Curtain Call Read Online Free Page B

Max and his offer. What if I developed feelings for him? What if he developed feelings for me? Was there a reason he wanted us to work together?
    By the time four o’clock rolled around, the rain had completely changed to snow, which was starting to stick to the grass and trees. I debated running home to grab something warmer, but decided I didn’t have time. My phone buzzed in my pocket as I trudged the block and a half from campus to Crossroads. I missed the call, but as I fumbled with mittened fingers to open the phone, I was glad I had. Josh. I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet.
    Crossroads was quiet when I entered. The welcome warmth and delicious smells of fries and cheesecake enveloped me as I scanned the restaurant for Max. I found him in a booth near the back bank of windows, looking cozy on the faux car seat. As I hurried past elderly couples enjoying the early bird special, I was surprised to see my grandma.
    â€œHannah,” she said, surprise coloring her voice. “I’d like you to meet my friends, Millie and Ethel. We’re thinking of starting a…Bingo club.”
    Despite everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, my emotions weren’t so out of whack that I believed for a second that my grandmother would be caught dead playing Bingo. I arched an eyebrow, adjusted my backpack, and said, “Bingo?”
    Grandma’s face colored. “Archery?”
    I shook my head, and Grandma frowned. “Just don’t tell Grandpa Duke that you saw me here,” she said.
    I tried not to roll my eyes at the mention of her thirty years too young husband, Duke. With a quick kiss to her cheek, I hurried back to Max’s table. When he caught sight of me, Max favored me with his gorgeous white smile. He pushed back a lock of floppy blond hair that had fallen across his forehead. No doubt about it, Max was a good-looking guy. Downright handsome. Hot as heck. But not Josh.
    Josh had grown from handsome high schooler to a beyond amazing man. He kept his brown hair short now, but right before it needed to be cut, it curled around his ears. Softly. Really good for running fingers through. His broad shoulders and well-muscled arms were perfect for snuggling into, and the years of basketball playing had toned him to perfection. The thing I loved most about Josh, though, was his eyes, clear blue and always so kind. And the way the corners crinkled when he smiled always made me weak.
    Relief surged through me. I had acknowledged that Max was a hottie, and yet I still wanted Josh. Confusion rushed in right on the heels of my relief. I told myself this was to be expected. Josh and I had just broken up, and I had no clue what I wanted from my future. If that included Josh or not didn’t matter right now. Still, I didn’t want to think or do anything that would compromise myself further than I felt I already had.
    â€œHey,” I said.
    â€œHey,” Max replied.
    Such scintillating conversation. The snarky part of my brain wondered if maybe Max was just a pretty boy: big on looks, low on brains. I shoved the thought aside and dropped into the booth across from him.
    â€œI’m really glad you decide to meet me,” Max said.
    â€œWhy?” The question left my mouth before I could filter it. I flushed. Max smiled wider. “You’re cute,” he said. Warning signals blared in my brain. “I think you have a lot of talent. I’ve seen your work.”
    â€œI’ve seen yours too,” I acknowledged. I pulled off my soaked mittens and laid them on the booth next to me. My coat must be why I was feeling so warm, I reasoned, so I hurried to shed it. “But why would you want to work with me?”
    Max shook his head. “Like I said, I’ve seen your work. You know your way around on and off stage. What I have in mind for this project will require another person, and I think you will be perfect.” He paused. “If you’re