Love at Center Stage: Three Theatrical Love Stories

by Janice Thompson

  “A penny for your thoughts.” Tangie looked up as she heard a familiar voice. Gregg’s mom stood in front of her, a broad smile on her face. “I liked your bunny show.”

  Tangie laughed. “Seriously?”

  “Seriously. Lots to chew on. I’ll have to get back with you on all of that. But I wanted you to know I think you and Gregg did an awesome job.” Penny leaned down and whispered, “And didn’t he sound great on the piano?”

  “He sure did. You should hear him on Sundays. He’s the best.” Tangie stopped herself from saying more. Didn’t want to push the envelope. Still, Penny was right. Gregg had saved the day by stepping into the role of pianist.

  Penny glanced at her watch. “Well, I’ve got to scoot. Thank goodness Sarah was home from school and could babysit the store for me this afternoon.”

  “I’m so glad.” Tangie smiled.

  “You coming in on Monday?” Penny asked. “There’s going to be a lot of cleanup.”

  Tangie gave a hesitant nod. “M–maybe. I’ll get back to you on that.”

  Penny nodded, but took off in a hurry.

  Tangie rose and started cleaning up the stage area. As she reached the farthest corner, a couple of familiar voices rang out.

  “Tangerine!”

  She turned, stunned to see her sisters and their husbands standing there. “Taffie? Candy!” Tangie sprinted their way, her heart now beating double-time as she saw her little niece cradled in Taffie’s arms. “What are you doing here?”

  “You didn’t think Gran-Gran would let us get away with not seeing the show, did you?” Candy said, her words framed in laughter.

  “And besides, I wanted Callie to see her Aunt Tangie in her first church performance,” Taffie added, passing the darling baby girl off to Tangie.

  She held the beautiful infant, her heart suddenly quite full. “Did you come alone, or. . .”

  “Oh, you mean Mom and Dad?” Candy shrugged. “They’re in Texas this week. But Mom sends her love. And Dad says—”

  “Break a leg!” they all shouted in unison.

  “So, you saw the show?” Tangie gave her sisters a hesitant look. When they nodded, she asked, “W–what did you think?”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Candy shook her head. “It was amazing, Tangie. I got it. Every bit of symbolism. Every nuance. It was all there. And the kids were amazing.”

  “So was their director,” Taffie added with a wink.

  “Yes, you’re a natural,” Candy agreed as she reached to give her a hug. “You were born for the theater.” She said the word theater in an exaggerated British accent, making everyone laugh.

  Tangie wanted to ask her sisters’ opinion, whether she should—or shouldn’t—go to New York to audition for A Woman in Love. But this wasn’t the time. No, this was the time to cuddle her niece, chat with her sisters. . .and introduce everyone to one very special music director.

  TWENTY-TWO

  The Monday after the big show, Tangie received a call from a very hyper Marti.

  “You’re coming home, right? Vincent called again, and he said to tell you to be at the Marlowe Theater at two o’clock on Wednesday afternoon. That’s the final day of the auditions. In my opinion, it’s better to go last than first. You’ll leave a lasting impression on him that way.”

  “I guess.” Tangie sighed. “I’ve been praying about it, Marti, but I’m just not sure.” Every time she prayed, images of Gregg’s face popped up in front of her. And the children. . .she would miss them something fierce. She would miss Penny, too. And her grandparents. Would it really be worth it—to trade in the people she now loved. . .for a production?

  “We’re not talking forever,” Marti reminded her. “It’s just one show. And what can it hurt to audition? You don’t have to bring all of your stuff when you come. Just bring a bag or two. Come tomorrow and stay at my place for a few days. You can make your decision after you get here. If you get the part, maybe that will be a sign you’re supposed to be back here. If you don’t. . .” Marti paused. “Well, I don’t want to think about that because I really want you back in New York. But you can decide for yourself, okay?”

  “Okay.” Tangie realized this was really the only thing that made sense. If she didn’t go back to New York and audition for this role, she’d never know for sure whether she belonged in the Big Apple or in Harmony. And, if she didn’t at least give this a shot, she’d never know if she had what it took to be a leading lady.

  Tangie settled down onto the bed, reaching for one of the programs from the children’s musical. The kids had signed it—using their childish scribbles to offer up their thanks for the role she’d played. She grinned as she saw Cody’s signature, followed by, Break a Leg! And then there was Annabelle’s childish script, followed by, Thank you for believing in me. Her favorite, however, was Margaret’s. After the beautiful, well-placed signature, the tempestuous little girl had written, This was the best play ever! Thanks for letting me be the narrator!

  “Lord, I’m going to miss these kids. And my grandparents. And. . .”

  She sighed. Most of all, she would miss Gregg. She’d miss the look of disbelief in his eyes when she said something outlandish. She’d miss the way they harmonized together. Most of all, she’d miss the way he looked deep into her soul, challenging her to be a better person.

  Determined to get through this, Tangie made her way to the living room. She found her grandparents watching TV.

  “I, um, I need to talk to you.”

  “Not now, honey.” Her grandmother shooed her away with the wave of a hand. “We’re watching The Price is Right.”

  “Yes, but. . .I need to tell you something.”

  Gran-Gran looked up, and for the first time Tangie noticed the tears in her eyes. “We know you do, honey. But not right now.” The way her grandmother emphasized the last four words stopped Tangie cold.

  Ah ha. She just doesn’t want to face the fact that I’m leaving. Well, fine. I’ll talk to them later. Right now, she needed to head over to Sweet Harmony to let Penny know about her decision. Then, of course, she had to talk to Gregg.

  Every time she thought about telling him, Tangie felt a lump in her throat. The sting of tears burned her eyes. She’d fallen for him. No doubt about that. But then again, she always fell for the leading man. Right? What made this one different from the others?

  She drove to town, noticing, for the first time, the green leaves bursting through on the trees. “Oh, Lord! I’ve been so busy with the show I almost missed it! Spring!”

  Yes, everywhere she looked, the radiant colors of spring greeted her. They were in the blue waters of the little creek on the outskirts of town. They were in the tender white blossoms in the now-budding pear trees. Even the cars seemed more colorful than before, now that they weren’t covered in dirty snow.

  Yes, color had come to Harmony at the very time she had to leave.

  “Stop it, Tangie. It’s springtime in New York, too.” She forced her thoughts to Manhattan as she pulled her car into the parking lot at Sweet Harmony. By the time she climbed out of the car, Tangie had a new resolve. “I can do this. What’s the big deal, anyway?”

  She pushed open the front door of the bakery, the bell jangling its usual welcome. Tangie drew in a deep breath and approached Penny, who was working behind the counter.

  “Well, hey, kiddo. I wondered if you might come in today. Made up your mind yet? Are you staying or going?”

  Talk about cutting to the chase. Penny was never one to mince words. Well, fine. She wouldn’t either. “Penny, I hate to tell you this, but. . .”

  “You’re leaving for New York.”

  “Yes.”

  Penny set down the mound of dough she’d been kneading and gave Tangie a pensive look. “Well, look, kid, I’ve been preparing myself for it for weeks. I’ll just put a sign in the window, and—”

  “No, please don’t do that. Not yet anyway.” Tangie’s nerves kicked in. “I’m going to New York, but I don’t know i
f I’m going to stay. Auditions are on Wednesday, so I need to leave tomorrow. I should know something a few days later. Can you give me a week, Penny? I’ll call if I’m not coming back.”

  “Sure.” With the wave of a hand, Penny dismissed the idea. “I’ll get Josh to help me till then. It won’t hurt the boy to work with his mama. Go on and go to that audition. Might do you some good.” She went to work washing out one of the mixing bowls. “ ’Course, if you stay in New York it’ll break our hearts, but don’t fret over that.” She turned back and gave Tangie a wink. “Kidding, kiddo. You chase after your dreams.”

  “Thank you for understanding, Penny. I’m praying about what to do, but God hasn’t really given me a clear answer.” She glanced down at the tattoo on her wrist, pondering the little star. Is this really where I’m supposed to go, God? To follow that star? To see where it leads me?

  Everything in Penny’s demeanor changed at the mention of the word God. Her happy-go-lucky smile faded, and she exhaled. Loudly.

  “What?” Tangie approached with a bit of hesitation.

  “Well, since you brought up God and all. . .” Penny began to fidget.

  “What about Him?”

  “I just wanted to tell you something. I’ve been thinking a lot about this. That play you and Gregg put on with the kids. . .it was, well, it was great.”

  “Really?” Tangie’s heart wanted to burst into song with this news.

  Penny’s eyes filled with tears. “This is going to sound nuts, but that scene where the little sheep has the conversation with the shepherd about wandering away from the fold. . .” Penny’s eyes misted over. “I got it, Tangie. I understood what you were trying to say. I’m that little sheep.”

  “Yes.” A lump rose in Tangie’s throat, and she could hardly contain her emotions. “T–that’s right.”

  “Let me ask you a question. Did you write that play with me in mind?”

  Tangie smiled. “To be completely honest, no. I just wrote it with people in mind. God loves people, Penny. All people. And He desires that we love Him back. It’s really pretty simple. That’s why I used such a childlike platform to get that message across.”

  “So childlike an old fool like me could get it.” Penny smiled as she gazed into Tangie’s eyes. “Oh, by the way, thanks for letting Josh play the role of the shepherd. I haven’t seen him this excited since I gave him that Star Wars lunch box in the second grade.”

  Tangie laughed. “He did a great job. And I think memorizing those lines about how much God loves His kids really did something to him.”

  “I think you’re right.” After a moment, Penny’s brow wrinkled. “Seeing God as a shepherd really messed up my thinking, I’ll have you know.”

  “It did?”

  “Yes.” Penny exhaled, pursed her lips, then said, “I never saw Him as kindhearted or loving before. I guess I always figured God was as mean-spirited as some of the people who say they represent Him.”

  “He’s not.” Tangie shook her head. “And I’m sorry your experience with the church was painful. I can only tell you that the people I know who love the Lord are just the opposite of what you’ve described. They’re loving and giving, and they accept people, no matter what.” She gestured to her bright red hair, her tattoos, and then the tiny diamond stud in her nose. “I speak from experience. No one there has ever judged me.”

  “Except me.”

  The male voice sounded behind her, and Tangie turned to find Gregg standing there. He must’ve slipped in the back door, but when?

  “W–what?” Tangie turned to face him.

  “I judged you.” He sighed. “I don’t think I did it on purpose, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t give you a fair shake in the beginning. I’m not sure why.”

  “My appearance?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. I think it’s just that we’re so opposite. It took me awhile to adjust to the fact that I’d be working with someone who’s my polar opposite.”

  “You two are about as different as singing rabbits and dancing chickens,” his mother threw in. “But that’s what makes relationships so interesting.”

  “Yes, opposites do attract.” He took Tangie’s hands in his and stared into her eyes. “But the real question is, can this relationship stand the test of time?”

  ***

  Gregg’s heart went thump-thump so loudly, he could hear it in his ears. He’d walked in at just the right moment—or maybe just the wrong moment, depending on how you looked at it. Tangie was leaving. She’d confirmed it. And he wouldn’t stop her, though everything within him rebelled at the idea of losing her.

  And all of that stuff his mom had said to Tangie about the play. Had she really come face to face with the Good Shepherd, thanks to a kids’ Easter production? If so, then God had truly worked a miracle.

  His mom gave him a wink, then disappeared into the back room. Gregg took this as his cue. He wrapped Tangie in his arms, thankful there were no customers in the store.

  “So, you’re leaving tomorrow?” he whispered, leaning in to press a kiss onto her cheek.

  “I am.” She lingered in his arms, giving him hope.

  He reached to brush a loose hair from her face.

  “I’ll never know what might’ve happened if I don’t go.”

  “I understand. And I support you. It’s killing me, but I support you.”

  Tangie gave him a playful pout. “You’ll wait for me?”

  “Wait for you? Hmm.” He paused a moment, just to make her wonder, then grinned. “Till the end of time.”

  “Very dramatic. Spoken like a true theater person.” Tangie winked, then kissed the tip of his nose.

  He wanted to grab her and give her a kiss convincing enough to stay put, but the bell above the bakery door jangled. A customer walked in. At that same moment, Gregg’s mother reappeared from the back room.

  “You two lovebirds need to go build your nest elsewhere.” His mom snapped a dishtowel at him. “I’m trying to run a business here.”

  “Mm-hmm.” He nodded, gingerly letting go of Tangie’s hands.

  “I need to get to work, anyway,” Tangie said, reaching for an apron. “This is going to be my last day. . .for a while, anyway.”

  “Last day.” Gregg swallowed hard and settled onto a barstool. If this was her last day, he wanted to spend every minute of it with her.

  “Oh, but, Gregg, before I go.” She turned to him with a winning smile. “There is one little thing you need to do.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes.” She nodded, a hint of laughter in her eyes. “I seem to remember someone once promising he would eat a whole plateful of artichokes in front of the kids if the performance went well.”

  Gregg groaned, remembering. “You’re going to hold me to that?”

  “I am.” Tangie nodded. “And, in fact, it might just be the thing that woos me back to Harmony. I’d pay money to see you eat artichokes.”

  “What? Artichokes?” Penny laughed. “This boy of mine can’t stand artichokes.”

  “I know, I know.” Gregg sighed. Still, he had promised. And Tangie had given him hope with her last statement, anyway. Maybe she would come back to Harmony. When the time was right. For that, he would eat all the artichokes in the state of New Jersey.

  TWENTY-THREE

  Tangie made the drive to New York, her mind going a hundred different directions. She arrived in short order, marveling at the noise and fast-paced chaos she found. Had it always been this crazy?

  Seeing Marti was such a thrill. They spent Tuesday afternoon visiting all of their favorite places—Hanson’s Deli, the art museum, FAO Schwarz, and Macy’s, of course.

  On Wednesday morning, Tangie shifted gears. Before she even climbed out of bed, she ushered up a lengthy prayer, asking for God’s will. She wouldn’t dare make a move outside of it, not with so much at stake.

  At one thirty, she caught a cab to the Marlowe Theater. At a quarter of two, she walked through the back doors into the familiar audito
rium. At once, her heart came alive. Oh, how she’d missed this place! It captivated her, set something aflame inside of her.

  She filled out an audition form, reached into her bag for her music and resume, and passed everything off to Vincent’s assistant, a girl named Catherine. Then, when her name was called, Tangie walked to the center of the stage, ready to audition. She drew in a deep breath and sent one last silent prayer heavenward. Then the music began.

  With as much confidence as she could muster, she sang the first few lines from Memories, one of her personal favorites. Closing her eyes, she allowed the melody to consume her. It felt so good to be back on the stage. And that Vincent hadn’t cut the song short yet. That was a good sign.

  Not only did he not cut her short, she actually sang the entire piece. When the music drew to a close, Tangie smiled in his direction. Even with the stage lights in her eyes, she could see the contented look in his eye. So far, so good.

  “We’d like to hear you read, please,” he said.

  Catherine crossed the stage with a script in hand, which she passed off to Tangie.

  “Start at the top of page 4 and read for Gina,” Vincent said. “We’re going to bring in one of the guys to read against you.”

  He looked around the empty auditorium and then shrugged. “What happened to our guys?”

  Catherine gasped. “I’m sorry, Vincent. I really thought you said you were done with the guys until callbacks.”

  “Did I? I can’t remember.”

  Tangie shrugged. “I can just read both parts if you like. Or maybe you could call out Harrison’s lines.”

  Just then, a noise at the back of the auditorium startled her. With the stage lights in her eyes, she could barely make out the figure of a man walking down the aisle toward the stage.

  Vincent rose and greeted him. “Perfect timing. You’ll need to stand center stage next to this beautiful young woman to read for Harrison.”

  The man stopped, and Tangie squinted to see him better. Was. . .was that. . .? No, it couldn’t possibly be.

  Just then, a familiar voice rang out. “You. . .you want me to read for a part?”