There was more applause and a couple of whistles from some of the high school crowd. “And do you know that we’re holding auditions at the school this afternoon for some walk-on parts in the movie?”

“We know!” someone shouted out, and Ross laughed.

“I figured you’d know all about it, because Michelle said if I told one person that would do it. And I told Michelle.”

This time the whole room exploded into laughter, and Michelle stood up and took a bow.

“Auditions are at Jordan High auditorium from two to four. There’ll be sign-up sheets for extras, and a half-dozen or so walk-on parts we need to fill.” He turned to Michelle to confirm it, and she shook her head. “Okay, I’m wrong. How many parts, Michelle?”

“Twelve, counting the plumber.”

“I stand corrected. It’s twelve parts. I hope you’ll all drop by to sign up to be an extra in the crowd scenes and to try out for the bigger parts. We need

” Ross stopped speaking and held out his hand to Michelle. “Do you have that list?”

Michelle walked up to the podium to hand it to him, and Ross began to read. “We need a plumber, two waitresses for a cocktail party, a grade school teacher, a florist, a caterer, a bus driver, a party planner, a pianist, a filling station attendant, a mailman, and

” Ross paused to let the tension build, “

a really lousy driver who’s just been in an accident. But don’t go out and wreck your cars or anything like that. We never get to see this person drive on screen. All he has to do is go to makeup so our talented team can outfit him with fake bruises, a couple of bandages, and a pair of crutches.”

Ross referred to the sheet again. “There are also a couple of larger parts we need to fill. We need two policemen, two local women who come for the cocktail party, someone to play the female lead as a child, and a mayor. That’s it, except

we also need a cat.”

“A real cat?” someone asked.

“A real cat. Does anyone know someone who has a big orange and white tomcat, about twenty-five pounds or so, blind in one eye, and with a torn ear?”

Hannah’s mouth dropped open in surprise as everyone in the room swiveled to look at her. “I

you just described my cat!”