Acting Up

by Kristin Wallace

  Luke did a little crab sidestep around her and hurried into the auditorium. Addison followed behind him, chuckling to herself. House of Fashion had nothing on the real-life drama going on right here at Covington Falls High.

  Michelle waited on the stage. Luke paused to look at her before taking his place.

  The accompanist appeared from the wing and sat at the piano.

  Addison pointed at Michelle. “Remember. Use it.”

  The opening chord sounded through the auditorium. Luke made it through his verse with no problem. Addison watched as Michelle began, praying the girl would be able to get through the song. Literally praying.

  “Why do his eyes make my heart beat like thunder?” Michelle sang. “Why do I feel this way? When will I be more than something to prove? When will he see more?”

  Michelle’s voice rang true, carrying through the theatre. Luke was so surprised he almost missed his entrance. He recovered quickly, and they made it through the first page.

  With a deep sigh of relief, Addison leaned back in her chair.

  A noise came from her left. “How is everything going?” Marjorie asked as she took a seat.

  “Better now.”

  Addison watched her star with pride. Michelle still seemed nervous, but then something magical happened. Addison saw the moment the girl let go. Her entire body transformed, and her tone became darker, more urgent. For the first time, Michelle sang to Luke.

  “I’m more than the girl in patches and pigtails. More than a problem to solve. Will he ever know I’m all that he needs? When will he see more?”

  The music swelled, and Addison found herself leaning forward in her seat. Michelle moved across the stage toward Luke. It wasn’t part of the blocking, but Addison wasn’t about to stop the scene now. Luke answered the rising passion in Michelle’s voice, and as the song reached its crescendo, their voices melded together. The last note actually did soar, and Addison held her breath as the final chord died away.

  Applause began. The sound seemed to snap the two teenagers back to attention. Michelle gave a shy smile, and Luke blinked as if coming out of a trance. He stared at her with something bordering on wonder.

  “I think this scene is going to work,” Addison said.

  Marjorie’s mouth dropped open. “Work? It’ll blow everyone away.”

  Addison grinned and rose to talk to her cast. “If only you’d come in a few minutes earlier. They’ve made a lot of progress today.”

  “I’m not sure they were acting,” Marjorie said, following along. “I could actually feel Michelle willing Luke to love her. Or Ellie, I guess.”

  “I know. Isn’t it amazing?” Addison said, grinning over her shoulder. “Maybe Ellie will get the guy in the end.”

  Addison hurried up to the stage, clapping as she went. Michelle was luminous, as if the song had helped her break through an invisible barrier, allowing her true personality to shine through. Meanwhile, Luke acted like he’d been knocked over the head. He couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from Michelle, as if he were seeing her for the first time. And perhaps he was.

  And for the first time, Addison thought it was possible Michelle might get the guy in the end, too.

  From Hollywood actress to matchmaker. Maybe it was a new life calling.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Addison’s cell rang on the way home from rehearsal.

  “This is earth to Addison Covington. Earth to Addison.”

  Still marveling over her newfound matchmaker skills, Addison took a moment to register the familiar voice of her former cast-mate. “Sydney?”

  “Of course it’s Sydney. So, what’s the deal? You relocate to the land of Dixie and forget all your friends?”

  “I wasn’t aware I had many friends left in Hollywood,” Addison said, with a wry chuckle. “Don’t tell me I’ve been missed.”

  “Are you kidding? Everyone wants to know where you went. It’s eclipsed Merrick’s engagement by far.”

  “Good to know. You haven’t said anything?”

  “No, it’s better to let people speculate anyway. By the time you return, it’ll be like a coronation of the queen.”

  “Fabulous.”

  “Speaking of returning, any idea when that will be? When will your aunt be coming home?”

  “Her doctor thinks she can be released from the rehab facility on Monday.”

  “Wow, so you could be back in a week or so?”

  Funny, Addison hadn’t even thought about returning. “No. I’ve got a project here I need to finish first.”

  “What kind of project?”

  “I’ve taken up directing in my new life.”

  On the other end of the phone, Addison heard someone inform Sydney she had to be on set in ten minutes. Addison surprised herself by not even wincing at the reminder of her former life.

  “Sorry,” Sydney said when she came back on the phone. “Did I hear you right? You’re directing now? What could you possibly be directing in Covington Falls?”

  “A musical. A high school musical.”

  Sydney didn’t say anything right away.

  “Syd?”

  “I’m still processing,” she said. “Whatever possessed you to direct a play… with kids?”

  “Boredom, depression, the insane idea it might look good in the press. Take your pick.”

  “How is it going?”

  Addison had to smile. She’d thought her best friend would give her the third degree, which was partly why she hadn’t called. “I’m enjoying myself, believe it or not. Plus, I have a boarder now. Merrick’s son is here.”

  “What?”

  “He ran away from home. It was rocky for a while, but we seem to have settled into a comfortable pattern. Ethan’s been great with him, too.”

  “Who’s Ethan?”

  Oh, shoot! Why had she said his name?

  “Addison?” Sydney said, in a tone Addison knew meant her friend would not drop the subject.

  “He’s nobody,” Addison said. “The principal of the high school. He used to live next door when we were kids.”

  Even through the phone and across thousands of miles, Addison could hear the wheels turning in Sydney’s head. “I can’t believe you met a man and didn’t tell me.”

  “I didn’t meet a man. He’s a neighbor.”

  “Right. Is he handsome?”

  “Not so much.”

  Sydney’s laugh was pure evil. “So better than handsome. I wish I had time for details. Although, now I’m thinking I shouldn’t have been worried about you.”

  “Why were you worried about me?”

  A long pause occurred before Sydney spoke again. “Honey, it’s tonight.”

  “What’s tonight?”

  Another pause. “The show.”

  “The—”

  Suddenly, the wave smacked Addison down. Her show. Her last show.

  “Did you forget?” Sydney asked in amazement.

  “I guess so.”

  “Well, then I’m sorry I called. I thought you’d be upset and need some cheering up. Instead I made you remember everything.”

  “No, no. It was sweet of you to call. I’ll survive. I’ve endured worse.”

  On the other end of the phone, Addison heard the production assistant yell for Sydney.

  “I have to go,” Sydney said. “I wish I could be there to watch with you.”

  “Me, too. I miss you.”

  “Ditto. Hey, you sound good, you know? And if it’s this neighbor-slash-principal guy who’s doing it, I think I love him.”

  She hung up before Addison could respond.

  Addison pulled into the driveway of her aunt’s house, but didn’t get out of the car right away. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten the show aired tonight. What’s more, until Sydney had asked, she hadn’t even thought about going back. Addison’s life in Hollywood seemed further and further away.

  Realistically, Addison knew she couldn’t stay here forever. She had a career to resurrect. She
loved acting and wasn’t about to give it up. Sydney’s call had reminded her of all she’d lost. It was a good thing, too, because she couldn’t afford to lose focus now. Nothing was going to stop her from reclaiming her old life. Not a play. And certainly not a small-town principal.

  ****

  “Are you going to watch the show or not?” Aaron asked as he walked into the kitchen, no doubt looking for a snack. It had been fifteen minutes since his last meal, after all.

  “I don’t know yet,” Addison said, staring down at the entry in the TV listings.

  Will the evil Corrine Barrett finally get what’s coming to her? Find out on an explosive new episode of House of Fashion.

  “I wouldn’t,” Aaron said with a shudder. “Watching yourself die? That’s creepy.”

  “Maybe I should watch, though. For closure.”

  A I’ll-never-understand-adults look came over his face, and then, of course, he shrugged. “Torture yourself, if you want.”

  The doorbell saved Addison from having to explain why she had to watch her alter ego bite the dust. Aaron trailed behind her as she went to answer it. She opened the door to find Caroline, Elizabeth, and Diana Thomas standing on the front porch. All of them were holding covered dishes.

  “Well hello,” Addison said. “To what do I owe this honor?”

  “We decided to keep you company tonight,” Caroline said. “I brought my famous lentil soup.”

  Addison stared at them in bemusement. “Why?”

  “We didn’t think you should watch alone,” Elizabeth explained. “So, we’re having a girl’s night. No men allowed.”

  Diana held up her dish. “I brought chocolate cake. You can’t have a true night of pity without chocolate.”

  “Seriously?” Addison said, blinking in astonishment. “How amazing are you guys?”

  Elizabeth gestured to Aaron. “My husband is waiting out in the car.”

  The kid frowned. “Okay.”

  “You’re on babysitting duty with my daughter, Lori.”

  “Babysitting?” He practically spat the word.

  “Yep. No men means no men. Not even teenage ones.”

  Aaron scowled at Addison.

  “Hey, I didn’t make the rules,” she said. “Babysitting it is.”

  “Lame,” he declared.

  Five minutes later, Aaron was gone, leaving her alone with the Thomas women. They took over her kitchen within five minutes. Caroline lifted her dish of soup from its container, while Elizabeth and Diana located bowls and silverware.

  The soup was delicious, and the laughter flowed easily. Addison had never had a girls’ night like this. A get-together with her friends in Hollywood would have meant a fancy spa or a catered gourmet meal, followed by a private showing of some designer’s latest collection. It certainly would never have included homemade soup and sinfully delicious chocolate cake.

  By the time they finished dinner and cleaned up the kitchen, it was almost time for Addison to die… again.

  Caroline paused as they made their way to the den. “We don’t have to watch, you know. I understand if it’s too difficult.”

  “I’ll be all right,” Addison said and attempted a brave smile. “Besides, I need to do this.”

  The familiar theme music stole Addison’s breath away for a moment. She hadn’t watched the show since she’d been here, so there hadn’t been time to build up immunity to the sight and sound of it.

  Then she appeared on screen. Or rather Corrine appeared, her signature Grace Kelly chignon in place. The white Armani suit gave the fashion maven an air of power and authority.

  Addison watched with a strange sense of detachment. The action almost seemed to be happening to someone else entirely.

  “This is so surreal,” Diana said. “I’m looking at you, but you’re right here. Only that woman is a stranger.”

  “I think you’re much prettier in person,” Caroline said. “Softer and younger.”

  Addison gave a wry smile. “Corrine wasn’t known for her softer side, which is what made her fun. No distracting sentimentality to trip her up. They always dressed me so I looked older, too.”

  Corrine’s death didn’t come till the end of the first hour. Plenty of time to set up all the players who would be suspects in her murder.

  There was a scene with Corrine’s daughter, Felicia, and her fiancée. Or ex-fiancée, as he broke off the engagement after Corrine blackmailed him. Two suspects right there.

  Addison forced herself to watch her young co-star. The younger woman’s midnight-blue halter dress accentuated every curve on her taut, twenty-three-year-old body. The white bandage on Angela’s nose stood out like a beacon, and Addison couldn’t help but smile.

  “Wow, you nailed her.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Even her eyes are black and blue.”

  “It’s a good look for her actually,” Diana said. “Gives her character. How did they explain the bandage? Plastic surgery? Or maybe she tripped and fell into a door?”

  “No, they went with the truth,” Addison said. “Mommy Dearest slugged her.”

  The next scene showed Corrine’s son, Morgan, involved with some shady drug dealer. Brock Nichols was a young god, but the makeup and wardrobe people had done a fantastic job of making him look like a wastrel.

  Sydney entered the scene. Her alter-ego, Eve, had been carrying on an affair with Corrine’s husband for the better part of the season and now they’d been caught. Of course there would be the devil to pay. Unless they could get rid of Corrine.

  Finally, Corrine appeared, ordering some underling to destroy the company of a competitor who’d wronged her. On screen, Corrine got out of her car and started across the street to the restaurant where she was to meet her husband. From behind her, two headlights approached. Addison knew the impact was coming, but the moment the figure on screen flew through the air she jumped. A shudder worked its way down her spine, and bile rose in her throat. Aaron had been right. It was creepy watching yourself die.

  “Oh, my,” Caroline gasped. “You never said you got hit by a car.”

  “I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone how Corrine died.”

  “You actually did the stunt yourself?” Elizabeth asked with a touch of awe.

  “Several times. I still have the bruises to prove it.”

  The rest of the episode showed everyone finding out about Corrine’s death. Of course, one of them was her killer.

  “Do you know who killed Corrine?” Caroline asked.

  “Not a clue,” Addison said. “The actors themselves may not even know. No telling how long they’ll drag the mystery out. If the ratings stay up, they could drag the reveal out till sweeps month in June.”

  “My money’s on the husband,” Diana said.

  “No, it’s definitely the drug dealer,” Elizabeth countered. “He’s a thug.”

  As the closing credits scrolled across the screen, everyone fell silent.

  Then Caroline took a breath. “Well, my money’s on the show tanking without Corrine.”

  “I think so, too,” Elizabeth said. “I only watched for you, anyway.”

  “I bet you get another show soon, and it will crush House of Fashion,” Diana said. “Soon, they’ll be begging you to come back. Those shows are always bringing people back from the dead. Maybe we’ll find out Corrine went into a coma, and she’ll have a miraculous recovery. Or maybe it wasn’t Corrine who got hit by the car. She paid someone to fake her death so she could make off with all her husband’s money.”

  Addison couldn’t help but laugh. “Very imaginative, but I don’t see them ever letting me come back. Not as long as Merrick is the producer.”

  Finally, Addison’s guests stood up.

  “Well, we probably shouldn’t leave Lori and Aaron alone with the kids much longer,” Elizabeth said. “Jake will bring Aaron home.”

  “Yes, Melissa has gotten into the phase where she won’t go to sleep if I’m not there,” Diana seconded.

  Addison followed them out and realiz
ed how grateful she was to have these three amazing women in her life. They hugged in turn and soon they were gone, leaving Addison alone in the silent house.

  Exhausted, Addison walked upstairs and got ready for bed. A half hour later, she heard the front door open. Then Aaron appeared in the doorway.

  “Hey, how did the babysitting go?” Addison asked.

  He made a face. “The little girl, Melissa, wouldn’t leave me alone. Kept wanting to make me drink pretend tea out of a tiny cup.”

  Addison chuckled at the image of her status-conscious stepson holding a china cup with pink flowers on it. “Cute.”

  “The boys were okay. Ethan’s kids were there, too. Those twins are a trip, man. I don’t know where they think up half the stuff they say.”