Sugar Plums for Dry Creek & At Home in Dry Creek Read Online Free PDF

them. “And parents can watch the classes any time they want. They can even at tend if they want. I’d love to have some older students.”
    The younger man, the one who had hung back on the walk over, moved closer to the open door. He seemed intent on the two children and did not stop until he stood be side them protectively. Lizette noticed that the young boy relaxed a little when the man stood be side him, and the girl reached out her hand to touch the man’s leg. She knew the man wasn’t the children’s father because she’d met that man al ready. Maybe he was their step father. That would explain why the father hadn’t known where the children lived.
    â€œWell, about the students—” The older man cleared his throat and began again. “You see, there might be a problem with students.”
    â€œNo one has to audition or any thing to be in the performances,” Lizette said. She wasn’t sure what was bothering the men, but she wanted them to know she was willing to work with the town. “And public performance is good for children, especially if it’s not competitive.”
    â€œAnyone can be in the play,” the boy said softly.
    The men had all stopped talking to listen to the boy, so they all heard the next words very clearly.
    â€œI’m going to be a Sugar Plum Fairy,” the girl said, and pointed to the costume she’d been admiring.
    Judd swallowed. Amanda never talked to any one but Bobby, and then only in whispers. Who knew all it would take was a sparkly costume to make her want to talk?
    â€œHow much is the costume?” Judd asked the woman in the door way. He didn’t care what figure she named—he’d buy it for Amanda.
    â€œOh, the costumes aren’t for sale,” the woman said. “I’ll need them for the performance, especially if I want to have something ready for Christmas. I won’t have time to make many more costumes.”
    â€œAbout this performance—” The older man said, then cleared his throat.
    Lizette wondered what was bothering the old man, but she didn’t have time to ask him because the younger man was scowling at her.
    â€œSo the only way Amanda can wear this costume is if she’s in your performance?” he asked.
    â€œI wouldn’t say it was my performance.” Lizette felt her patience starting to grow thin. “All of the students will see it as their performance. We work together.”
    â€œAbout the students—” The older man began againand cleared his throat for what must have been the fourth time.
    â€œI’ll sign Amanda up,” the younger man said decisively. “If she signs up first, she should get her pick of the parts, shouldn’t she?”
    â€œWell, I don’t see why she can’t be the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Lizette agreed. After all, Lizette her self would be choreographing the part for the children’s ballet, and could tailor it to Amanda’s skills. She’d just got ten her first student. “She’ll have to practice, of course. And we’ll have to have a few more students to do even a shortened version of the Nutcracker.”
    The younger man squeezed the boy on his shoulder.
    â€œI’ll sign up, too,” the boy offered reluctantly.
    â€œThere—I have two students!” Lizette announced triumphantly. “And I only just hung up my sign.”
    The older man cleared his throat again, but this time he had nothing to say. All of the older men were looking a little stunned. Maybe they were as taken aback as she was by the fierce scowl the younger man was giving them.
    â€œYou might want to see a doctor about the cold you’re get ting,” Lizette finally said to the man who had been trying to talk. “Usually when you have to clear your throat so often, it means a cold is coming on.”
    The older man nodded silently.
    â€œAnd you might ask him about taking up