Page 38 of Bad Crush
“Reagan?”
I stay hidden, but I can see Reagan wringing her hands. Then she starts talking fast.
“Yeah, sorry, I was studying and then decided to run some lines. I guess I got a little carried away.”
“All right. I thought I heard screaming.”
I peek out from my hiding spot. Hoffman is a balding, middle-aged man. His hands are on his hips as he interrogates Reagan.
“I’m sorry. I was really getting into it.”
Yeah, she was.
“I’m about finished,” she assures him.
“Okay. I’m heading home soon. You should too.”
“I will. I promise.” Reagan glances over at me quickly. She doesn’t move until the theater door closes.
“Oh my gosh.” She walks toward me in a fit of giggles.
“Good to know you’re safe in here.”
“From everyone but you.” She hugs my waist. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
12
Reagan
Eat your veggies, wear sunscreen, daydream, and spend more time with people who make you smile.
My heart rateclimbs with every step toward the theater Tuesday afternoon. Mila is the first person I see. She stands off to the side as if she’s unsure of where she should be.
When she spots me, her face lights up. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you. You too. Understudy for not one, buttwoparts.” Molly and Mary, the middle sister, played by a sophomore named Harriet.
Mila tightens her grip on her backpack. “I’m so nervous. Now I have double the lines to memorize.”
“Don’t be.” I nudge her with my elbow. “This is going to be fun.”
I hold on to that hopeful attitude until after my first scene. Director Hoffman’s face is pinched as he calls for us to take a break.
“Reagan.” He beckons me with a wave of his hand.
I hop down from the stage and meet him in the second row.
“Are you sure you want this role?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
His mouth pulls down into a frown. “You look uncomfortable. Your lines and movements are right, but it isn’t believable.”
“It’s the first day,” I argue, feeling a prick of annoyance.
“This isn’t the casting I wanted for you, but you seemed so determined I went against my instinct. If we need to make a change, I’d rather do it now than halfway through rehearsals.”
“We don’t need to make a change. Tell me what I need to do.”
