Page 7 of A Baxter Family Christmas
Bailey seemed to watch the two of them a moment longer this time. Then she buzzed toward the back doors of the theater. “Deep breath. Here they come.”
As soon as the doors were open, more than a hundred kids burst into the auditorium and clamored for seats as close to the stage as possible. The energy was palpable, and again Connor remembered how it had been when he and Bailey were part of that group.
He leaned close to Maddie. “I still think you should’ve done CKT back in the day.”
“Yeah, sure.” Her eyes sparkled. “I would’ve been one of those kids everyone laughed at.”
“Hey! We didn’t laugh at anyone.” Connor sat up straight again. “At least not on the outside.”
Bailey had done this five times a year since she and Brandon took over the theater building. She easily organized the kids in groups of ten, and like that the auditions were under way. The first group sang fairly well. Connor noted that one of the boys would make a capable Charlie Brown. Two of them were at least good enough to sing in the ensemble.
After the tenth singer, Connor glanced at Maddie. “How’s it going?”
“I’m keeping up.” She winced. “Barely.”
The next group wasn’t as strong. Fourth up was a twelve-year-old kid in his soccer uniform. Probably trying to make it to an indoor practice after the audition.
“Okay, Garrett.” Bailey nodded to the accompanist. “Go ahead.”
If confidence were the only qualification, Garrett would easily win a lead part. He pushed his fingers through his blond hair and smiled. The music began and Garrett proceeded to sing “Ain’t Life Fine” fromThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
His first crack came a few seconds in. The sound seemed to alarm him, but he kept singing. After that he cracked about every fifth note. At the judges’ table, the three of them maintained pleasant smiles, nodding along, believing the boy could rebound.
He never did.
Connor wasn’t even tempted to laugh. Poor kid. Every boy older than thirteen could relate to Garrett’s situation. Last week the kid probably could’ve handled the song. This week? Not a chance.
At the break between groups, Maddie cast him a pained look. “That boy. I wanted to go up there and give him a hug.”
“I know. Good for him for finishing.” Connor checked his notes. “He won’t get a callback, though. Out of kindness.”
“See, that’s what the directors would’ve said about me. ‘Don’t call her back. Out ofkindness!’ ” She giggled as she locked eyes with him.
“Nah, never. Not you.” Connor felt like they were the only two people in the auditorium. “You and I would’ve practiced together ahead of time so we’d both be cast as leads.”
“Oh, really.” Her eyes danced. Her voice was flirty in a fun kind of way. “You and me?”
“Yes. Because we would’ve been best friends, Maddie.” He grinned. “Of course. From the first moment we met.”
“Of course.” Her eyes made him forget the auditions altogether. “I guess we’ll never know.”
The auditions continued, and Connor was surprised to see more talented kids than he’d expected. After they’d listened to the last singer, Connor patted his sister’s shoulder. “Gotta hand it to you, Bailey. You’ve built quite an army of performers here in Bloomington.”
Bailey laughed. “The weekly classes have made a difference. Brandon’s idea.”
“Where is he?” Maddie looked sheepish for asking. “I mean, he works here, too, right?”
“He does.” Bailey wasn’t bothered. She was clearly used to questions about her husband. “He’s in L.A. Producing a film on the apostle Paul. Brandon says it’s going to be epic.” She looked at her clipboard. “Let’s figure out who we’re calling back tomorrow.”
For the next two hours they narrowed down the list until they had eighty kids they wanted to see the next day. When they were finished, Bailey left to meet with her board of directors. Maddie had dinner plans with her family, and Connor had to get home to help his dad put together a new bookcase for the living room. Maddie was gathering her things, and again Connor couldn’t keep from watching her.
“You’re headed home, too?” She smiled at him. The connection from earlier was definitely still there.
“I am.” He stood and grabbed his coat. “Walk you to your car?”
She gave him a shy smile. “I’d like that.”
Outside the snow had stopped, but the ground was covered with a fresh six inches. “It’s beautiful.” Maddie lifted her face to the sky and breathed in. “I love winters in Indiana.”
