Acting on Faith

By Chase Vickers

Lindsey has it alla successful acting career, a good home, and a wonderful son. The only things she lacks in her life are a personal relationship with God and a relationship with a good man.

Matt is a man that has always helped others; all his life, all he ever wanted to do was help people in need. Like Lindsey, the only thing he does not have in his life is a romantic relationship. After a chance meeting, the two become friends, and Matt soon finds that he is starting to have feelings for Lindsey. Can Matt help Lindsey mend her broken heart and at the same time help her restore her faith in the Lord?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490804408

Chase Vickers

Chase Vickers lives in Willacoochee, Georgia, and started writing fan fiction. He had a passion for writing and decided to write his first novel. Chase loves the Christian-based theme because his faith is very important to him.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

T he woman was standing behind the corner with her sidearm drawn and at the ready. Her partner was about five yards behind her at another corner. She looked back at him and gave him a motion that indicated she was about to move. He nodded. As soon as she turned the corner, a man in a black mask came up behind her partner and hit him in the head with a metal pipe, instantly knocking him unconscious. The man picked up the officer’s firearm, as well as the officer himself, just as the woman turned to aim her gun. They stared each other down, neither willing to drop his or her weapon.

Drop the gun and let him go, the woman ordered the man.

I don’t think so. You drop yours and maybe I will spare his life, the man replied.

Either you drop your weapon or I am going to drop you, the woman told him.

You don’t have the balls, lady! the man said with a laugh.

This is your last warning! the woman yelled as she took aim at his head.

Ha! That is big talk for a little woman. You don’t have it in you, you little bit—

The man didn’t get to finish his statement. The woman fired a round straight into his head, and he fell to the ground. The woman ran to her fallen officer, knelt beside him, grabbed his face, and turned it toward her. The male officer opened his eyes and smiled when he saw his partner’s face.

Thanks, Shay, but I have to say I had him right where I wanted him, he said.

I know you did. Now come on and let’s get you home, Officer Shay replied.

Cut! All right, that is a wrap, everyone, the director yelled.

The entire parking lot came to life as people started moving around. The criminal who had supposedly been shot just a few seconds earlier rolled over to his stomach. He got to his feet and made his way to the woman.

Good job, Lindsey. It almost felt real, the actor said as he patted her on the back. He walked off to talk to a few of the other actors who were standing to the side, drinking coffee someone had brought the crew.

Lindsey helped her fellow actor to his feet, and after he brushed himself off, he turned to face his costar.

Thanks. You know, you did very well. I mean, for a moment I thought you were a real cop, he said. Lindsey blushed a little at the praise she was getting.

Thank you, David, but I know I am far too sexy to be a real police officer. I would stick out like a sore thumb. Lindsey laughed as she slid her hands down her sides in a provocative manner.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. You know the police force could do well with a sexy black female cop. I mean, you could play the part of a high-priced hooker or something on a few stings, David teased. Lindsey’s mouth fell open as she faked being insulted, and then she slapped David on his shoulder. He started laughing.

No one could afford me. I mean, come on. I was Miss USA years ago, and I gave that up and all the perks that came with it just so I could act. I don’t think I will give up acting just so I can go run around and chase bad guys. Besides, you know how hard it would be on my nails, she said, laughing.

Yeah, whatever you say. So what are you doing next weekend? David asked as they walked toward the dressing rooms. When they got to Lindsey’s, they stopped.

Nothing. I have to take my son to a baseball tryout, and that is it, Lindsey told him.

David just smiled, shook his head, and looked at her. You know, if you want, you and Max could join me, my wife, and my son for dinner on Saturday. You haven’t been to visit in about a month, and my wife misses having you to gossip with.

Thanks. We just might take you up on your offer, Lindsey replied.

You know it is none of my business, but I am just going to come out and say it. Lindsey, you need to go on a date with someone, David told her.

Lindsey looked up at him and frowned. No, I don’t. Besides, I have a man in my life, and that is my son. That is all I need.

David just shook his head at Lindsey’s stubbornness. Come on, what has it been—four years since you have been on a date? Seriously, you need to put yourself out there. You will never meet a good man if you don’t.

Well, thanks for your concern, but I am doing just fine on my own. I have a wonderful son and a wonderful family around me. That is all I need, Lindsey repeated.

Yeah, and they keep on asking you why you are single too. They also keep on trying to set you up with guys, and you always say no or give an excuse for why you can’t meet them, David replied.

Like I said, I don’t have time for a man in my life. And since when did you become interested in my love life? You have never said anything before, Lindsey asked, even though she already knew the answer.

You know why. My wife thinks she knows what is best for everyone when it comes to dating. She thinks she can fix anyone up with a perfect match. The reason she asked you to come to dinner with us is so she could give you the rundown on a few guys she thinks that you would like, David admitted.

So that is why you wanted me to come over Saturday. Tess wants to set me up with a guy, Lindsey said, laughing.

Please don’t tell her that I told you. I like her being happy because she likes to help people. Besides, if she is happy, then I am happy.

Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, Lindsey told him as she walked into her dressing room.

Oh, and one more thing. Would you like to come to church with us on Sunday?

David, you know I don’t go to church. I really don’t believe in that Jesus stuff anymore, Lindsey replied, sighing.

I was hoping that coming with us might change your mind about that. You know that I know you really believe in Jesus and God. I will have you know that he still believes in you, and one day I know you will see it for yourself, David said as he started to walk away.

Lindsey stopped him. David, I have to ask—why do you believe in a person you have never seen? I mean, you have never seen Jesus, so why do you believe in him?

Well, to be honest, I have faith. You see, I love the Lord, and I believe that through him all things are possible. My faith means everything to me. When I was falling on hard times with my family and my life in general, it was my faith in the Lord that got me through, David answered.

You really believe in all that Bible stuff, don’t you? Lindsey looked at him and saw a smile that went from ear to ear.

Yes, I do, David said. He turned to leave again, and once again Lindsey stopped him.

Wait, that is it? You’re not going to try to convert me or save my soul or anything? Lindsey asked.

David just smiled. No, that is not the way it works. I am not going to try and force you to believe in something that you don’t want to. I have faith you will accept him in your own time and when you are ready. After saying that, David walked away. But as Lindsey sat in the chair in front of the mirror, David stuck his head in her room once more. Just remember to be at my house at seven next Saturday night. We are having steak, so don’t be late.

As David left, Tony, the director, came into the room and smiled at her. So was David giving you another one of his church speeches? he asked.

Yes, but he didn’t push me to convert or anything, Lindsey told him.

He really takes that church thing serious. I admire him for that. He is a very good man, Tony said.

Yeah, and apparently he invited me to have dinner with him and his family just so his wife could try to set me up with someone. Lindsey laughed. Tony laughed as well and then sat down in the chair that was facing her.

Well, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea to me. I mean, I think it would be good for you to go on a date, Tony said.

Tony, you have not been on a date in forty years, Lindsey teased.

Yes, and that is because I have been happily married for those forty years, little lady. They have been the greatest forty years of my life. That is what I would like to see for you—to have someone you can grow old with, Tony told her.

Well, maybe I will one day. But right now I have a son to raise. Who, by the way, I have to go pick up from school in a few minutes, Lindsey said.

With that, Tony raised himself from his seat and started for the door of her dressing room. I don’t want to keep you. So hurry up and get out of here, and have a blessed day.

Tony, wait. Did you want something? I mean, I figured you came in here to talk to me about something.

Well, there is something. We have wrapped for the film today—and by the way, you did an outstanding job. So I decided that everyone needed a break, and I am giving everyone a couple of weeks off. Then we will all meet back here and watch a final screening of the film, Tony told her.

What am I supposed to do for a couple of weeks?

Go out and have a good time. Take a vacation. By all means think about going out on a date. Tony laughed.

Why is everyone so worried about me going out on a date? Lindsey asked.

Come on, it is getting close to Thanksgiving. You should have more than just you and Max at a dinner, Tony said.

I will have you know that me and Max will be spending Thanksgiving with my family. They are having Thanksgiving dinner at the family house in my hometown. So me and Max will be flying there to see everyone this year, Lindsey told him.

Well, I stand corrected. I am sorry, Lindsey. I hope that you have a great time.

After Tony left, Lindsey looked at the clock. It read 3:00 p.m. Her son got out of class at three fifteen, so she had to hurry and get there. She leaned back in her chair, took a deep breath, and let it out. Then she got up and started changing clothes.

Once again there was a knock at her door. Lindsey was decent, so she told whoever it was to come on in. Thankfully it was the secretary, an older woman whom everyone called Kathy. She was older but still had the charm and personality of a teenager.

Oh, sorry, hon. I didn’t mean to walk in on you while you were changing. I will come back later. Kathy started to leave, but Lindsey just laughed and stopped her.

No, it is okay. What’s up? Lindsey asked as she stepped from behind the curtain she was changing behind. She was now in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that really showed off her figure. She glanced at herself in the mirror and thought, I still look good and could stop any man in his tracks.

"Now Lindsey, don’t get upset. I wanted you to know that Max’s school just called. and apparently he got into a fight," Kathy told her.

What? What happened? Is he all right? Lindsey was a little worried. Since she and Max had moved from their old home to a bigger one in Beverly Hills, Max had had to change schools. He had not made many friends, and from what she knew, he was having a hard time fitting in.

He is okay. He is in the principal’s office, Kathy assured her.

Lindsey grabbed her keys. She made her way toward the door, and then stopped beside Kathy and put a hand on the older lady’s shoulder. Thank you, Kathy. What would I do without you? Lindsey gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

What would anyone around here do without me? Kathy laughed as she watched Lindsey walk away.

Lindsey got into her car. Then she noticed a flier on her windshield. She opened her door, grabbed the flier, and unfolded it. It was advertising for a play called Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames. It was going to be performed at a local theater about a week after Thanksgiving.

Seems to me that the Christians are out in full force today. I mean, first it was David and now this. She threw the flier to the floor in the back of the car. She fastened her seatbelt, turned the key in the ignition, and left the studio parking lot.

Driving toward the middle school, she heard her cell phone ring. The name on the caller ID was Jacob. Lindsey sighed. She hated when Jacob called. Her brother was always picking at her about being single. She could just hear him now, saying how she was going to end up like one of those old ladies who lived alone in a house full of cats. In the end, she answered the phone anyway.

Hello, Jacob. What do I owe the honor of you calling me today? Lindsey asked sarcastically.

Well, hello to you too, dear, sweet, sister, Jacob replied. Lindsey could almost see the smile on her brother’s face even though they were not face-to-face.

What do you want, Jacob? Lindsey tried to talk and keep her mind on the road at the same time.

I just wanted to let you know that everyone is excited about you and Max coming home for Thanksgiving this year, Jacob told her.

Well, I am too. Tell Mom and Dad that I love them and I can’t wait to see them. I know they will be excited to see Max, Lindsey replied.

I will do that. And one of your favorite sisters told me to tell you that she has a guy that she wants you to meet.

No, Jacob. I don’t need her help with finding a date. I don’t care what she or everyone else thinks, I do not have men problems, Lindsey said. She was already getting aggravated with her family and it wasn’t even Thanksgiving yet. Why couldn’t her family just get mad at each other during the dinner like normal families?

Are you sure? Tiffany said that you would like him and that he would love to meet you. Why don’t you at least give this guy a chance?

I just can’t. I have my reasons, Lindsey replied.

Oh, and what are they? Please tell me. I would like to hear this one. Every time we try to get you to at least meet a guy, you always come up with some excuse not to. So what gives? Jacob asked.

Lindsey had had enough. She decided to tell him what he wanted to hear.

I already have a boyfriend. We have been dating a while, Lindsey said. If they thought she had a boyfriend, maybe everyone would leave her alone.

What! Really? Who is it? Do we know him? Is he a fellow actor or director or something like that?

No, you don’t know him. I just started dating him a couple of weeks ago. She felt bad about lying to her brother, but she didn’t feel that she had a choice.

I talked to you a couple of weeks ago and you never mentioned him, Jacob said.

I didn’t think it was any of your business. Please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want everyone knowing. They will make a big fuss about it and why I never told them and then they will want to meet him and that will probably scare him off.

Okay. I will do that for you, but you have got to let us meet him one day. What is his name, by the way?

Lindsey just rolled her eyes. Bye, Jacob. Love you. Lindsey hung up. She put the phone in the cup holder, and in doing so took her eyes off the road. When Lindsey looked up again, she saw the rear end of a red pickup truck right in front of her. She slammed on the brakes to try to keep from hitting it. The car slid to a stop, but not before hitting the back of the truck.

Thankfully, she was not going at high speed, and there was not a lot of damage. Lindsey leaned her head back and closed her eyes to try and get her heart rate down. She opened her eyes when she felt someone put a hand on her shoulder, through her open window, and gently shake her.

Hello, ma’am, are you okay? a voice asked.

Lindsey opened her eyes and saw a tall white man looking down at her with a worried expression. Lindsey sat up straight and then opened the door and got out.

Yes, thank you, she said. She walked to the front of her car to see just how bad the damage was. There was not a lot, but she didn’t know if she would be able to drive to a repair shop or not. There was a good size dent in the bumper of the truck, but it still looked drivable.

I am so sorry about your truck. I will call the police and report this right now, Lindsey said. She started to dial 9-1-1, but before she could press send, the man stopped her.

It is okay, ma’am. There is not a lot of damage, so we don’t need to involve the police. I don’t want them to make a scene out of nothing, the man said. Lindsey looked up at him and noticed that he was smiling at her. She felt her face heat up and instantly looked away.

Well, then, what should we do, mister? Lindsey asked.

Matthew or Matt for short. Davis is my last name. All we need to do is exchange insurance information and get a wrecker out here for your car. I am sure that your insurance will cover it—or at least I hope they will—so don’t worry about it, Matt said. He pulled out his wallet and handed Lindsey his driver’s license and insurance information.

Lindsey went back to her car and got her information as well and handed it to Matt.

Let’s see. You are thirty-eight years old. You are one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. You have black hair with brown eyes. You are of African American descent and you have a class C driver’s license. Yep, that is you, Matt said. He handed back her information after he wrote down what he needed.

You seem to be in a bit of a hurry, so I will not keep you, Matt said. I will call my insurance company tomorrow. If there is nothing more that you need, you can go if you like.

Thanks. I have to pick up my son from school. Again, I am really sorry, and I thank you for not involving the police in this matter. I will call for a wrecker right now, and they should be here in just a few minutes. Lindsey walked back to her car and called around to find a nearby wrecker. The one she found did not have any car that they could give her to get home in.

Matt saw that she seemed to be having difficulty and decided to go back and see what the trouble was.

What is the problem now? Matt asked.

I have to go pick up my son, but the wrecker service doesn’t have a car that they could loan me. So now I have to call someone who can give me a ride, and I have to call his school to tell them that I will be a little late, Lindsey told him.

I tell you what. If you want, I can take you to pick him up and then take you home. It is the least I could do, Matt offered.

Thank you, but I don’t want to impose.

It is no problem at all. Call your son’s school and let them know that you will be a few minutes late, but you are on your way, Matt said as he led her to his truck.

Okay. Just let me call the wrecker and tell them what is going on. After getting everything straight with the wrecker, Lindsey got into Matt’s truck.

Thank you; I really appreciate this, Lindsey said.

Hey, it is no problem. I have been broke down on the side of the road too, and someone helped me. I try to pay it forward, Matt said. He put his truck into gear, and the two of them made their way to the school.

CHAPTER 2

L indsey and Matt sat in silence for what felt like hours to Lindsey but had in fact only been a few minutes. She looked over at him, smiled a friendly smile, and decided to start a conversation since they would be riding together for a while. Plus she wanted to know more about who she was riding with. Not that she did not trust him. So far he had been nothing but helpful and nice to her, but she was protective of herself and her son, which would also be riding with him soon.

So, Matt, where do you live around here? Lindsey asked.

Matt looked over at her and then smiled at her attempt to make the ride more pleasant. I live about thirty minutes from here, out in the country on my ranch, he answered, focusing on the road in front of him.

Oh, okay. Do you have cattle or any farm animals? Lindsey asked.

Just a few horses. I have not been home very long. I had been gone for about a year before this, Matt told her.

They once again fell into silence. Lindsey could see that Matt was not much of a talker but decided to try again.

Are you married? Got any kids? she asked.

No, was all Matt said but Lindsey could see that she had struck a chord of some kind. A flash of sadness came over him, but as fast as it came, it went.

What kind of work do you do, if you don’t mind me asking? Matt said.

Lindsey was a little offended. What do I do? Doesn’t this guy watch TV or any movies at all? I am one of the highest-paid actresses in the last two years. Not to mention that I won an Oscar.

I am an actress, Lindsey said.

Matt nodded. Play in anything that I may have heard of?

What the heck! Lindsey thought. Doesn’t this guy recognize me?

"I have played in quite a few movies in the last few years. I even won an Oscar for my last role. I was in a movie called The Loving Stranger. It did really well at the box office," Lindsey answered.

Matt just nodded again and kept his eyes on the road.

So, Matt, tell me a little about yourself, Lindsey said.

Matt looked over at her and then back again. Well, there is not a lot to tell. I live on a ranch. I am not married nor do I have any kids. My family lives near me, about five miles away. My sister is married and has four kids. Let’s see, what else? I like to fish, hunt, and play pool. I also play softball for my church softball team. There is a softball league every year, and I play first base.

They came to a red light. Once the truck came to a stop, Matt looked over at Lindsey. I know who you are, Miss Lindsey. I was just messing with you. Your last movie did very well and you did very well acting in it. My sister loved your movie and your character in particular. I just wanted to see if you are as down to earth as everyone else and not like your typical Hollywood type. Matt faced forward again as the light turned green and they resumed driving.

What do you mean, Hollywood type? Lindsey asked, again offended.

You know, arrogant, snobbish, think they are better than everyone.

Lindsey thought about what he’d said. It was true that there was a lot of divas out there. She knew a couple of them, actors she had done movies with, who were the way Matt described.

She remembered that once during a role she had done a few years ago, the leading man asked her out on a date. She agreed to go to dinner with him but later regretted it. When they got to the restaurant, he’d acted stuck-up to the waiter and the other guest. A small girl walked up to their table with her mother and asked him for an autograph. He just belittled them, saying he was on a date and hadn’t come to the restaurant to be messed with by a little girl. Then he told them to leave him alone.

Lindsey had been appalled by his behavior. She told him she had to go to the bathroom, then slipped out the back and went home. The next day she told him that he was nothing but a jerk and not to ever call her again. That had been the last date she ever went on.

Well, I am not like that at all. I despise snobs, Lindsey told him.

I am sorry; I did not mean to offend you. I guess I am just really blunt, Matt said, trying to ease the tension that seemed to be mounting.

Lindsey just waved her hand as a gesture meaning that she was not offended. Don’t worry about it. I know that sometimes we celebrities get a bad reputation because a certain few think that they are better than others. But, seriously, that is not the way that I am, she reassured him.

Thanks. So tell me a little about your son, Matt said.

"Oh, he is the best boy in the world. I love him to death. His father left us when my boy was just a baby. I didn’t see that man again until I started making it big in Hollywood. He came back and told me that he was sorry and to please take him back. He just wanted my money. Needless to say, I sent him packing. Max didn’t want anything to do with him either. Max is a very high-spirited boy. He is very honest and very protective of me. He is usually very well behaved even though today he wasn’t.

The only problem now is, since we moved from our old home, he had to change schools. I think he has had a hard time fitting in. Today I got a call saying he had gotten into a fight. That is why I want to get there so fast. The principal called and said that Max was okay. Apparently, some other boys in his school decided to jump him, Lindsey explained. She looked over, expecting Matt to not be paying much attention to what she was saying, but she could tell that he was hanging on every word.

I am sorry; I shouldn’t have told you. You don’t want to know all that extra baggage. Lindsey sighed.

No, it is quite all right. I don’t mind at all. It’s good to know that you love your son and he loves you. You would be surprised at the parents who don’t care about their kids and vice versa. I know; I have seen how some people treat their kids, Matt told her.

Sounds like the voice of experience. Are you a cop or something?

Matt laughed. Close, but no. I am a soldier. I am on leave for a while, and that is why I came out here, to stay at the ranch. I was in Iraq, so I know how some people can treat their kids. I have seen some people treat their children as nothing more than weapons, using them to kill just one soldier. It didn’t matter if the child died or not.

I am sorry, I had no idea. Well, let me be the first one to welcome you home and thank you for what you did over there. I know you have seen some terrible things. I am truly sorry that you had to go through that. What is your job anyway? Lindsey asked.

I am a member of the Green Berets, Matt said, full of pride.

Lindsey looked at him in awe. She had heard of the Green Berets but had never met one. She knew that they were the elite of the US Army, and she was somewhat shocked to meet one. She looked him up and down, and it finally sunk in how muscular he was. He did look very attractive. The only downside was that he was white. Where she came from, people did not mix the races. She was not racist by any means, but as long as she had been alive, she had been told to find a good, educated, black man, as her family would say. She had never even thought of dating a white guy before. Still, she had to admit that this Matt guy was pretty cute.

So why are you not married? Or do you have a girlfriend? Lindsey asked.

It is a long story, and no, I do not have a girlfriend either, Matt answered.

Why?

To be honest, not a lot of women want to wait for someone who has to go to a war zone. There’s always a chance that he might not make it back. It sounded to Lindsey like this guy had been through a lot in his past.

We will be at the school in just a few minutes, Matt told her. Lindsey looked out the window, then looked back at him. She decided to change the subject to make it pleasant again.

Well, my son will love to meet you. He has a thing for the military. He just loves to watch war movies and play that game, what is it called? You know the one that they keep advertising on television, Lindsey said.

Matt smiled because he knew what game she was talking about. When he was overseas, men from his unit had played that game all day when they were not on patrol or on a special mission. Heck, they even had unit competitions, each putting up fifty bucks in a winner-take-all contest.

I know the game very well. I have played it a few times myself. So what about you? Do you have a husband or boyfriend? Matt asked.

The only man in my life is my son. I have not been on a date in a long time. I do not have the time. Besides I have a son to take care of, and not a lot of men want to date a woman who has a child. They don’t want a ready-made family, Lindsey answered.

Matt just shrugged his shoulders. They sat in silence for a few more minutes. As they turned at the next red light, the middle school that Max attended came into view. Matt pulled in to a parking space and turned off the ignition. Lindsey undid her seatbelt and opened the door. Matt got out as well and fell in step by her side as they made their way to the front office.

What are you doing? I can handle this myself. You have done more than enough, Lindsey told him.

Matt just smiled and continued to walk beside her. I know. I just want to be there in case anything happens. You know, show moral support.

Lindsey smiled at him and told him thanks. They walked through the front door and into the principal’s office, where Max was sitting.

Lindsey walked over and knelt in front of him. She could see he had a black eye and a busted lip. How does the other guy look? Lindsey asked her son, trying to lighten his spirit.

She looked back at Matt and saw that he was still standing in the doorway. He took a few steps back to give her some space, showing that he did not want to intrude.

After making sure that Max was okay and had no serious injuries, Lindsey turned her attention to the principal. What happen to him? Lindsey asked.

The principal was an older lady named Victoria Stone. She had kept Max company until Lindsey showed up. She was very sweet and had even bought Max a piece of candy and a drink.

Well, Miss Moore, it seems that Max had a run-in with a bully. The bully’s name is Vince, and he had two other boys with him. They cornered Max in the boys’ bathroom and jumped him, Victoria said.

Lindsey looked over at her son and sighed. Who started it? Do you know? she asked.

Mrs. Stone took off her glasses. She sat down in the chair behind her desk and motioned to Lindsey to sit as well. I am not sure, but I think Vince and his buddies started it. I think they cornered Max in the bathroom and started bad-mouthing you. Max stood up for you, and that is when they jumped on him.

He stood up for me? What would they say about me? Max should know not to fight just because they were talking about me. I don’t care what people say, Lindsey told her. So what is going to happen to Max?

Mrs. Stone put her glasses on again and rose from her chair before answering. "Since Max did not start it, and it seems that what he did was defend your honor, I am going to let this go. The other boys will be punished since they started it. I