“Maybe…” Paige frowns at me like I just rained on her parade.
“So is this a working gig?” I ask.
“It’s publicity, Erin,” she tells me with exasperation.
“It’s a setup.” I finish the last bite of Cheerios, then take my bowl to the sink. “Do you know that they deliberately cast more girls on that show than guys?” I say to Mom. “Just so there’ll be competition amongst the girls?”
Mom makes a small chuckle. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”
“But it’s not right.” I run water in my bowl. “And I’ll bet the only reason Rod Spencer is inviting us to Mia’s party is to stir things up. He probably wants Paige and Mia to get into a great big hair-pulling catfight. Maybe it’ll raise their ratings.”
“Like I would do that.” Paige looks indignant as she pours some juice.
“If Mia saw you and Benjamin together, you might not have a choice,” I warn her.
“Will Fran and your camera crew be there?” Mom asks with a concerned brow.
“I don’t know.” Paige sets her juice glass down with a bang. “Does it really matter?”
“It might.” Mom sits down at the breakfast bar and presses her lips together. “I’m not sure how I feel about you girls getting pulled into the whole Malibu Beach thing. I don’t like what I hear about that show. I thought On the Runway was supposed to be different.”
“It is different,” Paige says in a pleading voice. “It’s just that Helen is trying to give us some exposure. And Malibu Beach is like—”
“Like overexposure,” I finish for her.
“No, I was going to say it’s one of the most popular teen shows right now. The more we can appear on that, the better known we’ll be.”
“Yes.” I set my bowl in the dishwasher, then turn around to look at my sister. “And you’ll become known as that boy-friend-stealing blonde who got her hair pulled out and face scratched up by the Malibu Barbies as they rushed to the defense of poor Mia Renwick at her own birthday party.” I pour myself a cup of coffee, shaking my head. “But you know what they say, bad publicity is better than no publicity.”
“Shut up!”
“Paige Marie!” Mom looks even more concerned now.
“Sorry, Mom, but Erin just goes too far.”
“Erin is actually making sense.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile to myself as I add cream to my coffee.
But when I turn around, I notice that Mom’s frowning at me. “Except you could be a little diplomatic about it.”
“I exhausted my diplomacy skills last night.” Even as I say this, I’m starting to feel guilty. It’s not like I really want to throw Paige under the bus.
“Don’t you mean your judgmental skills?” Paige glares at me.
Feeling a mixture of remorse and irritation, I sit down across from my glowering sister and try to adjust my attitude. “Sorry, Paige,” I say in a calm tone. “But I honestly don’t see how crashing Mia’s birthday—”
“We’re not crashing. We’re invited!”
“Well, I have an idea,” Mom proclaims. “Or maybe it’s an edict.”
“An edict?” Paige’s brow creases and I wonder if she needs a pocket dictionary.
“If you girls want to go to Mia Renwick’s birthday party, there are a couple of things you’ll have to—”
“Who said I want to go?” I protest.
“Listen to my edict, Erin.”
So I just sip my coffee, listening as Mom explains that if we go, we have to go together, and we each have to take our own dates. “That way there will be no squabbling over boyfriends.”
“But I don’t want to take a date,” Paige complains.
“Then don’t go,” Mom shoots back.
“Besides,” Paige tries, “Fran didn’t say we could bring anyone else with us. And there will be a list at the party.”
“Then I’ll just call Fran and tell her that you won’t be going and why.”
Paige groans. “This is crazy.”
“Take it or leave it.” Mom picks up her coffee and hums as she goes to her bedroom.
“Thanks a lot,” Paige tells me after Mom’s door closes. “This is all your fault.”
“My fault? I don’t even want to go to the stupid party.”
Paige glares at me. “You have to go.”
“As far as I know this is a free country.” Then, like Mom, I pick up my coffee and go to my bedroom. Let Paige stew.
And Paige does stew. For the rest of the day, she totally ignores me. Then, on the next day, when crummy weather keeps us both indoors, she’s still not talking. On Friday, the sun comes out and I decide to finally make a trip to the desert to shoot photos. Knowing my mom will throw a fit if I go alone, I call Lionel to come with me, but he’s still in Tahoe. Then I try Mollie and she’s not answering, which worries me. Mollie is usually the one calling me about ten times a day, but lately she’s been silent. I hope I haven’t done anything to offend her. Finally, in desperation, and since he’s left several messages, I try Blake.
“It’s about time you returned my calls,” he says pleasantly, but in a way that’s supposed to make me feel bad.
“Sorry.”
“I heard about your big New Year’s Eve gig,” he says with a little too much interest.
“Let me guess, Facebook?”
“Of course. And Mollie keeps me informed.”
“Where is she, by the way? Do you know?”
“I think she and Tony went to the beach.”
“Right.” I tell him about needing someone to accompany me to the desert. “The light is perfect today and I want to—”
“So I’m like your escort? Do I get paid for this service?”
“Fine,” I say quickly, “if you don’t want to go—”
“No, Erin, I’m just jerking your chain. Don’t be so touchy.”
“Oh…well, Paige has been jerking my chain too. I guess I am a little sensitive.”
He begs me to spill the beans on Paige, but instead I remind him that we’re burning daylight and promise to disclose more information once we’re on the road. “I’ll pick you up in about thirty minutes,” I say, unsure whether I’ll regret this.
To my surprise, Blake turns out to be a good companion on my fieldtrip. He’s even helpful as I’m taking photos. Unlike Lionel, who gets caught up in his own shots and equipment, Blake is catering only to me. And I must admit that I find it rather disarming…and sweet.
Of course, my payment for his attention is to tell him about the New Year’s party and Paige and the whole Benjamin and Mia thing, as well as the invitation to Mia’s surprise party, where we can only go if we take a date. “Not that I plan on going,” I tell him quickly. “Honestly, it feels like an accident waiting to happen.”
“I can see how it could get a little explosive.” He chuckles. “But that’s what Malibu Beach is about. They love their fireworks.”
“Tell me about it.” I’m dropping him at his house now. He lives in a really swanky neighborhood about twenty minutes away, not too different from where we lived before our dad died. “Thanks for your help.”
“And, don’t forget, I got first dibs if you change your mind about Mia’s birthday party tomorrow,” he reminds me as he closes the door to my Jeep.
“Yeah, right.” I roll my eyes. “See ya!”
I’m barely home and it’s apparent that all is forgiven as my sister is speaking to me again. “How was the desert?” she asks pleasantly.
“Good,” I tell her as I put down my bags and head to the fridge for some ice water.
“Good.”
I can tell by the tone of her voice that she wants something. And it doesn’t take a mind reader to guess what it is.
“So…” She smiles sweetly. “I talked to Fran today.”
“Right.” I take another swig of water.
“And she really wants to see us go to that party.”
“To surprise Mia?”
Paige bit
es her bottom lip.
“Doesn’t that seem mean to you?” I ask her. “I mean, how would you feel if it was reversed? What if it was your birthday and your boyfriend and—”
“I’m not going there to get Benjamin,” she shoots back at me.
“But it—”
“I already invited Addison to go with me.”
“Did you mention to Addison how you feel about Benjamin?”
She waves her hand. “Oh, I was just crushing on Benjamin. You know that, Erin. It’s silly, really. Like, he’s the big celeb and it was fun to catch his eye. I know it’s not anything more than that. And to be fair, you know he’s just playing me for his own publicity too. That’s all it is.”
I’m sure the skepticism is written all over my face as I refill my glass.
“Anyway, you might be interested to hear what Fran said about you.”
“Fran said something about me?”
“Just that you were brilliant.”
“Fran said I was brilliant?”
Paige nods firmly. “She looked over the film from the New Year’s party and she really liked how you handled things. When I told her it was your idea to do the interview thing outside of the party, she said you were brilliant.”
I try not to feel too impressed with myself.
“And…she really wants us to go to Mia’s party.”
“Yeah, you already mentioned that.”
“So, come on, Erin, will you do this for me?” She smiles hopefully. “And for our show?”
“Well, I do have a volunteer to escort me,” I confess.
“Great!” She gives me a high five. “Who?”
“Blake.”
Her expression turns sober, and she’s probably wondering if I’m making a bad move. “But…I thought he was seeing that Sonya chick.”
“He was. But he broke up with her before Christmas and now he keeps telling me that I’m the only one, that he’s always loved me, and stuff like that.” I shake my head as if I’m still not convinced.
“Wow, do you believe him?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “But just because he’ll be my date to Mia’s party doesn’t mean that we’re back together, right? I mean, you and Addison aren’t a real couple either.”
“No way. This is just show biz, baby.” She laughs. “And, don’t worry, Addison knows that up front.”
“If you really think it’ll help our show, I guess I’m willing. Not eager,” I remind her, “but willing.”
“It’s the same deal as the last party. We need to get to the studio by one tomorrow to turn in our New Year’s outfits and pick up new ones.”
“Another formal party?” I groan.
“No, you’re in luck. This is more of a beach party. But you know how those Malibu Beach girls are. They never go slumming. And neither can we.”
“Especially you…with your fashion reputation.” I realize just how much I don’t envy her role. What a relief that no one’s judging my sense of style.
“The stakes continue to rise.” Paige is totally nonchalant, like this is nothing more than just playing Barbies. And maybe that’s not too far off—Malibu Barbies. I can’t help but think about our childhood Barbies, and how it seems Paige was made for this.
I retreat to my room, trying to decide whether or not I really want to call Blake. I know he’ll probably be ecstatic at the possibility of meeting the cast of the hottest teen reality show, and I realize I sort of promised him. And yet, I’m not sure. Maybe Lionel would be a better choice.
I turn on my computer to download my desert photos, and I have this weird sense of relief that Paige and I are going to Mia’s party. Of course, it’s not that I’m glad about the silly surprise party. But I am happy that Paige and I are talking again. She may be a sometimes-intolerable fashion freak, but she’s still my sister.
Chapter 12
“Seriously?” Blake asks me again.
“No. I’m lying,” I say sarcastically.
“I really get to be on Malibu Beach?”
“I can’t believe you’re this excited, Blake.” I feel guilty for having called Lionel first—even after I’d promised Blake that he’d get the chance. I guess I just had cold feet.
“Hey, what can I say? I think it sounds like fun. And you know how much Katie loves that show. She’ll go nuts when she hears about this.”
“How is little Katie anyway?”
“‘Little Katie’ is probably taller than you now. She just turned thirteen last month and she’s gotten so mouthy, my mom’s considering military school for her next year.” He pauses. “I really get to be on Malibu Beach with you, huh?”
“I can’t promise that you’ll make it on the air. They film almost everything that goes on, but most of it ends up getting cut. I’m actually hoping that anything I’m in will be cut.”
“Why?”
Why? How do I begin to explain why? We dated for a long time. Shouldn’t he know why? “Because—”
“Wait. Let me guess. Because you’re more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it.”
“Right.” I guess Blake does still get me.
“And I can respect that, Erin. But I happen to think you’re a beautiful girl and I wish you—”
“Yeah, yeah,” I cut him off. “You don’t need to butter me up. You’re invited to the party already. But I do want to be straight with you about something, okay?”
“Okay.” I imagine he’s bracing for another one of my spiels.
“This isn’t a real date.”
“Meaning I’m still on probation?”
“Not probation…” I don’t like the way he puts it, but I can’t help but think he’s actually kind of spot-on.
“Whatever.”
“It’s the same deal as when you went to the desert with me yesterday. We’re friends, Blake. For now that’s all. If my inviting you to this party makes you think we’re dating again, I’ll just have to—”
“I get it, Erin.” He sounds a little dejected. “And that’s fine.”
“Good. So here are the details. You’ll come over here at seven so that you can ride with us in the limo. Our director, Fran, will be riding with us and she’ll give you and Addison some tips. Then we’ll all get wired for sound. When we get out of the limo, the fun begins.”
“So what do I wear? How do I act? Anything I should know?” He sounds like a little kid on Christmas morning and I can’t help but think it’s kind of cute.
“Maybe I should have Paige call you. She’s the expert when it comes to how to dress. As far as how to act, they’ll all tell you to just be yourself, only more so.”
“More so?”
“I’m not saying that’s a good idea. I think the directors just like to hype things up, you know, to make the show more sensational.”
“So there’s no script?”
“It’s reality TV.”
“I know, but sometimes it almost seems like those shows are scripted, like the kids are acting.”
I think back to my conversation with Avery. “Well, sometimes they’re staged, but not really scripted.” Suddenly I’m wondering if Blake will want to act too. After all, he was into drama in high school. He still helps out with skits for our youth group sometimes. In a way, he’s a bit of a ham.
“So can you have Paige call me?” he asks with slight hesitation. “For, uh, some fashion advice?”
I try not to laugh as I remember how this guy takes style more seriously than I do. “Sure,” I tell him. “But right now, Paige and I need to go to the studio to get our own outfits. My guess is that Paige will be better able to advise you after she knows what she’s wearing. I mean, she wouldn’t want anyone to upstage her.”
He chuckles. “No worries there.”
“See you at seven then.”
“Can’t wait.”
As I hang up I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s hard not to start falling for this guy again. Blake is a lot of fun and he still really seems to care about me. O
n the other hand, I still question his timing…and his motives. And I wonder if it’s possible that he broke up with Sonya, and started pursuing me again, simply because of the TV deal. Blake was always the one who wanted an acting career. And even though his dad talked him into more traditional education, I remember how he really wanted to do the UCLA program in film and TV.
I put these concerns behind me as Paige and I head over to the studio.
“My goal is to win Mia over,” Paige tells me as she stops for a light. “I want to give her a really cool birthday present. I just don’t know what it should be.”
“How about a written promise to stay away from her boyfriend,” I tease.
“Give me a break.”
“Well, I’m sure Mia will be relieved to see you brought your own date tonight.” I point to the green light. “I actually think that was pretty brilliant of Mom to suggest that.”
“So are you saying I shouldn’t even look at Benjamin? I mean, what if he says hi? Am I supposed to ignore him?”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
“Fine. Back to Mia’s birthday present.” Paige drums her fingers on the steering wheel as she waits for the next light. “What would make her trust me?”
“I don’t think you can make anyone trust you, Paige.”
“You know what I mean. What would get to her…in a good way?”
“What kind of gift would get to you?” I ask.
Paige gets a thoughtful look. “Diamonds.”
I laugh. “Well, sorry, but you can’t afford diamonds.”
“True. But maybe the show can afford something. This is for publicity, right? Why can’t we, on behalf of On the Runway, give Mia something special?”
“I guess you can ask Fran.”
“Like a real Badgley Mischka dress!”
“I don’t know…what if Mia got offended, like you were trying to remind her that she’d worn a fake?”
“Good point. But maybe some other hot designer. Fran says that she’s been getting all kinds of cool stuff from designers who want a little publicity.”
And so, not only do Paige and I pick up our outfits—which still seem overly dressy for a real beach party, but Fran assures us are “perfect”—we also leave with a birthday present for Mia. Fran thought it was a great idea, especially in light of the upcoming fashion show that Mia is helping to organize. “We need to stay on her good list,” Fran reminded Paige. And after some serious perusing, they finally decided on a size four Vera Wang dress in a soft periwinkle color that Paige says will be stunning on Mia. I just hope it doesn’t blow up in our faces.
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