The Bold Heart: Listen to Your Heart, #3

By Margaret Lake

Sequel to The Brave Heart and Listen to Your Heart

The Bold Heart

1937 - Jackie Manning Bradshaw. She'd inherited Jack Manning's bold heart, tempered once in a very great while by her stepfather's gentle upbringing and her mother's practical nature. But as far as Jackie is concerned, she'll need that bold heart to work her way onto the Broadway stage; the only place she's ever wanted to be.

Bill, Nan, and Eddie, Jackie's best friends in acting school. Their destinies are intertwined in ways that none of them could ever have imagined.

Alistair Dane producer, director, mentor, and ladies' man. Will Jackie fall under his spell or will he fall under hers?

From the bright lights of Broadway to the silver screen to a war-torn Europe, Jackie finally comes home to find her own true heart at last.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jobree Publishing
• Release date: Dec 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501425691

Margaret Lake

Margaret Lake was born in New Jersey, but moved to Florida in her early teens and has lived there ever since. Reading has been her favorite activity since she was ten years old. Even after purchasing a Kindle, she still had seven large bookcases filled with paper books. It took years for her to part with the majority of them. Her other passion is history, especially English History, dating from when she first read "Katherine" by Anya Seton. When the inspiration came to write her first novel, she naturally gravitated to the Wars of the Roses because of that book. Her favorite author is Susan Howatch, her favorite book is "Outlander" and her favorite series is Harry Potter. She led a Harry Potter book club at the elementary school and helped with the chess club at both the elementary and high schools. Margaret rescued a nine-year old Jack Russell Terrier named Angelo who passed at the age of 15 on December 3, 2017. Now she has Mikey, a teeny-tiny two year old chihuahua mix (actually 50% chihuahua, 25% miniature poodle, 12.5% maltese and 12.5% terrier according to his DNA), adopted from the Humane Society on March 7, 2018. Mikey has gone a long way toward filling the empty space in her heart left by the loss of Angelo.

Book preview

Chapter One

January, 1937

Jackie Manning Bradshaw stared out of the window over her desk, her chin propped on her hands. She had a lot to think about.

Her real father’s name was Manning, but he was killed in The Great War before she was even born. Jackie’s adoptive father’s name was Bradshaw, and she considered him to be her only father. Her mother, Lena Bradshaw, didn’t want her to forget Jack Manning, just as she didn’t want Jackie’s stepsisters, Frances and Amelia to forget their own mother.

But it didn’t matter to the three older girls. Jackie, Frances and Amelia were as close as if they’d been a natural family, thanks to the love between their mother and father. The girls loved their little brother Charlie, too, and another sister, Alice, and even their pesky twin brothers James and John.

But the important thing, Jackie thought, was which of her names would look best up in lights on a Broadway marquee?

Fran (who had recently dropped the childish name of Franny) and Amy (who stuck with her shortened name) thought it was wildly romantic and told her she should run off to New York to become a star. But Jackie hadn’t forgotten all the times their encouragement got her into trouble. Not that she didn’t get into plenty of trouble on her own. Or get them into plenty of trouble, too. But that’s how their relationship started out when their parents first met and it kind of became a habit.

If you didn’t know the Bradshaws personally, you’d never know that their father was a well-respected minister and their mother a pillar of their little community.

But Jackie did have one friend in New York who might help her. Well, her mother’s friend, really, and that’s why she was sitting at her desk, pen poised to write to her friend.

Jackie bit her lip as she tried to concentrate on saying the right thing to Mrs. Drummond. Mama would probably skin Jackie for asking a favor of the woman who’d long ago tried to trick Mama into marrying her crippled son, but Mrs. Drummond had always been gracious whenever she’d come to town for the summer. Jackie just knew Mrs. Drummond wouldn’t mind being asked to help.

The whole Drummond family worshipped at her father’s church, sometimes being invited for Sunday dinner. The Bradshaws had been invited to The Tides for dinner on many occasions as well, and Mrs. Drummond would usually slip her a dollar. Jackie had hoarded those dollars. Since Mr. Maurice did the same whenever they met, there were now over a hundred of those dollars. Maybe it wasn’t much to some people, but to Jackie it was the fortune that would pave her way to New York.

Jackie had a plan. All she needed now was a sponsor, and Mrs. Drummond had a lot of connections in New York.

The letter written and mailed, Jackie waited anxiously for a response. Fran and Amy took turns running to meet the mailman so it wouldn’t look like Jackie was waiting for a letter. Amy was the first one to get it, and she took the occasion to tease Jackie about it. It wasn’t until Jackie threatened to tell Mama about Amy meeting that Abernathy boy behind the drugstore that Amy handed over the letter.

The three of them hurried up to Jackie’s room, anxious to get the news. Jackie didn’t hold it against Amy for teasing her. She’d have done the same. And besides, she wanted her two best friends with her to either rejoice or commiserate if Mrs. Drummond refused her request.

What does she say, Fran asked anxiously as Jackie ripped open the envelope.

I haven’t taken it out yet, Fran, Jackie told her.

Well, hurry up, Amy urged.

Okay. Here it is.

Dear Jackie,

I was so pleased to hear from you. It’s the first time you’ve ever written to me, even though you lived in my house for a time when you were small.

Was I supposed to write to her? Jackie asked, biting her lip. She tried so hard to learn all the social graces, but she didn’t think this situation was covered by Emily Post.

Who cares? Amy cried, shaking Jackie’s arm. Keep reading.

Jackie took a breath and went on.

I don’t suppose this peculiar relationship of ours is covered by Emily Post.

Oh gosh, that’s just what I was thinking, Jackie muttered.

Jackie, Fran squealed.

Okay, okay, Jackie grumbled, continuing to read.

You were an engaging child, and as I watched you grow up over the years and fulfill your earlier promise, I became as proud of you as if you were actually my granddaughter.

What promise? Amy asked.

Shut up, Amy, and let Jackie read, Fran hissed, pinching her sister’s arm.

I didn’t promise her anything, Amy, Jackie told her. I think Mrs. Drummond means she thought I would turn out okay.

Oh. Then why didn’t she just say so?

Ignore her, Jackie. Go on, Fran urged.

It would please me very much to assist you in your ambition to become an actress, depending, of course, on your parents’ approval.

Uh-oh, Fran said, ominously.

So, we always knew that was going to be her answer, but with a positive offer of help from Mrs. Drummond, I’m one step closer to convincing Mama and Papa.

True, Amy agreed. What else does she say?

If you are able to obtain your parents’ consent, I will be pleased to offer you rooms in my home and an introduction to one of the top acting schools in New York.

Acting school? Fran scoffed. You’re already so good and so beautiful, you put all those movie stars to shame.

I don’t know, Fran. Maybe Mrs. Drummond is right, Jackie said, chewing her lip. I’ve only done school plays and that one summer stock play, and that was only a supporting role. Maybe I should get some New York training if I want to get into a Broadway show.

You could still audition while you go to school, Amy added, and I think Mama and Papa will have to say yes if you have a respectable place to stay and a school to go to.

You may be right, Amy, Jackie said, slowly, beginning to plot how she would approach her parents.

Amy beamed at the praise. She usually lagged behind the others when it came to ideas, but she was always the first one to carry out any of their diabolical plans.

Does she say anything else? Fran asked, put out that Amy had beat her to the idea.

Just the usual, Jackie answered, tapping the folded letter against her chin. I’ll have to think about how I’m going to bring up the idea. You know, there’s always been something not quite right about our family’s relationship with the Drummonds.

You mean beyond Mrs. Drummond trying to match-make between Mama and Mr. Maurice? Amy asked.

I don’t think an engagement that never happened is cause for the reluctance Mama always shows on the ride there.

Has she ever said anything to you about it? Fran asked.

No, and now may not be the time. I don’t want her dredging up any unhappy memories. She turned her bright green eyes on Fran’s blue ones.

But someday. Someday I’ll know just what went on back in 1924.

MC900026834[1]

That night at dinner, Jackie very carefully brought up the subject.

You know, I’ll be graduating in a few months. Maybe I should start looking into schools.

We’re glad to hear that, Jackie, Charles smiled, pleased that she was finally thinking about college. A girl as smart as Jackie should continue her education.

What kind of school? Lena asked, her suspicions always on high alert whenever Jack Manning’s daughter had a plan.

You know, Jackie waved her fork vaguely, one where I can continue my education.

As what? Lena put down her fork and locked her brown eyes on Jackie’s innocent green ones. How well Lena knew that look; Jackie had something up her sleeve.

Well, Mama, Jackie continued bravely, there are many good colleges that have fine drama departments, and you know that’s what I want to do. Act, I mean.

Jackie was becoming a bit flustered under her mother’s cool stare, but she lifted her chin, determined to have her way.

That stubborn Manning chin, Lena sighed to herself.

In fact, Jackie went on, ignoring her father’s pointed look, I have an offer of a very respectable place to stay and help in getting an audition for one of the finest acting schools in New York.

Oh? Lena said, putting a wealth of meaning into that one syllable.

The boys were fidgeting in their seats and Alice’s eyes were wide. She always enjoyed it when one of her older sisters was in trouble. Charles raised his eyebrows at James and John to stop their squirming while his wife and Jackie clashed across the table.

I think, Charles began, ever the mediator between those two, that this is a subject best discussed in private. After dinner in my study. Just the three of us. Charles rarely raised his voice and was usually able to exert his quiet authority over his family.

I agree with your father, Jackie. Let’s hear no more of this at the dinner table. Charlie, please put down that book. Boys, finish your dinner. Alice, if you aren’t going to eat any more then it’s time for bed.

The three younger children kept their eyes on their plates and finished their dinner in silence while Charlie surreptitiously lowered his eyes to read the book on his lap.

If you’ll excuse us, Fran said, Amy and I are meeting friends at the soda fountain.

Of course, Charles said. Don’t be late.

No, Papa, we won’t, Amy said.

Girls, please take your plates into the kitchen. Mae has enough to do without clearing up after you two.

Yes, Mama, Fran said, heading for the kitchen.

Lena watched the girls leave the dining room. She was very fond of the twins Charles had by his first wife. She knew very well they were quite capable of getting into mischief, even at the ripe old age of twenty. And, she knew, if it came to a family showdown, they’d back up Jackie one hundred percent, so she was just as glad they were going out for the evening.

Lena served the coffee in her husband’s study and the three of them sipped in silence for a moment. Lena also knew her daughter well, and Charles had the patience of a saint, so they waited for Jackie to start.

I think I should go straight to acting school, Jackie blurted out.

And why is that? Lena asked.

A lot of reasons.

We’re listening, Jackie, Charles said, mildly. He had no doubt that Jackie could spend all night arguing her case.

Acting is what I want, what I’ve always wanted. You know that.

Yes, it’s good to have a clear goal in mind, Charles agreed.

This is bad, Jackie groaned to herself. When Papa starts agreeing, that means he’s saving up his arguments for the coup de grâce.

Fran and Amy are already going to college, and I know that’s costing you a lot of money.

They’ll be finished in a year, Lena pointed out.

Good point, darling, Charles nodded, turning to Jackie. We appreciate your concern for our finances, Jackie. I take it, then, you wouldn’t mind waiting a year to go to school? You could even get a job and save your money so you’ll have extra pocket money when you’re at college.

Jackie’s heart sank in the face of her father’s angelic smile. Why did he have to be so ... so ... beautiful? It was no wonder her mother had fallen for him.

But Jackie wasn’t about to give up. It was time to pull out her trump card.

Yes, I can wait a year to go to college, Jackie nodded, smiling sweetly at her parents. In fact, I think that’s a good idea.

Lena looked at Jackie suspiciously and then glanced at her husband. Even Charles’ good nature wasn’t deceived by Jackie’s sudden acquiescence.

And? Charles added, knowing there was more.

And I can get a job ... in New York ... while I go to acting school.

Jackie! Lena sputtered.

Wait, Lena, Charles told her, raising his hand. I think Jackie already has a plan. Isn’t that right, Jackie?

Well, yes, I ...

This wouldn’t have anything to do with you and Frances and Amelia running out to get the mail every day, would it? Or the arrival of a certain letter that sent the three of you behind locked doors for nearly an hour?

Jackie was cornered and she knew it. It hadn’t been Mae that ratted on her. She’d been visiting the Gilmans where her sister Dori still took care of the old couple. But Charles seemed to know everything, like he had his own special squad of angels following her around to spy on her.

Yes, she lifted her chin, I have a plan and it has everything to do with the letter.

Why don’t you tell us about it? Charles asked mildly when Lena would have scolded her daughter for going behind their backs.

I knew you wouldn’t want me to be in the city on my own, so I wrote to our good friend, Mrs. Drummond, Jackie told them defiantly.

Lena merely closed her eyes and pursed her lips. She loved Mrs. Drummond, she really did. The woman had given her a job and a home for Jackie, but Lena always felt that she’d never forgiven her for not marrying her son.

She seemed to feel that Jackie was the granddaughter she’d never had and Lena was the daughter-in-law she would like to have had. Not that Maurice hadn’t married and had children, but they were all society snobs and Mrs. Drummond still had a soft spot in her heart for Lena and Jackie.

And what did Mrs. Drummond say? Charles asked calmly, but he reached for Lena’s hand as she sat beside him on the sofa. He knew how she felt about the Drummonds, particularly Maurice. And he knew Maurice’s big secret since he’d been one of the men to help him kick the morphine habit he’d acquired in the war. Lena had known there was something Maurice was keeping from her and that’s why she had broken it off with him.

Charles wanted to believe that Lena would have come to him anyway, but he was never really sure that if Maurice had confided his troubles to her, she wouldn’t have stayed with the man out of compassion for his problems.

Mrs. Drummond has offered to arrange an audition for me with one of the top acting schools in New York. If I’m accepted, she says she will pay my tuition and that I may stay in her home. So, you see, I will be properly chaperoned and you won’t have to pay anything for me.

And where do we, your parents, fit in with all this? Lena asked.

Of course, she wants your permission. Here, read the letter for yourself.

Jackie knew she was taking a chance since Mrs. Drummond had mentioned that old relationship and her parents might be upset by that, but they needed to see she was telling the truth.

Jackie, you didn’t ask Mrs. Drummond for money, did you? Charles asked.

No, of course not. I thought I would get a job to pay for my tuition.

Then Jackie had a brilliant idea.

At least let me try, she begged. At least give me a year to prove myself, and if I fail, at the end of the year, I promise I will go to college.

Lena and Charles looked at each other, silently agreeing that it would be unreasonable not to allow Jackie to try for a year.

Your mother and I will talk it over and we will let you know what we decide in the morning, Charles told her, rising from his seat and taking Lena with him.

Yes, Papa, Jackie said meekly, kissing them both on the cheek. Thank you for thinking about it. But Jackie had seen the look they’d exchanged, and knew in her heart that she’d won.

MC900026834[1]

Jackie alternated between deliriously happy and nauseatingly nervous when she heard back from Mrs. Drummond that her audition had been scheduled during the Easter break from school.

Charles wasn’t happy about Jackie being absent during that week. It was essential for the pastor’s family to be seen together on important religious holidays. But Jackie assured him that she would be back in plenty of time to attend Easter Sunday services.

It was all Jackie could do to concentrate on her classes when she’d rather be rehearsing for the big day.

Rather than choose some worn out piece that everyone used, Jackie had written her own soliloquy, incorporating both drama and humor. It was a risk, but she wanted to stand out from the crowd. Besides, when had she not rushed in where angels feared to tread?

Each night, Jackie ran upstairs to the attic with an old oil lamp for light. Each night, she wrote and polished her scene until she’d perfected it.

Then came the long nights of memorizing and rehearsing, making notes on the pages when something didn’t work or when she wanted to remember to emphasize a phrase or sentence.

Movement and gestures were also important, but she wanted to get the words down absolutely right.

It took her a month before she even began to be satisfied. And another month after that before she felt confident enough to ask Fran and Amy to come up to the attic to hear her.

Where is she? Amy whispered.

Probably going to make an entrance, Fran whispered back. Look. There’s two chairs in front of that tallboy with the lamp.

Oh, Amy said. We’re probably supposed to sit there.

Uh-huh, Fran replied taking one of the chairs.

As soon as they settled down and stopped fidgeting, Jackie stepped out of the shadows, into the light, which she’d set to showcase her to full effect.

Jackie stood quietly for a moment, head bowed, hands clasped in front of her, letting her breathing slow to gather her forces.

When Jackie raised her head, her whole being was transformed. Eyes shining, face aglow, body taut with emotion. Fran and Amy had seen Jackie on stage before and knew she was good, but right now, she was absolutely mesmerizing. When Jackie heard them take in a breath and hold it, she began her performance. At that moment, she became the character of her own creation, a woman at the end of her life who relives the best and the worst of that life and her audience ceased to exist for her.

For fifteen minutes, her sisters laughed and cried, then laughed again, and finally, at the end, felt tears slide down their cheeks. When Jackie finished, they sat in stunned silence for a moment, then Amy began to applaud. Fran joined her, applauding until their hands hurt.

Jackie came out of her trance and smiled at the twins.

Did you like it? she asked.

Like it? You idiot! Fran shouted, jumping up from her chair. It was wonderful. You were wonderful. She threw her arms around Jackie, hugging her tightly.

Hey, what about me? Amy sniffed.

Well, Amy? Jackie grinned.

Oh, Jackie! she sniffed again. You’re going to be a star. You are a star.

And Amy broke down in sobs, while her sisters held her and comforted her.

If I am, then I’ll save front row seats for my two favorite sisters when I star in my very first play, Jackie assured her. Sisters forever?

Sisters forever, they echoed, holding hands in a circle as they’d done since they’d become a family.

MC900026834[1]

A few days later, Jackie performed her audition for her full family. For once, the boys and Alice were quiet, watching wide-eyed as their sister transformed into another person entirely.

Charlie, in his studious way, shook her hand and said, Well done, Jackie. You should go far.

Lena was so overcome that she couldn’t say a word through the tears clogging her throat. Her little girl had grown up and was going away from her.

Charles squeezed Lena’s hand, then rose to go to Jackie, speaking for both of them.

I’d wish you luck, but with talent like that, you won’t need it. Talk about hiding your light under a bushel ..., Charles laughed. He took her into his arms and whispered gruffly in Jackie’s ear, You’re wonderful in every way and your mother and I are so proud of you.

Thanks, Papa, Jackie replied shakily, fighting back her own tears. Mama? she asked, seeking approval from the one who mattered most.

Lena rose from her seat and slipped her arm around Jackie so that both her parents held her in their loving embrace. I can hardly say what’s in my heart right now, beautiful daughter of mine. I’ve watched you perform before and been proud of you, but this time, you showed us that performing is the very breath of life to you. It’s your heart and soul, and I learned a long time ago that a woman should always listen to her heart.

Chapter Two

The whole family waved Jackie off on the train to New York where Mrs. Drummond would be waiting for her. She’d very carefully picked out a dress that wouldn’t overshadow her performance and decided to pull her blonde hair into a simple chignon, using minimal makeup for the same reason. A nights rest at the Drummond’s Fifth Avenue mansion and Jackie would be as ready as she’d ever be.

MC900026834[1]

Jackie had expected to be the only one at the audition since Mrs. Drummond had arranged it personally, but there were dozens of hopefuls with their scripts in their hands.

As the morning wore on, Jackie saw that she wasn’t the only one with talent. Some of these kids were wonderful, and she found herself leaning forward in her seat, absorbed in their performances.

That didn’t worry her. She had complete confidence in her own abilities. What did worry her is that she wouldn’t get the chance to show what she could really do.

Everyone was allotted the same amount of time, and Jackie knew she’d never be able to do her whole piece. Should she start from a place that had more impact? Would it be best to trust that she’d be good enough in the allotted time that they’d want to hear more?

Jackie’s heart leaped into her throat when they called her name, but she rose calmly from her seat and walked to the front. Most of the others had jumped up and practically run to take their place on the stage. Jackie walked across the boards as if she owned them. It was all perception, as her summer stock director had told her over and over.

Okay, Miss Bradshaw, what are you doing for us today? a bored voice called out from the darkened room.

It’s a piece that I wrote myself.

There was a pregnant pause and Jackie knew she had their attention. It was at that moment that her stomach settled and she began without hesitation.

She kept her movements and gestures to a minimum so as not to distract her audience, but only to emphasize the emotion in her facial expressions. It was one thing to exaggerate for her family, but here, she wanted her words to have meaning on their own.

Although they didn’t let her finish, Jackie was sure they’d let her go on longer than the others. When they stopped her, she gave a slight bow and a thank you and exited the stage as gracefully as she’d taken it.

Some of the hopefuls gathered around the water cooler, not talking to each other, afraid of getting too friendly with the competition.

They were called back in and lined up in front of the stage in groups. They called six names from each group and asked them to step forward. Sometimes the group in front was sent home and sometimes the group in back. When Jackie was in the back line, she wasn’t sure if she’d made it or not.

But no, those in front were thanked and told they could try again if they wanted to. There was a collected sigh of relief from the back line as those who hadn’t made it tried to hide their disappointment. Those left were handed a sheet and told they’d have half an hour to prepare.

One advantage Jackie always had over her competition was her ability to memorize quickly, and this she did. That gave her plenty of time to plan her performance.

A woman came into the room, collected all the scripts and escorted the first performer to the stage. Those left eyed each other nervously, wondering how many openings there were. Jackie didn’t let any of this bother her. She’d learned early on that there was no such thing as competition. There was only her own ability and her confidence in herself.

Mama always said that came directly from Jack Manning. He never accepted limitations on what he could do. If there was an obstacle in his way, he would go around it or even blast his way through it, but he would do whatever it took to win in the end.

It was this trait that had sent him over the top at the front of his squadron and gotten him killed in The Great War. And Jackie definitely had Jack Manning’s bold heart; which is exactly what had kept her mother awake at night. If it weren’t for the comforting presence of her husband Charles at her side in the night, Lena might not have slept at all these last fifteen years.

Jackie knew all this, but she didn’t know how to comfort her mother. Okay, so she might get herself into trouble now and again, but she would never deliberately throw herself in front of a machine gun.

Once again, Jackie was last, and once again, she appeared in front of the panel. It was a light piece and Jackie excelled at this sort of thing. She let herself go and had fun with it and thought she actually heard a chuckle from the balcony at one point.

But then there were more cuts, and Jackie made it through once again.

They were sent to another room where sandwiches and coffee were laid out. Jackie wasn’t nervous, but she only ate half a sandwich and one cookie. She wanted to stay alert for the next stage.

The same woman escorted them to the rest rooms and told them they had fifteen minutes to be back in the room where they’d studied the scripts. New scripts would be waiting for them and they had the same half hour as before.

This was a more serious piece, and again, Jackie set herself to memorizing it before she blocked it in her mind.

One at a time, they were brought back onto the stage, with Jackie last as usual. She wondered why they hadn’t mixed up the order, which put the first person at a disadvantage with less time to prepare.

Maybe that was Mrs. Drummond’s influence, but she hoped not. She didn’t need any special treatment that might anger the other students.

Jackie was pleased with her performance so far, and when they’d all presented their latest piece, she returned to the room with her confidence still at a high level.

The woman followed her in and told them they’d now be allowed to present the full audition they’d prepared and to act as freely as they wished.

Jackie was elated at the chance to show what she could really do, and even happier that they’d be allowed to watch each other this time.

The others were good. No doubt about that, but Jackie wasn’t worried. All she had to do was her best and if it wasn’t good enough this time, it would be the next.

When it was Jackie’s turn, she took a breath before she reached her mark, let it out and was ready to begin as soon as she faced her audience. No dramatic pause, just right into her piece, capturing their attention right away.

She knew that the fact it was an original piece would count in her favor. They’d have to pay close attention to her words and how she handled them, rather than comparing a bit of Shakespeare to every other performance they’d seen. And she was definitely at her best.

Jackie played to her audience, but didn’t let their presence intrude on her performance. When she finished, she heard a sigh, but didn’t know if it came from the audience or the panel. It didn’t matter. She’d done what she’d come to do, bowed slightly and left the stage.

Back to the room where a pitcher of water and glasses were set out. They each took a glass and went to their separate corners. No sense getting to know each other when one or more of them might be gone in a few minutes.

The woman finally came and led them out to stand in front of the stage. There was no waiting. A disembodied voice came from the balcony to put them out of their misery.

Four names were called, Jackie among them. Congratulations. You’ve been accepted. Miss Temple will tell you what comes next.

The other girl who’d made the cut burst into tears and the two boys looked dumbstruck at first, then totally pleased with themselves.

All right. Settle down, Miss Temple told them. The next term starts the day after Labor Day. Here’s a list of what you’ll need. Do you all have places to live in New York while you attend school?

The girl said she was a native, but the boys were from Jersey, like Jackie was. They were brothers and had an uncle they’d be living with.

How about you, Miss Bradshaw?

I’ll be living with a friend of my family, she said.

Fine. My name and phone number here at the school are at the bottom of the sheet. Call me if you have any questions. I’ll look forward to seeing you all in September.

Wow, the other girl breathed.

I’ll say, one of the brothers added. Listen, I’m Eddie Hawthorne and this is my brother Bill. Why don’t we go get a soda or something to celebrate?

Sounds good to me. I couldn’t eat a thing this morning and I’m starved, the other girl said. "Oh, Nan McCory, but I think I’ll be changing my name to Nan Cory. The mc in front is just too awkward."

Jackie Bradshaw. And no, it’s not short for Jacqueline or anything else. I’m named after my father, Jack Manning.

Manning? But I thought you said Bradshaw, Nan said.

"Long