Read Online Acting Up by Kristin Wallace - Free Book Online Page B

mouth. Even from where she stood, Addison could see tears fill the young girl’s eyes. Michelle pushed past the other students and walked over to where Addison stood.
    â€œI can’t believe it,” Michelle said.
    â€œI don’t know why,” Addison answered. “You’re amazing.”
    Michelle suddenly shrieked and launched herself at Marjorie. “Thank you! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”
    Marjorie laughed as she hugged the girl back. “Congratulations, Michelle.”
    Michelle hesitated in front of Addison, perhaps unsure if she’d accept an embrace.
    â€œGo ahead,” Addison said. She braced herself, but the impact of Michelle’s body still nearly toppled them both.
    â€œThank you,” Michelle said in Addison’s ear. “I won’t let you down.”
    â€œThat went okay, don’t you think?” Addison asked, after Michelle had retreated back to other students. “Other than the Queen Bee leaving in a snit?”
    â€œWe shouldn’t call Lisa the Queen Bee,” Marjorie said with a frown.
    â€œRight… sorry,” Addison said, back-pedaling fast. “Old resentments surfacing.”
    A long look followed. “I guess you can go out the front door. The kids won’t even notice you leaving.”
    â€œI don’t know if I should be happy about being ignored. I already have a complex about that.”
    Marjorie laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of positive attention once rehearsals start.”
    â€œDo you think Lisa will make trouble?” Addison asked, as they walked back out to the parking lot. “She didn’t look happy.”
    â€œOh, I wouldn’t worry. She’s a bit over-indulged, but she’ll accept the situation with grace, I’m sure.”

Chapter Seven
    Ethan Thomas’ day officially went off the rails at 3:33 p.m.
    Before 3:30 p.m., his day had been pretty uneventful. A couple detentions, two junior boys setting off a stink bomb in the boys’ locker room, and a freshman boy who freaked out a class full of girls with his pet tarantula, Barney.
    Nothing he couldn’t handle with a stern look and a solemn vow from the student to never to bring any type of arachnid to school.
    All was well in High School Land. The problem of the musical was solved, and he no longer had to feel like a jerk for treating Addison Covington so badly.
    Then his administrative assistant, Nancy, showed up in his doorway. “Mr. Thomas, there are some parents gathering out here. I think you’re going to want to see them.”
    â€œWho is it?”
    â€œMrs. Turney, and she’s brought back-up this time.”
    â€œAgain? What does she want?” The reason didn’t matter. Ethan already knew he wasn’t going to enjoy this visit.
    â€œShe mentioned Ms. Covington.”
    Great, now what? He stifled a groan but stood to follow Nancy.
    Ethan emerged into the outer office to find a small knot of parents gathered in the waiting area. He kept a smile in place and approached them without hesitation. He couldn’t afford to show any fear. Angry parents were like sharks, and if they smelled blood, they’d move in for the kill.
    â€œMrs. Turney, how can I help you?” he asked, holding out his hand.
    Mrs. Turney ignored his friendly overture. “I won’t have it, Ethan Thomas.”
    Several of the other parents sported matching bullish expressions. Ethan knew he had to keep control, though. “Please calm down and tell me what’s wrong.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Mrs. Turney puffed up her chest, eyes widening with indignation. “What’s wrong is I told you to fix this issue with the musical. I told you we needed a director.”
    â€œI found one, ma’am.”
    â€œWhat you found is an unmitigated disaster. I asked you to find a real director, not some washed-up, scandal-ridden Hollywood actress.