Obsessed by Jo Gibson Page A

settled.” Michael patted Judy on the shoul der, and then he grinned at Mary Beth. “It’s on your head, kiddo. If you fall flat on your face, don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
    Judy glanced at the clock. “Ten seconds, Michael.”
    “Okay, Jude, I’m ready. Bring up the spot. It’s show time.”
    As Michael walked out on the stage, Judy found herself almost hoping for disaster. Perhaps Linda would be late with the castanets. Or maybe Mary Beth would trip when she danced under the strobe.
    There was a round of applause. and Michael began his introduction. It took only a few moments, and then he was taking his place on the stool at the side of the stage. Linda raced back with the castanets just as Michael began to strum his guitar, and Mary Beth grabbed them. A second later, she was dancing out on the stage.
    “She didn’t even say thank you,” Judy griped as she turned to Linda with a frown.
    “Oh, well. That’s Mary Beth.” Linda shrugged, and started for the dressing room. “I hope she marries rich, and has a full staff. Lord knows she’s getting plenty of practice bossing us around like servants!”
    About halfway through Mary Beth’s number, Carla came to stand beside her. They watched in silence for a moment, and then she turned to Judy. “Mary Beth’s really good to night.”
    “Yes. She is.”
    “I saw them rehearsing this afternoon, but she’s even bet ter now.”
    Judy nodded. Mary Beth really was good, and Michael’s guitar accompaniment was perfect. They were going into their finale now, and Judy switched on the strobe and dimmed the rest of the stage until it was totally dark. Mary Beth didn’t falter or miss a step. And the audience was clapping along with the beat as she whirled and clicked her castanets. It was very impressive and very exciting. Then Michael struck one final chord, and the dance ended.
    “Listen to that!” Carla looked surprised as the audience stamped their feet and whistled. No one had ever received such a huge ovation before.
    Judy got ready to dim the spot, but Mary Beth raced over to Michael and kissed him on the lips. The audience cheered again, and Carla turned to Judy with a frown. “Do you think Mary Beth’s making a play for Michael?”
    “I don’t think so. She’s already got a steady boyfriend. I heard her tell Linda they were practically engaged. That’s just a stage kiss, Carla. It probably doesn’t mean anything at all.”
    Carla didn’t look convinced. “I think it’s more than that. Don’t forget that stupid contest.”
    “But Mary Beth’s boyfriend is in the audience. He always comes to watch her dance.”
    “Not tonight. I checked off all the complimentary passes, and Mary Beth’s boyfriend is very conspicuously absent.”
    Judy nodded. “That fits. Mary Beth said something very strange right before she went on.”
    “What did she say?”
    “She said she always gets what she wants, and I know she wants to win that contest. I think you’re right, Carla. Mary Beth is trying to pick up where Deana and Becky left off.”

    After the club closed, they all sat around the round table in the center of the showroom for Mr. Calloway’s comments on their performance. Andy had just passed out soft drinks, and they were all mellow and relaxed.
    “Nice show,” said Mr. Calloway. “You all did very well tonight, considering the strain we’re all under. Linda? That last song of yours was a winner. And Mary Beth . . . what can I say? You brought down the house with that Fla menco.”
    Mary Beth grinned. “Thank you, Mr. Calloway. Michael and I worked very hard on it. We’re going to work up a hula number next. Right, Michael?”
    “Sure.” Michael smiled at her. “That means long rehears als, though. I don’t know that much about Hawaiian music.”
    Mary Beth shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got lots of tapes we can listen to. Maybe we could do something really original this time. I know you could write Hawaiian