Deja snickers behind her hand.
That does the trick.
My vocal cords and limbs move into action, following Mr. Rousseau’s every directive. I read the lines effortlessly, then dance, frolic, and sing—giving it my all. Broadway has nothing on me. I belt out the final note, breathless and with a smile on my face. I fucking killed it.
“Amazing!” Mr. Rousseau praises, applauding my performance.
Take that, Deja.
I race down the hall, nervousness eating at me. The last class just ended. Mr. Rousseau said he was going to post the cast list by the auditorium entrance. A crowd is already gathered at the bulletin board; some kids shout gleefully, while others stomp away in disappointment. I twist and dodge my way to the front and quickly scan the list. I pull in a deep breath, then let out a victorious cry.
I got the role!
In your face, Deja! This makes up for my diarrhea day. I break through the noisy mob and see my cousin approaching. She zooms in on my triumphant expression and her steps falter.
“Oh, don’t waste your time, honey,” I say, planting a hand on my hip. “I got the role of Belle. Who’s the basic bitch now?”
“You’re going to wish you never came to Kent.” She pivots on her heel, sneering over her shoulder. “You just wait and see.”
Uneasiness skates goose bumps across my skin. I’m going to have to watch my back every second until graduation. That’s going to be a daunting task, especially since we reside in the same household.
“Hi, Zilphia.” A cheery voice draws my attention. “I’m Jace. We have Mr. Rousseau together.”
“Oh, hey,” I respond, instantly recognizing him. “I remember seeing you.”
“I’m your love interest.” He grins.
“Huh?”
Is he seriously trying to flirt with me? That’s random, but he’s a heartthrob, though. Especially with those dazzling amber eyes and shaggy reddish-brown hair.
“I’m playing Beast,” he states, absolving my confusion.
“Right, duh.” I pop myself on the forehead. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, you too,” he says, swinging his clunky backpack onto his shoulder. “Are you free to run lines on Sunday? We should get some extra practice time in whenever we can. The next six weeks are going to go by fast.”
“Yeah, sure.” I want to do my best and practice makes perfect. “Your place?”
Definitely can’t have him entering the Double Dragon’s Lair. They’ll purposely embarrass me for sure.
“Eight good for you? I’m babysitting my little cousins until sevenish.”
“Yep.” I slip my cell phone from my purse. “What’s your number?”
My fingers fly over the screen, keying in the information. “I’m going to text you now.”
Since I use a third-party app, I can only get calls and texts when my phone is connected to Wi-Fi. But it’s better than nothing.
“Cool,” he responds. “I can pick you up if you want.”
“That’d be great.” I smile, grateful for the offer. “Thanks.”
“Sure. Just shoot me your addy.”
I send him the address, then tuck my mobile back into my purse. “I have to get going. See you tomorrow.”
“Okay, pretty girl.”
