Page 17 of Intermission

The woman arches an eyebrow and looks as if she expects more.

“Um, that’s too bad.”

“Yes. Yes it is. It took four years to get the theatre renovated, and now she won’t even be here to see the first post-renovation production.” She clicks her tongue. “Here’s a brochure about the theatre’s history and the renovations. Since you’re from Kanton, you probably aren’t all that familiar with our town.”

“Thanks.”

“Dr. Miller had these printed up for us. Donated the cost. He’s the veterinarian here in Leopold and has starred inseveralpast productions, you know.”

“That was very, um, generous of him.” I take the brochure and try to think up an exit strategy.

“He’s a lovely man. He’ll audition for Captain Von Trapp, of course. His daughter Brittany is trying out for the part of Liesl. She has abeautifulvoice. Plans to be a music teacher someday, or so I’ve heard.”

“Oh.” My stomach drops. If LCT royalty is auditioning for the same part, why should I even bother?

I take a breath. Even if I don’t get the part, I gain experience auditioning. “Okay. Well, thanks.” I swallow. “I guess I’ll go find aseat now.”

Before the woman can start in with another paragraph, I make for the auditorium doors.

The three rows closest to the stage are already filled. A few children run around squealing and chasing each other through unoccupied rows. Others stand at attention while their mothers give last minute directives.

Everyone looks like they know each other, of course.

My gaze roves the architecture of the old building. It truly is a remarkable structure for such a small town. Up front, rich red curtains have been retracted to the sides, and a black backdrop hangs at the rear of the stage. On the auditorium floor, dark red and gold patterned carpet leads to ornate balustrades that support red-curtained box seats. It’s like something you’d see in a classic movie.

If Kanton had a theatre like this, I would want to move in.

I take a seat in the back of the auditorium and observe, unsurprised to recognize several faces from last year’s district and state speech team events. In Leopold, the Fine Arts are as big of a deal in the high school and community as school sports are in Kanton. And they prove it, year after enviable year, earning top awards at state band, choir, and speech contests. I can’t help but sometimes wish Parre Hills was in this school district.

An electric tingle travels up my back, lifting gooseflesh as it grazes my arms on its way out. I glance over my left shoulder where the door has slivered open.

A pause. A familiar voice says, “Thanks.”

It’s him.

Another jolt crackles against the hairs on my neck, my arms. I hold my breath as Noah Spencer steps inside the auditorium, letting the door swing shut behind him.

Scowling at the practice schedule in his hands, he takes three steps down the aisle and halts. His head lifts. He examines the gathered crowd up front and then slowly,slowly, he turns to the right and finds... me.

“Madeleine Faith Prescott.” His instant smile grabs for my breath, which comes out in awhoosh. “You came.”

I nod. Swallow. “Yeah.”

“Is that seat taken?”

I move my purse.

Noah leans back in the seat and gazes around the auditorium. “Wow. They’ve really done something here. It’s like stepping back in time. Or walking onto the set of a film from the days of classic Hollywood.”

“I thought the same thing.”

“I’m glad you decided to come. I wasn’t sure you would. You were great inAnnie, by the way. You nailed it.”

“Thanks. And thanks for the flowers, too. That was really... nice.” Nice?Lame, Faith. So lame.

“You’re welcome.” His dimple catches like it’s a switch, lighting sparks in his blue eyes. Noah’s smile expresses pure delight, as if sending me flowers gave him even more pleasure than I’d experienced receiving them. “I’m glad you liked them.”

“They’re beautiful. Such an uncommon color, too.”