“Understood. No pressure.” Steven hiked up one side of his mouth. “But I have to say, having someone of your stature attached to the show, in addition to Katherine Parker, would generate a huge amount of publicity. I wouldn’t be surprised if we sold out every night.”
Devyn stared at him. “Katherine Parker, the actress?”
“Yes. She moved here from Hollywood a couple of years ago. She still acts and directs on the side, but her main focus is Chocolate Harbor. Her candy is getting lots of buzz in media all over the country.”
“She left Hollywood behind to make candy?” How had she missed that piece of theater news? Then again, the world of ballet tended to be rarified and insular.
Father Murphy chimed in. “Not just any candy. She’s building a candy brand known for stellar quality—a feat she’s on the way to accomplishing, based on my sampling experience.”
“Hmm.” Reverend Baker gave him a once-over. “I wonder if chocolate indulgences are weighing you down on the golf course. Your scores have been slipping lately.”
The padre waved that comment aside. “I’ll disprove your theory at our weekly game on Thursday. Loser buys the winner two truffles from Chocolate Harbor.”
“Deal. I’ll have to wander by in a day or two and peruse the latest selections so I can have my choices ready.”
“Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.”
“I can this time, because I know you’ll lay an egg on the golf course.”
“Ha-ha. Save the humor for your sermons.”
“I don’t put humor in my sermons.”
“No wonder people need a sugar infusion after your services.” Father Murphy licked his index finger and drew a line in the air. “Speaking of sugar, would any of you like to accompany me to the hall to sample a lemon curd Danish?”
“I think I can convince Holly to detour that direction.” Steven motioned to a woman with long, light brown wavy hair who seemed to be sporting a baby bump. “She’s always hungry these days. Eating for two and all.”
Baby bump confirmed.
“I’ll have to pass. I want to get to the hospital in Coos Bay as soon as possible.” Devyn pulled out her sunglasses. “Best of luck with your show. I wish I could help, but my schedule is up in the air.”
“No worries.” Steven held out his hand again. “Nice to meet you.”
Father Murphy pumped her hand too. “Don’t forget, you’re always welcome at St. Francis. We’ve been praying for your sister too.”
“I appreciate that—and I know Lauren will as well. Reverend Baker, thank you for your warm welcome.”
“My pleasure. Drive safe.”
Devyn left the trio in the vestibule, slipping on her sunglasses as she pushed through into the warmth of a cloudless day.
Maybe the weather was a positive omen. Perhaps the sun would banish the chill from her sister’s heart.
If it didn’t?
She could be winging back to New York as soon as tomorrow—her mission to start a new chapter with Lauren a total failure.
8
She’d put off calling Lucas as long as she could—and difficult conversations didn’t get easier by kicking them down the road.
Diane sat at the café table in the kitchenette of the annex at Anna Williams’s house, eyeing the plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies she’d found waiting for her yesterday.
After her tense parting from Martin, the welcome gesture had been more appreciated than Anna could ever know—though she had yet to loosen the plastic wrap and sample one.
Maybe after this call, she would.
Taking an unsteady breath, she pulled up Lucas’s number on her cell and placed the call.
