Aileen's Song Read Online Free PDF

“So…like…you really want to do this, Ailee?”
    Aileen hauled in a deep breath, knowing her answer to Maeve’s question would most likely seal the deal. It only took a second for her to break through restraint. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
    The switch flipped. Doubt morphed in to action. Siobhan cocked her hip, lips pursed while she pondered. “I can host rehearsals at the dance studio as long as you don’t mind practicing a bit later in the evening. We could block out the dimensions of the stage and build a performance from there.”
    “And I spotted a wonderful selection of special occasion dresses in the shop window at Regeneration Ally.” Kassidy tossed in that comment. “Let’s plan a re-sale shopping trip.”
    “Does Liam think they can actually fill the theater?” Maeve paused from stocking non-perishables in Aileen’s pantry.
    “Yes. The way he explained it to me makes perfect sense. Westerville is a community of Irish immigrants. Lots of folks support Catholic education and want to participate in activities like this. The fundraiser is being held in conjunction with two other churches in the area, and the proceeds will be evenly divided between the three local schools. He’s confident.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. Professionally speaking, he needs a passion infusion.”
    Maeve’s gaze bounced to Siobhan. “Did you just make that up?”
    “I did!” Siobhan preened. “Isn’t it fabulous?”
    Not if Liam was hurting. Aileen’s radar hiked up and started to blip. “What do you mean? Passion infusion?”
    “He’s been frustrated by his job, but hasn’t said much beyond that. He’s couching things, the way he always does. Zion’s Peak is a great label; they treat him well. He loves what he’s doing, but says he’s frustrated. I think it’s the culture of the media more than the job itself. Maybe this will help.”
    So, that was Liam’s purpose in sponsoring and recruiting for the fundraiser. A professional quest. Aileen didn’t blame him in the least. In fact, she could relate to the longing he probably felt to find his footing and move forward with impact and discover what should come next in life.
    Nevertheless, Aileen experienced a painful twitch. Obviously, that was the reason why Liam had regarded her with such focus and intent during Mass at Holy Spirit and the family gathering afterward. He had been quietly and expertly formulating a friendly ambush. The realization left her with mixed emotions—delight that he had considered the idea with such resolve, and disappointment that his interest stemmed from professional interest rather than romance. Didn’t that just figure?
    “Change in perception starts young. Altering culture starts young. That’s the reason I intend to teach voice and drama.” Maeve joined them in the great room, returning Aileen’s focus to the present. “Lovely work, ladies! The room is taking shape now that the furniture is placed. Anyway, I’m too jaded from my time in the theaters of New York to ever again be wide-eyed and innocent about entertainment. It’s sad, really.”
    Aileen nodded. “Agreed. That’s my plan, too. All of you know how much I wanted to be a performer, but I think God can use us as teachers to help transform perspectives just like Maeve said.”
    “Or, are we afraid of taking a risk? A true leap of faith?”
    Kassidy, ever the challenger, ever the one to take life by the tail and hang on for the ride, issued that question, and her answer was silence and the undivided attention of three startled women.
    “KC, you make a great point.” Aileen watched Kassidy shrug and go shy and soft. So typical of this strong-minded, but gentle-hearted lady. Aileen adored the way Kassidy had flourished over the years.
    “Still, what are we talking about, really?” Kassidy dusted her hands against her jeans. “This is strictly for fun. It’s not like we’re going to become billion-dollar rock stars or anything!”
    A chorus of howling laughter