Page 42 of Fake It Till You Break It
After I took a shower, I checked my email, but Finn hadn’t emailed me back yet. Last time he responded within a couple of hours. Then again, the last email I sent him was pretty long.
To be honest, I felt guilty at first, but the more I talked toJake about Finn, the more I felt that he was ready to see Finn again. And he needed to move on.
Just as I jumped into bed, my phone beeped with a text message. Not remembering where I tossed my glasses, I squinted at the tiny bright screen.
J. ASS:Just wanted to let you know that those were some pretty big circles you ran around me tonight. I’m man enough to admit it.
J. ASS:Don’t let it get to your head.
J. ASS:Good night.
It took a couple seconds for his text message to sink in, but I had to bite the inside of my lip to stop myself from smiling when it did.
Oh, God, just the thought of that kiss made a rush of emotions flood through me. And the disturbing fact that I was feeling this way because ofJake.
Darn it. Darn it. Darn it. I should NOT be thinking about Jake. Not in that way. I tried to imagine Ben’s face, but Jake kept popping back into my head with a stupid grin.
What I really needed to do was sleep. Obviously, I was overly tired so I was light-headed and delusional. That’s it. Sleep. Once I got that then things would go back to normal.
This was going to be a long night.
MIA
AFTER REHEARSAL ENDED, Icarried a couple of boxes filled with the musical programs across the room. Daniel, the theater director, cursed and hit the top of the table with his fist, which was still clenching his cell phone. “Stupid chemistry!”
I stopped. “What’s wrong?”
“Dana Brennon just emailed me to let me know that she can’t be in the musical anymore. Apparently, she’s failing her chemistry class, so her mom grounded her until her grades come up.” He scowled as he picked up a script and pen. “She could have come in and let me know in person. I don’t know how we’re going to find a replacement when the show is in less than a month.”
“Her part isn’t that big…”
“No, but Dana’s part still has that solo in that one song. Not to mention, she’s in the background for most of the scenes,so the person playing her still has to know what’s going on.” He shook his head. “I’ll figure something out. Maybe I’ll try to talk to Dana and her mom. Set Dana up with a tutor myself if I have to.”
I was barely listening to Daniel. My insides were jumping up and down. I had been debating trying out for the next play or musical the theater did, but this was just too good to pass up.
Here goes nothing.With a deep breath for courage, I dropped the boxes on a nearby chair and tapped him on the shoulder. “Do you think maybe I could try out for Dana’s part?”
Daniel turned to fully stare at me. “You… want to be… in the musical?”
I almost backtracked and said I was kidding, but Jake’s face popped into my head like a mental cheerleader and I charged forward. “Well, yeah. It’s actually always been a dream of mine to be in one. I mean, as much as I love typing out address labels, it’s not exactly my top career choice.” I tried to laugh it off, but it came out as a weak cough.
“Of course, I didn’t think—” He broke off. “Do you think you can handle the part? I mean, the show is in three weeks. Have you ever been onstage before?”
“Well, no.” My heart sank. Gah, I knew this was a stupid idea. “You’re right. This is too important. I would probably screw it up. Forget I brought it up.”
He reached out to grab my arm before I ran off. “Wait, I didn’t mean—”
“I think it’s a good idea,” another voice called out.
We turned around and saw Lyndon standing a few feet away. Her stage makeup was still on, but she’d taken down her hair and changed into her regular clothes.
“It’s a good idea,” she repeated again. Probably because we were both still staring at her. At least I know that I was. “Mia’s run lines with the other actresses a few times, and she’s not too bad. Her singing could use some work. I’ve heard her singing to herself in the dressing room. Kind of off-key, but not horrible. I could work with her if you want.”
I should have been offended and any other day I might have been, but I was still reeling over the fact that Lyndon said I wasn’t “too bad.” Actually, before today I didn’t even think she knew my name, much less noticed me running lines.
Daniel clapped his hands together before nodding. “That settles it then. Why don’t you see if you could get the costume from the back room for alterations, and we’ll work out some extra time for you to practice and catch up?”
“Okay, thanks.” I glanced over at Lyndon, who was already packing up her bag. “And thanks, Lyndon.”
