Hometown Star - By Joleen James Page 0,65
our team. Let’s just hope they don’t let him down.”
Bret made a cutting motion with his hand.
“We’re out,” Frank said before turning to Cade. “Good job, Cade. Just the right amount of doubt and mystery. Viewers love that.”
Cade stood. “Glad I could help.” He started for Star.
She met him halfway. “You’re a natural on camera.”
Cade grimaced. “I doubt that. I was uncomfortable.”
“It didn’t show. Besides, viewers expect you to be uncomfortable. They know you’re not an actor.”
Frank joined them. “You’ve done a great job, Star.”
“Thanks, Frank.” Star glanced away from Cade to her clipboard. “We’re right on schedule. The demolition is complete. The painting is done. The plumber is nearly finished, and the floor guys are about to go in and put in the new sub–floor.”
“No, I mean it,” Frank said with a bob of his head. “You rose to the challenge on this one. I’ve been watching you for a while now, wondering if you were producer material. You have to be tough, a leader. I think you have what it takes, kid. You’ve proven that by being my anytime, anywhere, anything gal.”
Star snapped to attention, her stomach tightening in anticipation. Was this finally it? Was he promoting her?
“I can do the job,” she said. “You know I can. I’m dedicated. I work hard. Work comes first for me. It always has and always will.”
She didn’t glance at Cade, didn’t want to see his reaction to their conversation.
“I know that, Star,” Frank said, “that’s why I’ve decided to promote you to associate producer.”
Star grinned. “Really, Frank?” A giddiness overtook her, a high better than champagne.
“The job is yours. Of course, you’ll be spending more time in the field. Your hours will be longer. Your responsibilities greater. Can you handle all that?”
“You know I can.”
Frank nodded. “Good enough. You can start with the tree house project. It’ll be your baby. As soon as we wrap here, you can take off for Canada.”
“Thank you!” Star said, her excitement bubbling over.
Frank smiled. “You earned it, kid.” He walked away, then yelled, “Bret, quit making eyes at Carrie and get your butt in the kitchen.”
Still smiling, Star turned to Cade.
“Congratulations.” Cade smiled, but to Star the smile looked forced.
“Thanks. This is my dream job, Cade,” she said, wanting him to understand how important this promotion was to her. “I’m finally getting everything I ever wanted.”
“Are you, Star?” Cade asked softly.
She stiffened. “Yes.”
He glanced away from her, and she knew he was upset. “And if you’re pregnant?”
“I’ve never misrepresented myself to you,” she said gently.
He frowned. “I know that. I’m just sorry.”
“For what?”
“For everything.”
Her fingers tightened on the clipboard. “What do you mean?”
“Star,” Frank yelled from the other room. “I need you.”
“You better go,” Cade said with a sad shake of his head. “After all, you’re on the clock.”
Before Star could reply, Cade left her standing there alone. Damn him. He’d managed to steal the joy from her promotion. Star lifted her chin. He could only steal her joy if she let him. Her shoulders squared, Star wheeled around and headed for Frank, and the job that made her so happy.
* * *
Cade felt guilty, and he didn’t like the feeling.
But damn it, something had happened between him and Star, something he didn’t want to lose. He didn’t understand how a career could come first, not when it came to two people being together, especially not when there was a possibility Star could be pregnant. If he could do his job in Seattle, would he consider moving for her? He didn’t know. He’d have to uproot the kids. His leaving would affect Ron and Trudy. So many people depended on him. Even so, he was willing to compromise, to find a way they could be together. There had to be a middle ground and if he didn’t want to lose her, he needed to figure out where it was.
He’d done everything he could think of to make her happy, even consenting to this kitchen makeover. What did she want? Could he ever make her happy, or had her ugly childhood damaged her beyond repair? What would it take for Star to realize where her heart really belonged?
Cade let himself out the back door. He pulled up a deck chair and sat. The evening air buzzed with nature’s sounds, and yet an odd quiet crowded the space. He missed Finn, Emma, and Brad. He needed his kids like he needed air. He couldn’t imagine his life without them. Or without Star.
Upstairs, she was taking a