Carousel Nights (14 page)

He wanted to hear the end of June's question, but he needed food to clear his head and build his courage. He half hoped June would be distracted by her shrimp and pasta long enough for him to down his food or change the subject.

No luck.

June picked up her fork and paused. “Do you ever wonder if life is passing you by?”

“No.”

“Just no? You never think maybe you're working and working toward something, but you're not sure what you'll do when you get there? Or even how you'll know if you've gotten there?”

Mel forked several mouthfuls before answering. A man would starve to death if he didn't fuel up for a conversation like this.

“I don't want to miss out on anything,” June insisted.

“You've always been like that. I remember you—even when we were in elementary school—always wanting in on everything.” He chuckled. “In high school, you auditioned for all the lead parts in the musical, and I think you were disappointed when you only got one. You were good, too. I showed up at two out of three performances.”

“You're changing the subject and avoiding my question. You seriously don't worry that your life isn't going where...where you always thought it would?”

“I used to. Used to worry about moving up the food chain and what I was going to be when I grew up.”

“And now?” June asked.

“I'm all grown up and at the top of the chain at Starlight Point. At least as far as someone outside your family is going to go. Thought about throwing myself at Evie and marrying into the clan, but she's too tall for me,” he said, grinning.

June wasn't giving up. “So you're living for the present.”

“Yep. At present I have everything I need and something beautiful right in front of me.”

June smiled and her shoulders relaxed. “Do you mean me or that big plate of seafood?”

“Yes.”

* * *

A
FTER
DINNER
,
THEY
walked along a paved path in front of the inn. Far across the bay, they could barely make out the lights on top of the coasters at Starlight Point. They paused by an old railing to watch the water.

When a breeze off the lake lifted gooseflesh on June's bare arms, Mel pulled her tight against him, just holding her for a few moments—long moments in which she breathed in his clean soap smell, her nose picking up the slight mint of shaving cream.

“The summer will be half-over before we know it,” he said, his voice a low rumble against her. “I hate to see it go, but what I really hate...”

She waited. Suspecting but afraid of what he was going to say. He hated to see her go.

Did she have to go?

June's brain flooded with images. Mel in swim trunks diving into the lake in front of her parents' house. Mel, shirtless, playing catch with Jack in the backyard. Mel in a tux taking her to prom so her parents wouldn't worry. Mel in maintenance blues that brought out the color of his eyes.

It would be so easy to stay.

There were twenty years of reasons why the man whose scent, warmth and arms enveloped her should be hers.

And she would belong to him. To their shared past and future. To Starlight Point.

What about herself? Without her dreams leading her on, would she still know herself, be herself? For an instant, she didn't care.

And then a vision of the stage, the lights, the huge crowds, the city, the life she'd imagined for herself flashed before her and eclipsed the quiet lapping of the lake on the dark shore.

“I think it's time to go home for the night,” she said.

“I hate to argue with a beautiful woman, but are you really sure you want to go home?”

Being in Mel's arms made it nearly impossible to be sure about anything. Which was one more reason she needed him to let her go.

“I'm sure.”

Mel hesitated a moment, and then very slowly released her and let the cool breeze burrow a path between them.

* * *

J
UNE
WAS
SURE
the low rumble of Mel's truck woke the whole household. If she was lucky, her mother was still out. She could deal with Evie, but Virginia was a wild card.

“I'm a little disappointed to see you so early.”

June spun around, nearly shutting her finger in the heavy oak front door. Evie held a finger over her lips. “Mom's in bed so I'm the only one seeing you come home way too early from your date.”

Heading quietly for her room, June heard Evie right behind her.

“Details,” Evie said, closing June's bedroom door. “The price of my silence.”

“What if I don't care about keeping you silent?”

“Then consider it bragging and tell me everything.” Evie sunk into the chair in the corner of June's room and steepled her fingers, waiting, as if she were at a board meeting.

“Another time. I'm supposed to be helping at Mel's STRIPE class before park opening tomorrow morning. Although now I wish I hadn't said I would.”

Evie groaned. “Any chance Mom will give up on that wonderful tradition?”

“Senility is our only hope. She'll forget about it one of these years. Until then, I'm going to keep dodging it.”

“Except for tomorrow. When you're helping your boyfriend, the electricity professor.”

June threw a pillow at her sister. “He's not my boyfriend.”

“How would I know that if you won't make a full date disclosure?” Evie asked. “I want to hear about the sparks flying tonight.”

“No sparks. I think it would make a pretty disappointing story.” June sat on her bed, torn between wishing Evie would leave and wishing she was brave enough to tell her the whole story. A little part of her knew Evie had probably connected all the dots herself, anyway.

“Sorry you waited up for nothing.”

“I'll keep hoping,” Evie said. She looked as if she would pursue the conversation for a moment, but she heaved out of the chair and headed for the door. “There's still plenty of summer left.”

Not for her. Time was running out, and the New York stage wouldn't wait.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

T
HE
NEXT
MORNING
, June watched, fascinated by the Mel Preston she'd never seen before. She was used to funny Mel—the mischievous sidekick to her brother, Jack. Accustomed to handyman Mel, who'd fixed a pane of glass in junior high and watched over every circuit board, gear and yard of coaster track at the Point. Lately, she'd acknowledged another aspect to Mel. Steady, family man Mel who still hated spinny rides but sent her world and carefully laid plans spinning.
Or he would if she let him
.

The man standing in front of ten dozen employees in the echoing Starlight Point ballroom was a Mel she had not seen in action. Of course she knew he was confident, competent and a strong leader. The park's safety and mechanical record testified to his talent since he'd become head of maintenance four years earlier.

What was different about him this morning? He reminded her of particularly capable directors or producers she'd seen work a stageful of performers in New York. A man in his domain who exuded masculine power.

June's eyes raked the crowd. She wondered how many of the female summer employees were enthralled by the neutral and hot wires or by the hot instructor. He was irresistible.

But it was in her best interest to resist. His magnetism threatened to root her here, at Starlight Point. Tempted her to say goodbye to Broadway. She was not ready to give it up, no matter how easy it would be to sink into a life at Starlight Point.

“Never touch anything you suspect could be hot,” Mel was saying, pointing to sample pictures and graphics. “Even 110 volts—a common household current—can kill you. Amperage—amps you've probably heard it called—is something different.”

Leaning against a column in the ornate old ballroom, June half listened to Mel's lecture as she daydreamed about couples who had danced here. Going back generations, wearing lovely dresses and dashing tuxedos. Summer romances leaving a whispered impression. This ballroom always meant romance to her, but today it had another purpose.

The gleaming wood floor had been invaded by classroom tables and dozens of folding chairs. Dancing would be more fun. She'd missed the chance to teach ballroom dancing three summers ago when it was the STRIPE lesson. Away dancing on Broadway, she'd missed a lot. Especially the last few years of her father's life.

A young man in the front row raised his hand. When Mel acknowledged him, he asked, “Where'd you learn all this stuff?” His tone was more admiration than rudeness.

“Some at the local college,” Mel said, “but mostly from the apprenticeship program here at the Point. I started right out of high school ten years ago. You could do the same if you want.”

June mentally left the dance floor and its history of happy couples and returned to Mel. She was supposed to help at one of the tables when people split into groups. She should probably pay attention to the lesson so she didn't electrocute herself in front of her employees. Thinking about electricity was far less painful than thinking about the things she'd missed at home and the things she
would
miss if she stayed. She sighed, wishing decisions came more easily as she got older.

Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. It was Megan, her theater manager, calling at eight o'clock in the morning.

Not a good sign.

June stepped outside and answered the call.

“Are you in labor already?” she asked.

Megan laughed. “Don't even think it. It's Brooke. She had to go home for her grandfather's funeral. She got the call last night. Her roommate just called me.”

“Oh. I'm sorry to hear that,” June said. “Poor Brooke.”

“I'm sorry, too, of course. And I understand why she left last night,” Megan said. “But it gives us a problem for four days. We already sent Sarah to fill in Christina's spot, so now we're down two dancers in the Broadway show. Any suggestions?”

June had only one. She knew the routine like she knew every ride at Starlight Point. Her knee was strong and rested after weeks with almost no dancing.
She hoped.
Was she ready to test her knee? She had to know if it would hold up under pressure, just in case she got an offer or audition. This was a perfect opportunity.

And she wanted to dance.

“I'll do it.”

“You?”

“Of course. I made up all those dance steps, I can certainly do them. I'll just need Gloria to make a slightly taller costume for me, and I'll put on my dancing shoes.”

“That's not what I thought you were going to say,” Megan said. “But it's a great idea if you're willing.”

“Very willing,” June said.

“In that case, you better hurry. Your first show is in three hours.”

June went inside and caught Mel's eye. He had finished his lecture and the attendees were moving to various tables. Mel covered the space between them with long, quick steps.

“Problem?” he asked. “You look upset and excited at the same time. Was it my teaching? I told you I was no professor.”

June laughed. “You were really good. I can't believe you claimed to be a lousy teacher—you had the audience in the palm of your hand.”

Mel flushed, color and a smile lighting his face.
Irresistible. Again
. Good thing she had something else to occupy her mind right now.

“Are you ready to help me out and captain one of the tables?” he asked.

June shook her head. “Sorry. I have to back out on you because of a problem with our show in the Midway Theater. One of the girls had to go home for a while and we need a replacement right away.”

“Do you have spare dancers waiting in the wings?”

“No.”

“So what will you do?”

“Call in a professional.”

“Let me guess,” he said, pointing at June.

She smiled. “I have no idea why I'm so excited about dancing here. It's not Broadway or even close.”

“But it's where you started. And the shows this summer are all you.” Mel touched June's upper arm as he spoke. “Don't worry about the STRIPE classes. I've got it under control.” His eyebrows drew together and his usual smile was absent. He drew a long breath. “When dancing calls, I know you have to go.”

June took a deep breath. This was nothing like her leaving their summer romance. They were grown-ups. And she wasn't leaving the state. She was going across the midway to do her job.

“I have to go. The show is in a few hours and I'm six inches taller than the girl I'm replacing. I hope Gloria is in the mood to make an emergency costume for me.”

“I could put in a good word for you,” Mel said, his smile returning. “I haven't ruined a shirt this week, so I might be on her good side.”

* * *

J
UNE
GOT
TO
the Midway Theater an hour before the first show. She put on the soundtrack and ran through her part.
Why am I so nervous?
The eleven o'clock show would probably draw a crowd of eighty-five people. She'd danced in front of thousands, night after night.

But this was her show. Expectations from her dancers and herself were higher than the lights over Broadway. Because June's knee would get a good test. It was strong, she knew that. The summer had been good for her knee.
How would it feel after twenty shows?

“This would be a whole lot easier if you weren't taller than the average man,” Gloria said, bustling through the stage door with costumes draped over her arm. “Some of these seams aren't perfect, but you take what you get when you give a gal two hours to make six costumes. Lucky I had patterns and material ready and plenty of help.”

Gloria held out an arm draped with costumes.

June hugged her. “Thank you. I haven't been this excited since you made my prom dress when I was a senior.”

“I'd rather be making you a wedding dress. Pretty girl like you ought to get married before you get much closer to thirty.”

June laughed. “When I'm thirty, I'll come see you about that.”

Gloria scrunched her lips. “You better try these on. Time's running short.”

* * *

O
N
THE
SECOND
day of June's substitute dancing position, Mel picked up Ross from the hotel day care in time to catch the five o'clock show in the Midway Theater. Because June had been performing during the parade, Mel had personally picked up and delivered his son to and from his job as parade grand marshal. He sure would be glad when June was back on the parade route.

“I'm hungry, Dad,” Ross said.

“Me, too. Can you wait until after the show? I thought we'd see if Miss June would like to have dinner with us.”

“Okay.”

“I'll get you some M&M's in the lobby. You can eat them during the show.”

“Awesome!” he said, smiling.

If only it were that easy to please everyone
.

They got there early enough to grab seats in the front, where Ross wouldn't be stuck behind someone tall with a big head. Mel had no trouble seeing over everyone, but he didn't want his son bobbing back and forth in his seat and driving the person behind him nuts.

“I didn't know Miss June was in the show,” Ross whispered as the curtains split and June was front and center, only a few feet away from them. “I thought she was the piano player.”

“Shh,” Mel said. “I'll explain after the show.”

He sat back, transfixed. He'd seen part of this show while other dancers were practicing. But other dancers were not June Hamilton.

There was something magical about her performance. Her sureness, grace, energy and smile were like the other dancers, but beyond.

She was a professional.

Her love of dancing was obvious in every step. When she took the microphone to sing, Ross elbowed his dad and whispered “Wow” loud enough for people two rows back to hear. Mel knew June saw him and Ross in the front section. She smiled at them, making eye contact with each.

Mel recognized some of the music. Although not an expert on musical theater, the songs were part of the popular culture. He'd heard them before, but listening to June sing was like hearing the songs for the first time.

The show ended, and Ross stood up, clapping enthusiastically.

“Can we eat now?” he asked when the curtains closed and people around them started heading up the aisle toward the entrance.

“Almost. Let's go around back and see if Miss June is available.”

Mel waited until the theater emptied. He knew there was one more show but hoped June had time for dinner. He took the side steps and pushed aside the curtain. He'd been on the stage dozens of times, checking the wiring and doing other maintenance, but now he felt as if he was intruding. Maybe it was the closed curtain, the aura left by the show. This was a performer's world, not his world.

“The Preston men,” June said when Mel and Ross came through the curtains. She was in the wings, almost hidden by the dim lighting.

“I hope we're allowed back here,” Mel said.

“We're hungry,” Ross said.

June smiled. “I'm hungry, too.”

“She said yes, Dad.”

Mel ruffled his son's hair.

“What have I said yes to?”

“Do you have time for a quick dinner before your next show? It's Ross's night to cook so we're cheating and eating out.”

June grinned and nodded. “I could use something to eat. Can you give me five minutes to change?” She slipped out of her dance shoes and took off her silver vest as she spoke.

“Sure,” Mel said, swallowing hard. The sight of June, her cheeks and eyes still alight with excitement, was a test of his resolve. “Want to go to the Midway Buffet?”

“I only have about forty-five minutes,” June said, “but the buffet is fast. Does Ross like the food there?”

“Garbage disposal, remember?”

Ross smiled. “They have mini corn dogs.”

Ten minutes later, the three of them navigated the buffet line. June had her own plastic tray, but Mel juggled his food and his son's on one tray.

“I'm buying,” Mel said as they slid their trays along the silver grooves in the counter at the register.

“Thank you. This is the nicest date I've had in a long time.”

Mel raised one eyebrow and grinned.

“Almost,” June whispered so Ross wouldn't hear.

Mel smiled.

They found a table by the front window where they could watch people go by on the midway.

“We loved the show,” Mel said. “You're an amazing performer.”

“Can you believe it was my first time dancing?” June asked, winking at Ross.

“Right,” Mel said. “I searched the internet for some of the shows you told me you were in. Watched videos on YouTube.”

Mel felt his heart slow down and almost stop. He had not planned to confess that. She glanced up from her soup and salad, an unreadable expression on her face. If he had to describe her look in one word, it would be
caution.

“Really?” she said. “I didn't know you were interested in musical theater.”

“He did,” Ross confirmed. “We watched a bunch of videos. You looked like a cat in one of them.”

“That was the idea,” June said. “We all dressed like cats. What else did you see?”

“You were a cowgirl in the one show. You even had a fake gun.”

“How do you know it was fake?” June asked.

Ross's eyes rounded with excitement. “They let you use a real gun?”

“Just kidding.”

“It's amazing what you can find on YouTube,” Mel said. He thought he should get in on the conversation before his five-year-old son took it in the wrong direction.

“So you saw
Cats
and
Oklahoma!
,” June said. “How about
Hello, Dolly!
? There are huge dance numbers in that one, but it was probably hard to spot me.”