I fold my arms. "That's not the point."
Kavita elbowed her. "Which side are you on?"
"Sorry."
"So which one?"
"The bassist, her name is Rhonda. She was rude and had zero remorse."
"We will avenge you," Ravita says, and her arm goes around my shoulder. "This is a violation of our group. "
"I just want my mask back. That's all I need right now."
"I'll buy you a new one," Marnie offered.
"You know that's impossible."
"Then we'll steal one," Ravita declares.
"That's felony-level dedication and I appreciate it but also please don't commit crimes."
"I'll commit whatever crimes are necessary," Ravita says. "You're not going through the rest of the other concerts with a broken mask. That's unacceptable."
"Thanks, but I'll email them and see if they can send me another one."
Jani already promised to send one. I can't say that, though—not without explaining why my sister would mail me a limited-edition Sirens mask, and that secret is the one thing I've never let slip in this group.
"Oh true, that's the power of influencing and Riley's drumsticks."
I lean into her, and the mask pieces in my bag dig into my hip. I stand between my friends and watch the Belladonnas play a set I refuse to enjoy, even though their bassist's low end sits in my ribs. Her fingers move across the fretboard with confidence.
Marnie nudges my shoulder. "Her bass is incredible though. I think it's as good as Jani."
"Don't you start," Ravita warns her. "We don't do Belladonna appreciation in this group."
"I'm just saying."
"You're not allowed."
I pull out my phone and open the fan account. I've got four Riley clips to edit. A breakdown to write. A group chat full of concert joy to catch up on. None of it will include the Belladonnas' bassist.
Ravita leans over and sighs. "I love my life."
"Me too. You know what? The Belladonna songs are catchy. Though their bassist really does?—"
I feel a surge of anger.
"Don't," I say. "We agreed."
"We all doubted ourselves because of Marnie."
Marnie says nothing. She is observing the show with her hands clasped, radiating joy from every part of her.
I zip my bag over the damaged mask. My new enemy on the stage is playing a bass line. I look at my shattered mask and I hope I never meet her again.
CHAPTER 2
THE PLANE