She does, and I gently lift her blouse higher, exposing more of the mark. "It's pretty big."
Sam cranes her neck, catching sight of it in the reflection. "Shit. That's ugly."
"Where'd you get it from?"
"I dunno." She laughs, brushing it off. "Probably bumped into something. You know how clumsy I am." Then, with a little smirk, she adds, "Guess I can't wear a two-piece anytime soon. Tragic."
I shake my head, half amused, half concerned. "Seriously, you should put ice on that."
"Eh, it'll fade. They always do," she says, waving me off as she grabs her towel. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm hitting the shower before I melt."
She disappears into the bathroom, humming.
I shake my head with a small smile.
Typical Sam—probably could trip over air and still laugh about it. Honestly, the girl should live in bubble wrap at this point.
An hour or so later, I step out of the bathroom—fresh, hair blow-dried, skin still warm from the shower.
My outfit's already laid out on the bed: a black mini dress with a sweetheart neckline and button-down front, paired with a cropped blush-pink cardigan that makes the whole thing look soft and flirty instead of try-hard. Cute enough for a date... or, you know, for a solo dinner if Zach doesn't show up.
Always good to have a Plan B.
Sam's perched at her desk, laptop open, earbuds in—typing away like the world's most dedicated student. I sit on the edge of my bed, rubbing lotion over my arms and legs, when my phone starts ringing.
My heart leaps. Finally. Zach.
Except... nope. The screen flashes Lucy.
Bummer.
I hit speaker while still massaging moisturizer into my skin. "Yeah, Lu?"
Her voice comes out fast, urgent. "Care, where are you? Are you still on campus?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Sorry, Care, I know you and Zach have a date tonight, but—"
"Lu, what is it? Is something wrong?" My stomach drops instantly.
"Professor Callahan just messaged. We have to get ready—like now. The sponsors are coming in tonight, and they're requesting a mini showcase."
"What?! Like tonight? As in right now?"
"Yeah."
"Why didn't I get the message?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe Callahan got sidetracked and forgot to text you. But we need you to meet us at the gymnasium in ten—apparently, that's where they're setting up the showcase."
"Huh? Why there and not the rehearsal hall?"
"No clue. Callahan said the sponsors wanted a bigger space, something more formal. Can you come? You'll need to get into your Sugarplum dress. We're doing the climax scene—you know the fight scene with the Mouse King and the final ballet bit."
"But we haven't fixed the Sugarplum dress yet. The bodice's still a little loose, remember?"
"Yeah, but don't worry—you won't need that one tonight. We'll grab something else that fits. It's just a preview; the sponsors just wanna see our progress."
