“I got it.”
She ignores me, though, leaning the fake column back so I can spike its corners.
“Thanks.”
“Sure.”
She offers me a hand up and we take our seats. Everyone’s been antsy at today’s rehearsal—too much Valentine’s Day candy, probably—and I can tell the cast is ready to go.
“One more thing,” Dr. L announces. “I know some of you are struggling with the heightened language, so Saturday we’re hosting a movie night here in the Little Theatre to watch somethingsomethingsomething last minute, but I hope you can all make it.”
You’d think Dr. L might have mentioned it when I was going over the week’s schedule, since I’m the one who’d have to set it up. What if I had something else going on? Like a date?
Except me and Liam still haven’t been able to go on a proper date. I haven’t managed to tell Jasmine about us yet. I thought she was getting better, but this morning in the parking lotshe made me recite his list twice before I could get out.
When Dr. L dismisses the cast, Liam hangs back to talk to her while I clean up. I’m sweeping the stage when Dr. L waves me over.
“Liam was just saying you’ve been helping him learn his lines.”
“Oh. Yeah.” I scratch the back of my head, keeping my face neutral. That’s not all we’ve been doing.
“Well, it’s working. Good job.”
Liam’s cheeks redden, and he fights a little smile.
“Thanks. I mean, I’m glad to do it.”
“I might ask you to give Cam some help too.”
I would rather swallow a Leko.
“What time is movie night?” I ask to distract her.
“Three o’clock. I guess it’s more an afternoon than a night. You’ll both be there?”
“If I can get a ride.”
“You’ve got one,” Liam says.
“Great!” Dr. L claps her hands together once, then starts packing her tote bag. “See you tomorrow.”
We both watch her go; I only realize my hand’s gone numb when the dust mop clatters to the stage.
Liam busts out laughing. “You should have seen your face.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“I think you turned green for a moment.”
I finish sweeping, set the ghost light, and grab my backpack. Liam’s already got his on; a couple of the other cast members are hanging around, comparing notes.
“Hey.” Liam glances around, then signs, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“You too.”
I wish I could kiss him. I wish we could snuggle on the bench likeCam and Philipevery other couple in the department.
But there are still witnesses. Actors taking forever to pack their bags. Others lounging on the benches still chatting.
