Page 57 of A Chance at Forever
“Absolutely.”
*
Once Victoria andher drama classes made their decision about performingA Christmas Carol, their plans developed into a full-scale production.
“This is so exciting,” Troy declared.
“Exciting, yes, but there is a tremendous amount of work to be done. Billy, you’re in charge of set design. Enlist the help of the construction classes.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Kaylee, you’ll be responsible for coordinating the music. We’ll need chorus members as extras. We also need to put out flyers announcing open auditions next week.”
Brian spoke up. “I’m handy with Photoshop. I can do them.”
“Perfect.”
When the bell rang, Victoria stopped Troy from leaving. “I need to speak with you about the play.”
“Yes, Ms. Lockridge?”
“I would love for you to audition for the role of Scrooge, but I’m afraid it’s not possible. You have other commitments.”
“You’re talking about the state championship.”
“Right. Your first priority is to your teammates. I don’t want you worrying about anything other than winning your last two playoffs and going on to the state game.”
“I understand. So, what would you like me to do instead?”
“Stage manager. It’s a huge responsibility but not as stressful or time consuming as learning songs and lines.”
“What about Brian?”
Victoria smiled. “Let’s wait and see.”
During the following week, Victoria held auditions after school forA Christmas Carol. She hardly left the auditorium much before seven o’clock as her schedule grew increasingly hectic. On Thursday evening, she felt drained as she watched more than twenty students audition for the roles of the three ghosts. Thankful that auditions were drawing to a close, she trudged to her car and wished for the soft warmth of her bed.
As she approached her Mustang, she saw Rusty leaning against one side. Her heart beat faster.
“Hi.” He smiled. “I’ve missed you this week.”
“Hi. I’ve missed you, too.”
“You look exhausted. Dinner is on me and the Smiths tonight. You can leave your car here, and I’ll give you a lift to school in the morning.”
Too tired to argue, she agreed and followed him to his truck parked nearby.
When they headed into a residential area of town, Victoria asked, “Where are we going? I thought we were eating at the diner.”
He grinned. “I said dinner was on the Smiths. They invited me to their home earlier this week.”
“Well, thanks for making thatsoclear to me,” she grumbled. “I’m crashing dinner.”
“No, you’re not. I said you’d be my plus one.”
Tickled pink to see Victoria and Rusty together, both Smiths beamed with happiness as they hugged the couple and invited them inside their cozy home.
CHAPTER 17
