irritation in check. “Considering I’ve starred on the stages of Des Moines and Chicago as both an actress and a dancer and worked as a choreographer for both solo and ensemble performances these past three years, I’d say this show is lucky to have me.”
The brunette’s lips tightened. “Well then, don’t let little ol’ me get in your way, Miss Hotshot from Iowa. I’m sure Mr. Stuart would love to hear all about it.” She turned away, snagging the other girl’s elbow. “Come on, Gertie. We’d better leave before that pile of hooey stinks up the place.”
“Hooey?” Vi spat as furious retorts gathered on her tongue. Then abruptly she remembered that not only was she supposed to be a squeaky-clean ingenue—not Lily Lamour, queen of the Chicago burlesque stage—this girl might also be Miss Maggio, her purported new best friend. “Wait . . .”
She might as well have been talking to the empty seats.
Lord above, she needed to keep her head in the game. Until Tony’s killer was arrested, her safety and freedom depended on her doing two things: landing the spot in the USO show and befriending Miss Maggio—and not getting kicked out of the USO for moral deficiency. Okay, so that was three things. But the latter was key, which meant she needed to remember she was the girl she had invented on the way to New York City: Virginia Heart, a talented but virginal hoofer from the Midwest and all-American sweetheart, looking to do her patriotic duty by entertaining the boys overseas.
Pure as the driven snow, Vi. Come on, you can do this.
Exhaling the last vestiges of Lily and breathing in Virginia, she turned to see Mr. Stuart disappearing through one of the side doors next to the stage.
Oh no you don’t. Ignoring the screaming of her sore feet, she sprinted down the aisle. “Mr. Stuart. Excuse me, sir . . .”
To her immense relief, the man turned around.
She slid to a stop in front of him and pasted on a bright smile. Never mind that it was met with a fierce scowl on his part. She was made of sterner stuff. One had to be to survive in the theater business.
“Sorry to bother you,” she said, trying not to sound too obsequious. Virginia might be sweet, but she also had to demonstrate a certain level of confidence. “But I was told to contact you the minute I got to New York. Sal Fleischmann sent me?”
He snorted. “Well, it’s about time. Do you realize how close we are to shipping out? I’ve half a mind to send you home and just be short a dancer. To hell with what Sue wanted.”
Vi’s heart stuttered in alarm, and she forgot all about playing someone else. He couldn’t be serious, could he? Her future literally depended on getting this part!
“I’m so sorry. I got here as quick as I could. Please, give me a chance. I’m a fast study.”
“That’s what they all say.” He started to turn away.
Visions of being bundled into a police car, never to see Jimmy again, had her grabbing the director’s arm. “Wait, please. I really want this part. I need this part, and I’ll do whatever it takes for me to get it.”
“Oh?” He paused, and his gaze took on a speculative air as he looked at her. Her stomach sank as she realized what she had just said and how it could be interpreted. Please, don’t take that wrong. Please, please don’t suggest I sleep with you . . .
She, as herself, was desperate enough to do it, but her new persona? Virginia would be shocked and have to refuse, or else she would be behaving entirely out of character.
“Will you show up on time and keep your knees together, unlike your predecessor?”
Vi released her breath. Talk about an easy request!
“Of . . . of course.” She made an X over her heart, even as she wondered if he was referring to the missing Janet. “Scout’s honor!”
He snorted again. “That’s not the scout sign, but fine. You can have the part, but only because I don’t want Sue bitching about having to rechoreograph everything.” He retreated a step, clearly impatient to be on his way. “Now be a good girl and go find my assistant. If she likes you, she’ll talk to you about rehearsals and scripts. She’ll also bring you up to speed on USO requirements.”
“Do you mean Sue?” she called after him, but he was already out the door. She swore softly