“How can you say that? There was even less to do in this town when my parents lived here.” Benita collected her purse, tote bag, and coat. “Maybe they’d still be married if there’d been more to hold their interests in this town.”
“If your theory was correct, everyone in Trinity Falls would be divorced.” Vaughn escorted her from the auditorium. “The fact is Trinity Falls’s divorce rate is well below the national average.”
“How do you know that?”
“I just do.”
In silence, Benita preceded Vaughn down the narrow staircase from the second floor to the main lobby. It was almost ten P.M. She was getting used to Trinity Falls University at night. The lamppost lit their way across the campus Oval to the university parking lot on the other side of the street. A few shadowy figures walked in groups away from the library, a sure sign that summer semester was under way.
Benita glanced at Vaughn from the corner of her eye. His expression was an unreadable mask in the shadows. “I never meant to hurt you by leaving. I was following my dream. But I never said you couldn’t come with me.”
“Then Los Angeles will change both of us.”
“What do you mean?” Her eyebrows knitted.
“Like I said, Benny, you’re not the same person when you’re in Los Angeles.”
“How am I different?” He’d told her this before, but Benita had had no idea what he’d been talking abou
t.
“You’re more relaxed in Trinity Falls. When we’re together, I have your attention.” Vaughn checked both ways before heading across the street. “In Los Angeles, you’re always checking your cell phone and e-mails.”
“That’s because I’m working.” Benita spotted her car under one of the lights.
“You’re always looking around to see if anyone famous is nearby.”
“Working.” She sang the word as she pulled her keys from her pants pocket.
“You’re not always working, Benny. And if living in Los Angeles can do that to you, it can change me.” Vaughn stopped beside her car and faced her. “I love you, but I don’t want that to happen.”
“Where does that leave us? I’m on water and you’re on land?” She made a reference to one of the key songs in his play. “I love you, too, Vaughn. But my life isn’t a musical.”
“Neither is mine. Good night, Benny.” Vaughn turned and walked to his car.
Benita watched him for a few seconds before climbing into her Acura. Whether he’d intended to make the script about them, he must recognize the similarity in their love stories. It was time she heeded the message of Mystic Park, Vaughn’s fictional Trinity Falls, and live where her love is. She was going to finalize her offer on Doreen’s house.
Vaughn approached the counter at Books & Bakery Saturday morning. The scents of baking bread, confectioners’ sugar, and coffee assailed him. Ean, Quincy, and Darius already were there and finishing breakfast. Megan and Doreen stood on the other side of the counter, keeping the men company.
Darius looked up as Vaughn took the empty bar stool beside him. “Hey, Vaughn. Interesting that you’re here. You don’t usually join us.”
A surprising number of customers had arrived early at Books & Bakery to enjoy breakfast at the café tables. The diners ranged from retired couples, students on summer semester, and couples and families enjoying breakfast out. The couple reviewing the map appeared to be tourists. That wasn’t surprising considering it was Memorial Day Weekend.
“I’m looking to make some changes in my life.” Vaughn returned his attention to Darius.
“How are things with Benita?” The newspaper man gave him a concerned look.
Vaughn paused to breathe through the pain in his chest. “We’ve broken up for good this time.”
A chorus of regrets circled him. He appreciated his friends’ concern, but it only made him feel worse. As it was, he was holding on to his composure by a thread.
“At least you’re not alone.” Darius waved his hand to encompass the group seated at the counter. “Everyone here is experiencing relationship problems. Well, everyone except me.”
Ean frowned. “Megan and I aren’t having trouble.”
“Yet.” Darius sipped his coffee.
Ean’s scowl deepened. “What does that mean?”