Premiere

by Melody Carlson

  “I am sorry for what I did…for getting involved with Benjamin…for hurting Mia like that. I know it was wrong now, and I remember how you tried to warn me…but…”

  I press my lips together and wait for her to continue.

  “I wish I’d listened to you, Erin. I wish I’d done it differently.”

  “I guess this might be one of those school of hard knocks lessons, huh?”

  “I guess…”

  Just then the phone rings, the landline again. “Should I answer it?” I ask Paige, but she shrugs. I go and get it.

  “Erin, this is Helen Hudson.”

  “Do you want Paige?”

  “No, I’d rather to talk to you first. You’re the girl who seems to have her head on her shoulders.”

  “Uh, okay.”

  “We might be getting a second chance with Malibu Beach.”

  “A second chance?”

  “To straighten things up. Well, actually it’s more about messing things up, but I don’t need to go into all that right now. But here’s what we’re thinking. If you and Paige could go over to where they’re filming this afternoon and if Paige and Mia could, well, talk things over with the cameras running, perhaps we can work this out in a way that makes everyone happy.”

  “Is Mia even willing to do that?”

  “Apparently, she is.”

  I have images of Mia and her friends jumping my sister and beating the living daylights out of her. Okay, I might be too imaginative, but I saw that on YouTube once and it was seriously messed up. “What if Mia wants to hurt Paige?”

  “I’m sure Mia does want to hurt Paige. And Paige has certainly hurt Mia, don’t you think?”

  “Yes. But I mean physically. What if Mia and her friends beat Paige up while the cameras roll?”

  “Oh, I seriously doubt that Rod would allow that.”

  “He might if he thought the fans would love it.”

  She chuckles. “I’m sure the fans would love it.”

  “So, how can you be sure it wouldn’t happen?”

  “I’m relatively certain, Erin.” She gives me an exasperated sigh like this should all be very obvious. “And yes, I’m sure they will make her uncomfortable. But in all fairness, Paige should have to suffer a bit, don’t you think?”

  “She’s already suffering.”

  “Privately maybe. But not in the public eye. She might need to do a little suffering that everyone can see.”

  “Yes…I can understand that.” I’m starting to feel like I’m Paige’s advocate now, negotiating a deal or a settlement or something. Like, okay, we’ll agree to one fistful of hair in exchange for publicity immunity. “But I just want to know that no one will get physically hurt. Is there a way you can guarantee that?”

  “I suppose that could be arranged.”

  “In that case, I think I can talk Paige into doing this. But I have one condition.”

  “Have you ever considered becoming an agent, Erin?” She chuckles again. “I think you’d be good at it.”

  “Maybe we need an agent,” I tell her.

  “Or an attorney if Paige doesn’t watch out. So, tell me, what one condition?”

  “I want my mom there when they’re filming.”

  “You are a smart little cookie, aren’t you?”

  “I try.”

  “Fine then. Let me call the powers that be and see what we can agree to. In the meantime, you go tell that sister of yours what’s up, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “And I have to say, Erin, that if we proceed with On the Runway—and that’s still a big if—but if we continue as planned with Paige Forrester at the helm, I want you by her side, do you understand?”

  “Meaning I’m supposed to keep her out of trouble? Because seriously, I’m not sure that’s possible.”

  “Yes…yes…I know you’re not her conscience, Erin, but if I start calling you Jiminy Cricket, don’t be too surprised.”

  “Right.”

  “Good-bye, Jiminy.” And she hangs up.

  I return to my bedroom to find Paige still sitting on my bed with a dazed expression. So I tell her about this latest invitation.

  “But Mia will probably want to kill me.”

  “I’m sure she will. And I told Helen that we need some assurance that you won’t be physically assaulted like those videos on YouTube where a girl is accosted by a bunch of her so-called friends.”

  “Oh, wouldn’t the Malibu Beach fans love that. Mia and Benjamin are like the dream couple, and I’m like the wicked witch who broke them up. I’m sure the fans would love to see me beat beyond recognition.”

  “Just the seriously disturbed ones. So anyway, Helen is going to talk to Malibu’s director and get back to us. Also, I told Helen that if we do this, Mom has to be on the set too.”

  “Great idea, Erin.” Paige gives me a wimpy high five. “So, if we do this, does that mean we get our show back?”

  “Helen’s not making any promises. I suspect it will have to do with how this thing at Malibu Beach plays out.”

  “Right…” Paige stands and she begins pacing as if she’s thinking really hard, as if she’s plotting some clever way to turn this whole thing in her favor and come out on top. Although I’m pretty sure that’s impossible.

  It’s after two when Helen calls back. The news is that Malibu Beach wants us at their location, Mia’s house, at four o’clock sharp. I write down the address as she continues. “Filming begins as soon as Paige and you walk into the house. Your mother will arrive earlier so that they can tuck her out of sight of the cameras. And she is not to intervene unless there is actual threat of physical violence, which Rod assures me will not happen.”

  “Okay. I’ll have to call my mom and make sure she can do this.”

  “I already took that liberty. She will be there.”

  “Good.” And it’s not that I don’t trust Helen, but I also make note to double-check that Mom is actually in the loop.

  “There won’t be time for you to come to the studio for wardrobe, but I’m sure Paige can figure something out. Remember this scene is almost absolutely certain to air. What happens today will either make or break Paige Forrester. But she is on her own. Understand?”

  “On her own, except that I’m with her, you mean?”

  “Yes. You’re both on your own. Make me proud…or walk. You got that?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’m not holding my breath. Good-bye, Jiminy.” And, again, she hangs up before I can even say good-bye. I’m not holding my breath either. In fact, I take in a deep one as I mentally prepare myself for four o’clock.

  Paige throws us into high gear, picking outfits, doing hair, makeup, and the whole time it’s hard to believe this is the same girl who fell apart earlier. As she’s helping with my makeup I ask if she’s heard from Benjamin since this all hit the fan.

  “No…” she says slowly as she applies eyeliner, something I never can seem to get quite right.

  “Nothing at all?” I want to ask her whether or not she thinks that’s odd, considering that Benjamin is also a vital part of this whole cheaters scandal. I mean, it does take two.

  “Well he texted me…”

  “And?”

  “And he’s been advised not to speak to me…for the sake of his show and his reputation.”

  “Oh.” I vaguely wonder if this might not actually be some kind of cleverly crafted setup. Like maybe they were just using Paige as part of the love triangle to get some great publicity. But I don’t want to derail Paige, or shake her confidence, by mentioning it.

  I offer to drive us to Mia’s house, but I borrow Mom’s portable GPS for direction assistance since we have to walk in that door at four on the dot. Paige is extremely quiet as I drive. I want to suggest that she pray, but I’m not sure how she’d receive that right now. So as the electronic lady tells me to turn here or exit there, I ask God to bring good out of bad and to use this to bring Paige to a place where she asks God for faith as w
ell as help. Because, just like the rest of us, the girl needs some.

  “Ready for this?” she asks me as she rings the doorbell.

  “I hope so.” I glance nervously at her. She, as usual, is gorgeous. Suddenly we are walking into Mia’s house, and what I’m hoping isn’t really a trap. But it is reassuring to know Mom’s there. She told me she had to take time off work, but felt it was worth it.

  With lights on and cameras rolling, I brace myself for the big showdown. Let the fireworks begin!

  Chapter 17

  “What are you doing here?” Mia demands as soon as Paige and I go into the great room where it seems the fun is about to begin. I know Mia is in the know and fully aware that we’re supposed to be here. I assume her dramatic statement is just for the cameras.

  “I want to talk,” Paige says calmly.

  “Oh, I’ll just bet you do.” Mia narrows her eyes. “But if you think you can talk your way out of this, you’re crazier than I thought you were.” Mia then softens. “And I thought you were my friend, Paige.”

  “I want to be your friend,” Paige says.

  “More like frenemy.”

  “I’m sorry about all—”

  “I don’t want to hear it,” Mia says quickly. “I’m not ready to hear an apology from you.”

  “What do you want then?” Paige holds her hands out.

  “I want to know why you did this to me. Why did you act like you wanted to be friends? The whole time you were plotting to steal Benjamin.”

  “I wasn’t plotting anything, Mia. I can’t help it that Ben and I hit if off.”

  “Yeah, right.” Mia shakes her head. “I trusted you, Paige. You came to my birthday party and you told me sweet things and I totally believed you. And then you stabbed me in the back.” Mia actually looks like she’s about to cry. Brogan and Natasha, who’ve been standing nearby, move in closer, as if this has all been prearranged…staged.

  “Benjamin and I have been together for, like, forever. It’s been more than two years. How many people our age can claim something like that? Our families are friends and everyone knows that we’ll probably get married someday.”

  “I’m sorry,” Paige says again. “I know this has hurt you, Mia. But Ben and I fell in love. It’s not like we planned it. It just happened.”

  “Fell in love?” Mia looks at her friends like this is shocking, and I am equally as shocked. In love? “You think that Benjamin’s in love with you?”

  Paige shrugs. “That’s what he told me.”

  Mia’s brows arch and her blue eyes get bigger. “Right. He’s in love with you. Do you know how totally ridiculous that makes you sound? That you actually believe Benjamin Kross is in love with you?”

  Paige is caught off guard now. I can see it in her eyes. “That’s what he told me, Mia. That he loved me…and that he no longer loved you…that it was over between you two. I’m sorry if that hurts. I honestly never wanted to hurt you, but it’s the truth.”

  Mia actually laughs. So much for the teary act. “I cannot believe you fell for that, Paige. I actually thought you were smarter.”

  “Fell for what?”

  “For Benjamin’s line about loving you…and not loving me. Who would have thought you’d be suckered in. But they say a new sucker is born every day, right?”

  Paige shrugs again and glances over her shoulder to me, like maybe I can help. But I don’t see how. More than ever, I wish I had a camera to hold in front of me. Then I remember what Helen said, how I’m supposed to stand by Paige’s side. And so I step up. “Let me get this clear,” I say to Mia. “You’re suggesting this thing between my sister and Benjamin was just an act, like he really wasn’t into her, like he was pretending?”

  “Oh, I get it. One sister got the brains and the other one got the beauty…or so she thinks,” Mia says to her friends and, of course, they laugh.

  “So, let me guess,” I continue. “If what you’re saying is true, which I doubt, Benjamin led Paige on so that your show could get more publicity? This is all just a stunt to raise ratings?”

  Mia acts surprised. “Of course not. I’m saying that Benjamin was simply using Paige. That’s all. Old story. Happens all the time.” Mia turns to Paige now. “So, you see, you’re the one who’s been hurt here. Not me. Well, other than the fact that you’ve turned out to be a backstabbing little boy-friend-stealer. And that you were only pretending to be my friend, but were really just using me. I’m guessing you were using Benjamin too. I’m sure you hoped that hooking up with a star would make you a star. Unfortunately, you were wrong.”

  “I really don’t understand what you’re saying.” Paige says this in a way that’s so genuine, I almost feel like crying. “But I am sorry if I hurt you. I don’t expect you to believe me. Benjamin told me that it was only a matter of time until he broke it off with you, that he had to keep up the appearance of a romance for the sake of your show and that he would eventually break up officially. But I realize now that it was still wrong for me to get involved with him. I should’ve waited. We should’ve waited.”

  “You really are delusional, aren’t you?” Mia turns to her friends. “Can you guys believe this?”

  “Maybe someone dropped her on her head as a baby,” suggests Natasha.

  “Or maybe she’s just trying to milk this for all she can,” says Brogan.

  “Or maybe she doesn’t believe you,” I say to Mia. “I mean, you’re talking for Benjamin, aren’t you? Why isn’t he here to talk for himself?” I glance around the room. “What did you do anyway? Did you tie him up and gag him and toss him into the cellar?”

  “Very funny.” Mia looks at me like I’m something disgusting stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

  “Then why should we believe what you’re saying about Benjamin?” I persist. “Why can’t he speak for himself?”

  “Yes,” Paige agrees. “Why can’t he? Not that I want to see you hurt anymore, Mia. I really don’t. And whether or not you forgive me, I am honestly sorry for all this. And I plan to tell Ben that he and I cannot date until he officially breaks things off with you.”

  Mia laughs loudly, and so do her friends. “You really are naïve, aren’t you, Paige? You’re still buying into the fantasy that Benjamin seriously liked you. Oh, wait, make that ‘loved’ you. You thought he loved you!” She shakes her head with a look of disbelief. “Really, this is classic!”

  “Then why don’t we get Benjamin to come over here.” I’m reaching for my cell phone, like I’m going to call him, which is totally bogus since I don’t even have his number. “And, once and for all, we can set things straight.”

  “Good idea, Erin. You are such a smart little Nerd Girl. Yes, let’s get Benjamin in here to set things straight, shall we?” She nods toward a darkened hallway. “Hey there, honey,” she calls out. “Have you heard enough yet? Come out, come out, wherever you are.”

  And that’s when I know. This really is a setup. A sting. And they are about to get Paige—and get her good.

  Benjamin strides out now and, going directly to Mia, puts an arm around her, then leans down and kisses her on the lips. I’m no expert, but it looks like he means it. I glance over at Paige and I can honestly see her face getting pale beneath her tan and makeup.

  “How does it feel?” Natasha asks Paige.

  “Yes.” Brogan’s eyes narrow. “How does it feel?”

  “Benjamin?” Paige’s voice comes out in a whisper. “Is it true? Is everything Mia just said really true?”

  He makes a sheepish little smile then nods. “Sorry about that.”

  Then Paige turns and runs out and I hear the front door slam. And for a split second, I’m torn. I want to run after her and tell her to forget this whole thing. And yet, my work here isn’t done.

  I step up to Benjamin, looking him straight in the eyes. “You are a lying two-faced hypocrite,” I calmly tell him. “And a first-class jerk. You chased after Paige and you know it. You called her. You took her out. And you even came to dinner
at our house, and I can prove it. I saw you kiss her and I heard you say sweet things to her and I have to admit that I fell for your act too. I thought you were a nice guy and I actually believed that you meant what you said to her. I guess that proves you really are a talented actor, but as a human being, you are a total wipeout…a loser and a user and a lowlife and—and I wish my sister had never met you.”

  Mia laughs at this. “Wow, you’re a long-winded little thing, aren’t you, Nerd Girl?”

  I turn to her now. “And I’m sure that everything I say today will never make it on the air,” I say calmly. “Actually, I’m glad for that. But, as for you, what my sister said to you was true. She truly was sorry. And she’s not a mean person. She did not plot against you. Yes, she made a mistake, but she was honestly sorry for it. And when she came to your birthday party, she was sincere. She really did want to be your friend. She, unlike some people, was not faking it.”

  Benjamin is about to say something, but I cut him off, swinging my finger under his nose. At this point, I don’t care how nerdy I seem. “And you know what I think? I think you and Mia deserve each other. Yes, you are a perfect match. Selfish, ruthless, conniving, publicity-seeking opportunists who will use anyone just so you can get one more photo of yourselves. You will stoop to anything just to increase your ratings and fan base. How you can look at yourself in the mirror or even sleep at night is a mystery to me. And I feel sorry for you when you finally figure out that this is all fleeting and unreal. And you will eventually. Eventually, you will be sorry. Because when you sell your soul to the Devil, you eventually have to pay up.”

  Then I turn and am ready to storm out after Paige, but Benjamin calls out, “Erin, stop.” And something in his voice makes me stop and turn around.

  His arm isn’t around Mia now, and he takes a step toward me. “I’m sorry, Erin,” he says quietly.

  “Benjamin!” Mia’s voice is strained.

  “You’re right,” he continues. “I am all those things you just said—and more.”