“Yes. And Tory Bascomb. She’s got the big table in the middle of the room, and she’s holding a meeting with the cast.”

“And you’re not invited?”

“I’m part of the technical crew on the Christmas play. I don’t have to go to the actors’ meetings, thank goodness. Tory’s probably picking apart everyone’s performances.”

“You don’t like Tory?”

Bonnie shrugged. “I like her well enough, but she’s very exacting. We’re not professionals, and our actors aren’t really used to that. The only reason I’m here is that I’m waiting for Trudi. I told her I’d help her alter that Mrs. Santa Claus outfit for Phyllis Bates if she’d come out here for a cheeseburger and a pitcher of beer with me. I’m husband-less tonight. Gil’s gone, and I hate to eat alone.”

“Is Gil busy with school things?”

“He’s in St. Cloud with the chess team. They drove up this afternoon and they’re staying overnight. The boys have a competition tomorrow, and they won’t be home until late tomorrow night.”

Bonnie took a sip from her beer glass, and Hannah noticed that her hands were shaking. “Are you cold, Bonnie?”

“I’m freezing. I had to park all the way in the back, and the wind felt like needles of ice when I got out of the car.” She glanced down at her beer glass. “I should have ordered a coffee drink. It’s just that I know we’ll have beer when Trudi gets here, and I didn’t want to mix my drinks. They have Beck’s on tap, and Trudi likes Beck’s.”

“Why don’t you order a cup of coffee on the side? That way you can have your beer and warm up, too.”

“Good idea.” Bonnie crooked her finger at the bartender, and he came over. “Could I have coffee? I’m still really cold.”

“No problem. It’s on the house.” The bartender poured a cup of coffee and set it in front of Bonnie. “Do you want some brandy in that?”

“No, thanks. I’m meeting someone in a while and we’ll be drinking beer.” Bonnie turned back to Hannah when the bartender had left. “Are you waiting for someone, Hannah?”

“Yes, Lisa. She had to go home and feed the dogs.”

“I saw her in the audience at the rehearsal tonight.” Bonnie cupped her hands around the coffee cup to warm them. “Was she terribly upset about that stage kiss that wasn’t a stage kiss?”

“Let’s just say that she wasn’t exactly happy about it.”

“I don’t blame her for that. And she wasn’t the only one who was upset! I saw Herb afterward, and he looked really embarrassed.”

“Does Herb know that Lisa was in the audience?”