“Hey, I’m Darbie.”
Caitlin glanced back and forth between the two of them, trying to figure out the dynamic.
“How’s your first day been, Gemma?”
“Not bad. Once I got the lay of the land, I was able to figure out where my classes were.”
Caitlin giggled. “Yeah, none of the buildings are in order. I guess I should have warned you. Doesn’t make any sense, but it’s easy once you get used to it.”
They locked eyes for a beat too long.
“Well, let me know if you need anything. Enjoy your lunches.” Caitlin walked the same path that Kristie had just taken where a few boys and the rest of the cheerleaders had just sat down.
Gemma felt a bit dizzy, unable to refocus on what her new friend was saying as she watched Caitlin’s confident stride.
“I cannot believe Caitlin Stone just stood up for you,” Darbie said in a low squeal, failing at her attempt to keep her voice down.
Gemma didn’t understand. “Why is that so crazy?”
Darbie shot her a look that made it clear she was about to lay out the Westmore High School playbook, and Gemma had better pay attention.
“Caitlin is the most popular girl in school and the captain of the cheerleading squad. She’s also dating Troy, a junior, who just so happens to be the captain of the lacrosse team.” Darbie pointed to the cute boy sitting next to Caitlin. “And I’ve never seen Caitlin take anyone’s side over her squad’s before.”
Gemma didn’t know what to think. Why was Caitlin being so kind to her?
“I should also let you know, I don’t exactly run in the jock crowd. Most of the time, my headphones are on and I’m just trying to get through the day. So if you want to find a group of your own, feel free to.” Darbie made a show of pointing to each table, emphasizing the wide range of personalities at the school.
Gemma looked around hesitantly. “I’m going to try out for the soccer team, but I don’t really do the clique thing, either. I prefer to stay under the radar. Being the new girl already gives me more attention than I’d like. If it’s okay, I’d still like to hang out with you.”
Darbie smiled mischievously. “Cool.”
Gemma was relieved to have met Darbie today. She felt like they could actually become good friends. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad here.
Darbie and Gemma walked to their next classes together after lunch. They unfortunately only shared their science lab, but some of their afternoon subjects were in the same building.
Four grueling periods later, Gemma had finally reached her last class of the day. And of course, it had been on the opposite side of the grounds. Although the school wasn’t huge, she hadn’t had much time between bells to make it all the way across campus.
The bell had already rung seconds before Gemma rushed into Introduction to Spanish. She frantically scanned the room for an empty chair when she spotted Caitlin in the front row. Caitlin smiled and gave a small wave, which Gemma was positive no one else had seen.
“Ms. Quinn, would you like to take a seat?” The teacher asked, calling her out in front of the entire class.
Flustered, Gemma made her way past the boy she remembered to be Caitlin’s boyfriend. She hadn’t bothered to learn his name. She sat in the last chair in his row and slouched deep into the seat.
When Gemma finally risked looking up toward the front of the room, Caitlin caught her eye, glancing back over her left shoulder before quickly swiveling to face the blackboard.
SIX
AFTER CAITLIN HAD LANDED BACKin LA that Sunday afternoon, she’d hidden away in her home for the remainder of the day. She had been completely thrown off when Gemma arrived at the chemistry read that morning. She was still struggling to process what had unfolded.
Caitlin didn’t believe in coincidences, and the fact that Gemma had been on her mind a lot more than usual lately should have been a warning. The chances of running into Gemma in a city of over eight million people had felt safe enough for one single day.Neverwould she have considered that Gemma herself would walk into that audition room. Caitlin wouldn’t be surprised if this pushed filming back again. After seeing her ex’s visceral reaction toward her, there was no way Gemma would take this role.
FOUR DAYS AFTER THE JARRINGreunion, commuting only between her home and theTicket to Rioset, Caitlin was in the hair and makeup trailer getting ready for her first scene of the day. Her mind kept drifting, demanding far more energy to be used when memorizing her lines for each scene. Thankfully, there were only two weeks left until the director would call awrap on this movie.
“How was New York?” Her best friend asked brightly from the chair beside her. Caitlin hadn’t had the chance to talk to Maddie since she returned.
Caitlin paused, considering how much she wanted to divulge right now. “It was fine.”
Maddie eyed her suspiciously through the mirror. “Well, how was the new replacement? Was she hot?”
