I'm sorry I can't help you get ready for your date with Hugo. Sloane and Bri surprised me with Shawn Mendes tickets, and I've been DYING to see him in concert. Let me know if you need to borrow my clothes or curling iron or anything. My closet is your closet. Have fun on your date and be sure to write down everything (well, not everything—he is my brother after all), so I can read on Monday. Hugo can be so stingy with details. -Georgie aka Alexx

Alex should have been disappointed, and a bit annoyed that her best friend couldn't make it, but in reality, she was relieved. If Alexx had come tonight, she would have been peppered her with questions about Keya and the drama club, and frankly, Alex didn't want to go there. Even thinking about it made her groan in frustration.

The club was made up of Playhouse rejects or naive first-year students Keya had duped into joining. Turns out when Keya said "they" had made it happen, she really meant herself. She spearheaded the whole thing along with her best friend, Cleo.

It was clear Cleo wasn't sold on Alex. As soon as Alex walked through the doors, Cleo eyed her like a wolf hunting its prey.

"If you're here to spy on us for Alexx then you can get the hell out," Cleo ordered in a nasal voice that went against her girl-next-door looks. Her mouth, wide like Julia Roberts, was set in a severe frown.

"Cleo," Keya admonished in a low tone. "You know she's here to help. Not spy."

Cleo tipped back in her chair, arms folded. "Seems suspicious that she'd help her best friend's enemy."

"Keya approached me. Not the other way around," Alex pointed out. She could feel eyes on her. Accessing. Judging. But she refused to squirm.

Cleo tugged on the ends of her chestnut hair, which was pulled back into a tight ponytail, highlighting her full cheeks and hazel eyes. "Whatever. Just do your job, and we won't have any problems."

"Cleo's our stage manager," Keya told her.

Great. If Alex wanted to get trampled on, she would have stayed with Wendy.

As Keya introduced her to everyone, Alex silently sized them up, roughly calculating the amount of fabric she required for each person. She was so busy working the numbers, she didn't realize the room had gone silent.

Keya motioned for her to speak. "Introduce yourself," she mouthed.

"Um, hi." She gave a small wave, feeling her shoulders close in on themselves as they gave her blank looks. "I'm Alex, and I'm a sophomore. I'll be the one making your costumes."

No one seemed impressed, which made her question her decision for the hundredth time. What the heck was she doing here?

She searched for a teacher or an adult, but the room was empty. "Shouldn't there be a supervisor?" All school clubs needed one.

Keya gave an indifferent wave. "Mrs. Piccola is around here somewhere."

"Probably passed out in her car with her nose in the bottle," murmured one of the boys in the back. She could see the grease glistening in his unwashed hair. Freshman. Still hadn't learned the art of cleanliness.

Alex's brows drew together as a more precise picture began to form. Not only were the club members raw, but they had no supporting staff or even guidance. Wow. Alex doubled down on her theory that Keya should run for class president. The girl could sell water to sailors and apparently, a dream to a very eager gullible sophomore.

She turned to Keya, ready to call it quits, but Keya's eyes turned round and pleading. "Outside," she whispered, stalking to the door.

Alex followed. "Keya—" she began, rubbing her temple as tension mounted.

"I know this isn't you expected," Keya said in a calm, rational voice. "But—"

Alex cut her off. "Is this some sort of YouTube prank and the Dolan twins are gonna run out with their camera?" Alexx would laugh her head off if she knew. Hell, she wanted to laugh her head off too, or cry, or maybe both.

"We need you. I need you."

What Keya needed was a reality check. "Do you even have enough people to pull off the play?"

Keya's spine went rigid. "We will."

Alex's eyebrows rose. "You will?" Her voice raised a pitch. "You will? You promised I could head the costume department, which clearly is just me. Do you have money for fabric? Accessories? Anything?"

Keya poked her cheek with her tongue, her tone turning defensive. "No, we don't. But this is what you're good at. You take cheap stuff and make it appear expensive. I mean, look at you." She gestured to Alex's dress which she'd re-imagined from a men's golfing shirt. "It's from the thrift store, right? Can't you do that with our costumes?"

Did she really think it was that easy? Buy a couple of clothes and poof! New outfits made! The blood in Alex's veins started to boil. "Not cool, Keya. Not cool at all. You should have told me from the start."

"Would you have agreed to join if I had?" Keya challenged.

Of course not. She would have run away like dogs were nipping at her heels.

"See?" Keya implored, her big brown eyes pleading. "I had no other choice. I had to lie."

The harsh truth of the situation hit Alex like a freight train. She stumbled over to the concrete planter and sat on it, hunched over with her hands braced on her legs. She'd built this club up in her head, seen it as a way to pave her future and now, it was gone in a flash.

"Why do all this?" she asked Keya, motioning to the club behind her. "Why not join Playhouse instead?"

Keya sighed. "The same reason you're not there."

"Wendy hired someone to replace you too, huh," she said dryly.

Keya gave her a small, sad smile and sat next to her. "I'm tired of not being appreciated. I'm tired of being seen as second best." Her statement was met with silence. She nudged Alex. "See? You're not even arguing. Everyone thinks Alexx is better than me."

It was true, but to be fair, Alexx had a better voice than Keya, which gave her a natural leg up. If it came to acting, well, it would be a toss-up. Both were good—Alexx better at drama, and Keya better at comedy.

"I built this club, so I'd have a place to be. Not Keya, Alexx Lorde's rival. Not Keya, the Indian girl. Just Keya. The actress."

The emotion in her voice rang with such conviction, such passion. It reminded Alex of her own passions, her own dreams. "I get that. I do."

She gave Alex a knowing look. "That's why I want you here with me. Helping to create something that isn't in Alexx Lorde's shadow."

"She's my best friend..."

"And she can remain your best friend. I'm not asking you to cut her out of your life. I'm asking you to join this club and create a legacy of your own."

Her words painted a picture that Alex's heart latched onto. She felt something unfurl in her. Growing. Grasping. She too wanted this dream. Swallowing, she said, "Okay. I'm in."

Things moved swiftly after that. Keya took charge, assigning her homework over the weekend. Watch Guys and Dolls, which wasn't a hardship, and then brush up on fashion for the era. She already had a few ideas and started sketching them before her date with Hugo.

The soundtrack of Guys and Dolls played as Alex applied another coat of mascara to her lashes. Not that they would stay nice and curled. Her lashes were as straight as sticks. Thanks, Mom.

She added a bit of blush to her cheeks and swiped on her favorite lipgloss. She studied herself in the mirror. Not bad. Pretty, but still myself.

Alex was about to pick out her outfit when she got a text.

Hugo: I'm so so so sorry but I have to cancel. Seth has a temperature, and he's been throwing up. My dad's still at work and Georgie's at a concert.

Alex's heart dropped to her stomach. She'd been waiting for this all week.

Alex: Poor Seth.

Poor me.

Hugo: I feel awful I have to cancel. I'm so sorry. I would say let's get together tomorrow night, but I don't know how Seth will feel, and I think Georgie has plans with the girls.

She did? That was news to her. What plans did they have? Usually, the girls went hiking during the day and rarely hung out at night because Sloane and Bri's parents wanted to spend time with them. A foreign concept to both Alexx and Alex.

Alex: Trust me, I totally get it. Family comes first.

Hugo: I know. I'm just disappointed. I was looking forward to tonight.

Alex: Me too.

Hugo: Crazy idea....but what if you came over here?

Alex: Now?

Hugo: In a little bit. I just gave Seth his meds, and he should be passing out soon. I know it's not what we had planned, but I can order us a bunch of food. We can hang out. Talk. Watch a movie.

She bit her lower lip, the offer tempting, but what would her parents say? Neither of them was home. Her dad was at the hospital, and her mom was working overtime at the construction company.

They liked Hugo, that much was evident, otherwise, they'd never have let him take her out, but how would they feel about her being alone with him in his house? Although technically they wouldn't be alone. Seth was there. And how would they even know she was at his house? No one was there to tattle, and she certainly would keep her mouth zipped.

A flame of excitement lit in her but was quickly doused.

Alex: I'd love to, but there's one problem. I have no way of getting to your house.

Hugo: Hold on. I might have a solution.

A few minutes later, he texted back.

Hugo: Arlo's in your area. He's gonna come pick you up. He'll be there in ten.

Her mouth dropped. Ten?

Oh, crap. Okay, she had to find an outfit. Alex hustled around her room, picking and discarding clothes like a hurricane. Finally, she settled on her favorite pair of black jeans and a pretty tank top she'd dyed a muted coral pink that looked like something out of a Free People magazine but only cost her three dollars.

Alex had just enough time to brush her hair and slip into a pair of ballerina flats when Arlo texted her he was out front.

She rushed downstairs and hopped in his car. "Hey," she said, slightly winded.

"'Sup." He revved the engine and shifted the car in drive. As they speeded down the highway, he smirked. "So, you and Hugo, huh?"

She tried to stop her cheeks from heating but failed spectacularly. Clearing her throat, she said, "It's new."

She shifted in her seat, tension running through her. Alex had never been alone with Arlo before, and when they were in a group, he usually ignored her. Too busy needling Alexx. She saw the way he stared after Alexx when he thought no one was looking or the gleam in his eye when Alexx got particularly riled.

"Surprised Alexx is okay with this," Arlo replied.

He made it sound like she was going behind Alexx's back. "Actually, she's all for it."

His grip tightened on the wheel. "And you're not afraid this is going to end badly?"

His grilling was getting on her nerves. Partly because this wasn't any of his business, and partly because he was right. She was afraid this could blow up in her face.

"Just don't let Alexx suffer because you decided to put her in an awkward position," Arlo told her.

His superior tone made her claws come out. "Is that why you don't ask Alexx out? Because you're afraid to put Hugo in an awkward position?"

The car swerved as his head snapped to her. She felt a thrill of victory at the surprise in his eyes. He turned back to the road and steadied the car. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I think I just proved that I do."

The car pulled up to the Lorde's driveway. He unlocked the door, and turned to her, a new light in his eyes. "Seems you do have a backbone. Good for you. But don't let it get to your head. What I do is my business."

Is that how he saw her—as a spineless jellyfish? The thought didn't sit well with her. "You should say something to Alexx. She thinks you see her as nothing but a pest."

Arlo gave her a piercing glare that should have had her quivering. "I do see her as a pest."

She opened the door. "Maybe you did, but I think we both know there's more to it now. Goodnight, Arlo. Thanks for the ride." She slid out and closed the door, not waiting for a response.

Hugo stood in the doorway, soft light pouring behind him. As she reached him, she saw his face was drawn into a tired smile, and his blonde hair was sticking up in different directions. He wore the same clothes he had on at school, but they were stained and wrinkled.

"How is he?" she asked softly.

"His fever spiked, so I gave him a cold bath. He's in bed now."

The concern etched into every pore made Alex ache. "Are you sure you want me here? I can go home. No problem."

"Don't go." He entwined their fingers and ushered her into the house. It smelled like bleach and a combination of Chinese and Mexican food. "Having you here makes me feel less worried." He looked down, suddenly realizing what he was wearing. "Let me go change. Sorry, I meant to do that before you got here."

She could see he was disorientated, so she gave his hand a comforting squeeze. "Hey, it's okay. I don't know if you've realized, but I'm not high maintenance."

A grin peeked out. "No, that's my sister."

"Which is why we work so well. She's the yin to my yang." She waved him away. "So, go do what you need to do. I'm fine chilling here."

Hugo leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her cheek. She flushed. She was happy she hadn't put on a lot of makeup. She liked feeling his lips against her skin. "Give me five minutes. Go pick out a movie while you're waiting. I ordered us food. It's on the kitchen counter."

She wandered around the family room, a surreal moment taking over. She'd been here a million times but never as Hugo's guest.

Alex stopped to study a family portrait. The Lorde family looked like they descended from Norse gods. All blonde, blue-eyed, and fair skin. She wondered if their mother was the same. Alexx wrote in the notebook that she'd been begging her dad for a picture of her, but he was dragging his heels.

Maybe she could ask Hugo...

No. He hated his mother. And Alexx specifically told her to keep her lips shut, especially around Hugo.

She hadn't realized until now she'd have to walk a fine line between being Alexx's best friend and Hugo's....well, whatever they were.

Hugo was all smiles as he bounded down the stairs. His hair was damp, and his face shiny. He wore a blue button-down shirt that brought the color in his eyes. "Seth's sleeping, so I think we're good. What'd you pick?"

She gave him a wan smile as she had a sudden attack of nerves. So many things could go wrong.

His smile faded. "Hey, you okay?"

She tried to brush it off. "I should be the one asking you that. You're the one cleaning up after a sick kid."

"Eh, I used to help change Seth's diapers. This is nothing compared to what he used to spew from both ends."

"Gross," she said with a laugh. She couldn't imagine changing diapers.

He seemed pleased with himself, like making her laugh was a big accomplishment, but that didn't deter him. "Seriously. What's wrong?"

She picked up the remote from the coffee table and turned on Netflix. "What are you in the mood for? Adventure? Thriller? No horror. That will make me lose sleep for a week."

He blocked her view of the TV. "Alex." His expression was warm and inviting as he tucked a curl behind her ear. "You can tell me."

She kicked the plush rug with her foot. "It's stupid."

"There are many words I'd use to describe you, but stupid isn't one of them." He took both her hands in his and guided her to the couch. She sank next to him, their knees touching. "Now, come on. Tell me."

She bit the inside of her cheek. "What if we mess this up?"

A mischievous gleam lit up his eyes. "Mess what up? The house? Because trust me, it's already a mess. Alexx is going to kill me when she gets home."

She felt herself relaxing for a moment. Hugo always knew the right thing to say to put a person at ease. It'd be his superpower if he wore a cape. "I don't want Alexx to have to pick sides."

"I think I'd be the loser in that situation."

"Doubtful," she scoffed. "You have no idea how much she looks up to you."

He gave her an endearing smile, one that warmed her insides. "Well, that's good to know, but I think you're underestimating yourself. It's always Alex this or Alex that. I feel like I know you just from what she's said over the years."

Her lips parted in surprise. "Really?"

He nodded. "As much as I love my sister, I want to get to know you from my eyes, not Alexx's. I get where you're coming from, but she's a big girl. She can handle both of us. And if it gets messy? It gets messy. That's life."

Such a simple answer for a complicated situation. Alex hoped Hugo was right because she didn't want to lose either of them.