Things get out of control when “Time Warp” begins. Everyone’s dancing and scream-singing the words. “Get on your feet, August,” Anna yells. I hop on a recliner, balance myself, then go wild. The Famous August Greene knows how to shine during a group number.

I understand why Elijah loves this movie—the way Tim Curry plays Dr. Frank. No apologies. No inhibition. All sexuality. It’s inspiring to see a queer character fully owning his identity. I wish I weren’t playing a tragic character with the opposite of a happy ending. Ajax is the exact role I didn’t want to play. I’ve been having trouble stepping into the character when I rehearse at home. I feel so much pressure to show up to rehearsal tomorrow and blow them away. It makes this party feel like a waste of my time.

Can you die from an edible? Maybe I’ll google it.

Elijah’s eyes get big. “August, Duncan is here. Come with me?”

“I don’t know,” I say, not wanting to involve myself.

“I threw a whole party for you—would you do this for me?”

“Fine,” I say, then follow him. “Why do I need to come with you?”

Elijah stops, and I run into him. “I need you to run a distraction for me.”

“A what?”

“I need you to distract Anna so I can talk to Duncan. Then I’m going to kiss him.”

“In front of everyone?”

“In front of Anna. Once she sees our heat, she will stay away.”

I grab his arm. “Hey, I’m serious. If Duncan isn’t out about being pansexual, you shouldn’t do this right now.”

“This is a very accepting crowd. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid,” Elijah says, and continues up the stairs to his target. I follow behind him, my heart beating fast. Anna and Duncan watch us walk toward them.

“Hello, handsome,” Elijah says to Duncan, and gives him a hug.

I try to read Anna’s face, but she seems unfazed. Elijah gives me the nod to run the distraction. “Hey, Anna,” I say. “Look over there?”

“August, are you okay? Too many brownies?”

I don’t think I like Duncan. But if Elijah goes through with this, Anna will never forgive him. I need to stop this before anything happens. “Duncan is dating both of you,” I say.

All three of them look at me, shook. Then look at each other.

“August,” Elijah hisses at me.

“I did you a favor,” I say.

Anna gasps. “Do you think you’re better than us now, Augustus?”

I shake my head. “I’m just over it,” I say, then take off without saying goodbye. I am the Famous August Greene—I say what I think. When I turn the corner, I run into Tess.

“Hi, August,” she says.

“Hi, Tess,” I return as I walk past.

“I wanted to say congrats for getting that role.”