RILEY

It’s a long walk of shame out of the audition. I get a few pats on the back, a ton of stares, and a smirk from Tori. She tells me told ya so with her eyes. I sneak into a quiet classroom to hide. I have thirty minutes before the screenings start.

I just don’t understand how so many things could go wrong in one audition.

Well, Guthrie is out of the picture now, but there might still be a chance with the other schools.

I wish Ms. Dunn was here. She’d know what to do.

I’m such an idiot. This is what got me into this position in the first place. My obsession with Ms. Dunn and playing detective like I could make a difference. It’s been nothing but a distraction, and all I’ve managed to do is screw everything up.

And piss Will off.

God, where is he?

When I finally get up the courage to leave the room, I see Dez outside the auditorium and run to him.

He grabs me and holds on tight.

I’m safe … for now.

“I’m so sorry, Rye,” he says. “But you have plenty of other options.”

“Tisch and Columbia, here we come.” I squeeze back.

“That’s right. You’re too good for Guthrie anyway.” He puts his arm around me. “Come on. It’s almost time for the screenings.”

This should be the greatest moment. Dez and I take our seats with the cast. The others try not to meet my eyes. Homer stands up at the front of the auditorium and thanks the organizers of the festival and the schools for their support.

“Now, without further ado,” he says, “let’s take a look at one of the films from this year’s host school, my school, the Heights. This is Alternate Realities by Desmond Brandt.”

I try to stay positive for Dez. This is his big moment. I smile at him and he puts my hand to his lips. It’s work to concentrate when the film starts. My mind is racing.

Then it starts to really hit me. Dez’s words echo in my head.

You belong in New York, Riley.

Why are you even bothering with Guthrie?

Don’t waste your time on Guthrie.

The lights go up and the applause snaps me back. The audience is going crazy. Dez stands up with a quick wave and shy smile and Homer takes the stage again.

“The next nominated film is from Madison, Wisconsin. Please give a round of applause for Misguided Youth by Cody Miller.”

The lights dim again. The various stories take up the screen, but I don’t process any of them.

I don’t like the way things are stacking up. Libby’s accusations, even Stella’s question: Did Dez find your necklace? He was here.

I now remember seeing Dez’s camera bag backstage, before the festival.

Maybe he has been lying to me.

The lights go up and I race out of the auditorium. We don’t have to be back here until the awards ceremony in the morning.

Dez chases me.

“Oh my God, oh my God.” The realization is coming down on me all at once. “What did you do tonight, Dez?”

“What do you mean?” He looks panicked.

“What necklace were you looking for?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You told Stella you were looking for my necklace. You were late. And you gave me the wrong time for my audition! What did you do, Dez?”

I don’t like this. I don’t like it one bit.

“Calm down, Riley.” Dez holds up his hands. “It’s not what you think.”

I tremble.

“I know it looks bad,” he says. “But I did it for you. All of it.”

All of it? You ruined my clothes and shoes, too?

“You fucked up my entire audition!” I yell. “Why? Why would you do that?”

“Riley, you should be concentrating on Tisch, not Guthrie. Can we just get out of here? Go talk?”

I can’t believe my ears. I feel so exposed. Naked. My heart hurts so much I can barely speak. “That wasn’t for you to decide, Dez. Who the hell do you think you are?”

I’m too shocked to move or cry or yell or hit or break something. But I want to. In my head, I’m beating on his chest. I’m screaming. I’m bawling my eyes out.

By this time, a crowd is surrounding us. I see Stella out of the corner of my eye, trying to shoo them away.

Dez moves in again. “Let’s go somewhere and talk,” he says urgently. “Let me explain. Please. I’ll make this up to you, I promise.”

There’s only one thing to do.

I walk right past him. Right up to Stella. “Think you could give me a ride?” I ask.

Her eyes are warm when she nods. “’Course.” She flings her arm around me. “Let’s get you out of here.”