Free Carousel Nights by Amie Denman Page A

special.”
    Gloria nodded, helping June sift through the costumes and hang them on waiting racks backstage. The Broadway revue June had produced required three costume changes, all of them lightning-quick. June’s favorite costumes were the ones with feathers and boas, reminiscent of the glamorous big musicals of the middle of the twentieth century.
    â€œThe top hats were tough,” Gloria said as she lined up tuxedos with tails on the rack. “I had to send back the first ones we ordered because they were cheap-looking. And they shouldn’t have been,” she huffed, “considering the amount we paid for them.”
    June had paired elegant red evening gowns with the tuxedos, and she pictured herself wearing one and dancing to the Broadway medley she’d choreographed. It would be so nice to dance in her own show, but this summer was about helping Starlight Point while also helping herself. Resting her knee was her smartest move if she wanted to grab as many years of the spotlight in New York as she could.
    She’d get her chance to sparkle on stage in a few short months. If she got the part of her dreams, a lead in White Christmas , it would take her through the fall and holiday seasons and showcase her ability to sing and dance. That role would open doors for the rest of her career. And that show had amazing costumes from the World War II era, a period of Broadway musicals she truly loved.
    â€œSeems to me that planning shows is a real talent of yours,” Gloria said. “In addition to singing and dancing.”
    June smiled and warmth spread across her cheeks. Gloria had always been a part of her life, almost like an aunt. A somewhat grouchy aunt who was difficult to please.
    â€œI sat in on a rehearsal yesterday,” Gloria continued, “and this is the best we’ve ever seen at the Point. Of course I’ve only been doing costumes twenty-five years, so what do I know.” She pulled out a red tomato stuffed with pins and draped a measuring tape around her neck. “But I think it’s obvious these shows are going to be a tough act to follow for whoever’s in charge next year.”
    June draped a red sequined gown over her arm. The heat drained from her cheeks when she realized the direction Gloria was heading with her praise.
    â€œJust saying it’s a shame you won’t be around next year,” Gloria added, patting June’s arm. “But I know you’re after the big prize. You won’t win a Tony Award burying your light here at Starlight Point.”
    Gloria pulled a pair of sewing scissors from her apron pocket and clipped a loose thread from the dress over June’s arm. June scooped more costumes and accessories from the waist-high bin, organizing them according to act and dancer. Methodically, she slipped costumes on hangers and lined them up on the bar. She didn’t resent Gloria’s questions. It was hard to be offended by someone who’d made her first ballet costumes two decades ago and had been a friend and mentor all her life. And Gloria understood...right? June had gone so far, but she wasn’t done yet. Why come within an arm’s length of your dream and not grab it ?
    â€œYou better use these for dress rehearsal later today,” Gloria said. “If there’s a problem, we’ll be working all night to fix it.”
    â€œSorry to cut it so close,” June said. “I took on a lot, and I know I’ve made more work for you, too.”
    â€œI don’t even want to hear about your parade costumes for at least a week,” Gloria said.
    June laughed. “I think I can promise it will be a while. Mel is not enthusiastic about fixing up one of the old beer trucks for a parade float. I’m not sure he’ll do it at all.”
    Gloria cocked her head to the side. “He may not be excited about it, but I think he’s working on it anyway. He came in to wardrobe early this morning