Reid agreed with Dad.

Thursday, Reid and I argued over whether to order Thai food or pizza for a rehearsal dinner.

I cannot explain that one.

Finally, it’s Friday but also the first full run-through of act one, a somewhat momentous occasion because from this point forward, the band will be at every rehearsal. It’s supposed to be a major moment, but it’s kind of tarnished by the entire band icing me upon their arrival. Even Lacey and Logan! They set up their instruments without so much as a glance in my direction. I’m sitting in the second row with Henry, staring at Logan as if I can will a reaction, because if I can’t get a smile from him it’s, like, am I a monster? Reid is backstage with the cast and I know it must be weird for him—being onstage and not in his chair.

“Predict this rehearsal’s trajectory on a scale of one to mess,” Henry says.

“It’s going to sound amazing,” I answer. I believe that. Because even if the band is pissed, every member strives for validation from my dad. “But awkwardness? Mess.”

Dad raises his hand and cues the overture.

I just hope I’m right.

Outside of the context of Melted, Reid and I have zero clue how to behave in front of other people—something that becomes obvious the moment I walk into Lincoln Skating Rink on Saturday night for a Melted group hang—a necessary morale boost after a bumpy week. As predicted, the band’s love of Aaron Jacobson rallied them to sound every bit the award-winning group they are. But directorially, I still have a lot of notes for the cast.

It’s all very much a work in progress.

So when Reid says he thinks everyone needs to bond outside of rehearsals, I suggest ice skating because it ties to our Frozen roots.

And here we are.

Reid is hanging out by the snack bar with Logan, Makayla, and Arjun when I arrive with Henry, Fitz, and Danica. Otherwise, band members still seem to be socializing in their own circles, but for what it’s worth, they are here. Reid is noticeably shorter than everyone else, due to the fact that he is not wearing skates.

“They’re eating cheese fries,” Fitz comments. “I want cheese fries!”

But first, we need skates.

Reid doesn’t even so much as glance in my direction when Arjun yells my name and okay, so this is how tonight is going to be. I understand wanting to keep things on the down low since we have had literally no conversations about what we are doing. Trust me, I have no intention of shouting I am kissing Reid Callahan! from the rooftops any time soon. But is it really just secret making out?

Danica picks her skates up off the counter as I try to shake these thoughts.

“You know we know, right?”