Rhiannon hugged her now. “Thank you, DJ. You really are a good friend.”

“I’m trying to be a good Christian too,” admitted DJ. “But sometimes, like when I get mad at Taylor, I sort of forget.”

“Yeah, I have to admit that I’ve entertained a few fantasies myself.”

DJ tried not to look shocked. “Really?”

Rhiannon looked uncomfortable. “Yes, it’s kind of embarrassing to say it out loud, but I’ve imagined her being publicly humiliated, and I’ve even wished that the mean girls would get her cornered behind the gym and really let her have it.”

“No way!” Rhiannon nodded. “Yeah. I’m a Christian, but I’m not perfect.”

“Well, that’s kind of a relief.”

“Even so, I’d like to handle this right. I’ve been praying for God to help me.”

“Right.” DJ pressed her lips together. How could she fault Rhiannon for taking her faith this seriously? Besides, DJ reminded herself, Rhiannon had a pretty easy-going sort of temperament. DJ had noticed that last year when she’d seen Rhiannon interacting with her mom. At times, DJ had wished that Rhiannon would stand up to her mom and tell the stupid woman off. But Rhiannon never had. At least not when DJ was there to witness it. Still, it seemed nothing short of saintliness that Rhiannon hadn’t torn into Taylor yet. DJ felt certain she wouldn’t do half as well in the same situation. And she couldn’t believe she’d just offered to become Taylor’s roommate. Had she lost her mind?

“In light of our unexpected visitors, I think I’ll skip the movie tonight,” said Rhiannon. Then she brightened slightly. “In fact, maybe I’ll use the time to switch some things into your room while everyone is down there. If you don’t mind?”

“Sure,” said DJ, although the idea of them doing the switch tonight had not occurred to her.

“Do you want me to move anything for you while I’m at it?” she asked.

“Sure, if you want. I suppose you’ll need some drawer and closet space for your things. Go ahead and do some switching if you want. Then maybe we can tackle the rest of it during the weekend.”

“I’m sure Taylor will be glad to get rid of me,” said Rhiannon.

“Only because she’s crazy.”

“Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”

“I think I hear Eliza calling. I better phone in for some more pizza,” she said. “Want me to make any excuses for you not being there for the movie?” Rhiannon shook her head. “No. I doubt anyone will notice anyway.”

“I’ll notice.”

“Thanks.”

But when DJ returned to the living room, where they’d all decided to watch the movie from the beginning since half of them hadn’t seen it yet, it seemed that Rhiannon was right. They didn’t seem to notice that she was missing. Conner had saved DJ a space beside him, and Harry and Eliza were already in the loveseat. For some reason DJ felt relieved to see that Taylor and Bradford weren’t sitting together. Of course, she figured that might change before the night was over. But at least Rhiannon wouldn’t be around to witness it if it did. She wondered how Taylor would react to swapping roommates.

About thirty minutes into the movie, the pizzas arrived. DJ had asked them to hold her earlier order and deliver them both together, along with a selection of sodas. Fortunately, Eliza offered to cover the bill, and Taylor, probably just wanting attention, threw in a pretty generous tip. Conner helped DJ bring the order in, but when they got back, Taylor and Bradford had taken their spot and were now sitting together on the couch. As she set the food items on the oversized coffee table, DJ tossed Taylor a glance, which Taylor ignored. Then she and Conner made themselves comfortable on the big floor cushions.

The movie was actually pretty good in a corny, old-fashioned sort of way. One of the underlying themes had to do with prejudice, and DJ was surprised that a goofy musical made fifty years ago would contain such a strong statement.

“Don’t you guys think that Taylor should play Liat?” suggested Bradford.

“You mean because she’s so sweet and innocent,” teased Eliza.

“No, he means because my skin is dark like hers,” said Taylor.

“So is Bloody Mary’s,” said DJ. “Maybe Taylor should play her…or would that be considered typecasting?”

Taylor gave DJ a withering look. And DJ suddenly remembered she’d be sharing this girl’s room tonight. “Just kidding,” said DJ quickly. “Actually, Taylor does look a little bit like Liat.”

“Why thank you,” said Taylor.

“I think Eliza should play Nellie,” said Harry fondly. “Wouldn’t she be perfect?”

“That depends on whether she can sing or not,” said Taylor in a slightly snooty tone. She peered at Eliza. “Can you?” Eliza gave her a coy look then shrugged. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Bradford can sing,” said Harry. “Maybe he can play the Lieutenant.” Bradford grinned and slipped his arm around Taylor now. “Yeah, I’ll be Joe Cable, and you can be my Polynesian baby.”

“And by the end of the show, you’ll be dead,” she said as she stood up.

He made a sad face. “But you’ll be crying for me.”

“When are auditions anyway?” asked Harry.

“Next week.”

“Sorry to end the party,” announced DJ when she noticed the clock. “But we’re supposed to vacate this room by ten on school nights.”

“Not that Mrs. Carter would notice,” said Taylor with a yawn. “But I’m sleepy anyway.” That seemed to break it up. Eliza and DJ saw the guys to the door, but DJ could tell that Bradford was disappointed when Taylor didn’t do the same.

“Thanks for everything,” said Conner as they went down into the yard for what she suspected would be a more private good night.

“Thanks for coming,” said DJ.

Then he leaned down and kissed her. “See ya tomorrow.”

“See ya.” She stepped away from him and went back on the porch and waved. Eliza and Harry were still standing by the Jeep. Maybe Eliza planned to stay out there all night, but DJ did not. She went into the house and closed the door. She wished she’d thought to ask Conner who’d invited them here tonight, but she felt pretty certain it was Taylor’s doing. Just one more subtle way to ensure that she was stealing Bradford from Rhiannon. Well, at least Rhiannon didn’t have to sit down there and witness the whole thing herself. That’s probably what Taylor had intended.

Then, as DJ went up the stairs, she remembered that starting tonight she was Taylor’s new roommate. Oh, what had she been thinking? Of course, she’d felt sorry for Rhiannon, but surely there could be a better way. Perhaps DJ could sleep in the library. She could sneak a sleeping bag down there, tuck it behind the couch during the day and—

“DJ,” Taylor was leaning over the railing on of the landing, “I hear that you’re my new roomie.”

DJ rolled her eyes. “Yeah, so?”

“Oh, don’t get so excited,” said Taylor. “I’m only doing this for Rhiannon.”

“Whatever you say.” Taylor didn’t seem convinced.

“I am. It seemed totally unfair for her to be stuck with you after all you’ve done to her.”

“All I’ve done to her?” Taylor shook her head. “Like I’m the Wicked Witch of the West. Whatever.”

Out of habit, DJ started to go into her own room.

“Oops,” said Taylor. “Wrong room.”

“I need to get some things.”

“You sure?” asked Taylor. “Looked to me like Rhiannon got you pretty much moved.”

“Maybe I just want to check and make sure,” said DJ. This time she knocked first and then went in.

Rhiannon was sitting on what had been DJ’s bed. And Casey was sitting across from her. It looked as if they’d been in the midst of a serious conversation. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said uncomfortably. “I just wanted to see if there was anything else to move.” She glanced around at what had been her old room. First hers alone…then hers and Casey’s. Already it felt different.

“I think I got it all, but feel free to look around,” said Rhiannon. “Casey showed me what was yours in the bathroom. We just took the last of it over.”