Page 55 of Dungeons and Drama

“Done with rehearsal, Riley?” she calls.

“Yep!” I reply, and jog toward her, grateful for the excuse to leave Paul, his nosy questions, and his weird vibe behind. “We have a ways to go, but it’s getting better.”

“If you have a second, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.” I pull my book bag higher on my shoulder and try to relax even though nervous thoughts skitter through my mind. She wouldn’t want to pull the plug on our showcase after all the work we’ve put in, right?

“I don’t think you’ve noticed because you’ve been sofocused during rehearsals, but I’ve been peeking in here and there this week to see how it’s going. And I have to say, I’m very impressed.”

“Oh?” There’s not much to be impressed with yet. She chuckles like she knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“I know the numbers need work. And I’m sure you’ll get there. But I’m impressed withyou.It’s not easy to direct your peers. Many students would get distracted with friends or short-tempered or overwhelmed. But you seem so at ease. And you have a good way with everyone—serious without being harsh.”

“Wow, thank you,” I reply, my tension evaporating at her kind words.

“Of course, I’ll make it clear to the administration at the meeting that I support bringing back the musical. But I have something else to run past you. Would you be at all interested in helping me after school with choir rehearsals? The junior high show choir is scheduled to perform for the Rotary Club in town, and we’re nowhere near where we need to be. I couldn’t pay you—this would be strictly volunteer-based—but I can already imagine the effect you could have with them.”

“So…” I pause, my thoughts running slow and then very fast as I process her words. “So, you mean like…you’re asking if I’d be your assistant?”

“Exactly.” She beams at me. “But there’s no pressure if it doesn’t sound interesting.”

I shake my head. It soundsextremelyinteresting. Just the idea of working with Miss Sahni, of spending my afternoons and evenings running rehearsals, fills me with joy. However,I don’t know how I’d balance that and still work at the store every night.

“Well, it sounds exciting. Let me, um, talk to my parents.”

“Yes, of course. I hope they’ll be on board!”

My insides shrivel. It’s easy to get your parents on board if you never tell them anything.

Chapter Nineteen

I meet Mom in the parking lot, my head still spinning with Miss Sahni’s words. Today, of all days, I really wish Nathan was able to drive me. Then I could think in peace or possibly talk this out with him. He did get me home on time, and Mom agreed to let him drive me again in the future, but she wanted to pick me up this afternoon. I’m staying at Dad’s apartment this weekend, so if Mom doesn’t see me now, then she won’t get another chance until Sunday evening.

“You have everything for your dad’s?” she asks as we make our way down Main Street. Flags with our high school mascot hang from the light posts, and each corner is decorated with big pots of mums and pumpkins. Scottsville has extra charm in autumn.

“Yep.” I don’t want to come across overly happy or sad to be staying with Dad—but it’s hard to keep the excitement from my voice. Dad agreed to let everyone come over Sunday afternoon to watch the Monty Python movie. It turnsout he loves them, which shouldn’t surprise me, and his face practically lit up the store when I mentioned I was interested in watching one.

“I guess you two are getting along better? I used to have to drag you to his apartment.”

She isn’t wrong. This weekend feels different. I’m excited to spend Sunday with everyone, but it’s not just that. All this time at the store with Dad has made spending weekends together significantly more fun. We talk about the customers or the newest products—we even had a conversation about D&D a few days ago. Ineverthought we’d be able to do that.

“We are. I’ll miss you this weekend, though,” I reply quietly.

She cuts me a glance. “It’s okay for you to want to spend time with him. I think it’s a good thing.”

I survey her skeptically. I don’t want her thinking that I love her less or am less loyal to her just because I’m spending more time with Dad.

“Thanks for agreeing to let me have people over at Dad’s.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “Well, I wasn’t in love with the idea. But Iamproud of how you’ve acted throughout your grounding. I was worried this was going to be a constant battle, but you’ve held up your end of the deal so far.”

Her words make me itchy. Mom and Dad still have no idea that my after-school rehearsals are for the musical showcase. They think Miss Sahni is just a taskmaster who keeps calling for more chamber choir rehearsals after school. Every time the guilt grows too strong—like now—I remind myself that it’s not like I’m making truly irresponsible choices. I’m still (barely) keeping up with my homework and working atthe store…and the only reason I’m lying is so I can sing show tunes. But as much as I say that, I’m still going against their wishes and I don’t feel good about it.

“In fact,” she continues as she parks in front of the store, “I have something to tell you.” She unbuckles and turns to me, grinning widely. “I was talking to your father about how well you’ve handled this and your work ethic at the store, and he agreed you’ve been a big asset. I’m seriously impressed with your attitude change, Riley.”

I shift in my seat, the guilt gnawing at me. It would be way easier to rationalize all this if my parents were being horrible.

“So…”Mom pauses dramatically, and I’m reminded that I’m not the only one in the family who loves a little theatrical drama. “I know we said eight weeks minimum at the store, but I suggested that we end your grounding after next week and your father didn’t argue!”

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