Page 83 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

Damien glanced up from his computer, and his smile immediately put her at ease. “Charlie Ward,” he said, standing up to greet her. “You made it. I was worried you might have gotten caught in a bout of bad weather.”

“Actually, I just managed to miss it.”

He came forward, and she shook his hand. “Perfect timing. I think the orchestra was just starting to warm up.”

Charlie would have liked to have had a couple days in the city to settle in before starting rehearsals, but being thrown into the thick of things brought her back to her days of covering off-ensemble roles and filling understudy parts. Sometimes these things were easier when you didn’t overthink anything. All she had to do was pick up the sheet music and sing.

Damien guided her from the office. “I’ll walk you out and introduce you to our conductor.”

“That’d be great.”

“I think most of our other performers are here,” he said. “We’ll run through the program a bunch between now and the end of the month, in between everyone’s holiday time. That way you’re all ready to help usher in the new year.”

“I’m really excited,” Charlie said. “Thank you again for the opportunity.”

“We’re glad to have you.” Damien slipped through a door and onto a brightly lit stage filled with dozens of black chairs.

Charlie took a deep breath as familiarity settled over her. The strings were circled around the conductor’s podium, the violinists tuning their instruments. Behind them were the winds and then the brass, with the timpani, percussion, piano and harp filling the space. Some of the musicians were already seated, reviewing their sheet music. Others stood and chatted casually, their conversations carrying in low murmurs.

In a way, it felt like no time had passed. Standing among the musicians was like putting on her most comfortable shoes.

Then she spotted a group of people gathered at the far end of the stage. It was the other performers. Charlie recognized every single one of them. Their combined star power made her stomach churn.

There was Eleanor Hardy, one of theatre’s oldest and most endearing leading ladies; Dustin Brink, a former Phantom; the hilariously comedic Katie Parrish. And rounding them out was Annette McDonald, a soprano that Charlie had looked up to ever since she was a little girl.

She couldn’t believe she was sharing space with this crowd. Breathing the same air. Standing in front of the same mic stand. She was actually going to pass out. But first she needed to find something for them to autograph. Would that be weird?

Stare less, she told herself. Focus on the music. Be professional.

Tom would have had a good chuckle over her fangirling.

“Just let me go find our conductor,” Damien said, hurrying off.

Charlie waited there, taking everything in. But before she could get a hold of herself, Annette walked over.

Oh, God, Charlie thought. Charlie. Charlie Ward. Remember your own name. Do not make a fool of yourself!

“Hi there,” Annette called. “I don’t think I’ve introduced myself yet.”

“Oh, trust me,” Charlie said. “I know who you are.” Annette reached her hand out, and Charlie shook it. “I am a very big fan.”

Annette smiled sweetly. “Well, you’ve made a fan of me, too. I thought your performance with the Glendale Shakers was wonderful.”

Charlie’s eyes widened. “You saw that video?”

“Multiple times. My daughters showed it to me. What a special thing you were able to accomplish. I was so impressed. I hope I’m as vibrant and full of energy at their age.”

“They are pretty special,” Charlie agreed. She was touched by Annette’s comments and a little amazed that they were having this conversation in the first place. She was also very aware that she had this opportunity because of the choir. She owed them a lot, and a flash of guilt surged through her.

But the choir was in good hands. They had Gram and Julian at the helm.

“How’d you get involved?” Annette asked.

“Oh, er… My grandmother moved into the retirement community,” Charlie explained. “I was actually helping her get settled and ran into an old friend who works as the activities director there.” Much more than a friend? “Next thing I knew I was directing a choir.”

Annette laughed. “Isn’t that how we stumble upon the best things in life? By chance?”

Charlie’s answer got caught in her throat. She cleared it, but before she could say anything else, Damien was calling them over. He introduced Charlie to the conductor, the musicians took their places, and then they jumped right into the music.