Tora was beaming. She felt it too. She’d done well enough to win the role, the only question now was how good was Maria Abruzzo?

Maria and Brad began the scene. Tora turned away, unable to watch. Noble kept his eyes on the stage. As much as he wanted Maria’s performance to be terrible, he had to admit that she was a pretty good actress. She’d obviously rehearsed the scene with Brad Horton over and over. Their timing was perfect, their gestures precise and purposeful, and their performance, on the whole, was charming. Noble glanced over at Tora, who had gathered up the courage to turn back around and watch. Judging by the expression on her face, she thought Maria was good as well. Noble was going to say something comforting, but before he could, Michael put an arm around her shoulders.

Tora sighed, and watched the rest of the scene huddled close to Michael, expecting the worst.

When Maria and Brad were finished, the lights came up and the auditorium buzzed with anticipation.

“First of all,” said Principal Terashita. “I just want to thank everyone for trying out. I think we’ve got an excellent bunch of actors here, and I just know that this year’s drama night will be the best one yet. You all deserve a round of applause.” He began clapping and everyone joined in, including Willie Greene.

“Mr. Greene,” he said. “Would you like some time to make your decisions?”

Willie shook his head.

“Well, all right then,” said Principal Terashita, as if he wasn’t sure what came next. “I guess I’ll hand the show over to you.” He laughed at the little joke, but no one else laughed with him. They were all too nervous and anxious to hear Willie Greene make his selections.

“You were all good,” he said. “And you each have different qualities that make you ideal for roles in the drama night plays.” He paused a moment, as if considering his next words. “The last pair were wonderful and—” he glanced at the clipboard on his lap. “Brad Horton, you’ll do well in the role of the young man in Red Carnations.”

Brad smiled and said, “Thanks.”

Maria seemed pleased.

Tora looked crestfallen. If Willie Greene had selected Brad, then Maria was a shoo-in for the role opposite him. After all, they’d been so good together on stage.

“The female lead in that play is a bit trickier because there are two good actors to choose from, but I think—” again he glanced at his clipboard. “—Tora Brock is the better fit.”

“What?” Tora said.

“Congratulations,” said Noble.

Argus gave Tora a hug. “Yeah, way to go sis!”

Harlan gave Tora a pat on the back.

Michael seemed to be the odd man out.

“Argus,” said Noble, tapping his bigger brother on the shoulder. “Hey, Argus!”

Argus stepped back, allowing Michael the chance to offer Tora his congratulations.