the bond the two of them had. The size of the house was long forgotten.

  Andi was happy for her friend, for the life she had here with her family. But being with the Flanigans underlined Andi’s restlessness, her desire to be something other than a missionary’s daughter. If her parents had held normal jobs, they might’ve had other kids and Andi would’ve had siblings—a big family like this, even. Instead she’d missed out on every kind of traditional family time they might’ve had. It was one more reason she wanted to find her own way now, so that she could branch out and maybe discover aspects of life that she’d missed out on.

  “You want to be an actress, is that right?” Jenny Flanigan’s smile was warm and understanding, and it drew her from her wandering thoughts.

  “Yes, ma’am. I’d like that.” Andi remembered what Jake had said about her reading for the part of his girlfriend. “There might be an opportunity for me to have an actual role in my dad’s film.” She flashed excited eyes at Bailey. “We’ll find out this weekend.”

  “Katy Hart lived here when she was an actress.” BJ had just taken a full bite of pancakes and his words weren’t close to clear.

  “Finish your food first.” Jim Flanigan was flipping another batch, but he looked over his shoulder at his son. “This isn’t men’s town.”

  “Sorry.” BJ covered his mouth and kept chewing.

  Andi giggled and gave Bailey a curious look. “Men’s town?”

  “That’s when mom and I are gone.” Bailey plugged her nose. “You don’t want to know what goes on in men’s town.”

  The boys all chuckled and Ricky giggled until his cheeks turned red. “Men’s town isn’t for girls.”

  “No.” Andi grinned at Jenny. “Be sure to let me know when it’s men’s town around here. I’ll stay at the dorm.”

  “Anyway,” BJ’s mouth was empty now, “Katy Hart lived here when she was an actress.”

  Andi was still putting the pieces of Bailey’s life together. “Katy Hart, the one who’s married to Dayne Matthews?”

  “Right.” Bailey smiled.

  “I watched a lot of it play out in the tabloids. Not that I read them, but in the supermarket, you know, the headlines tell you a lot.”

  “A lot of lies for the most part.” Jenny exchanged a look with Jim. “It’s a miracle Katy and Dayne survived the way the press treated them.”

  The breakfast continued, with so much laughter and conversation, Andi again found herself wishing for a family like this one. Her parents were wonderful, but being an only child had never felt so lonely. By the time they moved into the living room to do their homework, Andi was sure of one thing. After this she was going to spend as much time at Bailey’s house on the weekends as she could.

  They set up in front of an oversized fireplace in a room that had floor-to-ceiling windows along one entire wall. Bailey flipped a switch that brought the gas flames to life, and then settled into the corner of a cushy-looking sofa. Andi sat on the floor so she could spread out her history notes. She and Bailey were the only two freshmen in the class, and they needed to put in a few hours to catch up.

  Before they started, Andi looked around. “I can’t believe this is where Dayne Matthews fell in love with Katy Hart. That’s so cool.”

  Bailey shrugged. “They’re just normal people like you and me.”

  “Still … I mean, how great that Katy was just this small-town drama director and next thing you know she’s married to America’s most popular actor.” She lowered her voice, the excitement in her heart building. “It’d be like me marrying Jake Olson.”

  “Except Dayne was a changed guy by the time he started dating Katy.” She gave Andi a wary look. “Jake … he seems a little wild for you, don’t you think?”

  “Not at all. He was nice yesterday. I mean, Bailey, like you said, you can’t believe everything you read.” She wanted her friend to feel good about her attraction to Jake. “Anyway, I think I could fall for him. I guess we’ll see if he calls.”

  Bailey was scouring her history book, but she nodded absently. “The test is on all of chapter 5, right?”

  “And part of 6.” Andi had her book too, and she found the same section Bailey was opened to.

  “Hey, so have you seen Cody again? Since Thursday’s Cru meeting?”

  “Nope.” Andi hadn’t thought much about Cody since meeting Jake, but now that Bailey brought him up she wanted to get to the bottom of her friend’s feelings for the guy. Andi leaned her elbow on the edge of the sofa and peered at Bailey. “Why do you ask?”

  “Just wondered. You two seemed like you were getting along pretty well when I showed up.”

  Andi tried to discern even a little jealousy in Bailey’s tone, but there was none. She let her guard down some. “He’s very good looking, I’ll give him that.” Andi looked off into the fire. “I sort of thought maybe you liked him.”

  “I’m dating Tim.” Bailey’s answer was quick. She lifted smiling eyes toward Andi. “Cody and I are only friends. That’s all we’ll ever be.”

  “Really? I mean, you and Tim are doing that great?”

  Bailey’s eyes danced in the light of the fire. The rain was coming down harder outside, and the sky was so dark with clouds, it almost felt like nightf
all. “We had an intense talk yesterday. If things keep going this way, then I’ll have to say yes.”

  “Yes?” Andi kept her voice low, despite the thrill in her tone. “Yes to what?”

  “To your question, goofy.” Bailey giggled. “You know, the one about how Tim and I are doing. And maybe yes to your other question.” Bailey raised her brow. “You know, the one about being in love.”

  “Oh, that.” Andi made an exaggerated wipe of her hand across her forehead. “I thought you were making some sort of announcement.”

  “Not hardly. That’s forever away.” Bailey tapped her open book. “Okay, we better get serious here.”

  They were fifteen minutes into outlining chapter 5 when Andi’s phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and flashed a quick look at the caller ID. Her dad! “Okay, here goes.” She sat up on her knees and fought the nervousness that had suddenly come over her. “My parents have been in a meeting all morning deciding if I can read for the part of Jake’s girlfriend.” She took a quick breath and snapped open her phone. “Hi, Dad … so what’s the verdict? Can I have a shot?”

  Her father’s hesitation told her that whatever they’d decided, the news couldn’t be good. “Listen, honey, Chase and I talked it over last night and again this morning. Your mom was in on today’s talk, and all of us agree with our decision.” He paused.

  “Which is what?” Andi lowered her head close to her knees, desperate for the news.

  “Well, we watched the dailies from yesterday. A dozen times at least, and we’ve decided we’re going to let Bailey read for the part.”

  Slowly Andi rose up onto her knees again. Her eyes found Bailey’s and she shook her head, clearly conveying that she wasn’t going to read for the part. Bailey shot her a quick look of sympathy, and Andi appreciated the genuine way she cared. Not for a minute did Bailey think the reason Andi wasn’t going to read for the part was because the producers wanted her instead. Her reaction was that of a true friend, and Andi had never cared more for her than she did right now.