Page 8 of Small Town Prince Charming

“She’s a resilient kid, and I know she doesn’t think you’re doing a bad job.” Tracey rubbed his bicep. “She’s also seven, and her world isn’t huge. As long as she’s warm, dry, fed and loved, she’ll be fine. She’s already fine. She loves you and wants you to be happy, too.” She moved her palm to his chest. “You have a big heart and are in a tough situation, but you’re not failing. You’ve got a good kid and you’re a good man, promise.”

Her touch seared him to his core again. He liked the way she spoke to him, too, despite the fact Maisey was right there and seemingly uninterested in the conversation. “Thanks.”

“Doesn’t mean this one won’t be a pill.” Tracey wriggled Maisey’s hand. “You’re seven, and you’re going to be silly.” She smiled and turned her attention back to Ryan and fixed the wrinkles in his shirt. “Get your work done and we’ll be next door.”

“Thanks.” He hesitated. He’d rather spend time with them than deal with Derek. Maybe when he picked Maisey up, he’d ask Tracey over for a date...coffee...something. Hell if he knew what. “See you.” He had to get back to his job.

“You bet.” Tracey waved, then left with Maisey beside her.

He hadn’t found anyone who wasn’t afraid of his family situation. When women found out he had a kid, some were still interested, but when they found out Maisey was Jessica’s, some lost interest. One woman told him Jessica was wild and Maisey would grow up to be just like her. Just because her biological mother had been original, it didn’t mean Maisey would follow in her footsteps. According to that person’s math, Maisey would be dead at twenty-four, too. God, he hoped that was wrong.

Why did people assume things about other people and not see beyond their incorrect assumptions? Because it was too hard? Everyone in Blakes Creek knew his family and what he’d been through, but that didn’t seem to matter to some. When he was younger, his parents had money, but they’d spent a lot on Jessica and getting her straightened out. Then the accident happened. Jessica lost herself in her addictions, and he had to support himself instead of attending college. He married Carol, but even that crashed and burned.

Would a future with Tracey be any better?

He stepped back onto the stage and shook his head. Once his life had fallen apart, he had to pick up the pieces. He didn’t have his parents to help, didn’t have anyone to give him direction on raising his sister’s daughter, but he’d kept trying. His marriage ended and he felt rudderless, but Maisey needed him.

Now Tracey was back, and the dreams he’d hidden back then almost seemed possible.

Maybe this was his chance to have everything he’d ever wanted.

Maybe.

He left the stage and strode down the aisle to the light board. Keelan fiddled with the knobs and pointed to his spreadsheets.

“Hey.” Keelan looked up from the papers. “Do you have the cues for the second act? I have nothing.”

“I do.” He pulled the information up on his phone. “Derek emailed me the changes. I don’t have to do anything for them, but you’ll want to adjust the lighting. The chorus will be out longer, and he wants a search light, klieg lights sort of look.”

Keelan rolled his eyes and groaned. “Jesus. It doesn’t even fit. The girls are dancing in a meadow.”

“You haven’t heard about the costume changes. He wants them to be glitzier.” Ryan sank onto the chair beside him. “It doesn’t look right, but he won’t listen to anyone. You can’t make it glittery, unless there is a rain falling—which would fit—or make it a dream sequence. Neither of those things are in the script, but they could be shoehorned in, since this is a first run musical.”

“You should be directing this.” Keelan copied down the cues. “You’d be better than him.”

“I’ve never directed and doubt I’d be any good.” He’d never considered directing. He liked making the sets and bringing the world on stage to life.

“You can’t be any worse than him.” Keelan groaned. “You’ve got to be shitting me.”

“What?” Ryan tucked his phone back into his pocket. “Everything okay?”

“No. Your friend is coming over.” Keelan ducked down in his seat.

“Tracey?”

“Katie Simec.” Keelan averted his gaze. “I’m here if you need help, but don’t engage.”

Ryan stiffened his spine. He’d gone on one date with Katie, but there hadn’t been the spark. He liked her, but not enough to make it into a relationship. “She’s right behind me?” he murmured.

“Pretty close.” Keelan forced a smile. “Mrs. Simec.”

Katie touched Ryan’s shoulder and sidled up to him. “There you are. I hear you’re almost done with the sets. How are the costumes coming? I haven’t seen anything for the chorus girls, and Derek said they’d be done today.”

“They’re not done, but I’m also not in charge of them.” Ryan inched away from Katie. “You’ll have to ask Ms. Baker. Unfortunately, she’s gone home for the evening. Lots of alterations to make.”

“I haven’t met her,” Katie said with a frown. “I should, since she’s making Eva’s costume.”

“I’m sure she’ll touch base with you.” Ryan put more space between them. “I can let her know that you’ll be here tomorrow before practice, and she can meet with you then.”

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