Kaity, however, is stroking her chin. “Maybe Lin and I could work some magic...”

“No, no, it’s fine,” I say quickly. God forbid they interfere. “If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

Linli sighs, pulling away. “Well, if you need anything, let us know.”

I nod in agreement just as Rosie returns. Both Linli and Kaity perk up at the sight of her, sharing a knowing look.

I raise my eyebrows, considering their expressions and the warm look in Sofia’s eyes.

“Hi, Rosie,” Sofia says quietly, curling a strand of pink hair around her finger. “How are you?”

Rosie blinks, clearly at a loss, and I pinch her wrist. She starts at the touch before letting out a high-pitched laugh. “Hi, Sofia. I’m—I’m good, thank you. How are you?”

“Good,” Sofia says, and the two of them just smile at each other serenely, not saying a word.

Ya Allah. These two could give anyone a cavity.

“As sweet as this is,” Kaity cuts in, a mischievous glint in her eye, “we should get going. Make heart eyes at each other some other time.”

Sofia’s lips part in disbelief as she slants Kaity a dark look, but Kaity and Linli are too busy laughing, running down the hallway.

“Sorry,” Sofia says, unable to meet Rosie’s eyes. “Uh, are we still running lines after school today?”

Rosie nods, her cheeks blazing red.

“Cool,” Sofia says, and I watch Rosie’s soul leave her body as Sofia ducks forward, pressing a quick kiss against Rosie’s cheek, before rushing after Linli and Kaity.

I open my mouth, and Rosie hisses, “Not a word.”

I raise my hands in surrender. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

Rosie harrumphs, but it’s hard to take her seriously when she’s turning into a tomato. “Grant said he’ll help us figure something out after school.”

“Perfect,” I say. My soul feels slightly appeased, so I swing an arm around Rosie’s shoulder and tug her in the direction of the cafeteria. “I think they have chicken nuggets today.”

“How am I meant to eat right now?” Rosie bemoans.

“I’m sure you’ll find a way,” I say dryly, but my brain is busy wondering how Grant is going to help us. He must know more about Emmitt than the internet does—there has to be something Emmitt wants, something we can strike a bargain for, something we can do.

We have to find a way to salvage our chances of winning the film festival. Even if it means sacrificing my pride even more than I already have.

10