Page 45 of I Accidentally Summoned A Demon
“Did you hear what happened?” the girl asked.
Kat swallowed. “No.”
“Ashley slept with the director to get the part, so he’s fired, and they’re redoing auditions!”
Kat’s eyes widened. That wasn’t what she expected.
“That explains what’s wrong with Ashley, but what’s Jason’s problem?” another student said.
The mention of his name made Kat stiffen. Following the other students’ gazes, she spotted Ashley and Jason slumped against the wall, white as ghosts, shaking. Kat frowned, that frown deepening when Jason looked over at her and immediately dropped his head.
“Something weird’s going on,” Kat murmured.
“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Nex set both hands on her waist, drawing her attention back to him. “You have to audition for that part again.”
“I’m not ready. I didn’t prepare. Plus, I’m not exactly full of confidence right now.”
“You should be, kitten.” Nex tucked her hair back. “You have a lot of talent. You should sing this time.”
“Sing?” Kat shook her head. “No way.”
“Yes,” he insisted. “You’ve got this. You want the part, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I guess. I don’t know. If they’re redoing parts, I could get out of it and not have to be around those two.” She inclined her head toward Ashley and Jason.
Nex smiled. “Something tells me that won’t be a problem.”
What does that mean?Kat tensed when, a few moments later, Ashley and Jason clambered to their feet and headed her way. She moved to step back, but Nex held her in place.
“Stand your ground. Let them see they mean nothing.” He stepped aside but kept a hand on her. “They don’t hold the power. You do.”
“Kat,” Jason muttered, not looking her in the eye. “I’m s-sorry for what we did. Really sorry.” Hands stuffed in his pockets, he bolted from the room.
Ashley wrapped her arms around herself, eyes downcast. “Yeah, I’m sorry. R-really sorry.” She rushed toward the exit.
“Ash, aren’t you going to audition?” one of the students asked.
“N-no.” Ashley’s eyes filled with tears before she hurried outside.
Kat stared after her. “What the . . .”
“Look at that,” Nex said. “No need to avoid it now. You should sing.”
“Did you . . .” Kat’s brows furrowed.
“Did I what?”
She chewed her lip. “Nothing.”
Trying to make sense of what happened, Kat suspected Nex held the answer. He said he took care of it but didn’t say how. He couldn’t hurt them unless she let him, but Jason and Ashley looked like they’d seen a ghost. Kat’s eyes widened.
Or a demon.
She was about to ask Nex, but someone walked in carrying a briefcase. “Everyone quiet down. I’m Professor Ladlow. Your new director.” He placed a piece of paper on a nearby table. “Let’s get this sign-up sheet going so we can start auditions.”
“That’s your cue.” Nex nudged her forward. “You’ve got this. Don’t be nervous. I’ll be here the whole time.”
Chapter 19
