Page 41 of Twelve Days and Twelfth Night

“Oh, sorry.” Carol grabbed Jack and darted onto the stage.

Vi rolled her eyes at Prescott. She had memorized her lines long ago.

“Maggie!” Nan ran into the gymnasium with Ria on her heels, clutching at the red velvet dress hanging off one shoulder. “I can’t possibly wear this. I’m swimming in it.”

Indeed she was.

Nan stopped by Maggie’s side and sobbed. “The costume girl won’t listen to me.”

Ria took Nan’s arm in the full white sleeve. “Come back to the office. Maggie needs to work on the play.”

The blonde’s sobs only intensified.

“Hush, now.” Maggie put her arm around Nan’s shoulder and led her toward the door. “Everyone, take a short break. And practice your lines. Come along, Nan.”

“Poor Maggie,” Vi muttered. “She has enough theatrics onstage.”

“She does.” But she’d handled Nan’s scene with grace.

“I wish everyone knew their parts.” Her voice low, Vi tipped her head toward Carol—who was not practicing. “You do.”

Prescott settled into a chair in the “wings” of the stage. “Honestly, Duke Orsino is one of the easier roles. I only have four scenes. You have a heavy load, but you’re doing great.”

“Viola is such fun to play.” Vi took a seat beside him, her hair and eyes shining.

Yet her talent outshone her looks. “Did you ever do a screen test for a speaking role?”

She crinkled her nose. “A few offers. For a price I refused to pay.”

Prescott groaned. “I’m sorry you ladies are subjected to that. It’s wrong.”

“That’s why I like the USO. All of the fun, none of the funny business.”

On the far side of the gym, Greta practiced her acrobat routine with five big gold rings.

“I could probably get you a legitimate screen test,” Prescott said.

Vi shook her head hard, blonde hair swinging.

“I could come along, make sure everyone behaves.”

“It’s sweet of you, but I’m not interested.”

Prescott blinked at her. “You’re not?”

“Sure, it was fun dancing in musicals, and the USO is a hoot. But this isn’t what I want for my life.”

“What do you want?”

Vi glanced toward the door. “Don’t tell Maggie. I don’t want her to worry about me being distracted. But I was accepted into nursing school. I start in January.”

Prescott had lost his Hollywood dream, and Vi had set hers aside. Chosen a new path. So had Prescott. “I’m happy for you. And I won’t tell Maggie.”

Vi reached over and squeezed his knee. “Thanks for the offer—and for understanding.”

He winked at her. “Knock ’em dead, kid.”

“I certainly hope not.” Vi recoiled in mock horror. “Nurses are supposed to save lives, not take them.”