Page 81 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

“A break? Now I’m really worried,” he teased.

Diane gave him a wane smile. “Chaos never ends. Not even for the holidays. But I figured I should pop down to get an early viewing. I’ve gotta do Christmas Eve shenanigans at my sister’s, so we’ll be heading off before the competition.”

“I’m glad you’re getting away,” Julian said.

“I’ve allowed myself two days. I’ll be back on Boxing Day if you need anything.”

“We’ll be fine,” Julian told her. “You should take the week. I’ll make sure Glendale is still standing when you’re back.” It wasn’t like he had anywhere else to be. He hadn’t celebrated the holidays with either of his parents in years.

Diane pretended to shiver. “Being away that long would give me anxiety. I’d start having panic dreams, and my husband would send me back to work.”

Julian laughed. “Well, it was nice of you to stop by. I know the residents will appreciate it. We’re on in about…” he checked his phone “…fifteen minutes.” A barbershop quartet took the stage. “Speaking of, I should probably round the residents up. Make sure we don’t derail the production.” He also had to find Maggie and Harriet and Doris. If Doris wasn’t on the piano, he really didn’t know what he was going to do.

“I heard about Charlie leaving,” Diane said suddenly. “That’s unfortunate timing. But it sounds like she’s got some big opportunities in New York City.”

“Really big.” The words soured in his mouth. He didn’t begrudge Charlie stardom or fame. She was destined for bigger things than Glendale. And, he supposed, that meant bigger things than him, too. But hearing the words out loud stole his breath away.

“Next up!” he heard Heather call as she raced across the stage, waving a volunteer after her to fix the mic stand.

Julian’s heart stuttered against his ribs, and he resisted the urge to rub his chest. “That’s probably our cue,” he told Diane. “I better get them onstage before Heather blacklists Glendale from our favorite workshops.”

Diane nodded. “Break a leg or whatever they say.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. A little birdie told me that Frank’s being discharged.”

Julian’s eyes widened, his mood soaring at the news. “He’s getting out of the hospital?”

“Should be back at Glendale tonight. Charge nurse said there’s no reason why he can’t be onstage with the choir tomorrow.”

“That’s amazing news!” Exactly the kind of positive update he needed right now. He had to stop himself from looking around to tell Charlie. “Everyone will be stoked to have him back.”

“I won’t hold you much longer. I just wanted you to know that I am so impressed with what you’ve managed to accomplish here.”

“Thanks, Diane.”

“I know it’s a long shot, but win or lose, you’ve done everything you could to make this music program a reality for the residents.”

He nodded. Right now, he felt like a failure on a lot of fronts, so he appreciated her saying that. “I just really have to go and get the—”

“One more quick thing.” Diane said. “There’s an administrator role opening up at Glendale. Marlene is retiring unexpectedly.”

“Marlene’s been here forever,” Julian said. She was the general manager. She also worked very closely with Diane.

“She has,” Diane agreed. “But with her husband retiring last year and all the grandkids coming around, she’s decided she wants to leave earlier than planned. By February, in fact. So it’s time for someone new to step into her role. I’ve been mulling over who to hire, and I think I’d really like you to apply for the job, Julian.”

His jaw dropped. “Me?”

“It’s a different kind of role from the one you’re currently doing—I know that—but I think you’ve proven how driven and adaptable you are. I need someone who’s a go-getter. I also need someone who’s dependable. Someone who genuinely cares about this community. And it’s never been more obvious to me that that person is you.”

“I, uh…” Wow. “I don’t really know what to say.” It would mean stepping away from his role as activities director and spending less hands-on time with the residents.

“It comes with a decent salary bump,” Diane said with a cheeky grin. “And the residents are always telling me to give you a raise.”

Julian laughed. “Let me guess. Maggie?”

“She’s in my office at least once a week.”