Page 31 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

Sam stretched out his hand toward Connor. “I’ve always wanted to shake hands with Jesus.”

“Ha-ha.” Connor shook Sam’s hand. “I’m the imposter who’s pretending to know what I’m doing.”

“No way. I’ve seen you rehearse. You know your stuff. The Jesus role suits you.” Connor had talent, and Sam understood why they’d cast him in the larger role of Jesus.

“I’m not so sure. They made a casting mistake. Mixed up the names, or something.”

Sam placed a reassuring hand on Connor’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine. I’m praying for you.”

Connor’s eyebrows shot up. “Whoa. You don’t need to do that.”

“I do.” Sam held Connor’s gaze. “You have this role for a reason. I’m praying you’ll work out that reason soon.”

“It won’t be today. I’m too nervous.”

Sam shook his head. “Break a leg or something. Broken bones are the only way out of playing the role.”

“I’m not breaking any bones. But I’ll take all the luck I can find.”

“You won’t need luck. You’ve got this, Connor.”

Connor nodded. “See you backstage.”

“You sure will.” God had plans for Connor. Each year Sam prayed daily for someone involved in the play during the lead-up to Easter. This year God had put Connor’s name on his heart. He’d keep on praying for Connor, praying for opportunities for Sam and others to talk to Connor about Jesus. There was no passion play without Jesus, and Connor was perfect for the role.

* * *

After lunch, Becky stood at the side of the stage, fascinated by the rehearsal. The passion play was a professional performance. She understood why people traveled interstate to see it. She loved having a close-up behind-the-scenes view of the rehearsal.

Becky could feel every inch of the soles of her feet. She’d worn sneakers for the full rehearsal, knowing she’d clock up the steps. Her sensible footwear hadn’t made a difference. She’d lost all her endurance for being on her feet all day. Back in high school, she’d worked long shifts in retail without pain. Her stamina was gone. The gym beckoned.

She’d rather take a seat than go to the gym. Seats were available backstage, and there was time between set changes to sit and rest her feet.

Sam was smart. He’d paced himself and spent most of his time backstage with the crew. Sam had introduced her to so many people that she’d lost track of all their names. They were friendly bunch, and Becky was glad she’d volunteered for stage crew.

She’d spent most of her day standing in the wings, her attention riveted on the action unfolding on the stage. The star of the show was a new guy who was friends with Sam. Connor was dressed as Jesus, even though the other actors wore street clothes. Connor had said the costume helped him get into character. Becky couldn’t argue with his logic. Connor’s performance was flawless.

Most of the set-changing activity happened from the back and other side of the stage. The actors usually waited in the wings near her and Sam. She’d heard about the famous John Johnson, who’d walked the floorboards in this auditorium, and was discovered in Gilead by a talent scout.

The actors took a break and she peeked around the curtains. The auditorium was a quarter full. Letty’s refreshment tables from lunch were almost empty. Her coffee, and the high energy levels in the auditorium, had kept Becky going.

Leo, the young guy who’d scored the role of Judas, headed her way. He’d spent half the day talking to her. Leo claimed he was in love with her accent, which was ridiculous.

“Becky, you’re our most devoted fan.” Leo’s enthusiasm for the play was contagious.

She laughed. “Alice may argue that point.” Leo’s fiancée, who Becky knew from college classes, was an extra in the crowd scenes.

“Alice won’t mind. Do you have plans tomorrow? Alice said you liked horse riding. We’re spending the day with her folks at their farm.”

Three was a crowd. Alice had shared this morning how much she looked forward to uninterrupted time with Leo tomorrow. He was like an Energizer bunny who kept on going and didn’t have an off button.

“I’ll pass, Leo. I’ve church in the morning.”

“You could skip this week.”

She shook her head. “I can’t, sorry. You’ll enjoy a day out with Alice.”

“I’ll miss your sweet Aussie voice.”

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