A Girl Like That by Frances Devine Read Free Book Online Page B

her own bouncing golden curls were perfect for the part.
    The celebration at Ma Casey’s broke up early. Mr. Harrigan insisted. After all, he couldn’t have a sleepy bunch of actors stumbling around the stage on opening day.
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    “Oh, Sam, I’m so excited. I’ve never been to Harrigan’s before.”
    Sam tried not to wince at the shrill tone of Janet’s voice. Had she been this annoying before? And the way she clutched at his arm, digging her fingers into his flesh, made him wonder if she truly understood the nature of their friendship after all. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves seemed to be attempting to compete with the young woman’s incessant chatter. But perhaps she was nervous. Forcing a smile, he turned to her. “Then I’m delighted to be the one to give you the pleasure.”
    She flashed a coquettish smile at him, and dropping her lashes, she turned away. “Oh, look! There are Jack and Sally.”
    The couple stood by the theater entrance, apparently awaiting Sam and Janet’s arrival.
    Sam pulled to a stop in front of Harrigan’s and, after helping Janet from the carriage, threw a coin to a boy who, with obvious experience, grabbed the reins and led the horse and carriage away.
    Janet joined Jack and Sally while Sam went to purchase their tickets.
    Animated voices greeted them as they walked into the auditorium. They found their seats, very near the front, and Jack and Sally scooted in first.
    As Sam seated himself on the aisle seat, the lights dimmed and the auditorium quieted.
    The boisterous emcee greeted the audience and told a couple of jokes. Then he announced Katherine O’Shannon.
    Sam glanced with curiosity toward the wings as a small figure walked out onstage. His breath caught, and he blinked. Surely it was his imagination. After all, the light was dim.
    Then she stepped into the spotlight, and there was no doubt. That lovely smile. The golden curls. The sky blue eyes. Oh yes. It was her.
    Sam sat mesmerized as she sang a pretty Irish ballad, turning it into a masterpiece, then stood to his feet and applauded loudly as she left the stage.
    “Sam, you idiot, sit down.”
    Jack’s whisper brought Sam back to his senses, and he realized he was the only one standing. He dropped back onto his chair but continued to applaud. After all, everyone else was clapping, too.
    The girl walked back onto the stage and did a short encore, then she hurried off the stage.
    As the emcee returned to the stage to announce the first act, Sam leaned back, suddenly conscience of the girl seated next to him. He glanced at her and was met with a look of fury and stony silence.
    The curtain rose and the play began.
    In the middle of the first act, Sam was delighted to see Katherine O’Shannon step onto the stage in a housemaid’s uniform. After that, although she only appeared once more and spoke only one line, he had no idea what the rest of the play was about.
    During intermission, Sam followed the other three to the lobby.
    After the girls excused themselves, Jack turned to Sam with a look of unbelief. “Are you crazy? Why were you gaping at that actress? You’ll be lucky if Janet ever speaks to you again, much less agrees to see you.”
    “It’s her, Jack.” Sam almost whispered the words.
    “What? Who?”
    “It’s the girl from the train station,” Sam said.
    Suddenly, understanding appeared on Jack’s face, and he frowned. “The one who lives at the Patch?”
    “The very same.”
    Jack groaned. “Don’t do something stupid, Sam. You’ll regret it when you come to your senses.”
    Sam was saved from answering by the return of the girls.
    Janet gave him a cold smile but took his arm as they returned to their seats to await the next act. “What do you think of actresses, Sally?” Janet turned to her cousin, but her words reached Sam clearly.
    “Why, what do you mean?” Sally asked.
    “Well, I’ve always heard their morals are atrocious. Haven’t you heard that?” Without waiting for Sally