“Nice decorations,” Penelope sneered. “How did you get stuck on ribbon duty?”

Josie rolled her eyes. “All the contestants have to help. Lizzie said ribbon duty was the easiest option.”

Penelope nodded even though she didn’t care. “How about we blow this popsicle stand and go get matching nails for the dance?”

“Actually, we don’t need matching nails.” Josie beamed proudly. “Andrea’s gonna escort me.”

Penelope’s smile disappeared. “What? When were you gonna tell me?”

“Don’t be like that.” Josie leaned back, curling back her upper lip. “I told you we were only going as friends. I made it clear.”

“It’s actually not about that,” Penelope said. She narrowed her eyes. Didn’t Josie get it? It didn’t matter that she didn’t need her as an escort anymore. But how long was Josie going to wait before she bailed?

“You know what?” Josie dropped her box of ribbons on the steps loudly, pulse pounding in her ears. “I think Lizzie needs a date.”

Penelope flinched as Josie stormed away, feet glued to the floorboards. She glanced over the edge of the railing. It didn’t take her too long to find the blonde head she was looking for.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” MG asked, leaning his elbow against the table Lizzie was counting boxes on. 

She shooed his elbows off without ever looking up from her clipboard. “You clearly have no idea what it takes to host a pageant.” 

When he didn’t answer, she finally glanced up. She was afraid she’d hurt his feelings, but he was smiling away cluelessly.

“Which means I’m very busy,” she said pointedly. 

“After the pageant, then.” MG nodded, getting the hint this time.

“Thank you, MG.” She really did appreciate it. She just didn’t have the time to think about anything except the judge’s gifts right now. “And make sure you iron your suit. No date of mine will be wearing wrinkles.” She looked up again to smile at him and instead, caught the familiar bunch of faces over his shoulder. “Oh my god. The judges are early.” She shot MG an apologetic glance. 

MG nodded, understanding. “Go knock ‘em dead.”