“No one, near as I could tell. The board only gave the stamp of approval to the idea at its meeting on Tuesday. They’re trying to fill the key positions before they say too much or put out a general call for volunteers.”
“You really think Isabel would go for something like that?” Aaron finished the button and tied off the thread. “She’s always been on the shy side.”
“I have no idea, but there’s nothing like a rousing show to coax people out of their shells. And after the conversation we had the other night about finding a new activity for her to focus on, the opportunity almost seems heaven-sent.”
Hard to argue with that.
“I suppose I could bring it up to her once it’s definite. I’d hate to get her hopes up and have the whole thing fall through.”
“Steven said the board is committed to the idea. But I imagine we’ll know for sure soon. If they want to pull this off by early August, they’ll have to shift into high gear on the upfront piece. A musical requires a ton of rehearsals.”
Aaron hitched up one side of his mouth. “You sound pretty excited about this yourself.”
“As a matter of fact, I am. I had fun doing shows in my younger days. No reason I can’t again. Unless ... do you think I’m too old?”
“Doyou?”
“Well, I don’t have the energy I once had, but my heart is younger than springtime.”
Aaron ran the familiar phrase through his mental database. “Isn’t that a song from a show?”
“Yep. Want to guess which one?” A twinkle appeared in Gramp’s irises.
“No. My knowledge of musical theater would fit through the eye of this needle.”
“South Pacific.”
“You know your shows.”
“Only the old ones. Or I should say, the classics.” He drained his glass and stood. “I won’t embarrass you if I audition, will I?”
“No.”
“Can I convince you to join me?”
“No.”
“Then it will just be me and Isabel on stage.”
“Assuming she wants to do this.”
“I think we should nudge her, if necessary. From my youthful adventures on stage, I remember how all-consuming and exciting it can be. Lights, costumes, scenery...” His expression grew wistful. “Those are happy memories.” He set his cup on the counter. “If being involved in a lively musical doesn’t perk her up, I’m out of ideas.”
“I agree it’s worth a shot. In the meantime, are you game for a tidepool picnic on Saturday?”
“Count me in. I’ll put sandwiches together and bake a batch of Elizabeth’s snickerdoodles.” He yawned. Stretched. “I’m turning in. All the carbs in that pizza did a number on me. You finished with your mending?”
Aaron examined his handiwork. “Yeah. I won’t say it’s good as new, but it’ll get the job done. Don’t check the back, though. It’s not pretty.”
“Practical is better than pretty—except maybe when it comesto a woman.” He winked. “But I got lucky with Elizabeth. She was both. See you tomorrow.”
As Gramp exited the room, Aaron smiled.
Gramp’s remark about women would probably be considered sexist in today’s world, but for better or worse, the first thing most men noticed in a woman was looks. And pretty women gotsecondlooks.
Like the one on the wharf today.
He stilled as an image of her materialized in his mind.
