Panic Read Online Free Page A

children. That’s why Chloe was here at the mall—to get a new outfit for tonight. She goes crazy with my credit card!”
    Diamond’s heart began pounding. Could it be possible she had the chance to hang out with real movie stars?
    â€œThey’re a great bunch of kids—they go to some pretty awesome parties together,” Thane told Diamond with a smile. “But this is all so spur-of-the-moment—I just thought you’d like to meet them. But maybe next time.”
    Diamond hesitated. Would there ever be a next time? Stars like that in her hometown? “Wow. I’d give anything . . . ”
    Thane nodded. “It’d be pretty special—I can just imagine the photos you’d be able to post on Facebook.”
    â€œMy friends will die of jealousy!” Diamond exclaimed. Then she glanced down at her flip-flops and cutoff tights and frowned. “I look like a mess. I’m dressed for dance, not for meeting famous people.”
    â€œNot a problem, great way to break the ice. Dancing, acting—it’s all art.” Then Thane thumped his forehead. “It just occurred to me—one of the key roles in the movie is a dance part! It’s a modernization of Peter Pan .”
    â€œYou’re kidding!” Diamond jumped up from her seat. This was totally crazy! “Our studio is doing the ballet version of Peter Pan in June!”
    It was Thane’s turn to look surprised. “What a coincidence. I guess great ideas float in the universe at the same time.” He paused. “So, what’s your part? Wendy, I expect?”
    Diamond flushed, embarrassed. “Uh, not exactly. I’m a pirate—Smee—and I’ll probably fill in with a couple of small company parts.”
    â€œBut not a lead?” Thane looked like he’d been personally insulted.
    â€œOur teacher gives the big parts to different people every year. I’m hoping for the lead next year when we do Cinderella .”
    Thane frowned. “A year is a very long time to wait.” He paused again. “Well, anyway, that settles that. I guess if you’re already in a Peter Pan , you wouldn’t be interested in our version.”
    â€œSure I would! I’d love to see it when it comes out,” Diamond told him as she picked the cheese off her pizza.
    â€œI’ll tell you what—why don’t you aim for better than that? Why don’t you try out for a role? You’d be just the kind of freshness I’m looking for in the part of Wendy.”
    â€œWhat? You’re kidding.” Diamond felt her heart racing. Was he for real?
    â€œI never joke about my profession,” Thane assured her. “In fact, I’d be honored if you’d try out for Wendy with the other kids.”
    â€œMe?” Flustered, Diamond didn’t know what to say. “Now?” she managed.
    â€œI know—it’s pretty last-minute. But my director is antsy—we can’t cast Pan until we cast Wendy, and I had to wait until some of the girls’ schedules opened up—Ms. Dawson, for instance, is one busy lady! A half dozen other girls flew in from New York this morning from the Alvin Ailey studio—the part is an amazing opportunityfor a dancer. But I have to be blunt—none of them have your presence.”
    Diamond tried to remember the last time someone told her she had “presence.” Miss Ginger had often told her to stand straighter or balance better, but she’d never actually been given a compliment like that. “Really?” she sputtered.
    Thane smiled. “I have no need to lie to you.”
    â€œBut . . . but I can’t leave my friend—she’ll be here in a few minutes—and we have a show tonight,” Diamond said, straining around to see if Mercedes was coming. Her mind was doing crazy spirals as she let herself think about the possibilities.
    â€œI