Reid’s fingers smash against the keyboard in C minor. “I’m sorry you inspired me!” The note fades to silence and I know the tips of my ears are pink. Reid swallows. “I always liked Melted. That was never a prank. Okay?”

I am suddenly aware that my friends—and my dad—are witnessing what very much feels like a private Natalie vs. Reid conversation. I pivot back.

“Henry and I should still have been involved before any writing happened. In fact, I want to be involved in the composition process too.”

“Nat-a-lie,” Reid says slowly, enunciating each syllable as his fingers start to move back up and down the piano. “I called you, like, twelve times last night. How can we collaborate if you don’t answer your phone?”

I pull out my phone and click to see missed calls and… I have Reid in do not disturb mode.

Dad clears his throat, bringing the drama to a halt. “Okay. I’m calling it. Everyone can go home. Codirectors, pull it together. Mrs. Mulaney wants script approval by mid-November and a cast list before Thanksgiving. Melted: The Musical’s one-night-only performance will be February sixth. Is this tight? Yes. But it’s doable, assuming we get our act together and start acting like professionals.”

Except, we’re not professionals. We’re high school students.

That’s kind of the whole point.

“Can I be honest, Mr. J?” Danica asks.

Dad nods. “Please.”

“I think Henry and I should codirect,” Danica says, and five sets of eyes snap to meet hers. “Look, I should’ve been president of the musical theater club. Henry would be drama club president too. As seniors, it is our last chance to be in a leadership role. For Natalie and Reid this is a punishment. I think we should consider that for some of us… putting on a show this year actually means something.”

My eyes turn to Henry in disbelief but I can’t read his expression. Is this serious?

“That’s not fair,” Reid says. “Yeah, Natalie and I were thrown together as codirectors. But we’re the ones who are still going to be here next year. We have something to fight for.”

Do I… agree with Reid?

Does Henry… want to abandon me for Danica?

Impossible. All of it.

I look back at my dad, who looks at me like he is so far out of his depth.

So our first rehearsal ends on an awkward and confusing note. I watch Danica and Henry packing up to leave. Danica tells Henry she’ll see him at study group. Henry smiles and nods, zipping up his backpack and tossing it over his shoulder, exiting scene without even saying goodbye, and I’m really over the passive-aggressive attitude.

I follow him out of the band room and down the hallway.

“What was that?” I ask.

Henry pivots to face me. “I have to get to work, Natalie.”