Sunrise (20 page)

They were halfway to Jenny’s house, driving on a stretch of curvy, narrow road, when Trent lost control. “Jim . . . help!” he shouted.

Jim grabbed at the wheel, but it was too late. Those were Trent’s last words. He overcorrected and the truck flipped twice, screeching upside down off the roadway and rolling ten feet down an embankment. The truck landed on the roof, and when it stopped sliding down the hill, Trent was dead. The accident had broken his neck, killing him instantly.

Jim let the memory return to its permanent place in the back of his mind. He swallowed hard. He would live with the regret of that night forever. If only he hadn’t asked Trent to drive. “If I would’ve been sober that night, I could’ve driven Trent home. Maybe he’d be here beside me, telling you how dumb it is to drink.” He felt his lip quiver a little, and he gained control. “Trent was my best friend. I miss him still.”

The eyes of Tanner and Cody glistened with sorrow, and a handful of other players stared at the floor.

Jim wasn’t finished yet. He filled his lungs and prayed for the strength to go on. Especially with Trent’s smile so fresh in his mind. “The crash cut Jenny’s thumb nearly off. By the time the paramedics arrived, Trent was gone, and there wasn’t anything they could do to save the top part of Jenny’s thumb.”

Cody leaned forward, disbelief on his face. He had probably noticed Jenny’s thumb before—he was around too much to have missed it. But now he knew the story behind her loss, and it looked like enough to knock him off his seat.

“When they got us clear of the wreck, I tried to stand, but I fell to the ground. I couldn’t feel my legs. They took us to the hospital, and for the next two days the doctors thought I was paralyzed.”

Jim would never forget his father walking into the hospital room, eyes swollen from crying. His dad gave him no lecture or harsh words. He only leaned down, hugged Jim close, and sobbed over what they’d lost in one night. Because of one stupid mistake, one bad night of drinking.

Two days later, the swelling went down around the disk in Jim’s neck that had been crushed in the accident. All feeling returned to his arms and legs, and the next year he suited up with his team for his senior year of football.

“But I was never the same.” Jim blinked back tears. “And I haven’t had a drink since.”

The room was so quiet that Jim could hear the kids breathing. This was the part that mattered most. He’d brought a stack of contracts to the meeting, and he picked them up off the small table behind him. “I prayed about this decision, and I don’t mind saying so. We’ve done a pretty good job of taking God out of public education, but when a coach finds out most of his team is drinking, maybe it’s time to ask Him back in.”

There were a few nods around the room.

“I’m giving you a contract.” Jim handed the documents to a few of the players and motioned for them to take one and pass the rest on. “Each of you will read the contract and sign it.” His voice was strong now, strengthened by the passion he felt for the matter at hand. “You’ll sign it or you won’t play football at Clear Creek High.”

The contract was simple. It gave a place for the player to print his name. Then it stated that the player was making a promise to not drink again while in high school. Not ever. If the promise was broken, the player acknowledged that he understood he would be removed from the team and not allowed to play for Clear Creek again. At the bottom was a place for the player’s signature.

Joe took a bag of pens and walked around the room, handing one to each of the guys. “Remember the video,” he told a few of them.

“This team is going to be known for doing things right. If you can’t live with the rules, then quit now.” Jim studied his players. He figured four or five of them would quit on the spot, unable to consider high school football without the wild parties. But other than a few slight hesitations, the guys silently read the contracts and signed their names.

“When you’re finished, you can come up and leave your contract on the table. Before we leave here, I want you to know that Brandon Reeves is starting a team Bible study.” Jim looked at his kicker. He was grateful for the kid and for the times they’d talked this week. “It’ll meet Wednesday nights at my house.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. The next part wasn’t going to be easy. “Finally, I’ve asked our captains to step down. It’s the off-season, and anything can happen next year. For now, Tanner, Jack, and Todd agreed that Brandon should be the team captain.”

Brandon looked uncomfortable with the announcement, even though he knew it was coming. He was a quiet leader. This would thrust him into the spotlight more than anything he’d ever accomplish on the football field.

Jim registered the surprise on the faces of most of the players. But it wasn’t surprise mixed with shock. Rather there was an understanding that Coach Flanigan was serious. The changes were far-reaching, and they affected everyone on the team.

“Brandon’s offered to stay and pray with anyone who wants to circle up.” Jim looked at the kids who he figured would struggle with the idea of prayer in the locker room. “This is optional. Don’t go tell your parents that Coach said you had to pray. Brandon offered, and from where I’m standing, a lot of you guys could use a little help making some changes in your life.”

The meeting ended, and the guys brought their signed contracts to the front of the room in silence, heads hung, eyes averted. Six players left immediately afterwards, the guys Jim had suspected of drinking even during the season. The others stayed and formed a circle with Brandon.

“God, our team’s really messed up right now.” Brandon’s voice was clear and ripe with sincerity. “We know how serious Coach is and how serious drinking is. Help every man on this team to live up to the contract we just signed.” He paused. “And for the guys that just left, I pray You change their hearts. ’Cause I think we all need You pretty bad. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The guys straggled out of the locker room, though Tanner and Jack and Todd came up to Jim before they left and apologized again.

Tanner was clearly caught in the emotion of the meeting. He massaged his throat. “Tonight was exactly what we needed.” He went to shake Jim’s hand but changed his mind and hugged him instead. “Thanks, Coach.”

Cody rode with Jim, so he was the last player left in the locker room.

Jim thanked Joe as they locked up and walked to the parking lot. “Your video was just like you said.” Jim rubbed the back of his head. He felt drained. “I couldn’t watch it again.”

“I remember that night like it was yesterday.” Joe’s eyes seemed to hold the pain from that night. “I just hope it changes things around here.”

When they were alone in the car, Cody leaned against the door and silently let the tears come. They coursed down his cheeks. After a long while he looked at Jim. “I’ll never look at drinking the same again.”

Jim felt a surge of emotion. Even though he’d gotten the principal’s permission to have his players sign contracts, and even though he’d made it clear that the idea of prayer and Bible study was optional, there was no question about one thing. He’d put his coaching job on the line tonight. If he lost it, if the whole thing blew up in his face, so be it. God would take care of the details. At least his own teenagers weren’t tempted to drink, and he thanked God that he’d stayed in Bloomington so they could continue on with Christian Kids Theater.

As for the meeting, all that mattered were the words Cody had just spoken. Now Jim could only pray that rest of his team felt the same way.

Katy held the meeting at a coffeehouse.

Ever since Dayne’s accident, she’d been neglecting her role as director of CKT, and now she needed help with the theater kids at least until after the honeymoon. It was too soon to mention the fact that she might be busy filming a movie after that.

She needed to take stock of her support team and how committed they felt about
Oliver!
the upcoming show. Katy would be around for the entire season, and Dayne had agreed to help. But between planning their wedding and taking a trip or two to Los Angeles, they would need help. And then there was the spring season, which Rhonda would have to direct.

They also needed to talk about the rumors that the owners of the theater wanted to sell to a high-rise developer. The area coordinator had that information to share. In all, the future of CKT felt shaky. Katy’s heart ached with even the possibility of the organization closing down. But they had to talk about it.

The afternoon was brilliantly sunny and freezing. Three inches of snow lay on the ground, but the roads were clear. Katy arrived early and breathed in the warm smell of coffee and fresh-baked croissants. She found a table and laid out the agenda for the meeting. She’d made copies for Rhonda, Ashley, Al and Nancy Helmes—the music directors, and Bethany Allen—the area coordinator. Dayne was in telephone meetings with his agent and the producer, but he might join them later. She had an extra copy of the agenda just in case.

It would feel good to discuss everything and make a plan. Otherwise, the time until her wedding would pass in a blur of wonder and starry-eyed moments. She was more in love with Dayne than ever, more certain that their future would be everything they ever imagined.

But Katy had a commitment to the kids and families of CKT, and with Wilma Waters planning the wedding, she needed to focus on the work God had given her. And whether it could continue after the coming season.

The coffee shop wasn’t crowded. Just a few people hovered over newspapers or were lost in quiet conversation at a couple of the booths.

Katy left her notes at the table and went to order. There was no one else in line. “Tall latte, extra foam.”

The college-age girl behind the counter held her eyes a few seconds longer than necessary, and when she brought back the hot drink, she hesitated. “Are you Katy Hart?”

“Yes.” Katy paid for her coffee and smiled. “You must know someone in CKT.”

“No.” The girl looked starstruck. “It’s just . . . I’ve seen your picture in the magazines, and I knew you lived here.” Her hands trembled as she counted Katy’s change. “You’re dating Dayne Matthews, right?”

Katy felt her cheeks grow hot. This had never happened in Bloomington—someone actually recognizing her from the tabloids. Sure, people who knew her had noticed her picture in the magazines. They understood that she was of interest to the paparazzi now. But never this.

The barista held up her hand. “It’s okay. You don’t have to answer. I just . . . I can’t believe you’re actually dating him. He’s the most gorgeous guy in the world.”

A part of Katy wanted to hold up her left hand and show the girl that she wasn’t
dating
Dayne Matthews. She was
engaged
to him. But instead she smiled politely. “We’re dating, yes.”

She leaned closer, putting her hands on the counter, and lowered her voice. “What’s he like? I mean, is he as dreamy in person as he is on the screen?”

A giggle formed in Katy’s throat, but she swallowed it. If paparazzi were around, she wouldn’t go into detail without Dayne taking the lead. But here, it seemed okay. “Dayne loves God and he loves me. That’s all I can ask for.”

The girl’s mouth hung open. “He really loves God? I mean, they haven’t talked much about that in the magazines.”

“Yes, Dayne gives God credit for everything about his life.”

“Wow.” The girl looked like she might faint. She reached out and brushed her fingers against Katy’s hand. “I just touched the hand of the woman Dayne Matthews loves. I can’t believe it.” She blinked and stood a little straighter, as if she’d just come to her senses. “You know what? Maybe I’ll start going to church.” She grinned. “I mean, if God’s good for Dayne, then maybe He’d be good for me, too.”

Katy took a step back. “God’s good for all of us.” There was a couple in line behind her now, and she didn’t want to make a scene. She waved at the girl and took her coffee back to her booth. How crazy was that? The girl was going to go to church just because Dayne did? A chill worked its way down her spine. The responsibility of living in such public shoes was enormous. More than she’d realized until this moment.

She sat down just as Ashley and Rhonda walked through the front door. Ashley wore a black wool coat and a scarf. Katy hoped the barista wouldn’t recognize her, too. Ashley hadn’t been feeling well for a few weeks. She didn’t need a scene at the coffee counter.

Katy watched, but her friends ordered and got their drinks without incident. They spotted her and joined her at the booth. “Wait’ll you hear this.”

Ashley looked exhausted as she slid in and leaned against the wall. “I hope it’s good. I could use a laugh.”

“Me too.” Rhonda’s eyes held shadows that had never been there before. She kept her eyes from Katy’s, almost as if she were doing so on purpose. She didn’t elaborate, but they would talk later. Katy would see to it.

She told them about the girl at the counter.

Ashley was as dumbfounded as her. “People practically worship him.”

“He’s a pretty great guy even without the acting gig.” Rhonda smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Katy studied her friend. Rhonda was right about Dayne, but her words were laced with a subtle bitterness. She took a sip of her coffee. “How’s it going with Aaron?”

Rhonda shrugged. “We’re friends. Nothing more, really.”

Ashley looked surprised. “He worked the teen camp, right?”

“Yes.” She managed a slight smile. “We had fun that week. But nothing came of it.”

“I think he might be interested.” Katy grinned at Rhonda. She wanted to snap her out of the melancholy mood she was in. “He comes by your work still, right?”

Rhonda laughed. “He does that.” It was the first break in what felt like tension between them. “Not that he ever gets around to asking me out.”

“Maybe he’s shy.” Ashley was still resting her head against the wall.

“I don’t know.” Rhonda angled her head thoughtfully. She kept her attention on Ashley. “I guess I keep looking for the excitement, the romance. I mean, Aaron isn’t exactly Dayne Matthews.”

“Rhonda, be careful.” Ashley sat up straight. Her expression and tone said her feelings on this matter were strong, whether she was tired or not. “A guy doesn’t have to be Dayne Matthews to make a good friend or a good husband. It’s all about how you are together, what you each bring to the relationship that makes life better than it is without each other.” Ashley seemed to gather herself and she smiled. “So maybe you should take another look at Aaron Woods.”

“Maybe.” Rhonda’s voice was more upbeat than before, but her words still seemed to have a bite. “I guess we can’t all date Hollywood movie stars.”

Ashley looked ready to launch into a second round on the topic.

Katy wanted to change the subject. “Here.” She handed them each a copy of the agenda. Otherwise she would’ve tackled the topic right alongside Ashley. This was what she’d feared—that Rhonda was probably jealous of her relationship with Dayne and her pending wedding and the fact that Katy’s life was too busy to include Rhonda as often as before. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“I’m glad we’re meeting.” Ashley rested her forearms on the table. “Between getting the lake house ready and taking care of Devin, I don’t know. . . . I felt like CKT wasn’t getting enough of my attention.”

“And definitely not mine.” Katy saw Nancy, Al, and Bethany walk in. They motioned that they were getting drinks first.

“Tell us about the wedding plans.” Ashley’s eyes lit up some. “Are you still getting help from that coordinator?”

“She’s wonderful.” Katy tried not to notice how Rhonda looked away. “We’re looking over our options.” She reached out and put her hand over Ashley’s. “You don’t look good, Ash. You wanna just go home? I can catch you up on this later.”

“I’m fine. That flu bug wiped out a lot of people. Kari’s feeling the same way, and she got it about the same time I did.” She perked up a little. “Landon’s watching the boys. I told him I wouldn’t be gone long.”

The others joined them, and the meeting got under way.

“First, let’s talk about
Oliver!
” This was the part Katy was most looking forward to. She’d loved the story of Oliver Twist since she was a little girl. Directing it now—with Dayne’s help and in the season of their engagement—was going to be a great time for everyone involved. No matter what the future of CKT held.

“We’re in for
Oliver!
” Al and Nancy Helmes sat next to Rhonda. “We might as well tell you now.” Al exchanged a look with his wife. Then he turned back to Katy. “We’re moving to Phoenix in April. Our kids are there, and it’s warmer. We’re buying a condo so we can travel.”

Nancy’s eyes were filled with mixed emotions. “Our one regret is leaving our friends in CKT. Leaving all of you especially.”

Sorrow rushed at Katy and welled up in her throat. Al and Nancy Helmes had been doing music for CKT for years. Losing them in this season, when everything about CKT was so uncertain, made Katy feel defeated. Still she smiled. She reached across the table and clasped Nancy’s hand. “We’ve loved every minute of the time you’ve given to CKT. If God’s calling you away, then we’ll pray for you and wish you well.”

Tears filled Nancy’s eyes. “Let’s talk about
Oliver!
”

“The good news is Katy’s directing.” Bethany looked elated and relieved. “Her wedding will take place sometime after closing weekend.”

Rhonda committed to handling choreography and the role of assistant director.

Ashley thought she could be in charge of sets. “With a little help from my brother, that is.” A weary smile tugged at her lips.

“He’s always wanted a job painting sets.” Katy made a notation in her planner. “I think he’s about to get his wish.”

They all laughed, even Rhonda.

The tension Katy felt from her eased as they talked about
Oliver!
and what sets might work. “I talked to Bill Shaffer.” Katy made a check mark next to the word
props
on her outline. “He pictures a bridge as the primary set piece.” She drew a diagram to illustrate. “Stairs would come down on either side, allowing us to have the cast on the floor or the bridge or both—especially for the full-company numbers.”

“That’s ambitious.” Al put his arm around his wife. “Make sure there’s a railing on the stairs so the kids are safe.”

“Definitely. Bill makes the safest sets I’ve ever seen.” Katy tapped her pencil on the diagram where she’d drawn the stairs. “This will be the tallest set piece we’ve ever worked with, but Bill’s a genius. He’ll pull it off.”

They talked about the music and the choreography. “Fagin’s gang will have to be the guys who can dance. Most of the up-tempo songs are with that group.”

“When are auditions?” Ashley had her pocket calendar out. She’d already made a few notes in the margins.

“First Friday in January.” Bethany had her planner out also. “If we’re going to finish the show before Katy and Dayne’s wedding, we need to start a week early.”

The judges would be Katy, Rhonda, and the Helmeses. “Kids will sing a one-minute song, like always.” Katy felt a thrill at the thought. She loved everything about auditions. “We’ll go over the results, and that night we’ll call back the kids we want to look at. The second audition will take place the next morning.”

With the details of
Oliver!
in place, Katy moved to the next item on her agenda. They would get tougher as she went down the list. “That brings us to the spring show.” Bethany already knew what she was about to say, so she looked at Ashley and then Rhonda. “I’ve talked to Dayne, and I can’t commit to being any part of that show. There’s the wedding, then the honeymoon, and Dayne wants me to stay in LA with him when he shoots his next movie.” She didn’t mention that she’d agreed to read for a starring role. Either way she wouldn’t be in Bloomington.

Bethany picked up. “We won’t be making any permanent changes—not as long as Katy feels she’ll be back after summer for the fall show. But we’d like to ask Rhonda to direct the spring performance. The show’s
Seussical
, and the kids are through-the-roof excited about it.”

Katy watched Rhonda’s eyes come to life. “Seriously?”

“Could you handle it with your work schedule?”

Rhonda worked in an office during the day. She grinned. “I guess this is where being single has its advantages.” She tossed her hands. “CKT is nights and weekends. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Good.” Bethany looked at her planner. “Now about your help. The CKT office in Cleveland’s been around a lot longer than us. They’ve got a theater grad student interested in directing. I’ve already talked to him, and he’s willing to move here for the spring show and summer camp season. And wait till you hear this. I talked to the Flanigans. Katy’ll be out by then, and Jim and Jenny said the guy can live in their garage apartment.”