Grace laughed. “I think you have a way to go before that happens. Don’t forget—Walter and I are here for you guys too. Just holler and we’ll come running.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Marcus said.
Walter stepped forward, shaking both boys’ hands. “We’ve got a big kitchen table and there’s always room for two more.”
Walter and Grace left to greet more of their fans. Meanwhile, people began to disperse, heading to the hot chocolate stand or toward the shops. Reese noticed Emma gathering the other three kids and they all leaned close, whispering.
“What are they up to?” Reese asked Roan.
“Never you mind,” Roan said.
Definitely conspiring about something.
“Will you come home with us?” Roan asked Reese. “The boys want pizza. We can pick it up on the way out.”
“I can’t think of anything better.”
And she meant every word.
14
ROAN
They’d just finished a brutal leg workout when Emma pulled out her phone, her face lit with excitement.
“Guys, I have an idea.” She gathered them all together near the weight bench. “I’m thinking we should surprise Reese with a dance at the gala. As a way to thank her for doing so much for us.”
“Wait? What?” Cody asked. “Now you’re having me dance in front of people?”
“Shush. Just watch this.” Emma tapped her phone, and a group of performers executed a choreographed dance routine, complete with synchronized moves and festive energy toAll I Want for Christmas is You.“Do you see how there’s some parts we already know from Reese’s version, but this one is like a real performance with parts for each of us?”
“That’s super cute,” Julia said, leaning in to watch.
“I can teach it all to you guys,” Emma said. “It’ll be so much fun. Think of how impressed Reese would be if we pulled it off.”
“I don’t know.” Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Dancing in the studio is one thing. Dancing in front of all those people sounds really scary.”
“But, Marcus, you’re meant to be on stage,” Emma said.
Marcus blinked. “I am?”
“Yes, you’re such a good dancer, and I know you can sing too,” Emma said.
“How do you know?” Marcus asked.
“I used to sing next to you in choir, remember?” Emma asked.
“Yeah, sure. I mean, I do like to sing. My mom always said I had a good voice.”
“I knew it. You’re dying to be in a musical,” Emma said.
“I am?” Marcus asked.
“Totally.” Emma nodded, folding her arms over her chest. “Please, guys, say you’ll do it with me.”
“I’ll do it, even though I’m going to look like a whale out there,” Julia said.
“Do you really think I’m a good dancer?” Marcus asked Emma. “Or are you just saying that?”
