My chest warmed and tightened. Then Josie cleared her throat. “Let’s not forget, I’m the one who did the hair.” She came over and primped it. “This is professional-level work.”

Dad slung his arms around both of us. “We’re proud of both our talented girls.”

“Aaah, Dad, don’t mess it up,” Josie whined, flinging a hand out to protect my hair. “I need a picture.”

“Good idea,” Mom said. “Alina, why don’t you stand by the—”

“No, just of her hair,” Josie said. “I’m building a portfolio so I can get a part-time job at a salon in a rich neighborhood and make buttloads in tips.”

“Good, I’ll probably need a loan soon,” I said, keeping my head still as Josie snapped pictures.

“Why?”

I shrugged. “Because I’ll probably apply to colleges in New York, and it’s expensive there.”

The room went quiet except for the click of Josie’s phone camera. I looked up and saw Mom and Dad sharing a look of pure joy. I guess they hadn’t known where I stood on the whole college thing. I still didn’t know what schools I’d apply to, or what I’d major in, but I had time to figure that out.

Josie stepped back, satisfied with the pictures. “All right, let me take a real one,” she said, directing me to the mantel. When she held the phone up, my mouth stretched into an embarrassingly gigantic smile.

And I kept smiling, all the way to Eagle View and the auditorium and backstage. This whole day, I’d felt such happiness glowing from every part of my body. The anticipation of opening night, the memory of the kiss, the fun of talking about it with my best friends, and the heart-pounding eagerness to see him again.

Jude.

I weaved my way through the packed hallway backstage, full of cast members chattering with nervous energy. My phone buzzed.

It’s cool if I wear a T-shirt with your name spelled out in glitter, right?

I knew Colleen was joking, but I also wouldn’t put it past her to actually do it. If you do, I’ll bring a bullhorn to your ABT debut.

Totally worth it. Break a leg tonight (but, you know, not really).

I’ll try my best.

I put my phone away and saw Margot at the stage door, decked out in her sparkling gown. “You look amazing!” I said, smacking her in the bicep.

“You look like you made out with Jude.” Margot smacked me back.