Margot and Jude walked over to the machines while Ethan and I stayed put. I was about to head off to my car when Ethan popped the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and turned to me. “So I take it my apology note is accepted?”

Oh, right. English. Paul and Jake. “Sure,” I said, smirking. “Neanderthal twins. That’s good.”

“Thanks. And hey, since you’re new, I’ll tell them off for you.”

“What?” My eyes widened as I looked up at him. He couldn’t be serious. He looked serious. “Please don’t.”

“It’s long overdue. In fifth grade, I wore a pink flamingo costume to the Halloween parade, and Paul and Jake said I was gay and anyone I touched would turn gay. I mean, I was gay, and it was a phenomenal costume, so I don’t entirely blame them for thinking it had powers, but still. It would be cathartic.”

“But…” I paused, confused about why he thought it was a good idea. “I doubt it will change anything.” It was like KDBS being full of Jodys. It was the way things were, and I’d rather focus my energy on the stuff I could actually control.

“Are you sure?” Ethan eyed me doubtfully. “I may not be as gifted as Margot in the art of intimidation, but I can be devastating when I want to be. Devastating.” He made his eyes go all big and intense, like they’d been during his sadistic dentist audition song.

Jude and Margot joined us again, crinkling plastic snack bags. “What’s devastating?” Margot asked around a mouthful of chips.

I looked hard at Ethan, shaking my head a little. I didn’t need anyone else knowing about Paul and Jake’s douche act in English.

“Dancing with Robobitch,” Ethan said smoothly. “I’m still recovering.”

Margot snorted and I nodded to Ethan, glad we were on the same page. The group split up after that. Jude’s car was near mine, so we walked together through the parking lot.

“So… are you nervous about getting the part?” I asked to fill the silence. Just a few more seconds and I’d be on my way home after this way-too-long day.

“Nah.” Jude shrugged one shoulder. “If I get it, awesome. But if I don’t, it’s not the end of the world. Life goes on. Et cetera, et cetera.”

That wasn’t what I expected, and it annoyed me for some reason. “How mellow of you,” I muttered.

“Wow.” Jude looked at me. “You didn’t like my answer at all.”

“No, I’m just surprised. From what I’ve seen of you, I thought you’d care more. About getting the best role.”

“Ah, from what you’ve seen of me. So you have good observational skills?” There was that gleam in his eye again, accompanied by a knowing smile.