“What’s the matter, dear? You don’t look very excited.”
“It’s just that I made so many plans for the holidays. People depending on me…” Missy chewed her lip. “But I’ve waited so long to get a call like this.”
“That you have.” Her mother picked back up her knitting and the needles clicked through the yarn.
“What am I going to do?”
“Well, you’re going to have to make that decision for yourself. Listen to your heart. That’s the only way to make a tough decision.”
A sinking feeling ran through Missy. She was so torn. It’s what she’d always wanted, right? What she’d planned? Yes, she’d planned for this big break her whole life. Then why did she feel so terrible?
Missy stood up from the table and looked at her mom. “I’m sorry, Mom. Please don’t be disappointed. I’ve got to go back to Nashville.”
“You’re not disappointing me. You need to follow your heart. I just want you to be happy, you know that.” Her mother stood up and gave her a hug. “I guess you better go pack your things.”
“I do need to pack. And go by this afternoon and tell the kids I won’t be here for the play. They’ll be fine with Dylan leading them. They know their lines. They’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure they will.” Her mother smiled at her encouragingly if not convincingly.
~ * ~
Missy stood at the door to the town hall, gathering her courage. She had a few minutes until practice was scheduled to start. She’d do this one last practice, then at the end, explain to the kids why she needed to leave. Explain to Dylan. They’d all understand. They would.
Dylan peeked his head out the door. “There you are.” He came outside and took both her hands in his and pulled her to him. He looked both directions then leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “Been wanting to do that all day. Hard to concentrate on building houses when all I could think about was another kiss.” He winked at her.
She pulled back slightly and gave him a weak grin. Now was a good time to tell him. Before they went inside. He’d understand. It was her dream.
“Dylan… I need to talk to you—”
“Miss Sherwood. Miss Sherwood.” Timmy came running up to the door and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go in. Mom helped me with my lines. I’m better now. Come on.” He tugged on her hand.
Dylan laughed. “Better go with the young man. He’s got lines to say.”
“But I wanted to talk to you for a minute. It’s important.”
“I’ll catch you after practice, okay? I actually need to go run an errand for my boss. Will you be okay with the practice on your own?”
Missy nodded. Things were not going as she had planned. She’d wanted to tell him first. “Okay, let’s go in and get started.” Timmy tugged on her hand again and she smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm.
They went inside, she got all the kids organized, and the play opened with the children playing shopkeepers, a doctor, a vet, a teacher and other various townsfolk. They all took their roles so seriously. The play really had come together nicely. Then it was Timmy’s turn to enter the stage. He walked slowly onto the stage like she’d taught him, and then he looked furtively over at her. She nodded and mouthed his first line. He nodded back and said his opening lines without one mistake. Her heart swelled with pride. Then a wave of remorse washed over her. She was going to miss the live performance for the town. They would be fine. She was sure. But her heart ached with the knowledge she’d miss it.
After practice she had the kids gather on the stage. She cleared her throat and sucked in a deep breath. First she needed to break the news to the kids, then she’d tell Dylan.
“I have something to tell you all.” She moved up closer to the stage. “I have some news. I got called away to Nashville. I got a job with Keith Harper… do you know who he is?”
“I do.” Anna stepped forward. “He’s a famous country singer. My mom likes him.”
“Well, the thing is… I need to go meet up with him tomorrow. My job starts tomorrow.”
“In Nashville?” Timmy walked up to the front of the stage.
“Yes, in Nashville.”
“But you’ll miss the play. How are we going to have the play without a director?”
“You all know your parts and Dylan will still be here to direct you.”
“I can’t do the play if you’re not here. Who will help me with my lines? You said you’d be here to help me.” Timmy stood with his hands on his hips.
“Well, this job came up and I have to take it. Dylan will help you. You’ll see. Everything will be fine.”