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bubbly blondes, but the girl was cold as ice when it came to her GPA. She was determined to get into an Ivy League school. My money was on Vanessa to make it happen.
    â€œWe were so surprised to see you here today,” Haley Owens said.
    Haley dated Mark Vedder, a senior. She was a junior, had a passing resemblance to Alicia Keys, and sang in every musical.
    Everyone knew it would be over the minute Mark graduated from high school and left to play college basketball on the East Coast. Everybody except Haley, that is.
    â€œNo biggie,” I said. “Connor wanted a little more rehearsal time, that’s all. And I thought it might be fun to mix it up a little.”
    Connor had his faults, but a wandering eye wasn’t one of them. He peppered his conversation with way too many bro’s and dude’s, had once eaten an entire apple pie without offering me a slice, and sophomore year, during his annual ski trip with his parents, had forgotten to call me for an entire week. That was it for Connor’s faults.
    Haley piped up. “I’d be careful, Sophie,” she said. “Angie Vogel is serious competition. And they’ve been spending a lot of time together. Jason says she’s all Connor talks about these days.”
    â€œHe does, does he?” I said. I started to say something more, something I’d probably regret, but Monet came to the table loaded down with our lunch.
    Vanessa leaned in close to me. “Sophie, I just want you to know that no matter what happens, we’re still here for you.”
    I’d believe that when I saw it, I thought. And I ignored the rest of what she was trying to say.
    â€œEverything is fine,” I assured them. “Connor’sjust excited about his role. It’s a big deal for him. Who knows where it could take him? You know how important extracurricular activities are on college applications.”
    They all nodded in agreement, but Monet gave me an inquiring look.
    As if the whole subject bored me, I speared a leaf of lettuce with my fork. “Now, what’s been going on with you guys? I’ve been so busy with rehearsals that I need you to catch me up on the latest.” But as I put the lettuce in my mouth, it tasted a little like sawdust.
    Haley said, “Speaking of rehearsals, how’s it going with gorgeous Dev?” She glanced at Monet and shrugged. “I know he’s your brother, but he’s totally hot.”
    Monet replied, “But Sophie and my brother have known each other forever. She’s immune to his questionable charms, right, Soph?”
    â€œExactly,” I said firmly. “Dev’s like a brother to me.” Monet had been burned before by so-called friends who just wanted to get closer to Dev. It was always a sore topic.
    Besides, I didn’t need any speculation going around about my costar and me. Not when there was evidently already enough gossip about Connor and Angie.
    I’d talk to him and make it clear that his professional admiration for his leading lady was becoming fodder for gossip. I didn’t realize that it was much too late for a heart-to-heart with my boyfriend. Matters were already well out of my hands.

Chapter 5
    T hat afternoon, I headed to rehearsal happily, assuming that my tiff with Connor would blow over. As I walked by the vending machines on the way to the auditorium, Alexa Campbell ran smack into me. She was eating a chocolate bar, which she managed to get all over my pristine white shirt.
    â€œI…I…I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Don’t tell my mom, please.”
    Alexa’s mom owned a successful chain of weight-loss facilities.
    â€œI don’t need to tell your mom you’re sneaking chocolate—it’s obvious from looking at you.” The words just popped out of my mouth.
    â€œWhat a bitch,” I heard someone behind me say, as (of course) Alexa burst into tears.
    Belatedly, I remembered how Monet