DEZ

INT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM DRESSING ROOM—AFTERNOON

The camera moves in on a bead of sweat flowing down DESMOND’S face. He’s crouched under a table in the dressing room. He looks at his watch. We hear the ticking of time. Ten minutes pass. Then fifteen.

I crawl out from under the dressing table and plan my getaway. I sneak out of the room and watch as the light goes out and the backstage door closes.

I stretch out the kink in my neck and take a deep breath.

That was so close.

When I’m done messing with Riley’s audition clothes, I hide the evidence in my pack and sling my camera bag over my shoulder.

But then I’m paralyzed by a flood of white light. I can’t see a thing. I cover my eyes until they adjust. There’s a glow on stage and multiple spotlights, making small circles appear across the floor.

A pair of black sneakers steps into one of them.

“What are you doing, Dez?”

My mouth goes dry.

It’s Stella.

I slow my breathing and try to relax. I’ve had so much practice that it’s not that hard to do.

“Riley lost her charm necklace,” I say. “I needed to grab some stuff anyway, so I told her I’d look for it.” I wave my flashlight as proof.

“Oh, she didn’t mention that.” Stella pulls her brows to-
gether.

Why would she mention it to you?

“Yeah, she’s pretty stressed about tonight,” I add, to cover my tracks.

“Do you want some help?” Stella asks.

“No, that’s okay. It’s a long shot. I’ve retraced all her steps and can’t find it. I’m going to go over them one more time.”

“Okay. I’ll be in the wings if you need me. I’ll keep my eyes out for it,” Stella says. “See you in a bit.”

“Yeah, see ya,” I say.

I pretend to search for the mystery necklace a little longer before running out the back.

I have just minutes to get home.

I sprint the whole way.