Page 69 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

I smooth out my hair some more, but for some reason it keeps sticking up. “What are your plans for the night?” I ask my brother.

“Maybe I’ll go for a walk and see where I end up.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him about Tori, but I decide not to. I already told him what I think about the two of them and it’s his decision if he wants to try to rekindle what they had. But I’m hoping he ends up at her place and they hit it off.

“And I don’t have to tell you that you need to be on your best behavior,” Chase says. “If a video that portrays you in a negative light goes viral, you’re done.”

“As you tell me every time I go to a party. I got it.”

He nods slowly. “I guess that’s it, then. Don’t come home so late.”

I salute. “Yes, sir.”

“Haha, funny.” He steps closer to me. “So how are you really doing? Feeling much better, you know, after everything that happened?”

He’s talking about my lack of auditions. I’ve been taking a break from sending video auditions because I need to clear my head. But the fact that Quentin hasn’t even gotten offers worries me.

“I’m okay,” I tell him. “Focusing on the play and on school.”

“Yeah, that’s good. But you know I’m here if you want to talk. And Mom and Dad are always available.”

I study him. “Are they still worried about me?”

“They just want to make sure you’re happy.”

“I’m fine. Like I said, focusing on the play.”

He nods. “That’s great. And it’s great that you and Mia are getting along. I’m glad you’re being mature and putting everything that happened between you guys behind you.” He rubs my arm. “Have fun at the party.” He turns to leave.

“I was wrong about Mia,” I say.

He turns around.

“She didn’t get me fired from the sequel. The producers didn’t want me to return.” I shake my head. “I held a grudge against her for so long. And she was innocent.”

“I told you not to jump to conclusions. The Parks are nice people.”

“Yeah, they are.”

They were so nice to me the other night when we had dinner together. Asher was so helpful with his tips on acting, and Charlie was so gracious to offer me so much food. And Mia is just an overall fun person. I had such a good time with her at the mall yesterday.

I check myself in the mirror one more time before heading toward the closet for my coat. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have fun.”

I get in my car and drive toward Jarel’s house. I don’t know the guy well, but he’s on the basketball team. He sits at the popular lunch table with me, though I haven’t exchanged many words with him. It’s usually the girls who are always crowded around me. I do know he’s a nice guy, though.

On my way to the party, I call my parents. I reassure them that I’m fine and happy and plan to enjoy myself at the party tonight.

Even though I talked to them yesterday, it’s not enough. I feel like there’s so much I need to tell them. Between school, the play, Mia, and just the overall vibe of the town, it feels like they’re missing out on a lot. I haven’t told them much about Mia, just that we’re doing the play together. I do tell them about the misunderstanding with the sequel, and they’re glad there’s no bad blood between Mia and me. Like I said, chances are we’ll run into each other often during our careers, so it’s important to make connections, not enemies.

“Have you made friends?” Mom asks.

I shrug as I stop at a red light. “Everyone is my friend.”

“Yes, but we mean a true friend. Someone you can be close to.”

“Nah. What’s the point if I’ll leave after the semester ends? I have many fans and that’s what matters.”

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