As my husband Roger watched yet another baseball game, I began running my fingers through his dark brown hair. I leaned towards him and whispered, "I got a part."

"That's great, Babe!" he said, still staring at the screen. "That part you wanted, the maid or something?"

"Actually," I added in mock British accents. "I have the lead in Graceton Community Theater's latest production, a British mystery."

He finally looked at me. "I'm surprised you'll still sit on the couch with me."

"Oh, I'll always support the 'little' people behind the scenes," I said, teasing him.

"Well, thank you, Sweetheart."

"But seriously, Roger," I said, rising and moving to our little galley kitchen. "I can't believe after all this time working backstage that they'd finally give me a part." I continued as I unloaded the dishwasher. "I'm excited but nervous, you know?"

A sudden shout came from the couch. "Homerun! Did you see that, honey? Man, that Sammy can hit!"

He hadn't heard me. The commercial must have been over. Lately our marriage seemed crammed between innings or quarters. I frowned and turned back to the dishwasher. I would tell him about the stage kiss later, if he cared to listen.

A week later, all the actors and the director sat on a bare stage in the old barn theater for our first "read through" of the script. Although I'd spent many hours there, my eyes still blinked at the bright stage lights, and I rubbed my sweaty palms down my jeans.

"Okay, actors," said our director Gloria, a tall, slender woman of unknown age and dramatic flair. "We must do our best at every rehearsal. Even the read through should be full of vibrancy and life. Put your souls into it. I beg of you." She clutched at her heart as she spoke.

We plowed through the first act with Gloria often interrupting and making changes. Finally, she threw up her hands. "I must have some tea and time to think about this," she declared. "Take a break everybody."

In the lobby Jim, my leading man, and his beautiful wife, Susan, came up to me as I sipped hot coffee and nibbled on a cookie. "Have we met other than at the auditions?" Jim asked. His deep, rich voice was perfect for the romantic lead, a part he'd played in many productions.

"Oh, you've probably seen me painting scenery or changing it, but this is the first time I've acted."

"Well, you read very well, uh, what did you say your name was?"

"Carol."

"That's right, Carol."

"And don't worry about our dear director," Susan added, lowering her voice. "She overacts if you haven't noticed. She's hardly ever as angry, or as pleased, as she seems."

I laughed. "Well, I guess we better start back," I said, noticing the others heading for the stage.

"Yes, we're coming to the first of the big romantic scenes." Jim grinned. He must have noticed the look on my face as he quickly added. "Oh, don't worry about that. I've helped many a newcomer through it. It might even be fun."

I glanced at Susan, wondering how she felt about Jim kissing other women. She smiled at Jim lovingly. "As long as you don't have too much fun," she quipped. "Besides, I'm stage manager for this production, don't forget."

Stage Kiss - 2 (Continue)