Page 24 of Every Star that Shines

With that, she spun on her heel and walked out.

Delanie exchanged bewildered glances with Violet and Caleb.

“You weren’t kidding about her drama,” Delanie said to Violet, regretting her decision to ask Amber to be part of the team. “I’ve never had to fire anyone before, but I’m seriously considering it now.”

Violet gave her an understanding look. “Unfortunately, I think she would cause more problems if you did that than if you kept her on board. We’ll keep an eye on her, but for now, I think it’s best to leave her alone and try not to let whatever bee is in her bonnet get to you.”

Delanie blew air through her lips and put her shaking hands in her lap. That might be easier said than done.

After Violet said her goodbyes and hurried out the door, Delanie turned to Caleb—suddenly hyper-aware that she was sitting alone at a table next to him.

“Are you regretting your decision to volunteer to do this as much as I am right now?” she said to fill the awkward silence.

“Not at all,” he said, gazing at her with that intense look again. “Difficult people are part of life. I’m glad I can help.” He paused and fidgeted with his empty coffee mug. “I hope I’m not one of the reasons you’re regretting your decision.”

Her heart skipped. “No, of course not. In fact, I’m glad you’re here.” She swallowed, surprised she felt that way. “Thanks for rescuing me back there.”

“Rescuing you?” He frowned.

“When Amber got all aggressive. You’d think I would be better at handling stuff like that by now.”

“Don’t mention it.” This time, the words weren’t awkward but inviting, like the subtle curve of his lips.

She stared back at him, mesmerized by the way the afternoon light glinted from his warm amber brown eyes. They reminded her of maple syrup on pancakes.

She realized she was staring, and her heart sped up as she searched for something to say. The best thing to do would be to leave. Yes, that was what she would do.

She shifted away from him. “I should probably—”

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen. The name Josh Rosenburg flashed up. Annoyed, she dismissed it. When she saw Caleb looking at her questioningly, the urge to flee intensified, and she reached for her purse strap.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Caleb said quickly, “what is it that Amber keeps hinting at? Did something happen in Vancouver that I don’t know about?”

Delanie swallowed, her throat closing, and turned back to face him. “You didn’t hear?”

“Sorry, no. I, uh, don’t keep up on entertainment gossip.”

Thankfully, Caleb shifted around to sit in the seat Violet had just vacated across from Delanie as he spoke. Not only was it more comfortable to talk to him that way, but once the table was between them, Delanie’s heart slowed to a more normal pace.

“Not that I expect you to,” she said, “but our moms talk.”

Caleb gave a half grin. “When it comes to you, my mom tends not to say much.”

“Mine seems to have the same philosophy about you.” Delanie chewed her thumbnail and studied him. Was Caleb going to make her tell the whole story again? It had been bad enough explaining it to her mom yesterday. She considered snapping a pithy answer and leaving, but the intense look in his eyes had never left. He really wanted to know.

And, she was surprised to discover, she really wanted to tell him.

Caleb listened quietly as Delanie poured out the story of her recent cancellation and losing the studio contract she had been counting on.

“And that’s why I’m here,” she concluded. “I mean, I came home for Nan’s funeral. But since I don’t have any reason to head back right away, I decided to stay and help with the play too.”

Caleb nodded, considering. “What are your YouTube videos about?”

She shrugged and looked away, obviously embarrassed. That delightful dimple in her cheek he had adored in high school was still there. He took a deep breath and took the last sip of his now-cold coffee, firmly telling his heart to stop getting crazy ideas. He was supposed to be getting over Delanie, not falling for her again. And it was high time he did. She’s not staying here. And she shouldn’t. I need to let her go.

“Oh, nothing too amazing,” Delanie said. “I do parody songs and skits based on movies—mostly classics—but I try to make them relevant to modern issues. If I had known going in how hard satire was to do well, I might have thought about it a little more.” She laughed dryly.

He smiled, his chest warming. “Didn’t we talk about doing something like that together, back in the day?”

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