Well, he wasn’t surprised. There was a lot of talent at Saint Augustine’s school, and all that talent had parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, and lots and lots of friends.

“I’m so excited!” Sharlee piped up, clapping her hands. “My brother is going to be the star of the whole show!”

“Don’t jinx me,” Derek told her, although he grinned when he said it.

He was nervous, of course. More so every minute as the time crept closer. But he loved his sister’s confidence in him. It was like listening to Vijay. Both of them always thought things were going to turn out great.

Vijay had had a few dark moments over this show, for sure. But today in school, he’d once again been like his usual self—upbeat and confident about their chances. Gary’s desertion had sent Vijay into a tailspin. Sam’s arrival had lifted him right back up again.

As for Derek, he was trying to keep on more of an even keel. Every night this week he’d dreamt of things going wrong—just like Gary had. He only hoped those dreams didn’t predict the future.

At any rate, there was no turning back now. Derek kept repeating all the things his parents had told him: “If you give it your best, you haven’t failed.” “Mistakes are there to learn from so you can improve.” “The only failure is not even trying.”

He knew it was all true. So why didn’t it help him now?

He was as nervous as he could ever remember being. Even in a championship baseball game, he seemed to be able to hold it together and focus so that he could come through in the clutch.

But this was different. This was not baseball. It wasn’t even basketball! It wasn’t something he’d been practicing and working at his entire life—it was totally, terrifyingly new. Sure, he’d danced before, but only at home, or once or twice at people’s weddings or birthday parties.

“Here we are!” Mrs. Jeter said. “You take the kids inside, Jeter,” she told her husband. “I’ll park the car.”

The three of them got out and ran through the rain to the front door of the school, while Mrs. Jeter continued on, looking for a parking spot.

“Derek, you’ve got to get backstage,” said his dad. “Good luck, son. You’re going to be just fine.” He held Derek by both shoulders and looked him right in the eye. “Just focus on doing the routine. The rest will follow naturally.”

“First place or bust!” Sharlee chirped, hugging Derek.

“Sharlee, come on now,” Derek said. “Just clap loud, okay?”

“Uh-huh!”

“Come on, Sharlee,” said Mr. Jeter. “Let’s go find some good seats for us and Mom.”

Vijay was backstage, hopping up and down to use up his excess energy. “Derek!” he called, waving. “Over here!”