Page 26 of Intermission

Surprise is a mild word for the emotion that steals my breath, but Nancy calmly nods, saying, “I agree. Such talent!”

“Honestly, if it wasn’t for your work schedule, Noah, I would risk the tarring and feathering and cast you anyway.” Dr. Hitchings winks. “But since your evening availability is limited, and I’m less-than-comfortable with the idea of casting Madeleine opposite a fifty-year-old veterinarian, I hope I can count on the two of you to apply your considerable talents to the roles of Rolf and Liesl. What do you say?”

He had considered me for the lead? Thelead? I mean, Noah is amazing. He could absolutely carry the Captain Von Trapp role. But me?

I nod, feeling like my blood is made of glitter and light, and try to sound cool. “I’m in.”

“Me, too.” Noah nods, too, grinning. “You bet.”

Not only was I considered for the lead, not only have I been cast in the exact role I auditioned for, but I will also be acting opposite—and kissing! Well, stage-kissing, anyway—Noah Freaking Spencer, the hottest, nicest theatre nerd I know?

Yes, yes, and Y.E.S!

“Terrific! I’ll see you both next Tuesday? At 6:30?”

“We’ll be here.” Noah answers for both of us. I just nod, absently wondering if I look half as bobble-headed as I feel.

The director dismisses us, and we head out. When Noah suggests a celebratory peppermint mocha, on him, I gladly agree.

“Too bad you didn’t bring your coat,” Noah says after I refuse his again. “It would be a nice night to sit out on the waterfall.”

“Yeah.” Pleasure lifts my cheeks as, mochas in hand, we hurry toward Noah’s car. “But I promised my best friend and her boyfriend I’d help them study, so even if I had my coat, I wouldn’t be able to go tonight.”

“Right. I forgot.” Noah goes through the necessary routine to open Eliza’s passenger door. “What are you doing this weekend?”

“Let’s see...” I wrack my brain, a task made more difficult with Noah’s blue eyes so near, so focused on me. “Um, on Saturday my family is going to Iowa City for the Hawkeye game. My brother got us tickets. But that’s about it, I think.”

Noah moves around to his side of the car and gets in. He turns the ignition. “What about Sunday afternoon? I’m leading worship at church this week, but I should be finished around 11:30.”

“Which church?”

“Fellowship Community.”

“Is that the big one just off the highway?”

“Yep. Halfway between Sommerton and Kanton. So... are you free Sunday afternoon?”

“I think so.”

“It sounds like it’s going to be pretty nice weather. We could take a picnic to the waterfall.”

“Sure.” A picnic. With Noah. “That sounds like fun. Do you thinkyou can find it?”

“I’m sure of it.”

He bites his lip and lets it go so quickly I almost don’t notice. Almost.

“I, uh, went online and found that map you told me about. I’ve gone out there a couple of times since and made it out alive.” He grins. “What time should I pick you up?”

My racing blood stills. My parents expect my dates to come in and meet them, but I’m not sure what they’ll think of him... with me. “Why don’t I meet you there?”

“What? Don’t you want another chance to ride in my luxurious automobile?”

I laugh. “Eliza’s a peach, but Janey loves to walk in the woods. If I go to the waterfall without her, I’ll feel guilty.”

True enough, but if I’m being entirely honest, the thrill of Noah Spencer wanting to spend time with me is probably stronger than any guilt I might feel over leaving my dog at home.

Or telling my parents about him. Probably.