A Mother's Reflection by Elissa Ambrose

Author:Elissa Ambrose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 2003-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Erika was onstage, working with the cast, while Rachel sat in the third row of the auditorium, taking notes. The drone of Erika’s voice was making Rachel drowsy, and she put down her notepad and closed her eyes.

Enough was enough.

Her problem, though, had nothing to do with Erika. It had nothing to do with the job, either. On the contrary, Rachel loved her work. The kids she taught were bright and talented, and they kept her on her toes.

She loved coaching, and as a result of her efforts—and Erika’s, too, she grudgingly admitted—the play was coming along well. Paula had her own car, and with Evelyn in tow had begun to bring in Cinnamon, who had completely recovered, to rehearse with Alice Tucker, the girl who played Annie. Right from the start the cast had fallen in love with the puppy, adopting her as the center’s mascot.

Megan was in both of Rachel’s classes, musical theater and improvisation, and Rachel was grateful for every moment they spent together. For the most part her plan was working, and she and Megan were growing closer. It was what she had dreamed of, what she wanted.

There was, however, an obstacle. It was the second week in July, and Adam was still behaving as though she had the plague. His attitude was rattling her nerves and was something, she decided, that needed correction. Immediately. Because of the plan, she told herself. She needed him as an ally, not a foe.

But it was more than just her nerves that were rattled, she admitted, remembering the way he had kissed her—the first time with so much zeal he’d winded her, the second time with so much tenderness she’d thought she’d dissolve.

From upstage, Erika’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Rachel! Pay attention!”

Rachel picked up her notepad, but it was hopeless. She couldn’t concentrate. She felt Adam’s presence as if he were right there in the theater, watching her, studying her. She felt a prickling at the back of her neck and turned her head.

He was there, sitting in the back row as though he were in hiding.

Enough was enough.

With newfound resolution and an impulsive burst of courage, she made her way to the back of the auditorium. No time like the present, she thought, sitting down beside him. She searched her brain for an opening line. “Megan is terrific, isn’t she?” Rachel asked, pleased with herself. Children were wonderful icebreakers.

“She’s perfect for the part of Grace,” he answered, looking straight ahead. “I guess Erika was right, after all.”

Was that remorse in his tone? She was eager to know what had happened between him and Erika. Rumors were flying that he’d been the one to cool their relationship—a relationship that, according to the center’s gossipmongers, had been a hot topic for months. The way he was looking upstage now, his gaze in Erika’s direction, made Rachel wonder if he was regretting his decision.

“Even Cinny is perfect,” she said. As soon as the words were out, she wished she could take them back.

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