“Do you still have time to look over my portfolio with me?” I ask, holding up my iPad. There’s a summer portfolio review Dr. L recommended, to help get ready for college applications, and she promised to help get mine into shape before the deadline.
“Of course! Come to the office when you’re ready?”
While I put the furniture away, Paige grabs the dust mop and sweeps the stage behind me. I shoot her a smile as I finish up and find Liam.
“Hey. All set?”
“I’ve got to talk to Dr. L. I don’t think it’ll take too long.”
“Okay. I’ll be here.”
I grab my portfolio and head to the Theatre Office.
Except when I round the corner, Cam’s already in there, sitting on the couch with Dr. Lochley. His elbows rest on his knees as he hunches over. Dr. L’s got a hand gingerly placed on his back.
“I know it’s frustrating,” she says, “but—”
Cam looks up and spots me. I can’t figure out if he’s surprised, or angry, or sad.
“Jackson?” Dr. L says. “You need something?”
“Uh. You said to come find you when I was done?” I hold up my iPad.
“Oh! Sorry. I’ve got to work something out with Cam first. We’ll do it later, all right?”
Always later.
“Sure.”
Liam’s leaning against the Theatre Board, looking at his phone, but he straightens when he sees me. “That was fast.”
I shake my head. “She’s with Cam. Said we’d do it later.”
Liam frowns. “She’s always doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Putting you off every time Cam so much as sneezes.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s not, though.”
I shrug. “What am I supposed to do? It’s not like I can complain about it.”
“Why not?”
“She’ll just think I’m jealous. She hates when people backbite.”
Liam sighs. “Jacks. It’s not backbiting. If you don’t speak up, how will anything change?”
He’s right, but also, he’s wrong, because sometimes speaking up will just make things worse.
Case in point.
“Can we not talk about this anymore?” I’ve got this squeezing feeling in my chest. “Let’s just go.”
“Okay.”
