Page 22 of Disharmony

“Great,” I murmur. “So, everyone has heard about my singing lesson this morning?”

Their silence says it all. As if McCallister’s class wasn’t punishment enough.

“Brilliant,” I groan. “The whole camp knows I made a fool of myself.”

“Don’t let them, or the Lockets, get to you,” Leila says. Her expression darkens. “They’re like that with everyone they’re threatened by.”

“I’m hardly a threat,” I say. Tiffany and her gang of backing singers are guaranteed to succeed. They have access to Tiffany’s trust fund and connections, which will secure them a record deal alongside a spot on the cover of Teen Vogue. “After seeing Tiffany perform, I don’t stand a chance of getting on the stage in the final show.”

“You have raw talent,” Cookie insists. “Tiffany has been practicing for the whole year to ace her audition. Someone told me she’s had private tutoring for three hours a day.”

Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure as hell gives you an advantage. Mom and Dad could only afford to send me to one dance class a week, then that stopped after… Thankfully, Leila interrupts my thoughts. I can’t let myself go back to that place, not when I’m finally starting to turn a corner.

“Your video got more views than any of hers, or the Lockets, ever has,” Leila points out, but numbers don’t mean anything. On the internet, the most viral videos are usually of people doing dumb shit and making an ass of themselves. “She’ll be scared that you have more online followers than her. What’s your Insta handle, by the way? I’ll follow you.”

“Actually, I don’t really use social media a lot,” I admit. Well, not that I post to anyway. The only account I have is one where I stalk the Basilisks every move, but I’m not gonna admit that to a group of people I met yesterday. “All I have is a Facebook page with a few kids from high school, and other accounts that I never post anything to…”

Declan’s jaw drops like I’ve admitted to being a serial killer. “No way!”

“I’ve never really had anything interesting to post.” I shrug noncommittally. “There’s not exactly a lot going on where I’m from.”

“Now is the time to start. You already have an audience waiting,” Leila says, then drops her voice. “Plus, it’ll help with the final show. Jacqueline wants to build up hype online in the lead up.”

If myLove Storycover hasn’t ruined my chances, my online ghost status will be the final nail in the coffin.

“I’m really not that interesting.”

I’m not a flawless wellness guru, a good cook, or a beauty whizz. Why would people care about what I’m up to? Not least, why would I want to post about my life online for all to see?

“You don’t have to be,” Leila says. “You just need to create a presence and a brand. Only post what you want people to see.”

“I don’t even know where I’d begin,” I confess.

“Leave it with me.” A mischievous grin lights up Cookie’s face. “Socials are my jam.”

“You don’t have to,” I say quickly. “I know you’ve got a load of other things to work on.”

“I know I don’t have to,” she says, passing me a red cup of punch with a splash of Declan’s special juice thrown in. “I want to. Besides, when you become famous, you’ll have to hire me as your agent, right?”

I clink our cups together. “You have a deal.”

We settle upon a pile of rocks and look out across the lake. The sun is setting, and its orange glow shoots across the blue sky. While Cookie starts an argument with the twins about song composition, my thoughts wander to what might be happening in Meadow Springs. Is Dad working or trying to figure out which button to press to cook a microwave meal? What is Brick doing? Is he working late at the yard or hanging out with some of his football friends who are still around? I down a large mouthful of punch, hoping the alcohol burn will wash away my discomfort. I have to speak to Brick. Soon.

“Look who it is!” Conor nudges his head toward the fire. “It looks like the Kings have decided to grace us peasants with their company.”

We aren’t the only ones to notice the Lionhearts arrival. Despite the other campers’ excitement at their impromptu appearance, I’m sure they were forced to attend by Jacqueline as chaperones. The three guys are deep in a heated conversation. Zach Royal says something sharply to the other two, which makes Levi kick the sand and Damon scowl. I can’t imagine what they have to worry about, maybe they aren’t happy with the outfits they have to wear for their next tour.

“Hi, Zach!” Tiffany calls. Zach shoots his two bandmates a final warning glare before joining Tiffany. She kisses both of his cheeks in the same way you see celebrities greeting each other at red carpet events. Despite the gushing from the Lockets, it doesn’t seem like the way you’d greet a boyfriend. Perhaps the rumors about them dating aren’t true? Although, I’m hardly an expert in that area, considering the only guy who has ever loved me is my platonic male best friend. “Do you want to see us perform, Zach?”

“Sounds great,” Zach says, giving her the same heart-melting smile that’s plastered all over tween girls’ bedrooms.

Let’s face it, it’s not like he has a choice. A member of the Lockets has a boombox ready and is already handing out microphones. This must have been Tiffany’s plan all along. A crowd is forming around them, meaning there’s no escape.

The twins stand and dust themselves off.

“Seriously?” Leila demands. She sounds pissed. “You wanna watch them?”

“It might be fun,” Declan says.

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