Page 15 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
My phone dings with more texts, but I’m too busy thinking about Phoenix and how she sort of teased me about my writing skills.
Chuckling to myself, I put my helmet on and climb onto my bike.
Chapter Five
Katie
The dreaded hour has arrived. Time to face the cast and crew ofBeauty and the Beast. During my last class of the day, I thought about bolting. But what would that have accomplished? I’ll have to face this eventually, so I should just get it over with. And anyway, I won’t be too surprised to learn Miss Diaz has cast someone else as Belle.
I stand outside the auditorium, my hand slowly moving toward the door to push it open. No, I can’t do this. I can’t face them. Face him.
Oh my gosh, what happened at band practice on Saturday was terrible. Everything was all messed up. Eric didn’t play or sing well, and I’m wondering if maybe that’s because of me? Because I ran from him? Or is he so mad at me for ruining the musical that he doesn’t want to even look at me?
But hedidlook at me. A few times throughout practice. But I couldn’t face him. It’s just too horrifying and embarrassing.
I shake my head, telling myself I can’t be immature about this. If the role is still mine, then I need to do whatever I can to make this musical the best it can be. The entire cast and crew shouldn’t suffer because something’s wrong with me and I can’t kiss a guy without freaking out.
“Katie?” Miss Diaz says as she comes to stand next to me. “Is everything okay?”
I force a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
She scrutinizes me like I’m under a microscope. “Are you sure?”
I shift from one foot to the other. She’s definitely thinking about the mess I made at our last rehearsal.
She places her hand on my shoulder. “Katie, these things happen all the time and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I should have been more attuned to your feelings and shouldn’t have started with that scene. It’s a very emotional one. You performed exceptionally well, but perhaps you need some time to grow comfortable with the role. We’ll work on a lighter scene today.”
I nod, my face heating up.
She squeezes my arm. “Let’s go inside.”
I follow her into the auditorium, where most of the cast and crew are seated. I find Eric immediately, playing with his phone. He doesn’t look up when I take a seat behind him. I wish I could sit at the other end of the auditorium, but Miss Diaz doesn’t want us to scatter.
“Hey,” Gabby says as I lower myself next to her. “I was worried you wouldn’t show.”
I smile awkwardly, my gaze creeping to Eric. He still doesn’t look at me. I don’t know what I would do if he did, how I would react.
But the fact that he doesn’t look…does that mean he hates me? How will we get through rehearsal?
“Is something wrong?” Gabby asks.
“No, I’m fine,” I tell her.
Eric still doesn’t glance my way, and it pokes my heart a little. I totally wrecked everything. First rehearsal, then band practice.
Miss Diaz steps onto the stage, waving her arms for attention. “Today we’re starting with the library scene.” She calls for Eric and me to get on stage.
His arm brushes against mine as he climbs the steps. His head turns slightly toward me, his shoulders tensing up. Then we stand on opposite ends of the stage.
“Are we ready to start?” Miss Diaz asks.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slowly make my way over to him.
He rubs the back of his neck, his eyes slowly finding their way to mine. I can’t read them. It’s like he completely closed himself off.
My insides twist around one another.
“Eric, step closer to Katie. And Katie, why do you look like you saw a ghost?” Miss Diaz nods to me, encouraging me that I can do this.
