Free Acting Up by Kristin Wallace

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    â€œMs. Covington is imminently qualified to…”
    â€œShe’s no more qualified than I am,” Mrs. Turney said, cutting him off. “I cannot believe you would dare to bring that woman into our school, exposing our children to all manner of depravity.”
    He tried again. “Mrs. Turney…”
    â€œI informed you nothing could get in the way of my Lisa realizing her destiny. When she told me what happened, I knew I had to come down here. Obviously you’ve been taken in and don’t realize the danger she poses to our children. She must be removed immediately.”
    â€œAnd you brought along some of your friends?” Ethan asked, indicating the other anxious parents around him.
    â€œI made some calls,” she said. “There are more people on their way now. We demand a meeting so we can hear how you plan to resolve this untenable situation.”
    He felt a headache coming on. “All right. For now could you all please go wait in the hallway?”
    The parents shuffled out of the office with obvious reluctance.
    Nancy appeared at his shoulder. “Mrs. Turney would drive a saint to drink.”
    His lips twitched, but he hid any sign of amusement as he glanced over at his administrative assistant. “Do you have any idea what happened today? Last I heard, everyone was thrilled to have Addison directing this show.”
    â€œThey were, until she cast Michelle Cerillo as the female lead.”
    â€œMichelle Cerillo?” he said in surprise. “She barely says a word to anyone.”
    â€œShe may not talk much, but the girl can sing like an angel apparently. Marjorie Shannon told me the whole theatre was stunned after her audition.”
    â€œWhich must be what has Mrs. Turney up in arms.”
    Nancy lifted a brow. “Far be it from me to criticize a mother trying to protect her child, but that woman needs a hobby.”
    Ethan didn’t quite hide his grin this time. “We need to set up for a meeting. I’ll call Addison and get her down here.”
    â€œIs that wise?” she asked with a worried expression. “It might be best to keep Ms. Covington as far away as possible. If she waltzes in here wearing her designer clothes and a high-and-mighty attitude, she’ll only make their case.”
    Ethan frowned. “Why do you assume Addison would pull a diva act?”
    â€œShe was pretty convincing on House of Fashion ,” Nancy said, doubt in her eyes. “Plus, she did punch her co-star on live TV. Poor girl.”
    â€œA poor girl who stole Addison’s husband,” Ethan pointed out.
    He felt his temper rise and then wondered why he cared. He didn’t know Addison anymore. A week ago he might have said the same things about her. Except a week ago he hadn’t glimpsed the utter devastation in her eyes when she’d overheard the news report about her ex-husband. There had been another one later when she’d watched his brothers with their wives.
    Sure, Addison was an actress, but he didn’t think she was that good at faking emotions. In fact, he was beginning to think there was more to Addison Covington than her public image and scandalous behavior revealed.
    â€œSounds like you’re going to fight to keep Ms. Covington and her female lead,” Nancy said.
    â€œI don’t like being bullied,” he said as picked up the phone and dialed.
    Addison answered on the second ring. “Principal Thomas, to what do I owe this honor? Was I tardy to class today? Perhaps I need a visit to the principal’s office.”
    Her voice flowed through the phone to touch his nerve endings, and he fought back the visceral reaction. He had no time for any reactions. No time to wonder why this confusing, confounding woman intrigued him so much.
    â€œI need you to come to the school,” he said, attempting to block out everything but the situation at hand. If he wasn’t careful, he’d have