It Really IS a Wonderful Life: The Snowflake Falls but Hearts in Love Keep a Home Warm All Year Long Read Free Page B

week.”
    “Read-through?”
    “That’s when the cast gets together and runs through the entire script. Then we do the blocking over the next few rehearsals.”
    “Blocking?”
    “Don’t worry about the terms. You’ll catch on.”
    He hesitated, as if waiting for a response. She should make a stab at being friendly, even though she still seethed a little at his unfeeling rejection letter.
    Wait, Dorie . You don’t know for sure he is the same James P. Sullivan or even if he’s connected to Bargains Galore. How many times had Mom told her she should always give people the benefit of the doubt?
    “I liked your readings the best. I hope you get the part you want,” she said.
    “Danny has already cast me as Clarence. I always get the oddball parts. Typecasting I guess.”
    A brown-eyed typecast angel? Another reason to stay clear of Jamey Sullivan.
    “Danny wants you to play Miss Andrews and help with publicity.”
    Publicity? “How did you find that out?”
    “I asked if he planned to cast you. I like to see new people get involved. Seems like we have the same players in every production.” He rocked on his feet as if wanting to say more.
    She opened the car door and slid behind the wheel, then lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. Mom’s wisdom could always be counted on. Why be angry with someone who wasn’t even aware they’d done anything offensive?
    “Until next week?”
    Jamey tipped his cap like a backwoods Sir Galahad. “Unless a greater Power than Midville theater group throws us together before then.”

Chapter Three
      
    You drink too much of this stuff . Dorie dumped her coffee into the sink, then switched the landline to her other ear. “It’s only a small part, Mom. Even Meryl Streep had to start somewhere. I’m sure it will lead to better things.” Mom could make a workhorse feel like a prized thoroughbred.
    “Of course, the children can stay with me while you’re at practices.”
    “I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
    “Goodness knows you’ve not let yourself have any for too long.”
    “Rehearsals begin Monday night. I’ll have to go only a few times for my part, but I’m going to help with props and publicity too … ouch!”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Josh just hit me in the ankle with his bike. Hold on a minute. He knows better than to ride his bike in the house.”
    Dorie put the phone down and brought Josh and his bike to a halt. “Bikes are for outside, young man.”
    “It’s raining. I’m bored.”
    “Why don’t you color?”
    “I don’t want to.” The bike crashed to the floor, narrowly missing her feet as Josh stormed out of the kitchen.
    Should she go after him? Make him apologize? Why did he edge her into corners, make everything a challenge? Perhaps she should be more lenient. He’d lost his father, after all. Devon would’ve known how to handle Josh’s outburst. When he used to ask the kids to mind their mother, their behavior improved like magic—at least for a few days. She should send Josh to his room. Instead, she let his tantrum ride and resumed her conversation with Mom. “Sorry for the interruption. Josh has been miserable today.”
    “At six, boys are tougher to manage. When your children are teenagers, you’ll be glad you have only one girl.”
    “I don’t want to think about the kids getting older.” Dorie gazed at the drizzling rain, her heart as droopy as the chrysanthemums in her window box. “Why does it always rain on Saturday?”
    “Is that a rhetorical question?”
    “I suppose so. Can I call you back later? The kids are probably hungry.”
    When Dorie put the receiver back on the cradle, inspiration hit her. She grabbed Boomer by the collar and wrestled him into the cellar. “Sorry, Boomer, an evil necessity. We won’t be away long. Emma! Josh! Go get your coats. We’re going out for pizza.”
    Josh dashed for the closet.
    Clutching her oversized stuffed toy, Emma scrambled off the recliner. “Can I bring Mr. Bear?”
    Dorie