Chapter 1

“Hey, you’re going to be late.”

Azure jumped when Janessa spoke behind her. After a nod of acknowledgement, issued while struggling to pry the last of her textbooks from the locker, she turned to face her friend. “I had trouble getting out of Chemistry. Mr. Oak was trying convince me to tutor Garret.” She dumped the books into her backpack and slung it over her shoulder.

Janessa’s copper eyes gleamed with interest. “You said yes, didn’t you?”

Shaking her head, Azure started walking in the general direction of the auditorium for the drama try-outs. “Of course not. I couldn’t spend that much time with Garret and not trip over my tongue.”

Janessa laughed. “Do it for me. You know I’ve loved him since kindergarten.”

Azure didn’t bother to point out he didn’t even know she existed, except in a casual way, knowing it would do nothing to reduce Janessa’s “love.” She shook her head again. “Nope, not even for you. I can’t talk to him—not even long enough to tutor him.” She shrugged. “You know how shy I am.”

Janessa sighed audibly as she opened the door to the auditorium. “Fine, but you’re breaking my heart.”

With a roll of her eyes, she stepped aside to let Janessa pass. “No, I’m not. You’ll be back to scheming a new plot in no time.”

Janessa giggled as they joined Brandy in seats near the front.

“Sorry we’re late, but Azure was running behind.”

Azure grinned. “I was too busy ruining Janessa’s chance for true love to be on time.”

When the teacher began speaking, everyone fell silent. “I see some new faces this year,” said Mr. Michaels. “Thanks to everyone who turned out. Before we begin the auditions, I just want to say it isn’t a reflection on you if you aren’t chosen for a part. It’s a small play, with only five core characters and a few bit parts. I’ll try to make room for everyone.” He gave them a distracted smile.

All three of the girls, along with a few sitting near them, sighed in unison. Mr. Michaels defined the word sexy, with his gently waving blond hair, sparkling green eyes, and handsome features. He was slightly taller than average and more attractive than any guy at their high school, with a firm body that wasn’t extremely buff. Half the girls at Harnett High were in love with him.

Settling back, she waited for the auditions to begin. She was in the audience for support only, at Brandy’s request, though it seemed unlikely she would get a part. Her friend had a nice voice, but nothing that stood out from the crowd. The three girls had met in choir and recognized kindred spirits. It had taken Azure a long time to open up to the other two, but they were inseparable now. She was thankful they had persisted in their efforts to build a friendship.

Mr. Michaels called the first name, and Azure listened to the girl sing a bland version of a Miley Cyrus song. Three more people followed, and she leaned over to Brandy. “When are they going to call you?” There was no rush to get home, since her grandmother couldn’t care less what she did as long as she wasn’t with a boy and was home before dinnertime, but she was restless. The performers thus far had been lackluster, at best.

Brandy smiled a strange smile. “I’m not sure when I’ll be auditioning.” Her tone alerted Azure something was up, but she didn’t have time to figure it out before she heard her name.

“Azure Wilkins,” Mr. Michaels called, making her freeze. She shot accusing looks at her two friends, shaking her head rapidly. “Azure,” Mr. Michaels said again, scanning the small group.

“Right here.” Brandy pointed to her. All eyes focused on her, and her face burned bright red. She hated to be the center of attention, and all those gazes on her made her squirm.

Janessa was urging Azure to the stage, and Brandy held out a sheet of music. “Go.” Janessa finally succeeded in pushing her from her seat. She stood there awkwardly, debating between running away or getting up on the stage to sing. Was it egotistical to admit she was better than the previous singers? At least they’d had the courage to try, which was more than she seemed capable of doing.

She cast a longing glance to the exit. As if reading her thoughts, Brandy hissed, “Don’t run away. You can do this, and better than anyone I ever heard.” With a deep breath, she slowly turned toward the stage, taking the sheet music Brandy held. Mr. Michaels looked puzzled, and a light buzz of whispered conversation filled the room.

Almost against her will, Azure found herself climbing the stairs to the stage. Averting her eyes from the crowd, she passed her sheet music to the pianist and stood in front of twenty pairs of eyes, thankful Brandy had selected a song she could sing in her sleep.

The music started, and she waited for the cue. When the pianist hit the note, she opened her mouth, but no words emerged. A huge weight seemed to settle on her chest, making it impossible to breathe. All those eyes. The piano ceased abruptly with a harsh crash, and the quiet was worse than the music. Azure could hear the whispering and giggles.

She backed away from the microphone, shaking her head. Mr. Michaels made a note on his clipboard, and she didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. She looked up in surprise when Brandy jumped to her feet. “You can do it, Azure,” she said loudly, making herself the focus of attention. Janessa joined in, and she took strength from their confidence in her.

She approached the microphone again, squeezed her eyes shut, and nodded to the pianist to begin the song again. This time, she was ready when the cue came, and the words flowed from her. As long as she kept her eyes closed, it was possible to sing. Her rich alto filled the auditorium. Without a missed note or garbled word, she finished the song, riding high on a tide of adrenaline.

When the music ended, Azure opened her eyes and crashed back to reality. Face burning, she hurried from the stage, desperate to avoid the eyes of the eerily quiet audience. Suddenly, they burst into applause. Massive thunders of applause, with a catcall here and there. Azure rushed to her seat and huddled in it, unable to believe she’d been as good as the audience’s reaction implied.

After a short hesitation, Mr. Michaels continued calling names. The auditions were over by four. “I’ll have the parts posted by Friday,” he said as everyone filed out.

As soon as they were back in the sunlight, she turned on her friends. “I’m going to kill you. How could you do that to me?” She planted her hands on her hips.

Two girls and a guy interrupted her tirade when they stopped beside her.

“You were terrific.”

“I had no idea you could sing like that.”

“Wow,” said the guy, blushing, and they moved along.

“See, you’re great,” said Janessa. “They loved you. You just blew everyone away, you were so good. You’ll get the lead for sure.”

“Oh, definitely.” Brandy nodded.

Azure rolled her eyes. “I seriously doubt that.” Not that she would take a part if it was offered to her. She’d barely been able to sing in front of twenty or so people. How could she ever do it in front of more than a hundred?

***

Finn tossed his clipboard on his desk and tore off his tie. He propped his feet on the desk in his small office in the auditorium. He fished his cell phone from a trouser pocket and placed a long-distance call to his brother. As soon as Mathias answered, he said, “Mat, I think I’ve found the solution to your problems.”

If it was as usual, he’d been up late last night, just like every night, and had barely been asleep for six hours. It showed in his raspy tone. “What problem?”

“Jada’s departure,” said Finn. “I think I’ve found her replacement.”

“How? Where?” Mathias sounded excited, and all trace of tiredness had disappeared from his voice.

Finn took a deep breath, preparing for his brother’s reaction. “Right here at the high school. I just had a girl audition for a role in our school musical, and she was the best I’ve heard in a long time.”

“A kid?” Mathias sounded skeptical. “How can that help us?”

“I don’t have the details figured out, but she’s damn good, bro. You have to hear her sing.”

***

Mathias hesitated, not wanting to hurt his brother. Finn meant well, but he was no talent scout. After being marooned in a high school for four years, he was bound to be impressed by any level of talent that surpassed the average teen. Still, he was a drama teacher with a minor in music, and he’d once had an ear for talent. He’d been there when Mathias and Dante first formed Burning Starr and helped select Dante’s band members. “When can I hear her?”

“The play is in six weeks.”

Mathias reached for his Blackberry to call up the calendar as Finn gave him the dates.

“Can you make one of the performances?”

“I can make the opening night.” He sighed, already dreading the inconvenience. “We’ll be in Boston then, so I’ll have to catch a flight to Denver and drive to Harnett.”

“Great.” Finn’s enthusiasm was obvious. “I promise you won’t be sorry, Mat.”

Mathias said, “Even if she is as great as you say, how am I going to get her in the band? She’s still in high school, for crap’s sake.”

“She’s a senior and graduates the first week in June.”

Whistling instinctively, Mathias said, “That cuts it close. Jada’s last performance is the end of June. It wouldn’t give us much time to work out the details.”

“Well, keep on looking for a replacement, but keep Azure in mind. She’s fantastic.”

“We’ll see.” Mathias couldn’t quite hide his lack of excitement.

***

Azure couldn’t believe it when she saw her name cast for the lead in the musical. Mouth agape, she stared at the piece of paper, hoping it was just a typo, oblivious to the congratulations offered by the others standing around. In a daze, she turned from the announcement board and walked in the direction of the auditorium. She knocked softly on Mr. Michaels’s office door, struggling with how to word her concerns.

The door opened a moment later, and he smiled, waving her in. She took a seat across the desk from him as he sat down. “I need to talk to you,” she said, looking down at her hands. Her nose twitched at the faint scent of vanilla, but the pleasant smell did nothing to ease her nerves.

Mr. Michaels’s chair creaked when he leaned forward. “Can you speak up?”

She cleared her throat, searching for the right words. “I saw the list,” she blurted out. “I’m Melisande.”

He nodded. “You sure are. You have the best voice I’ve heard in a long time. You’re going to be great in the role.”

She shook her head frantically. “I can’t do it. I shouldn’t have auditioned in the first place. My friends tricked me…” Azure trailed off. “I can’t do it,” she said again.

“Why not?” He wore a ferocious frown that made him intimidating.

“All those people,” whispered Azure. “I can’t get up in front of all those eyes.”

Mr. Michaels’s eyes reflected sympathy. “Stage fright is perfectly normal. All actors go through it, especially their first time.”

“I could barely sing in front of a few people.” She wrung her hands. “How am I supposed to do it in front of a full auditorium?”

Mr. Michaels sighed. “I wish you would at least try,” he said. “You’ll have an understudy. If you absolutely can’t do it, we aren’t without an actor. I just hate to see you waste this opportunity.”

Somehow, Azure found herself agreeing to come to practice on Monday. Mr. Michaels looked relieved, saying to her as she was leaving, “You really are fantastic. I’m not just saying that to get you to take the part. I think you could be the next big thing.”

Blushing from a mixture of embarrassment and pleasure, she fled his office with a mumbled reply. Mr. Michaels was out of his mind.

***

It was no surprise when the first rehearsal was a dismal event. She stood in front of the microphone for several minutes, surrounded by the other actors, and couldn’t get her voice to work. Eventually, Mr. Michaels skipped to a different part of the play. When it was her turn, she was able to say her lines, but couldn’t project them far enough. After rehearsal, once he’d dismissed everyone else, Mr. Michaels took her aside. “I want you to work with me every morning for a half hour before class and a half hour after rehearsal. We’re going to get that beautiful voice out of you.” He looked grimly determined.

She bit back an automatic protest, agreeing with a nod. As she dragged herself home, she wondered if her grandmother would object to the extra time required for practice. It was doubtful, since it would be that much longer she’d be out of Brigette’s home.

Home, she thought bitterly, trudging up the steps of the grand home on Elmore Ave, four blocks from the high school. It had never been home to Azure. Her grandmother hadn’t provided the love or warmth required for her to feel truly at home. Never once could she remember receiving an impulsive hug or a kind word. Instead, Grandmother dispensed harsh words and sharp slaps for all sins, whether real or imagined.

She let herself in quietly, not wanting to disturb Ruth. Her grandmother’s housekeeper was overworked as it was, without having to open the door for Azure. There was no sign of Ruth or her grandmother as she tiptoed up the stairs to her room was on the third floor, in the old servants’ quarters. This time of day was Brigette’s quiet time, and there’d be hell to pay if she disturbed her.

Once in her room, she dropped her bag on the creaky old desk. It had been part of the cramped room long before her arrival. Like the other furnishings, it showed its age clearly with every mark, scratch, and imperfection. Dropping into the lumpy, straight-back chair, she immediately started homework, knowing she would receive a lecture if the work remained unfinished by dinner. She normally had three hours to finish, but rehearsal was from three-fifteen to five. Starting tomorrow, Mr. Michaels wanted her to stay until five-thirty, giving her just one hour to get home and do all her homework.

Azure worked feverishly, finishing with barely five minutes left to change clothes. Tomorrow, she would do some of her homework during lunch instead of socializing and spend time working on it when she wasn’t actively involved in rehearsals. She made a face at herself in the mirror as she ran a brush through the strawberry-blond locks. The thought of giving up her little bit of free time held no appeal, but she couldn’t let down Mr. Michaels and the rest of the cast.

She slipped on a blue dress the same azure shade as her eyes before hurrying down the stairs. Brigette was already waiting in the dining room when she came in, and she slowed to a sedate pace. Her grandmother hated to see a young woman run, because it was undignified.

“You’re two minutes late,” snapped Brigette. “I’ve told you repeatedly to confine your hair when you come to my dinner table. If you can’t care for it properly, you’ll have to cut it.”

“Yes, Grandmother.” Azure knew it would do no good to protest. When her hair was neatly confined in a bun, there was always a hair out of place, or her outfit wasn’t appropriate. Grandmother never failed to find something to pick at. “I’m sorry.” She took a seat at the table as quickly and quietly as possible.

Her grandmother launched into a prayer, which Azure mostly ignored, though her head was bowed. She knew the prayer would include the phrase, “Dear Lord, help the ungrateful in this household learn to appreciate their good fortune.” She wasn’t deliberately ungrateful, but she had little for which to be appreciative.

Her mother had received a trust fund from Brigette’s mother that Azure had inherited when her mother had died. As the trustee, Brigette had tied it up so she couldn’t access it until she was twenty-five. She had no car, little spending money, and received new clothes only once a year. New shoes—two pairs—were provided every six months.

It wasn’t the lack of material things that bothered Azure the most. The lack of love she received from her grandmother wounded her. At some point in her life, she’d been deeply loved by her parents, but had only a few indistinct memories of that time. She was four when she came to live with the austere woman across from her. Her grandmother hadn’t wanted the responsibility of raising the bastard child of her wild daughter.

It didn’t matter to her that Cassie and Richard had lived together for six years. She couldn’t shrug off the shame of an illegitimate grandchild. Ruth had once told her she’d been full of smiles when she arrived in Brigette’s home, but the life had soon drained out of her, leaving the meek shadow she was today.

“Where were you this afternoon?” Brigette asked unexpectedly, over a cold potato soup that Azure particularly hated. “You didn’t get home until five-fifteen. Were you with a boy?”

“No.” Guilt flooded Azure, though she’d done nothing wrong. Her voice emerged sounding defensive. “I was at rehearsal. I have a part in the school play.”

“Will you be able to keep up with your schoolwork?” asked Brigette.

It was doubtful she cared, but probably didn’t want to have to speak with any of her teachers. “Yes, Grandmother.”

“Very well.” Brigette returned to silence. Azure knew the other woman was glad to be rid of her for two more hours each day. Once upon a time, that knowledge would have hurt her, but she’d grown an icy wall around her heart that protected her from most of her grandmother’s casual rejections and daily insults, though they still left an uncomfortable ache in her stomach.