Here at Hollywood Heartthrob, we talk a lot about who’s dating who. Everyone wants to be in the know. We’re on the lookout for makeups and breakups, often stumbling across more broken hearts than blossoming romances. In spite of the many romantic pairings, we rarely hear anyone mention the “L” word. Love. It seems everyone’s on a quest to discover it, and yet few actually manage to find the “everlasting” love they hear about in song lyrics.
So, what is everlasting love, anyway? A fluttering sensation in your heart when that special someone walks in the room? A dedication or commitment to each other? A promise that your affections will never change?
Sure, we’ve heard it sung about, and even preached about, but what is this elusive thing called love? As I’ve examined the relationships of Hollywood stars over the past several years, I’ve found myself trying to get specific about what it is we’re actually looking for. Maybe, if we could define it…we could find it. At least, I would like to believe so.
In my quest to find answers, I stumbled across an interview Bobby Conrad gave a few months back, just before the release of his movie, First Kiss. When asked how he defined love, he responded that love should be patient and kind. That it’s not jealous or proud. That it doesn’t seek its own way. Conrad went on to say that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. He closed by stating that love never fails.
Interesting. Especially that “love never fails” part. Makes me wonder if we might be capable of discovering everlasting love, after all. If we could, I suspect it would change a lot of things, both in Hollywood…and across the globe. I, for one, am bound and determined to locate it. And I won’t stop trying until I do.
— Reporting for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, “Star Chasers” columnist, Hollywood Molly
* * * * *
As the fundraiser drew to a close late Saturday evening, Debbie was both elated and exhausted. It would probably take days to process all that had transpired over the past few hours. Right now, she knew one thing: the Lord had come through. So had Bobby Conrad. And so had the man who now held the key to her heart— Johnny Hartmann.
Around nine o’clock that night, just as the last of the guests were ushered out of the parking lot, Debbie made her way back inside. She plopped down into a chair, every joint aching, every muscle crying out in pain. Oh, but it had been worth it. And she would do it all over again, if it would save the soda shop.
Just outside the door, dozens of neighbors and friends worked to clear the debris. What a mess the teens had left behind, but what wonderful memories, too!
Ginny took the seat across from her. “Did you hear the news?”
“No, what?” Debbie asked.
“Mr. Banning, our church treasurer, has just counted up the proceeds from today’s event.”
Debbie’s heart raced. “Did we raise enough to pay off the mortgage?” she asked.
“Well, not quite,” Ginny said. “But we did raise nine thousand dollars, so we’re well on our way. And it’s more than enough to keep my father humbled, to say the least.” She squeezed Debbie’s hand. “He won’t be bothering you anymore, I promise.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, it’s the strangest thing. Ever since he met Bobby, he’s like a changed man. Seems like all he wants to talk about now is red convertibles.” Ginny giggled. “But I like it.”
“I’m so glad,” Debbie said. Her thoughts shifted back to the money. “I guess I was dreaming to think we could really raise eighteen thousand dollars in a day. But at least we can get caught up on the mortgage now and even pay ahead. That means Pop can take it easy for a while. The rest of us can run the shop while he works in the office. Or retires, even.”
“I’m not retiring.” Her father’s voice rang out from across the room. “I’m only forty-nine. You can’t put me out to pasture at forty-nine.”
She sighed. “Anyway, he can take it easy, and we can keep the place going.”
Bobby came up and placed his hands on Ginny’s shoulders. She gazed up at him with such tenderness, it almost took Debbie’s breath away.
“I thought maybe we could go for a walk on the beach,” Bobby said. “If you’re not too tired.”
“I…I’m not too tired.” Ginny smiled. “But I’m a mess. Look at me, Bobby. Are you sure you want to be seen in public with me? What if there’s still a photographer hanging around out there?”
“Then he’ll get a photograph of me with the prettiest girl at the concert.” Bobby turned to Debbie. “Sorry, Debbie. All of you girls are beautiful, but…” He shook his head and a shy smile lit his face.
“Oh, no offense taken.” Debbie gave him an encouraging smile.
Ginny rose, her eyes now bright with excitement. “In that case, I’d love to go for a walk. Just let me call my parents to let them know I’ll be a little later than I’d planned.”
Minutes later, the two disappeared out the front door, and Debbie found herself lost in her thoughts. A song began to play on the jukebox, then a familiar voice startled her back to attention.
“Could I have this dance, Miss?”
She looked up at the sound of Johnny’s voice. He extended his hand, and she paused for a moment, feeling a little guilty because the soda shop was in such a state of disarray. Who had time for dancing right now?
Johnny’s pleading green eyes finally convinced her. She tossed her dishrag onto a nearby table and wiped her hands against her apron. “Sure, if you don’t mind dancing with someone who looks like something the cat dragged in.”
“Mmm.” His gaze narrowed. “If this is what the cat dragged in, then the cat has excellent taste.”
Debbie couldn’t help but chuckle as he swept her into his arms and pulled her out onto the floor to dance. As the words to Elvis’s familiar song played overhead, she forgot about the work, forgot about the crowd, the mortgage, everything.
No, in Johnny Hartmann’s arms, she could only think clearly about one thing: him. And right now, that’s really all that mattered.
She rested her head against his shoulder and drank in the moment, the words to the song now taking root in her heart. Love me tender. That’s how Johnny had won her, wasn’t it? He’d shown the same kind of tender love to her—and her family—that Pop always showed.
Interesting. Debbie’s thoughts reeled back to that earlier conversation she’d had with Pop about Father Knows Best. She thought about the differences between her own father’s parenting style and, say, Ginny’s. Then she began to think about what a great father Johnny would make one day. He had the same father-heart that Pop did.
Hmm. Perhaps that was because both had such a close relationship with the real Father, the one who loved with the most tenderness of all.
“For my darlin’, I love you…and I always will.” Johnny added his voice to Elvis’s, giving him a run for his money. He stopped dancing and gazed into Debbie’s eyes.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“Oh, just thinking about those words.”
“Oh?”
“And I always will.” He kissed her on the cheek. “They describe how I feel perfectly.”
Debbie’s heart came alive at this revelation. She was just about to respond when she noticed the sound of someone talking to her left. Two someones, actually. She looked over to discover Junior dancing with Martha Lou. He was whispering something in her ear. Whatever it was caused her to grin with delight.
About halfway into the song, Mom and Pop joined them on the dance floor. Debbie had seen them dance before, but tonight there seemed to be something rather magical in the air. They held each other close and turned in slow circles, their conversation quiet.
Next came Jim and Theresa. Right behind them, Toby entered the floor, dancing with a mop. Nothing like adding a little humor to the mix. When the song came to an end, the youngster gripped the mop in one hand and stared his father down.
“Hey, Dad, can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, son.” Jim shrugged. “What’s up?”
“I look like a natural dancing, don’t I?”
Jim gave him a curious look. “Never really thought about it. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, no reason. Only, I think I look pretty good on the dance floor.”
“Son, have you been reading Variety again?”
Toby sighed. “Yeah. I know, I know. No son of yours is ever going to be in show business. I’ve heard it all before.”
“Actually, that’s not what I was going to say this time.” Jim placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Your mother and I have been talking about visiting the church that Bobby and Johnny attend. I understand they’re having auditions for a children’s production in a week or so. We thought it might be a good way for you to get your feet wet.”
“Really?” Toby’s face shone with excitement. “Really truly?”
“Well, don’t get your hopes up too high,” Jim said. “I’m sure there will be a lot of talented kids auditioning.”
“Oh, I don’t care,” Toby said. “As long as I get a part.” He reached over and hugged his father, a smile lighting his face. “Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you!”
“You’re welcome, son. I guess it’s about time.”
Debbie watched this exchange in silence, saying a gentle “Amen.” Looked like the Lord was really doing a work in Jim’s heart. She couldn’t help but think that Johnny had played a role in this one. Yes, Toby would end up on the big stage at the church…and she would be in the audience, cheering him on.
For now, however, only one person needed her attention. She rested her head against Johnny’s shoulder…and continued the dance.
* * * * *
Johnny circled the dance floor, his eyes closed. With the fundraiser behind him and his future as bright as a new copper penny, he couldn’t help but feel contented. When the song ended, he and Debbie took a seat at a nearby booth for a quiet conversation. They didn’t have much time alone, however. Jim stopped by with a broad smile on his face.
“Johnny, such great news. A good friend who directs for Paramount Studios was in the crowd today. He was scouting you out.”
“H–he was?”
“Yes.” Jim nodded. “After hearing you and Bobby perform so close together, he came up with a great idea for a beach movie starring the two of you with Brenda Valentine as the love interest. It’s going to be a romantic comedy about two brothers who are both in love with the same girl. They’re calling it A Tale of Two Brothers.”
“Really?” Johnny’s breath caught in his throat. Was it possible? ”How much does it pay?”
Jim gave him a curious look. “Well, you get right to the point, don’t you.”
“I have my reasons.” He did, indeed. Johnny had overheard the news about today’s fundraiser. He knew they hadn’t raised the full amount. As much as he wanted to celebrate, he wouldn’t rest easy until he knew the Carmichaels owned the soda shop, free and clear. He would only take the part in the movie if the money was enough to pay off the balance of the existing mortgage. If not, he would just take singing gigs. They were more his speed, anyway. For that matter, he might consider singing here, at Sweet Sal’s.
Why not? He loved the food. He loved the people. He loved—Debbie.
Johnny smiled as their eyes met.
He loved Debbie. And he would go on loving her—from now until eternity.