Read Online Curtain Up by Lisa Fiedler - Free Book Online Page B

Austin said, “ Sides is just another word for the scenes you’re expected to perform in an audition.”
    â€œYou’ll see we have two options,” I explained. “A monologue and a scene. A monologue is kind of like a spoken solo. A scene is dialogue done with a partner.”
    At the word partner , all eyes turned to Teddy, the one professional among us. I could tell everyone was remembering his groundbreaking work in that mac and cheese ad and, of course, they all wanted him for a partner. Teddy was talented enough to make anyone look good.
    I could tell that Austin was seeing exactly what I was seeing. We were both relieved when, of the two pages Susan was offering, Teddy took the monologue. Still, I’d been assigned enough group projects in school to know that the process of choosing partners could get pretty hairy. In school it usually turned out to be a popularity contest. I didn’t want that to happen in our theater.
    â€œFor the partner work,” I said quickly, “we’ll put names in a hat and draw at random. It’s the fairest way to do it.”
    â€œExcellent idea,” said Austin. “Anyone who wants to do a monologue, raise your hand.”
    Teddy, Spencer, Mackenzie, and Madeline shot their hands into the air. That left Mia, Sam, Eddie, Gracie, Travis, Elle, Jane, and Sophia.
    Sophia . . . who was giving me a very smug look.
    â€œAnya . . .,” she said, standing and motioning for me to follow her. “A word?”
    I hated the thought of responding to her command, but since I knew our presence in this clubhouse had everything to do with her, I followed her to the front door. I was happy when Austin joined us.
    â€œWhat’s up?” I asked, trying to sound calm and offhanded.
    â€œYou know I have no intention of auditioning, right?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” said Austin. “Everyone has to audition. How else will we get a feel for what kind of talent and ability we’re working with?”
    Sophia gave me an icy smile. “Oh, I think Anya is more than up to speed when it comes to my talent and ability.”
    â€œWell, I know you can sneeze on cue,” I muttered. “If that’s what you mean.”
    â€œI mean, I’m easily the best performer in this troupe, and I don’t see any need to prove it to you. We made a deal, remember? I got you this quaint little venue. Now I’m callingin the favor.”
    â€œThe deal was you’d get a role in the revue,” I reminded her. “That’s it. We never said you didn’t have to audition for a part.”
    Sophia laughed. “OMG, Anya. I mean, come on. What other sort of part would I want? I assumed ‘starring role’ was implied.”
    I was about to tell her it wasn’t, not at all, and that if she wanted to be a part of Random Farms, she would have to stand up and sing for us like everyone else. But just as I was about to open my mouth, Austin piped up.
    â€œThat’s fine, Sophia,” he said evenly. “We know what you’re capable of. We’ll cast you in a suitable role.”
    â€œAnd by suitable,” Sophia crooned, giving him a flirty smile, “you mean big, right?”
    Austin hesitated. Then, to my shock, he nodded. “Okay, Sophia.”
    I actually felt my hands curling into fists. “Austin . . .”
    â€œExcellent!” Sophia’s eyes were shining triumphantly. “So, I guess I’ll be on my way. Daria Benson’s having some people over for a pool party. I’m one of only three rising seventh graders who got the invite.”
    â€œCongratulations,” I said through gritted teeth. Then I got a sinking feeling in my belly and asked before I could stopmyself, “Who were the other ones?”
    â€œOne was your friend Becky,” Sophia reported. “But she sent her regrets. Something about having to catch butterflies, I think. I’m not sure who the third