Reality Check

  “Oh, Charlie, I'm sorry,” Addison says, and rudely pulls out her BlackBerry. She texts as she talks. “Susan is going to be really bummed. She loved the dailies she saw of Zac from the party. She thought he was a cutie.” Addison frowns. “I wonder what she's going to say when she hears about this. She really liked having him on the show.” I look at her strangely. “I mean, of course, our first priority is you,” Addison says quickly. “I'm so sorry, Charlie. I had no idea when I pushed you to get Zac on the show he'd react this way. Are you okay?”

  “I've been better,” I admit. Everyone is quiet.

  A waiter arrives with refills and I gratefully take a full Sprite and gulp down several sips.

  “Fame is a funny thing,” Addison says quietly. “Some people love it, others hate it, and still others can't get over how much it changes them or the people around them.”

  “I'm noticing that,” I tell her and bite into my burger. “Particularly when it comes to Brooke.”

  “Yeah, what's the deal with her not being here today?” Hallie wants to know. “I thought we all had to show up to the weekly meetings.”

  Addison takes a huge bite of her burger, making me think she's trying to avoid answering the question. We all stare at her patiently. “Brooke called me yesterday and explained how awkward things were between you guys. She asked if she could meet with me separately this week.” She looks like she feels bad. “I'm sure this will all blow over by the weekend.”

  “I doubt it,” says Keiran. “Brooke doesn't forgive too easily. She's furious at us about Marleyna. Unless we adopt the girl as our new BF, I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.”

  “She's also still mad at me about the show,” I tell the others and Addison looks at me. “I've been getting a lot of ‘oh, you're the star’ comments from her.”

  “I noticed that,” Addison says with a small smile. “I also notice Brooke doesn't like to share the spotlight. I take it that's why she's doing so much with Marleyna. Sadly, guys, I don't that's going to change anytime soon. The network likes her footage and wants to see more of her. Susan says she adds dimension to your relationships.”

  I groan. “In other words, you guys like us fighting all the time. I thought our show was about friendship.” I shake my head. “Now The Cliffs is all about feuds and breakups.”

  “Don't say that,” Addison insists. “It's not. I swear. It's about you guys, it's just…” she sighs. “This thing with Marleyna will work itself out, you'll see. The guy thing will get fixed too. Maybe Zac couldn't handle the spotlight, but a lot of other guys can.” Her phone rings again and she glances at the caller ID. “I have to take this. Sorry, girls. I'll be quick.”

  “I called Susan again,” I tell the others with Addison gone. “I actually caught her this time and told her what happened with Brooke and Marleyna.”

  “Charlie, you can't go behind Addison's back like that,” Keiran freaks. “We'll get in trouble.”

  “I didn't go behind her back,” I insist. “Susan said to call her when I had issues, and this is definitely an issue, isn't it? Anyway, I told her how much we hated Marleyna and how I didn't want her on the show. If I'm really the star I should have some pull.”

  “What did Susan say?” Hallie asks, wide-eyed.

  “She said she felt terrible,” I tell them, and keep glancing over my shoulder to see whether Addison is on her way back. “She said she'd talk to Addison about making sure we don't have Marleyna around to cause tension.”

  “But didn't Addison just say the network loved Marleyna?” Keiran asks, confused.

  “Yep.” I lean in tight to the table, making sure Addison isn't anywhere nearby. “Susan told me the exact opposite.”

  “Which means someone's lying,” Hallie notes. “But why?”

  “I don't know,” I admit. I do know my stomach is doing flip-flops. I don't like what is going on here.

  “So what are we going to do?” Hallie asks and polishes off a few of my fries. Hers are already gone.

  “I guess we need to watch our backs,” Keiran says darkly. A chill goes down my back.

  The three of us are quiet. Watch our backs? On our own show? That doesn't make sense, but then again, what does make sense lately? Someone is lying about Marleyna. But who? And why? Keiran and Hallie look freaked out. “Maybe I got things mixed up,” I say to calm them down. “I'm sure this thing with Marleyna and the show is just a misunderstanding. I'll talk to Addison about it another time. For now, let's concentrate on the premiere party on Sunday. That's going to be great, right?” I say, faking enthusiasm that I don't have at the moment.

  “That is going to be fun,” Hallie admits, perking up. “I wish I had something from Brooke's closet to wear.”

  “Yeah, I don't think that is going to be happening this week,” I deadpan.

  Keiran giggles. “Brooke is probably shopping for her dress in Marleyna's closet now. I bet there is nothing from the Tanger Outlet Mall in there.”

  “You girls look a little better than when I left you,” Addison says, as she slides into her chair. She checks her watch. “I've missed the whole lunch and you guys have to get back soon. Should we go over the schedule?” We all nod. “It's going to be a busy week,” Addison warns, pulling papers from her Coach bag. “You guys have your regular schedule to shoot and then we'll want to tape you on Sunday for the premiere. We're throwing you a party.” Addison leans in excitedly. “This one will be in town, probably at Milk and Sugar. We're talking to Grady today. We'll set up a large TV to watch the show, but the party will be smaller than last weekend. Some friends, some family, and a few local celebrities. On Saturday we'll have some stylists out here to help you pick premiere outfits.”

  “Yes!” Hallie fist-pumps the air and we all laugh. “We were kind of worried we'd have to find things to wear on our own.”

  “We're not as good as Brooke when it comes to picking out clothes,” I tell her.

  “Not to worry, we're here to help.” Addison smiles. “This is going to be a lot of fun. You're going to love the premiere show. We're going to do some background interviews with your other friends and people who work at Milk and Sugar.”

  Grady is going to love that. And think of the publicity for the coffee house! “That does sound cool,” I say, my spirit lifting for the first time in two days.

  “The town is having their own party as well,” Keiran informs Addison. “My mom said they're using the big movie screen that they use in the summer for movie nights and putting it up in the park for a town-wide viewing.”

  “Excellent,” Addison says and jots down a few notes. “We'll get some footage of that as well.”

  “Addison, do you think it's weird to tape us watching our own show?” Hallie asks.

  Addison laughs. “Sort of, but we'll be using the footage for the DVD bonus features.”

  “Our own DVD.” I shake my head. I still can't believe what's happened in such a short time. “It should be a big night,” I say.

  And Zac won't be there to see it, I think. I smile sadly.

  “Don't worry about Zac, Charlie,” Addison says, reading my thoughts. She looks genuinely concerned and I'm touched. “You're going to find someone ten times better.”

  “And hotter!” Hallie seconds.

  “Yeah, right.” I shake my head. “I've been in this town forever and there is no one like him around.”

  “Well, maybe you have to broaden your horizons,” Addison says. The waiter brings the check and she signs for it quickly. “Let's get you guys back to class. I don't want your parents mad at me that you're missing school.”

  The drive back to school is much better than the drive to lunch. By the time we pull up in front of Cliffside High, I'm actually smiling. I hop out of the car and Hallie is right behind me. I turn to look for Keiran, but she's talking to Addison.

  “I'll be there in a sec,” Keiran yells to us. “Addison just has to ask me something.”

  I nod. “See you inside.”

  ??
?I wonder what that's about,” Hallie says as we hurry inside.

  “I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out.” These days, nothing stays secret for long.

  twelve

  Smile! The World Is Watching

  Deep breaths. In and out. Out and in.

  Ahhh…

  Nope. This isn't working. I never should have turned down Hallie's offer to join her in yoga class! Those breathing techniques would really come in handy now.

  “Charlotte, the car is waiting!” Mom yells up to me for the third time.

  “Coming!” I promise again, but this time I mean it. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and pray I don't look as nervous as I feel. At least my hair looks good. Even my makeup is much improved. I'm wearing a ton, but it looks like I have nothing on. The artist Addison hired to do our makeup today told me this is what's “in.” Too bad I couldn't look this good wearing no makeup every day. My dress is a wine color that has a ballet neck, a fitted bodice, a drop waist, and a pleated skirt. I don't think I've ever owned anything quite like it. I picked it out when I went with Hallie and Keiran to be fitted and styled. The team fawned over us so much that I think I actually started to believe

  I was a model (for about five seconds). The only thing that would have made the afternoon better was if Brooke had joined us. She opted to do a separate fitting with Marleyna. Shocker.

  I guess I should be happy that Brooke is speaking to us again even if the whole situation is totally bizarre. On Thursday, she was back at our table at lunch as if nothing ever happened. All she said was, “Truce?” We were so shell-shocked all we could do was nod. That's the last any of us has said on the subject, not that I don't have a ton of to say. Part of me wants to tell Brooke exactly how hurt I am by her behavior, but the other part of me is afraid to rock an already unsteady boat. Instead we spent the last two lunches talking about our upcoming tapings—

  Brooke had decided to join us for those—and the premiere.

  Marleyna's name never came up, but Brooke got several texts during lunch. And when we mentioned a pre-party get-together on Friday night at my house, something we had talked about since we signed on to the show, Brooke said she already had plans.

  Brooke isn't the only one freezing us out. Keiran has been unusually quiet the past few days herself. Every time I ask her what's wrong, she just shakes her head and says she's got a lot on her mind. I know there is more to it. I just wish I had an extra few hours in my week to force it out of her.

  “Charlotte! Let's go!” Mom tries for the fourth time.

  Tonight is a huge deal and I should be doing cartwheels around the room. But with Brooke's Jekyll and Hyde act, Keiran's weirdness, and my heartache over Zac, I feel anything but celebratory. Why do I have to look good on the one night I feel like yesterday's leftovers?

  “I'm coming right now,” I yell. I grab my small clutch, turn off my bedroom light, and force myself to finally leave the safe confines of my room.

  When Dad drives down Main Street, I realize instantly this event is bigger than I even imagined. The street is packed with cars and people trying to get a glimpse of what's happening inside Milk and Sugar.

  “Is all this for you guys?” Dad asks me incredulously. “I had no idea this many people knew about your show.”

  Mom and I look at each other and laugh.

  “I think you've inhaled too much salt air,” Mom tells him. “Charlotte's show is all anyone in town is talking about.”

  Our car crawls along and I notice Hallie jump out of a car up ahead with Brandon. She looks gorgeous, as usual, in a fitted black pant suit. Her brown hair is curly and piled high on her head. Only she could pull the look off. I see her walk onto the small red carpet that has been set up in front of the restaurant and smile for the cameras. Flashbulbs pop quicker than I can count them.

  Addison had insisted the four of us arrive separately. She said it would give us more press. They have a photo op set up for after the show with the group of us together, and we have interviews scheduled with Peggy Pierce from Fire and Ice for the countdown show, and for their news program, not to mention local media and the New York stations. The idea of being interviewed about my life is overwhelming, which is why, I think, Addison had us take a short media training course on how to handle ourselves. Who knew you should repeat the reporter's question back before answering so that they get a good sound bite? Or that you should look directly at the reporter, not the camera, when you answer?

  Our car inches up and now we're feet from Milk and Sugar's cream-colored awning. A tall woman with a headset knocks on the car door. She's blond with curly hair, and she's wearing a short black dress. I roll down the window.

  “Hi, Charlie. I'm Paige from Fire and Ice,” she says and sticks her arm through the window to shake my hand. “I'll be taking you through the press line and then inside. Are you ready?”

  Um, no?

  I look at Mom and Dad.

  “We'll see you inside, sweetie,” Mom insists. “Have fun!”

  Paige opens the back door and smiles patiently. I guess I really do have to go.

  The minute I step outside, the noise level increases to an insane degree. I can barely see in front of me with all the camera flashes and my head begins to spin at the sound of paparazzi calling my name. I don't know how Brangelina would handle this sort of thing. Paige walks me through a crowd of well-wishers standing behind a velvet rope.

  “Charlie! It's me!” I turn around and see Jack from the school newspaper, trying to elbow the guy next to him out of the way. “Can you get me in?”

  Paige doesn't stop moving, even in four-inch stilettos. She has my hand and I twist back to look at Jack. “I'll do what I can,” I yell over the roar of photographers peppering me with questions.

  We stop in front of the first reporter and I look down the line. Hallie and Brandon are at the end. Next is Keiran. She looks pretty in a short silver slip dress, long dangling earrings, and big, bouncy hair. She sees me and waves. A pair of girls I don't recognize are behind her.

  Wait a second. Is that Brooke?

  Yes! Brooke is wearing a super-short black dress that hugs her body. Her red hair is pulled in a severe high ponytail. She has on at least four-inch heels and I can't believe she can manage in them when Marleyna is hanging on her. Wearing an equally short, white sequined dress, Marleyna is laughing at Brooke's every word and seems to be giving her own two cents whenever she can. I watch the two of them pose like they've been besties forever. A part of me feels a twinge of jealousy.

  I should be the one posing with Brooke like that. Keiran should. Hallie should. Not some girl who is using Brooke for a chance at fame. I know things aren't the same between us right now, but I have to find a way to get through Brooke's thick skull and make her realize the truth about Marleyna.

  “This is Charlie, the star of The Cliffs,” I hear Paige say and I stand at full attention and smile.

  Paige turns to me. “Charlie, when you're done with the line, I'll be waiting to bring you inside where you can watch the show with the other girls.”

  She's leaving me alone to do this? “Is Addison here?” I ask nervously.

  “Inside,” Paige says and fiddles with her headset. “I'll see you in a few.”

  I look at the reporter and smile sheepishly. “Hi,” I say awkwardly.

  “So Charlie, tell me this Cinderella story of yours,” the reporter asks. She pushes a microphone in my face. “Were you really discovered pouring coffee at this adorable little shop right here?”

  I'm so confused by the lights and the cameras that I actually have to turn around and make sure I am standing in front of the right place. Yep, it's Milk and Sugar. “Yes.”

  “That must have been the most amazing day of your life,” the reporter gushes.

  “Definitely surreal,” I tell her. “This has been such a ride, and I'm enjoying it a lot.”

  Is that the right thing to say? I'm not sure what to say. We had media training, but not much, and beside
s, am I supposed to be totally truthful or lie a little? I haven't loved every moment, especially not lately, but I don't think I'm supposed to tell a reporter that. Jennifer Aniston doesn't give the details of her love life, even if old boyfriends like John Mayer keep giving them up.

  I walk over to the next reporter, and the one after that. All ask basically the same questions, which I find funny, but at least by the third time, I'm got my answers down pat. “We've been friends for a long time,” I respond when a reporter asks about the girls. “I think the show has made us even closer.” Semi-lie, but it sounds good.

  When I reach the end of the carpet, Paige is waiting for me, as promised. “They want to take a few pictures of you alone and then when we walk inside, the other girls are waiting to take a group shot.”

  “Me alone?” I ask nervously. “But I don't know how to pose.”

  Paige smiles and squeezes my arm. She leads the way. “You'll get the hang of it.”

  I will? She pushes me gently toward a large background poster that says The Cliffs. A picture of us four girls stares back at me. We're on the beach. I stare into the bright lights and pose as best as I can.

  “Charlie! Charlie! Charlotte! Over here!”

  I turn and turn and turn again, whipping myself around like a contortionist trying to cover everyone's requests. It's hard when I can barely see. Finally after an eternity, Paige grabs my arm and leads me inside. That's when all hell breaks loose.

  My Milk and Sugar boss, Ryan, is the first one by my side. “Can you believe the crowd out there? The press we're getting is amazing! It's all thanks to you, kiddo!”

  Mom and Dad have made it inside too. “Charlie, we had no idea this thing was so big,” says Mom. “We're so proud of you. Make sure you go say hi to Hallie's Aunt Sophie,” she adds in a whisper. “She flew in from Tulsa.”

  And Addison. “Susan is here and she wants to take a picture with all of you when you get a chance. Are you having fun?”