She paused a moment for applause, then launched intoOh, Holy Night. The choir sang with abandon. At one point, she thought she heard a giggle but ignored it rather than mess up her playing. She was years out of practice, but by all that was holy, she loved playing. She needed to do it more.
As she played the line, ‘Fall on your knees,’ she heard a thunk. The crowd roared with laughter. She risked a fast glance at the risers. Three of the boys in the front row were on their knees.
Her fingers stumbled again; she focused on finding her place. The choir sang, though their voices were light with unspent laughter. The crowd settled, and she risked a glance at the boys. They were back on their feet, acting like nothing had happened. Little stinkers.
Thoughtfully, someone had moved the mic closer to the piano. Following the song, she introduced Amy, who read a short Christmas poem. Hans read a short story, and they were back to singing.
Finally, they were at the nativity scene. Almost done, and she hadn’t butchered anything too badly. She made the introduction, returned to her stool, and turned to face the stage to watch.
The play began with two boys reading the script as the cast acted it out. The audience was dead silent. She heard a familiar tapping sound and spun her head toward the wings. Chantal, dressed as an angel, halo and all, made her way toward center stage.
Joy’s heart stopped. Her vision went blurry.Dammit, Seth. Why did you do this? Why did you put my daughter in danger?He was going to pay for this. She sucked in a breath and gripped her thighs to keep from running to Chantal’s side. If she got hurt or embarrassed, she’d kill Seth.
Chantal reached center stage and shrugged apologetically at Joy. Her smile was a hundred miles wide. She’d never seen her daughter happier. She was glowing. In a high clear voice, she recited her simple lines. She stood straight and strong, grinning until the short skit was wrapped up. She walked off the stage. The entire crowd rose to their feet, giving the children a standing ovation.
Joy sat, stunned, until Seth cleared his throat. She turned and launched into the last two songs. Somehow, between her anger with Seth, and her delight at how Chantal had done, she wrapped up her comments and directed the families and guests to the school’s food service classroom for snacks and beverages.
Chapter Ten
Sethbracedhimselfforthe storm that was coming. He’d seen the fury on Joy’s face and had to admire her for not rushing to Chantal’s side as she usually did. She’d kept her seat and let her daughter take a chance.
He waited with Chantal in the far corner of the enormous room, which featured four full kitchens.
“Mama’s gonna be mad,” she said, her tone totally matter of fact, and not particularly worried.
“Yup.”
“What should I do?” A hint of nervousness crept into her tone.
Good question. “What do you think you should do?” he asked, trying to buy some time to figure out his explanation.
“I don’t wanna apologize,” she said. “I wanted to do it, and I did. I was good.”
Seth laughed. “Yes, you were.”
Jenny strode over to them. “Well done, Chantal. You were wonderful. You should be very proud of yourself. Seth, that was a brave and possibly stupid thing you did with Chantal. I hope Joy gets over it. I saw the anger on her face.”
The man in the wheelchair rolled up, his nurse right behind him. “Well done,” the old man wheezed. “I’m Chris Watson. This here’s Maddie.” He jabbed a thumb at the nurse.
Seth said, “Pleased to meet you both.” He shook hands with Maddie, then with the old man who had a ridiculously firm grip for a guy his age. Likely from pushing his chair.
Chris turned his attention to Chantal, praising her performance. Seth talked with Maddie, discussing the show and the train trip.
“I’m really enjoying myself,” she said. “I’m glad Chris hired me to be his caregiver.” She leaned close. “He’s quite the pip, this one.” She laughed.
Seth glanced at the old man again. His clothing was neat, though not new, and his shoes were well worn. He must have owned them before he lost the use of his legs.
“How did you hurt yourself?” Chantal asked. The question almost echoed Seth’s thoughts.
The old man laughed. “Old age, sweetheart. And a war injury. I was a soldier.”
“Oh.” The child clearly didn’t know what to say.
“What regiment?” Seth asked. He had friends who had served.
Chris waved off the question and said, “Oh, look. Isn’t that your mom? She doesn’t look happy.”
Joy stormed across the room, dodging people without taking her eyes off Seth. No chance of escaping. It was time to pay the piper.
