Panic Read Online Free Page B

understand—really, I do. I wouldn’t want you to miss your performance. ”
    â€œActually, it’s just a three-minute piece tonight called ‘Pixie Dust.’ Our teacher always does one group dance as a preview to our upcoming show—kinda like a teaser,” Diamond explained.
    â€œI can’t believe how your universe seems to be colliding with ours,” Thane said, shaking his head. “Do you at least have a good part in this one?”
    Diamond frowned. “Nothing special. I’m in the back row.”
    â€œYou feel like you ought to be in the front, don’t you?” Thane asked.
    Diamond nodded miserably. She hated to admit it, but he was right.
    â€œLook, I know this is a little unusual, but leave your friend a note. Text her—whatever you kids do. Then assoon as we get to my house, we’ll call your mother and have her come over to watch the auditions. She’ll need to sign permission papers and income tax forms anyway.”
    â€œPermission? Tax forms? For what?”
    â€œFor you to audition. If you get the part, it would come with a significant salary.” He paused and pursed his lips, as if he were thinking. “I’m not sure I could get you seven figures, as you’re an unknown, but it would be at least half that.”
    â€œHalf a million dollars ?” Diamond reeled as she tried to visualize the number of zeros next to that dollar sign.
    â€œThat’s the minimum going rate for a lead role in a movie. I’ll be honest—kids already in the business make a lot more. But you’ve got to start somewhere.” Thane nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve been in the business long enough to know when someone has that something special. And you, my dear, have that glow all over.”
    â€œI do?”
    â€œYou do.”
    â€œI couldn’t possibly . . . ”
    Thane held both hands up. “I understand completely—I didn’t mean to pressure. I wish we had another day, but as I said, the director wants to see first takes in the morning.” He checked his watch.
    Diamond’s thoughts raced frantically. She imagined how proud her mom and Miss Ginger would be if she got a part in a real Hollywood movie. She thought back to the dozens of times her mother had told her to start thinking like a grown-up instead of a kid. Maybe it wastime to start making her own decisions. This just seemed so right. But the show tonight . . .
    To Thane she said, “This is a lot to think about. I’m really not sure what to do.”
    He looked her straight in he eyes. “Do what you know is right for you .”
    â€œI, uh . . . ”
    Thane offered his hand to Diamond once more. “It really was nice to meet you. Break a leg at your performance tonight; I know you’ll be terrific. And I wish you luck in getting a better role in Cinderella . But I must hurry—I’ve got to go get the camera crew in place.” He turned toward the exit.
    It only took half a second. “Wait,” Diamond called out. “Let me text my friend.” She tapped the message in quickly, hoping her phone had enough juice to send it.
    m,
    ill call u ltr. i hve a chance 2 try out 4 the lead in a ptr pan dance movie w/ diva dawson and california clover. awe-sum, huh? my mom nos all abt it. (or she will soon.) sry 2 leave u out, but this was 2 good 2 pass up. tell miss g im sry 2 miss the sho, and not 2 b mad @ me. cyl
    d
    She sent the text, grabbed her hot pink dance bag, and left the mall with Thane English.
    The rain continued. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

5
LAYLA, Saturday, April 13 3:30 p.m.
    â€œ. . . a nameless fear clutched at her heart and made her cry.”
    â€”from Peter Pan
    â€œShe did what ?” Zizi Cho cried out in disbelief, bugging her eyes out. Zizi was the studio comedy and drama queen. She could make herself hyperventilate over a lost peanut butter