Free Saving Grace (Madison Falls) by Lesley Ann McDaniel Page A

York.
    “Have you ever auditioned here?” The woman directed her serious query at Grace as she handed over her carefully counted change and picked up a cookie with a white cocktail napkin. “You look like you’d make a good little actress.”
    “No.” Grace turned her focus to the next customer in line in hopes of discouraging dialogue. “Acting is quite a skill.”
    The couple nodded in the apparent belief that they were engaged in a serious discussion of the arts.
    “Well, everyone here acts a good part.” The woman took a delicate bite of her cookie. “We’re lucky to have so much talent right here in Madison Falls.”
    Grace breathed a little easier as she served a root beer to the last patron in line. With the pressure off, she felt slightly more forthcoming with the chatty couple. “What about all the people behind the scenes?” Her question was met with blank stares.
    “What do you mean?” The sport-jacketed man took a swig of his cola and looked at Grace as though she was about to let him in on some sort of theatrical secret.
    “Well, you know…” She flicked her bangs from her eyes. Her interest in teaching an impromptu stagecraft class was practically zero. “The stage crew, the stage managers. Front of house staff. All the designers and light and sound board operators. Not to mention the director and producers. It takes a lot of people to put together a production, even a small one.”
    The woman eyed her intently, swallowing her last bite of cookie. “All these actors are so good.”
    Grace let out a sigh as the end-of-intermission chime sounded and the couple exchanged a look of lottery-winner merriment. She shook her head and watched them go, before turning to examine the mess she’d created. Her head ached, but at least tonight she hadn’t run out of change and no one had shouted at her.
    “You have a nice way with people.”
    She jerked around at the sound of Devon’s voice. She hadn’t even noticed him standing in the lobby.
    “I’m sorry.” He approached, his hands raised in contrition. “I’ll have to start announcing myself.”
    She eased into a relaxed chuckle. “I guess I’m just jumpy by nature. Can I get you anything?”
    “Actually, I’m hoping that you can rescue me from that torture to end all tortures called ‘stagehand coffee’.”
    “ Oh horrible. Catastrophe appalling .” She put her hand to her throat in mock dismay as she lilted one of her favorite lines.
    He arched an eyebrow. “So you’re familiar with Pirates . Why didn’t you audition? I could use another daughter who actually looks younger than the Major General.”
    Warmth crept up her neck. “I…couldn’t. I just…”
    Devon tipped a knowing gaze. “Now, don’t lie to me. You’re a singer. I could tell the first time we met.”
    Her heart slammed against her ribs, threatening to break right through. “Me? I…”
    He held up a hand. “No use denying it. I’ve directed opera.” He leaned in, assuming a confidential tone. “A well-trained voice can’t be easily disguised.”
    She sunk into her shoulders, her manner modest. “Oh.”
    A kind smile caressed his lips. “Don’t worry.” He winked. “I won’t pressure you till I’m desperate for a decent soprano. Right now all I ask is for a decent cappuccino.”
    She drew in a breath, relieved at the change of subject but oddly comforted by his keen perception. “I’m so sorry.” She cuffed the counter with her palm. “I told Nancy this stand needs coffee.”
    “And you’re right.” He mimicked her gesture. “I’m taking it up with the management.” As he moved his hand away, it brushed against her arm.
    Her knees buckled. This man was even more handsome than she’d remembered, with penetrating blue eyes, and perfect features could have been carved from granite. He exuded something that Grace had always thought of as 'presence.’
    His gaze grew distant. “That’s one of the things I miss the most about New York.”
    Her