Olivia's Curtain Call Read Online Free Page B

herrealise how much she
did
want it to happen. She wanted to play Juliet more than anything else in the world.
    “I’ve got to go, Dad,” said Olivia. “Tom will be here any second.”
    “Of course, chick, you’ve got a life to get on with.” Jack spoke brightly but she could hear the regret in his voice. “Loved talking to you. It gets a bit lonely here sometimes.”
    “I miss you, Dad,” said Olivia as they both rang off.
    “Was that Jack?” Tom asked as he came bounding into the room. Olivia nodded. He peered at her closely. “You all right?”
    “Yes,” said Olivia. “It’s just he said he was lonely. He’s never said that before. It made me think how much time he spends travelling and is away from us all on his own. After Mum died, he and Eel and I were all together all of the time. Always. The circus was our family and our friends rolled into one. But since we’ve been at the Swan, that’s changed. The Swan is our home now, and it’s Alicia’s home, but it’s not really Dad’s home, at least not in the same way. He’s always coming and going and on the move, so when it comes down to it, he’s always alone. Itmakes me feel sad.”
    Tom put his arms around Olivia and gave her a comforting hug. “But he’s only in Russia this time. That’s not so very far away, and he’ll be back soon. Then he’ll be around all summer, and the three of us will be working together, and if the new act works out we can even get some gigs. He won’t be lonely then.”
    “Mmm, maybe,” said Olivia, looking worried.
    Tom narrowed his eyes. “Is there something you’re not telling me, Olivia Marvell?”
    Olivia nodded. “But you’ve got to promise not to tell anyone else. It’s a big secret.”
    “Spill,” said Tom.
    “I’m going up for something. In the West End. And if I get it, it’ll mean rehearsals and a proper run, at least as long as a child licence would allow.”
    “So you wouldn’t be able to do the high-wire act with me and Jack,” said Tom, trying to keep the disappointment out of this voice.
    “No, I could, because once the play was running I’d still be able to rehearse. It just means we’d have to put any performancesback until the autumn.”
    “Well then, I can’t see the problem,” said Tom. “Jack told me that if I got a job, we could work round it.”
    ‘I’m sure he meant it too,” said Olivia, “but you’re not his daughter or the one he’s been teaching high-wire since the day she could walk. I think it was just a bit of a shock to him that I was even contemplating auditioning for a stage role, particularly if it might interfere in any way with the high-wire.”
    “It’s a bit of a shock for me too. But a good one. Aeysha was only saying the other day that it was a real shame you don’t audition for stage jobs because you’re such a brilliant actor. We all thought you were totally wedded to the high-wire.”
    “I am,” said Olivia. “But I don’t see why I shouldn’t do both.” She grinned. “Maybe I’ll be the first person to win an Olivier Award for best actress, and also do high-wire and flying trapeze for Cirque du Soleil. Look, I probably won’t get the job. But it just seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up. When Gran asked, it felt like fate.”
    “So what is this mysterious job?” askedTom excitedly.
    “Juliet. In the West End.”
    “Oh, Liv,” said Tom, “that would be extraordinary. You’d be perfect.” He suddenly stopped. “And is it true that Kasha is playing Romeo?”
    “Yes,” said Olivia. “Isn’t it brilliant? If I got it, it would be such a coup for Gran and the Swan. Me and Kasha on stage together, playing the lovers,” and she was so taken up with the idea that she failed to notice the odd look that flashed across Tom’s face.
    “Yes,” said Tom. “It would be brilliant.” But he didn’t sound entirely convinced.
    Olivia’s mind had already raced on to the routine they were going to practise. “Come on,