Page 53 of A Whim and a Prayer

“I know. Just not the way that I want.”

She opened the door and scooted out, bending in to study him with affection. “It’ll turn out, you’ll see. Because the truth is, friend or more, Winnie would be absolutely lost without you, Beck, and I think she just needs time to realize that.” Giving a wave, she closed the door and jogged all the way to her front porch.

His smile was sad as he put the car into gear. “That’s what I’m counting on, Abs,” he whispered while he glanced behind to pull away from the curb.

Not to mention praying ...

Chapter Thirty-Four

“Goodness, after that performance on stage tonight, Winifred Dennehy, I was sure you’d want to ride home with Beck.” Glancing at Winnie with a gleam in her eyes, Mrs. Cullen turned on the ignition of her Nash 600 sedan.

Heat toasted Winnie’s cheeks as she turned to stare out her side window, unwilling for Mrs. C to know just how much that statement bothered her. For pity’s sake, if Mrs. C saw an attraction between her and Beck, then everybody had to see it. Which just meant Winnie had to move fast if she wanted to squelch any rumors. “Well, normally I would, Mrs. C,” she said with a timid glance her way, “because Beck is my best friend, but there are a few things I wanted to discuss with you.”

Mrs. C shot her another look, her smile more than curious. “A best friend and nothing more? Because you sure had me fooled, Winnie, and everyone else in the audience tonight.”

An awkward giggle slipped from Winnie’s lips as she hugged her purse in her lap. “Yes, just a best friend and nothing more. One of the connections between Beck and me has always been drama, so when we get a chance to perform, we give it our all.”

Mrs. C chuckled as she exited the parking lot. “And then some, I’d say, so good job, young lady!” She slowly merged into traffic before tossing another look Winnie’s way. “So, what’s on your mind tonight, Winnie?”

Grateful for the change of subject, Winnie sucked in a deep draw of air and slowly released it again before peeking at Mrs. C out of the corner of her eyes. “I just wanted you to know, Mrs. C, just how much I appreciate your mentorship in drama because I truly love performing on stage.”

“And it clearly shows,” Mrs. C said with an affectionate smile, “more than anyone I’ve ever seen. You were born for the theatre, young lady, and I am blessed to be your teacher.”

“Likewise, Mrs. C. No teacher has ever had more of an effect on me than you, so I’m blessed too.” She paused, fiddling with the strap of her purse. “Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Mrs. C shot another quick look her way. “Yes?”

Winnie shifted to face her, adrenaline suddenly rushing through her veins. “After tonight’s performance, I decided I want to get more involved in the arts, so I was wondering”—she grated her lip—“if maybe … possibly … you could help me get involved in”—she gulped—“The Footlight Club.”

Mrs. C turned with an open-mouthed smile. “Seriously? You want to be a member of The Footlight Club?”

Winnie nodded. “Yes, ma’am, more than anything right now.”

“But Radcliffe has a wonderful drama department, Winnie, and you’re a cinch to get any role you’d want in productions put on by The Radcliffe Idler or The Harvard–Radcliffe Dramatic Club.”

“Yes, and I’ve participated in both of those as well … but The Footlight Club!” Winnie clasped her hands to her chest, pretty sure she was glowing with excitement. “To be a member of one of Boston’s most revered community theatres—a literal community-theatre landmark in the country—is a dream of mine. To be a part of a legitimate theatre right here in Boston, just like you, Mrs. C.” She paused to press folded hands to her mouth, truly giddy at the prospect. “And oh my goodness! I heard that Evelyn Faye Houchins may even appear in several shows this season—is that true, Mrs. C? And maybe even Ruth Cook?”

Mrs. C nodded with a chuckle, mention of two of The Footlight Club’s most famous veterans making her grin. “Yes, both Faye and Ruth agreed to star in our production of Arsenic and Old Lace next spring at the ripe old ages of 87 and 88, so you’ll get to meet them if you become a member, Winnie, which will be a real treat.” She leaned in with a hand to her mouth and a twinkle in her eyes, as if sharing a secret. “We call them ‘the Live-Wire Twins,’ you know, because they’re both real characters and absolute hoots!”

Winnie took in another deep breath and unleashed it with a broad grin. “Oh, Mrs. C, I want that more than anything in the world, so can you”—she bit a hangnail on her thumb—“will you … help me?”

It appeared to be Mrs. C’s turn to beam with excitement as she grinned ear to ear. “Of course I’ll help you, Winnie! In fact, there’s no student of mine whom I could recommend more than you. And as a long-standing member of the club myself”—she tossed Winnie a proud smile—“I am honored to sponsor you for membership, young lady.” She paused as she flipped on her blinker to make a turn before refocusing on Winnie once again. “You’re over eighteen, so you’re definitely eligible, although there is a membership fee, of course—”

“Which I will gladly pay,” Winnie interjected.

“It’s just a modest initiation fee in addition to the annual dues to cover building maintenance, costumes, scripts, and productions.”

Winnie nodded vigorously.

“There are monthly meetings where members vote on productions, budgets, governance matters, and new member approvals, and then an annual meeting for elections of officers and board members.”

Winnie’s hands were literally shaking with excitement as she clasped them to her mouth, her joy expanding like a balloon pumped with helium.

“The only concern I have,” Mrs. C said slowly, the bridge of her nose suddenly puckering, “is parental approval because I cannot proceed without that, you understand.”

The balloon popped, causing Winnie to slump back in her seat.

“Do you think that will be a problem?”