Page 45 of Staging Love
"Look at you, solving spatial puzzles," Camilla teased. "And here I thought you were just a pretty face."
Jade stuck out her tongue before climbing into bed, pressing herself against the wall. She patted the narrow space beside her. "Your turn, Parkes."
Camilla lowered herself onto the bed. It was a tight fit, but that was all the better.
Jade draped her arm over her waist and rested her head on Camilla’s chest. "Comfortable?"
"I’m so comfortable," Camilla replied, linking her fingers with Jade's. "Though I wasn't joking about sleeping on top of you. That's still an option if this doesn't work out."
"Duly noted," Jade said, slipping a hand underneath Camilla’s top. “Anyway. Who said anything about sleeping?”
Chapter Thirty-Three
The small town of Oakville came into view as Frank's pickup truck rumbled down Main Street. Camilla took in the quaint storefronts and historic buildings that looked like they hadn't changed in decades. American flags fluttered from lamp posts, and cheery window displays welcomed visitors.
"You girls sure you don't want me to wait?" Frank asked as he pulled up in front of the diner. "It's no trouble to drive you to the airport later."
"We're sure, Dad," Jade said, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "We want to walk around a bit first. I’m sure we’ll be able to get a taxi. If not, I’ll call you. Thanks for the ride!"
They climbed out, shouldering their small weekend bags. Camilla waved as Frank drove off, then turned to take in their surroundings more closely. The town square was dominated by a stately brick courthouse, its clock tower stretching toward the overcast sky. Around the square, locally-owned shops and cafes beckoned with colorful awnings and hand-painted signs.
"So this is your old stomping ground," Camilla mused,linking her arm through Jade's. "It's like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting."
Jade chuckled. "Wait until you see inside Rosie's," she said, gesturing to the chrome-fronted diner. "It's like the 1950s never ended."
A bell chimed as they stepped inside where the aroma of coffee and bacon enveloped them. Red vinyl booths lined the windows, while chrome stools fronted a long Formica counter. Behind it, a waitress was refilling coffee mugs for the morning regulars.
"Well I'll be!" the waitress exclaimed, her face lighting up. "If it isn't Jade Thompson! Get over here and give me a hug, you Hollywood star!"
Jade laughed and obliged, embracing the older woman warmly. "Hi Doris! It's so good to see you. I’m sorry to disappoint you though; I’m still no Hollywood star.”
"Well, you’re a star to me. Let me look at you," Doris said, holding Jade at arm's length. "Still as pretty as ever. LA hasn't changed you a bit." Her gaze shifted to Camilla. "And who's this lovely lady?"
"This is Camilla," Jade said, reaching for Camilla's hand. "Camilla, this is Doris. She's been keeping Oakville caffeinated and well-fed for as long as I can remember."
"It's wonderful to meet you," Camilla said, shaking Doris's hand.
"Likewise, honey. Any friend of Jade's is welcome here." Doris winked. “Now, you two grab a booth and I'll bring you some menus."
As they slid into a booth by the window, Camilla noticed how easily Jade slipped back into small-town life. "It seems like you’re famous around here," she teased.
Jade rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Small town, big dreams. I think they all expected me to be famous by now."
"Well, I for one think you're incredibly talented," Camilla said, giving her eyes from across the table.
Before Jade could respond, a booming voice called out from across the diner. "Jade Thompson! I thought that was you!"
They looked up to see a burly man in a sheriff's uniform approaching their table, a wide grin on his face.
"Sheriff Dan!" Jade exclaimed, standing to greet him. "How are you?"
"Can't complain," he said, tipping his hat. "How's life in the big city treating you?"
"It has its ups and downs," Jade replied. "But I'm doing well. Oh! Let me introduce you to Camilla. Camilla, this is Sheriff Dan. He coached my high school drama club."
Camilla's eyebrows rose in surprise as she shook the sheriff's hand. "Drama club? I wouldn't have guessed."
Sheriff Dan chuckled. "What can I say? I contain multitudes. Jade was one of my star pupils. Her Juliet brought the house down."
