Wardrobe is vitally important not only on the stage but in life as well.

As the incomparable Kristin Chenoweth once said, “A nice pair of Jimmy Choos never hurt anyone.”

Not that I could afford Jimmy Choos. More like a pair of Jessica Simpsons from the clearance rack at DSW. Or, today, because it’s so unseasonably warm for March, the rhinestone-embellished flip-flops my friend Alexis Santiago gave me because it turned out her mom bought the wrong size and she couldn’t return them. Win for me!

Second win: both my A Midsummer Night’s Dream rehearsal and Theo’s golf practice were canceled today. Totally unprecedented. And instead of just asking me to meet him at the driving range or his basement for a make-out session, Theo suggested Starbucks.

I can’t remember the last time we went out for real. Thus the sparkly flip-flops instead of my more practical Vans or ballet flats. I also swapped out the Metro Theater Arts tee and leggings I wore to school for black ankle pants and a hunter green off-the-shoulder peasant top. Too much for coffee? Maybe. But prom is around the corner; this could be big. Theo stepped up the setting; I’m stepping up the costume and I’m ready for an important moment.

Glancing around the parking lot, I decide my car is the best background option. I snap a picture of myself and send it to my best friend, Rayna Fuentes. Do I look promposal-worthy?

Prom is 6 wks away, she replies. And he’s already your boyfriend. He probably assumes you’re going together.

She doesn’t add an eye-roll emoji, but I can see her doing it while she types. I start walking along the row of cars while I respond.

33 days! Like she doesn’t know I have a countdown. It’s tacked on my wall beside the daily calendar entry I saved from when I met Theo. My grandma started buying me these tear-off calendars years ago (my favorite featured quotes from famous Broadway stars). Last year’s was a word-of-the-day theme, and that particular day was “genesis: the origin or mode of formation of something.” I’d already marked it with a star in red pen because I was expecting the casting announcement for my theater troupe’s fall production of Frozen that day. After meeting Theo, I added a heart and kept it as a memento because it turned out to be the best day ever, the start of a wonderful relationship and a fun role.

But the point is, I know the exact number of days until prom. It’s one of the benefits of dating a junior. Most sophomores don’t get asked to the prom. Though I’m anxious for Theo to make it official.

Prom isn’t even on Rayna’s radar. Her wall features prints of famous female scientists. We have very different priorities, but in general she still supports mine, so I assure her, Will keep you posted!

I’ve reached the edge of the parking lot. After stowing my phone in my pants pocket, I dash across the street that separates it from the strip center and up the steps toward the Starbucks entrance. As I’m about to reach for the door, it swings out, emitting Carson Lockwood. Ugh. My lip curls, as it generally does when Theo’s best friend is around. What’s he doing here, at the scene of my potential promposal?

I instinctively step backward, putting space between us. Carson exits the coffee shop completely, tugging his gray baseball cap low over his forehead.

“Maggie,” he grunts, without a split second of direct eye contact.

Talk about a character study—his body language is one hundred percent “Get away from me.” The feeling is mutual.

But you know what? He’s not spoiling today for me.

“Have a great afternoon, Carson!” I say brightly, and sail past him inside.

I’m still smiling with satisfaction over Carson’s startled expression when I spot Theo at a cozy table in the corner. He hasn’t seen me yet; he’s looking at his phone. But there he is, the most perfect boyfriend ever. He once told me his last name, Kallis, is Greek for “best,” and I believe it. He’s so handsome, with his olive-toned, year-round tan and dark, wavy hair. Sometimes I get lost in his rich brown eyes. And he dressed up too! He always trends preppy, but today he’s wearing an untucked plaid button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up so his forearms show. I love his forearms.

A warm feeling tingles through me, like when he draws me close for a kiss. I’m right. I know I am. He’s planning to ask me today!

I weave quickly through the tables and lean down to kiss his cheek, since we’re in public and all. “Hi!”

He startles and fumbles his phone. “Hey. Didn’t see you come in.”

A little underwhelming. Oh well. I sit across from him and pick up the drink waiting for me. “Is this a mocha cookie crumble Frappuccino?”

“Yep.” He leans forward, propping his elbows on the table with his spine all straight like he’s nervous. A good sign!

“Here.” He pushes a paper bag toward me. “I got you a chocolate chip cake pop too.”

“Aww, that is so sweet!”

“It’s no big deal,” he says.

But it totally is. Either he has an amazing memory or possibly keeps a Maggie note of all my favorites (drinks, ice cream, flowers), because he’s a model boyfriend when it comes to knowing what I like.

“No, really. You’re so thoughtful!” I suck in a strawful of delicious chocolate and caffeine and start giving him a mental costume change, picturing our big night. Theo is very traditional, so I’ll never get him to wear anything too trendy, like a retro velvet jacket (so soft to cuddle against!) or a pop of color. Hmm. He’d look fantastic in a slim fit suit with the slightest sheen to it. “How do you feel about a nice charcoal?”

“Charcoal?” Theo blinks his beautiful brown eyes. “Are you planning a barbecue? Were you even listening to me?”

Um. He was talking? I bite my lip. “Sorry. The caffeine went straight to my head. What were you saying?”

I better not have missed him asking me to the prom.

“Just—” He heaves a distinctly unromantic sigh. “I think it’s time for us to break up.”