Skyville Boys Read online

  Carter

  “No!” Kara nearly yell-laughs, the sound bouncing off the auditorium walls. “It’s way too embarrassing.”

  “Aw, come on! Your life is so exciting. You probably have so many fun stories to tell.” My fingers lightly tiptoe on the keys.

  “I’d rather keep the embarrassing ones to myself,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest. She’s trying to look serious, but her eyes are a dead giveaway. She’s amused.

  “But the embarrassing ones are the best,” I urge. “Those are the kinds that will make it into history books.”

  She throws her hands up. “I can’t believe you’re making me do this.”

  She has so much life in her face. Her striking blue eyes shine like she’s got stars behind them. Stars for a Starr. Okay, that sounds lame even in my head. Still, it’s the perfect description. I haven’t seen her smile or laugh this much, and I wish she’d carry it around always. It makes her look even more beautiful than she already is.

  “Admit the story is bursting to come out of you,” I say with my own smile.

  “Fine, maybe. No one knows this other than the people involved, and my parents. I haven’t even told my sister because I know she’ll tease me about it for the rest of my life.”

  “Your sister…Kitty? She’s on Broadway, too, right?”

  “Haven’t you heard of ‘Broadway’s Sweetheart?’”

  My eyebrows lift. “Is that what they call her?”

  “Yeah, because she’s raised nearly 100,000 dollars for charity since she took the stage five months ago.”

  My jaw practically sweeps the floor. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. She has the biggest heart I know.”

  “Wow. I have a sister around her age. She’d love her.”

  “Everyone loves Kitty. She just has that personality.”

  My fingers slide across the keys. “What were we talking about before?”

  She purses her lips and shrugs. “No idea.”

  Okay, Kara Starr is an amazing actress, but I can see right through her lie. “Oh, you’re so not getting off the hook. Can I please hear that embarrassing story?”

  “Ugh!” She throws her hands up again. “I almost dodged it. Okay, fine. But you have to promise you’ll tell me an equally embarrassing story and that you won’t tease me for the rest of my life.”

  I hold out my hand. “Promise.”

  We shake. Then she sits back in her seat and takes a deep breath. “It was during my run in Annie. I think it was my second week…yeah, because I was still super excited. Was I nervous?” She taps her chin. “No, I don’t think I got nervous when I was younger. I just loved singing and performing and making people happy. Anyway, I wasn’t feeling well the whole day. I told my mom when she picked me up from school that I didn’t feel right and she suggested I take the night off. That’s what understudies are for. But I wanted to perform. It was only my second week and I alternated Molly’s role with another girl, which meant I only did two or three shows a week. That wasn’t enough for me. So I put on a brave, determined face and told my mom I could do it. I was fine for the rest of the evening and as I was getting ready for the show, but right before I was set to walk onto stage, I felt extremely nauseous. I’m the kind of person who puts one hundred percent into everything. Mind over matter, right? But then…”

  “Don’t tell me you puked on stage in front of all those people.”

  She holds out her hand. “No. I could feel it coming up during the scene, and I did all I could to keep it down. And that scene involved some singing and dancing. By some miracle I kept it down. The scene ended and I ran off stage. And then I puked all over the place.”

  “Aw, you poor thing. You must have been so cute, all embarrassed and wanting to disappear.”

  “I was mortified. Everyone was so sweet, though,” she says. “They called my mom right away. I think it was a stomach bug or something. I was fine the next day, but I had that night off anyway. My friend Abbey got all the kids to make me Get Well Soon cards, and I was surprised to find the entire cast and crew signed their names, too. You can imagine how a little kid like me felt.”

  “It sounds awesome. Not that you were sick. I mean the other part.”

  She smiles as her eyes get a faraway look. “People who work in theater are amazing. That’s one of the things I love most about my job. Well, I mean my old job, I guess.”

  A cloud crawls over her face. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her why she quit and moved out here, but I have a feeling she’d rather keep this to herself. It’s not like I want to advertise my issues.

  “Your turn,” she says.

  I lean back in my seat. “How can I top that story?” I tap my fingers on the piano keys. “I have…no, that’s way too embarrassing.”

  Her eyes light up. “What? You have to tell me!” She grabs hold of my arm and tugs. “Come on, Carter.”

  I freeze for a second as an electric spark jolts up my body. Whoa. I’ve never felt anything like that before.

  She must not have felt it because she continues to tug on my arm. She pouts and gives me a puppy dog look. “I have three younger sisters,” I tease. “The pouty lips and puppy dog eyes don’t work on me.”

  She bats her eyelashes and pouts even further.

  Why does it burn where she’s touching me?

  I shift in my seat and pull my arm free. “Okay, fine. Here goes. I was upset at my parents because…huh, I don’t even remember. I was so pissed I didn’t want to go home from school. I begged my teacher to take me home with her. Of course she laughed it off. But I was adamant and I snuck into her car and went home with her. She didn’t even realize until I followed her into her house. She immediately called my parents and my, uh…” I clear my throat and shift in my seat again. “My dad picked me up. He was so worried and told me how worried my mom was and he couldn’t stop hugging me. But I was still pissed at him. So I clung onto my teacher’s leg and refused to go home. She had to bribe me with candy.”

  Kara bursts into giggles. “That’s not embarrassing. It’s actually really cute.”

  I raise my eyes to the ceiling and sigh. “If I was anything like my sister, I feel really bad for my parents.”

  “Is your sister that bad?”

  “She’s adorable. I love her to death. But man is she a handful. For the last three days she’s been wearing her pajama bottoms to school. I’m worried her teacher will send a note home.”

  “My sister had a similar phase, except she insisted on wearing the same outfit every day. My parents gave in because they were just so exhausted. She stunk so bad!”

  I laugh. “And then what? She eventually grew out of it?”

  “Yeah, kids grow out of these things. Don’t worry about it, she’ll probably have another phase next week.” Her eyes move over my face. “What do your parents say about it?”

  I shift in my seat for a third time, then start playing a light tune. “My dad’s not really in the picture. And my mom works a lot.”

  “It’s so great that you’re stepping in. You’re probably such a good brother.”

  “I hope,” I say, more to myself than to her. I clear my throat. “Wanna try another song?”

  “Sure.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Kara

  Mom, Dad, and Kitty are set to arrive Friday night to spend the whole weekend here, though Mom will have to drive back a little early on Saturday for her evening show. Grandma and I are in the kitchen trying to cook a grand meal in their honor. Grandma has no skills and I’m barely decent. That doesn’t yield positive results.

  “Good thing we can sing,” Grandma mutters as she stares down at the burned food in the pot, which was supposed to be sweet and sour chicken.

  I laugh just as my phone buzzes. The name Bert Raymond flashes on my screen. “Ugh, it’s my agent.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll clean up and order takeout.”

  I’ve been avoiding my agent all week because I know he won’t giv
e up begging until I agree to return to New York City. It’s no secret that I’m one of his most successful clients. He’s done so much for me, and it’s hard to say no to him.

  I plop down on the living room couch and answer, “Hey, Bert.”

  “So you finally decided to answer your phone, eh?”

  He doesn’t sound pissed. Bert’s not the kind of person to lose his cool. He does sound disappointed, though. And frustrated.

  “I’ve been busy,” I say. “New town, new school…”

  “Uh huh. Listen Kara, I have an amazing opportunity for you.”

  I shut my eyes for second. Here it comes.

  “You’ll love me for this. It wasn’t easy getting this for you, but I pulled some strings and voila!”

  “Bert, I told you when I left New York—”

  “You haven’t even asked what the audition is for.”

  “I don’t want to know.”

  “Yes, you do. Because you’ve been dreaming about this.”

  I gasp. “You don’t mean…”

  “No, my darling. You’re still way too young for Wicked.”

  “That was cruel, Bert. Really cruel. Fine, what’s the audition for?”

  “They’re doing a revival for…drum roll please…”

  “Bert…”

  “Carrie: The Musical!”

  I sit up in my seat, clutching my phone. “Really? Carrie?”

  “And I managed to snag you an audition for the lead.”

  I fall back in my seat. “That really would be a dream come true. Carrie’s on my top ten dream role list.”

  “I know that. Why do you think I worked my butt off trying to get you an audition?”

  I release a shaky breath. “Bert, I’m not ready. I can’t…” I swallow. “It’s too soon. I just moved here.”

  “Kara,” he says in a gentle tone. “I understand why you left. I’m worried about your safety, too. But opportunities like this don’t come often. Nor do they wait for you to return to New York. Another girl will snatch the role.”

  “I know.” My voice still wobbles.

  He sighs. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. You know what? Forget about Carrie. I’ll try to get you a Hollywood audition.”

  “No. I want to stay here with my grandmother.”

  “You’re running, Kara.”

  “I just want to keep a low profile.”

  “For how long?”

  “I don’t know.”

  He sighs in frustration.

  “Are you going to drop me?” I ask.

  “Of course not! You’re my favorite client.”

  “I’m sure you say that to all your clients.”

  “No, I mean it. You have talent, Kara. I hate seeing you throw it all away because of some jerk.”

  My breathing gets a little heavy. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

  “Kara—”

  The doorbell rings, and Grandma answers it. Mom, Dad, and Kitty pile inside. My little sister leaps next to me on the sofa and throws her arms around me.

  “I have to go, Bert,” I say. “Forget about the auditions. Please, give me some time.” I hang up before he can change my mind.

  “Was that your agent?” Kitty asks as she bounces on the sofa. “Did he get you an audition?”

  “Why does it smell like you burned something?” Mom asks as she shrugs out of her jacket.

  “Because we did,” I say.

  “Mom, you know you can’t cook,” Mom says with a laugh.

  “Some of it is edible,” she says.

  “Ka-ra.” Kitty tugs on my arm. “Did he get you an audition?”

  “Mom, did you know they’re reviving Carrie?” I ask.

  “I heard something about that.” She sits down in the recliner.

  Kitty squeals. “Bert got you an audition for Carrie? That’s so cool! I wanna play a pissed-off telekinetic girl who—”

  “I turned it down,” I say.

  “Kara!” Her fists pummel into me. “You’re so lame! Other people would kill for that role!”

  Dad scoops her into his arms and deposits her on the floor. “Kitty, please give your sister some space.”

  “I’m out of a job, you know,” Kitty says with a huff as she plops on another chair.

  “You have three auditions lined up,” Mom says.

  “Yeah so?”

  Mom turns to Grandma. “When are you headed to California?”

  “Monday morning. I’m not sure how long I’ll be out there. Kara told me she’s fine being here alone.”

  Mom and Dad lock eyes on me. “Are you sure?” they ask.

  “Yeah,” I say, ignoring the way my blood rushes through my body. “Grandma’s been prepping for this for months and her fans are super excited. I’ll be fine.”

  “I can stay with you for a few days,” Dad muses. “I’ll have to ask time off from work—”

  “Dad, I’m sixteen. I’ll be fine.”

  Maybe if I say it long enough, I won’t feel so nervous. I’m not really, though, just slightly concerned. He could find me. But I’m just being paranoid. There’s no way he could know where I am—Grandma hasn’t made public where she lives. And even if he did find out somehow, would he really come?

  He ruined my life. I won’t let him do the same to Grandma’s.

  “Anyone starving?” I ask. “Let’s eat!”

  ***

  “These posters have been hanging here forever,” Kitty says as she wanders around my room. “Time for new ones? Not Wicked, though.” She kisses it. “You, my queen, will rule forever and ever, at least until after I’m old enough to play Elphaba.” She leaps onto the bed near me. “So who’s playing the Beast? Is he hot? He has to be hot. But the Beast wears a mask for like the whole musical, so I guess he doesn’t have to be that hot. But is he hot?”

  I laugh. “Slow down, Kitty. You’re like a bouncing ball.”

  “Maybe because I missed you?” She throws her arms around me and squeezes so tightly I can’t breathe. “Video chatting is not the same. Are you sure you don’t want to move back?”

  “No one will be moving anywhere if I can’t breathe.”

  “Oh. Sorry.” She loosens her grip, but not completely. “Should I stop begging?”

  “Sorry, but yeah, I’m staying here for a while.”

  She leans back and scowls. “Fine. So is he hot or what?”

  I roll my eyes. “The Beast’s hot. Will you be able to sleep at night now?”

  “Have you guys kissed yet?”

  “No! We’ll kiss at the performance. Miss Lewis wants it to feel authentic and real.”

  “Romantic. And then he’ll become your boyfriend.”

  I shake my head with a smile. “What about you?”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah.” I playfully slap her arm. “Do you have a crush on anyone?”

  Her face turns bright red. “No.”

  “You totally do! Who is he?”

  Her gaze drops to my bedspread. “A guy who was in School of Rock.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Ricky Pomello. He used to come into the girls’ dressing room every day to steal some of my candy. So he gave me a whole box of my favorite candy on my last night.”

  “That’s so cute!”

  “Stop. You sound just like Mom. Anyway, Shelby Fitzgerald has a crush on him, so there’s no point.”

  “What does Shelby Fitzgerald have on you?”

  “She’s pretty.”

  “You’re pretty.”

  “No, Kara. You’re the pretty sister. I’m the talented one.”

  I chuck my pillow at her.

  “Fine, I was kidding about the talent,” she says. “But not the pretty part.”

  “What are you talking about? You’re beautiful.”

  “No. My nose is getting too big. And I have a zit. Ugh, can you believe it? Puberty is just around the corner.”

  I wrap my arm around her. “You’re beautiful, Kitty. Inside and out.
You’re one of the nicest people I know, and you have the biggest heart in the world. A guy will appreciate those things about you.”

  “I know. I have these talks with Mom and Dad all the time. But it’s not so easy when the guy is right there but has his eyes on the pretty girl.”

  I play with her hair. “I hate that you’re already feeling this way. You’re only eleven.”

  She shrugs. “I’ll survive. I have theater to keep me happy. And my awesome family and friends. And my fans.”

  I kiss her cheek. “You’re going to be okay. You’re so strong.”

  “You’re strong, too, Kara. But you forgot.”

  I continue playing with her hair. “You see life differently when you grow up. You see things you haven’t noticed before. You get hurt by things that didn’t hurt you in the past.” I squeeze her close to me. “But not you, Kitty Kat. I want you to stay strong. To get even stronger than you already are.”

  “Okay…”

  “Wanna sing some Beauty and the Beast songs with me?”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice!”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kara

  “I owe the owner of the nightclub a favor,” Grandma says as she follows me into the kitchen, where I get a banana.

  Mom, Dad, and Kitty left a few hours ago because Kitty’s agent got her a last minute audition for a movie. I’m a little upset that they left so soon, but that’s how things are sometimes.

  “I was hoping to squeeze it in tomorrow night before I head out for California the next morning,” Grandma continues. “But I won’t have the energy to carry the night myself.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “You want me to sing with you?”

  “It’s long overdue, don’t you think?”

  I groan and lean against the counter.

  “All the kids in the musical can hear you sing but not your grandmother?”

  “I just…I don’t want to bring attention to myself.”

  “And you won’t,” she assures me. “We’ll make sure no one snaps photos or takes videos.”

  I sigh.

  “C’mon, Kara. When’s the last time we sang together?”

  I think for a minute. “I don’t remember.”

  “Point made.”