Love Believes (Sully Point, Book 5) by Nicole Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

man who does this for
a living says it can't be done, then it can't be done. Why are you causing an
uproar over something like that? Just re-work your design."
    "I don't need the opinion of an assistant,
thank you very much," Milton said, and folded his skinny arms across a
concave chest.
    "Oh this time, I think you will hear my
opinion," Beth said, holding a hand out to Mr. Christopher, clearly not
wanting him to interfere. "You see, I'm not just an assistant. I'm also
the sister to one of the main investors. You know, the ones who sign your pay
check? If you aren't capable of working with an experienced man like Mr.
Caronelli here, we would have no problem in bringing in someone else to finish
the project."
    Milton gasped, as if he was suddenly quite short
of breath. "I--I--you can't! It's going to be my masterpiece!"
    "Only if you pay attention to Mr. Caronelli.
Are we clear, Milton?" Beth asked with a stern look on her face.
    "Quite, uh, quite clear."
    She smiled in response and Milton's relief was
obvious. "Mr. Christopher," she said, turning to him. "I'd love
to see the backstage area."
    "Certainly, Beth. Right this way," he
said, struggling to keep his laughter from spilling out at the look on Milton's
face.
    The backstage area and dressing rooms were close
to being done and they poked around there for a while. The whole time he
wondered who he could get as Corie's husband in the play that might do justice
to Beth's acting ability.
    Finally, they were through with the tour and left
the building. He glanced at her as they began the walk back to the office.
    "I want you to play the lead."
    "What?"
    "In the first production. We're doing Barefoot
in the Park . I want you to play Corie."
    Beth stood still, staring at him. He faced her and
continued. "I had no idea you were so talented. That monologue you just
did was perfect. You have what the Corie character needs. Fire, but with
vulnerability. Will you do it?"
    Beth's emerald eyes were open wide with what
looked like shock. "Would I...of course I would! Seriously? You really
want me for the part?"
    "Absolutely. I have a knack for casting.
You'll be great. And...just to be clear...no strings."
    She smiled at him. "Thanks, for saying that.
And thank you so much for offering me the part." She started walking again
beside him. Suddenly she burst out laughing.
    "What? What is it?"
    "Oh my word, what is Maelynne going to say
about us now?"
    He smiled at her. "That thought crossed my mind.
But we aren't going to let a little gossip stop us, right?"
    "Right!"
    Once they were back at the office, he set about
looking for the stack of scripts he'd ordered. Beth found the box they were in,
and accepted one from him and held it to her chest.
    "You've made this one of the best days ever.
Are we done for the day? I want to go home and read this."
    He gave her an indulgent smile. "Yes, yes, go
ahead. Have a good time."
    "Thanks!" She grabbed her handbag and
flew out of the office, clattering down the stairs. When he heard the front
door close, he let himself laugh. That had felt really good. Making her smile
was...not where he needed to go! He was just happy, as a director, he told
himself. Happy to have found the right actress for a part. That was all.
    He nodded firmly to himself. Picking up the tablet
from the desk, he decided to take it home and play with it. Maybe it would
start to feel more natural. It would be good to impress her tomorrow with his
new skills.
    * * * *
    Frank Grainger called his daughter Anna, and then
Maggie, to invite them over with their spouses for supper. When he tried
calling Beth to invite her, he was shocked to be turned down. Politely, but
definitely, he'd been given a refusal to his invitation. He immediately let
Maggie know.
    Beth was sitting curled up in the cream brocaded
chair reading when her phone rang again. "What?" she answered
absently.
    "Beth! Is that any way to answer a
phone?" she heard her sister say.
    "Oh, hi Maggie. What's up?"
    "What's up