Before Opening Night

"This is all your fault, director's pet. This is a play. I'm not falling in love with you, and I would never ever go out with you, Jack Garrison."

Jack and Shayna can't get through a rehearsal without fighting.

Cheerleader Shayna loathes perfect Jack for her own reasons. Her boyfriend is pulling away, and she might hate Jack, but she's willing to play along in rehearsal until his feelings for her spill offstage.

Quarterback Jack struggles with starring in his uncle's play and his mom's cancer diagnosis. His rehearsals with his longtime crush and friends remain his lone bright spot under pressure from his castmates and father.

The costars might not see eye to eye, but their ongoing feud might not be the biggest issue as Jack's world starts to crumble. He'll need all the support from Shayna and the others to prepare for their performance on time. Will the cast come together, or will the curtain slam shut before opening night?

80,000 words, mature themes include triggers for abuse and violence.