Behind the Frame by Tracy Gardner

Author:Tracy Gardner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Published: 2020-06-02T12:57:35+00:00

Jack was waiting at the future Carson Theatre for Savanna with two whipped cream and caramel-topped iced coffees. She followed him up the winding stairway to the balcony, loving his running commentary. “These steps will be covered in red carpeting, with wrought-iron railing all the way up. I’m having the painters strip all the old wallpaper, and sand, patch and paint. I found vintage 1960s replacement bulbs for the chandelier; they’re being shipped from a tiny company in Santa Clarita.” Sitting in the front row of the balcony, Jack gestured with a sweeping hand from one side of the theatre to the other. “I’ve also ordered two hundred forty-four heated, reclining leather seats, with a third of those being cuddle seats.”

Savanna laughed. “Did you make that up?”

“I wish. The chain theatres have coined the term, but they’re a big hit. Your mural will take up that entire wall.” He pointed.

“Wow.” She breathed the word. “I can do this. I’m going to have a blast doing this.” She grinned at him. “When’s your projected opening? How long do I have?”

“I’m not sure. Permits are a nightmare, and there’s a lot of labor involved before everything is operational. We have a while.”

“Okay. We’ll have the words Century of Cinema on a painted scroll at the top,” she said, pointing. “I’ve got some of my ideas sketched out, but I’ll run everything by you before I begin. I’m planning on starting right after Art in the Park wraps up.”

“Sounds great.” Jack smiled at her. His sandy-brown hair was perpetually mussed, and even now, on this warm June day, he wore his standard khakis, albeit with a short-sleeved polo shirt instead of the button-down he wore for school.

“You’re super psyched about this, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“I am too. It’s exactly what Carson needs. You’ll be a hero.”

He shrugged. “I just want a place to kick back and see a good movie without an hour drive.”

“You and the rest of this town!”

After they said goodbye outside, she headed over to her car outside Fancy Tails, where Sydney was waiting to go meet Talia DeVries for lunch.

Sydney narrated directions from Savanna’s phone as they got into Grand Rapids. It was the largest city on this side of the state. In recent years, it’d become a cultural hub, offering museums, concert venues, a botanical garden, and excellent restaurants. They drove past the place Talia DeVries had chosen for their lunch today, looking for parking.

“The Old Goat.” Sydney read the sign, aptly set behind a large, carved wooden goat standing over the entrance. “This place isn’t what I expected.”

The interior was industrial-chic, with oil-drum lighting suspended over a mixture of standard and raised tables, and patio seating visible through doors off one side. As the hostess led them through to their table, they checked out some of the fare. By the time they joined the art critic, Savanna knew she wanted the pierogis, and Sydney had clutched Savanna’s arm, pointing to a delicious-looking salmon platter being carried out.

“Ms. DeVries,” Savanna said, smiling, and offered her hand to the woman, who was already seated.

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