Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs (9 page)

Feeling slightly rebellious, and concerned about the betterment of my career, I did something I’ve never done before — forged my mom’s signature. Then I forced Nadine to sign me up for my permit test. Nadine thinks I should confess to my mom about the test and I will.

After I pass.

Nadine and I duck into an empty guest dressing room and Nadine pulls a magazine out from the Bible. That’s what we’ve dubbed the binder she keeps my schedule — and basically my whole life — hidden in.

“Your mom hasn’t found out about the permit test,” Nadine assures me. I breathe a sigh of relief. “But I still think you should tell her.” I give her a look. “Okay, fine. That’s not the bad news anyway. The bad news is that the new
Hollywood Nation
is out and you’re in it again,” she says. “An unnamed source says that you held up filming last week due to exhaustion. Stupid, huh?” Neither of us laughs.

“I’ve never delayed filming!” I complain. “Not once. Mom even makes me come in when I have a cold!”

“I know.” Nadine touches my shoulder comfortingly. “Everyone important knows you didn’t actually do it.”

“Sky just can’t quit, can she?” I say angrily.

“If Sky planted it, she isn’t laughing too hard. There’s an article bashing her in here too.” Nadine turns the page.

I look at the spread Nadine is holding and gasp. SKY MACKENZIE BATTLES BULIMIA.

I’ve always suspected Sky managed to get less negative press by giving reporters fake articles about me to run instead. I’ve never done it, but I know stars who do. Some will do anything to avoid bad publicity. But if that’s what Sky did this week, it backfired. The article says that Sky is lollipop thin because she worships the porcelain throne. On the page, there’s a huge picture of Sky wasting away next to one from last year where she’s supposedly heavier. Personally I think it’s just the dress she has on. One is a muumuu and the other is made of spandex.

“I can’t believe I’m defending Sky, but I don’t think she makes herself throw up,” I admit. “Even she’s not that insane.” I frown, flipping back to the article about me with the headline KAITLIN BURKE COLLAPSES ON SET! If Sky isn’t out to get me, then someone else is for sure.

“We should do some damage control,” says Nadine.

“Okay,” I say, feeling suddenly depressed.

“Ready for the good news?” Nadine sounds more cheerful. “Guess who’s waiting for you in your dressing room?” I shrug. “He’s cute and couldn’t care less what the tabs say about you.”

“Austin’s here?” I squeal. “Can I deal with this article later and go see him?”

Nadine nods. “I’ll call Laney,” she says and opens the door for me.

I sprint down the hall and trip over someone’s foot as I reach my dressing room.

“Watch it!” Sky moans.

What is she doing here? “What do you want?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

“I have a bone to pick with you about that vicious story you planted in
Hollywood Nation
.” Sky has a defiant look in her dark eyes.

I snort. “Please. Why would I tell them that? Even if
someone
did make up a story about my supposed exhaustion.”

Sky actually looks surprised. “Well, it wasn’t me.”

Deep down, I kind of knew it wasn’t Sky, but I don’t have it in me to admit it out loud. Instead I shrug.

“So if I didn’t give them that story about you and you didn’t give them that story about me, who is planting this garbage?” Sky asks.

I’m so aggravated by the latest tabloid assault, and annoyed that Sky is ambushing me to discuss it, that for a moment, I don’t even care. “I don’t have time to discuss it,” I say, knowing I sound unreasonable. I just want to get past Sky, kiss my boyfriend, and forget all about this morning’s ugliness. “If you’ll excuse me . . .” I trail off and reach for the door.

“Fine,” Sky huffs and stomps away.

I take a deep breath and then peer inside my room. Austin sees me and grins. He’s looking particularly cute in warm-up pants and a long-sleeved thermal with a blue lacrosse tee over it. He always looks hottest at his most casual.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, feeling flush with happiness. I lean down and give Austin a kiss and then see Matty sitting next to him. Oops.

“We had a half day for parent conferences.” Austin grins. “I thought I’d surprise you. I ran into Matty down the hall. We’re just hashing out a little problem he has.”

“Are you okay, Matty?” I ask worriedly. “Is it the schedule? Is it too much on you with all your schoolwork and lines and everything?”

Matty shakes his head. “It’s not that.” Matty won’t look at me. “Man, did you have to tell my sister?” he asks Austin.

“Just tell her,” Austin insists. Matty shakes his head. He looks really embarrassed. I look at Austin. Now I’m nervous.

“It’s girl trouble,” Austin explains.

I breathe a sigh of relief. Awww . . . my younger brother has a crush! He’s only thirteen and a half, but I guess it’s about time. “Matty, that’s adorable. Who is she?” I ask. “Are you going to ask her out?”

Austin nods encouragingly. “No offense, but I couldn’t tell you first,” Matty says slowly. “You’re my sister. I can’t talk about girls with my sister. Are you mad?”

“Of course not.” I can’t stop smiling. “I wish you had confided in me though.”

“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure you would approve.” He frowns.

I hit him in the arm. “What are you talking about? Of course I approve of anyone you want to date.” I look at Austin. “This is so cool. We can double-date!”

“Would you come with us on our first one?” Matty looks hopeful. “I’m so nervous. I was thinking of asking her to the Ivy.”

I shake my head. “Way too public for your first date. We’ll think of someplace romantic and very private. So who’s the girl? Do I know her?”

“Yeah, you do.” Matt shifts uncomfortably and looks away again.

Uh-oh. I clutch my chest. “Please don’t tell me you’re in love with Sky!”

“NO WAY!” Matt looks disgusted. “I would never disrespect you like that.”

“Good.” I’m relieved. “Then who is she?”

Matt looks at Austin. Austin looks at Matt. Then Austin looks at me. So does Matt.

“It’s Alexis,” Matt whispers. “I like Alexis.”

“ALEXIS?” I screech. They both jump. “You CAN’T. You just CAN’T!” I blurt out. I sound like a maniac. I just know it. But I don’t care.

“I knew you’d react this way!” Matt moans. “I told Austin you would.”

“What do you mean?” I demand.

“You’re jealous of her,” Matt says.

“I AM NOT JEALOUS,” I yell, feeling very flush.

“It’s obvious.” Matt sounds mad. “It’s hard not to be the object of everyone’s affections anymore, but take it like a lady, Kates. Alexis is hot right now. That doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t still like you.”

“I know t-that,” I stutter. I can’t breathe. I seriously can’t breathe. Someone must have just sucked all the air out of the room.

“Do you?” Matty asks. “Because all you do is complain about Alexis getting so much attention. I hear you talking to Nadine and Rodney on the way to work. You should be ashamed. She has been nothing but nice to you.”

I open my mouth to respond and quickly shut it again. What can I say? That Alexis is a two-faced manipulative diva? Matt is so blinded by his crush, he probably wouldn’t believe me. Besides, what proof do I have? Overhearing her being catty in the wardrobe room or witchy on the red carpet? No. Until I know for sure that she’s up to something, I’ve got to keep my mouth shut. “It’s not that I’m jealous or I don’t like her,” I say instead. “I just think she’s too old for you.”

“Well, you’re wrong,” Matt huffs and he heads straight for the door. “And I’ll prove it. Thanks, Austin.” He slams the door behind him.

“Austin, I hope you tried to dissuade him!” I’m jumping up and down like a spoiled two-year-old and I don’t care. “She’s too old for him! She’ll break his heart! But more importantly, she’s not who she says she is. She’s a FRAUD! I don’t want her sinking her teeth into my baby brother!” My chest is pounding.

Austin chuckles and puts his arm around me, pulling me into a fierce bear hug. I bury my head in his chest, which smells like laundry detergent, and breathe deeply.

“Calm down, tiger,” Austin says softly. “I’ll talk to him again. I promise.” He hugs me. “But you know how it is — when you fall for someone, you fall hard. You can’t turn it off, even if you know the odds for success are as bad as a big star deciding to date an average Joe.”

I blush. “I see your point.” He kisses me. “Hey, at least he has good taste, right? Alexis is gorgeous.” I pull away. “You think she’s gorgeous?” I know I sound annoyed, but I don’t care. I
am
annoyed!

From the wide-eyed look on his face, I can tell Austin immediately realizes what he’s done. He’s broken relationship rule number one: Never talk about another girl in front of your girlfriend. Austin begins hacking and I can’t tell if it’s real or fake, but it sounds so awful that I let him off the hook.

For the moment.

TUESDAY, 10/1

NOTE TO SELF:

Wed. BE AT “LOCATION” 4 PERMIT TEST AT 7:15 AM!

Wed. STUDY TONITE!

Wed. Call time: 8:15 AM

Thurs., Fri. Call time: 5:15 AM

Fitting w/ Kristen 4 next episodes: Tues. 3 PM (prepare 2 stay 3 hours)

Fri @ 7 – date w/ A :)

Spa day (hallelujah) w/ Laney, Liz, Mom – Oct. 5

Six:
Bliss Interrupted

Liz sighs. “Tell me again why we don’t do this more often?” Her voice is muffled. Our heads are buried deep in plush face pillows as we lie on side-by-side massage tables at the Argyle Salon and Spa in West Hollywood getting four-hand massages. (Two massage therapists working on one person. It’s pure heaven!)

“We should make a weekly appointment.” I feel relaxed and woozy from the scent of the Jacqua Buttercream Frosting lotion that Liz and I requested for our massage. “I think I might have to reserve us a permanent room here.”

“If you don’t, I’ll ask Dad to do it for us,” Liz says, her voice jumping as the therapists pound her back. “I still can’t believe this was your mom’s idea.”

“I know.” The masseuses are busy working out the tiny knots that have taken up permanent residence in my neck and shoulders thanks to the recent bashings in
Hollywood Nation
and on
Celeb Insider
this week about my supposed bad behavior on set. I could blame them on Sky. She seemed agitated when we had that confrontation outside my dressing room after Alexis’s line-tweaking delay last week. And she’s done it countless times before. But Sky doesn’t seem immune to the bad press either. No, Nadine and I have talked about it and we’re convinced Alexis is behind this latest wave. Not that we have proof, but Nadine is working on it, and until she has it, I’m determined to keep quiet. I just don’t understand Alexis’s motive. She’s getting enough great press to last for years. Why is she determined to take us down in the process?

“Mom even had Nadine cancel an interview I had today so that my schedule would be clear,” I add. “She said I needed a day off.”

“That’s a first,” Liz teases, her voice echoing in the cavernous room. Mom reserved Argyle’s oversize spa suite, which can host up to eight people at a time, and invited me, Liz, and Laney (I thought Nadine would be upset about not being included, but she was thrilled to have a “Laney-free day,” as she put it). The room is like a super-lush hotel suite, with fabulous silk drapes and a giant ninety-eight-gallon soaking tub for body treatments that is filled with rose petals and tiny candles. There was even a breakfast spread waiting for us when Rodney dropped us off. Since the spa is tucked inside the Sunset Tower Hotel, you can have meals catered to your room. Laney had a breakfast, and Mom said she had an appointment, so neither of them will be here till eleven, which is fine by me, because it gives Liz and me some much-needed bonding time.

“We’re finished, Kaitlin,” one of my masseuses whispers in my ear. “Take your time getting up. The herbal tea you requested is waiting for you on the table. Your manicure and pedicure appointments will start in half an hour.”

“Thank you.” I sigh happily. “That was incredible.” We both lie on our tables till we hear the door close, and then Liz and I slowly get up, tuck ourselves into the plush white robes and slippers the staff have left behind, and meander over to the couch. On our packed schedules today are a group manicure and pedicure, facials, and then private body wraps. Liz and I chose the Argyle Signature body wrap, which is a mix of avocado, chocolate, almond, coconut, clove, cinnamon, orange, and vanilla. I rest my head on a pillow and breath in the deep scent of freesia that pervades the low-lit room. The only sound I hear is ocean waves, courtesy of the relaxation CD playing in the room. “I want to hear everything you’ve been up to this week.”

“I think they should make this place a prerequisite for taking the SATs,” says Liz, her wild curly brown hair tucked in a ponytail and a Louis Vuitton head scarf. “That’s honestly all I’ve been doing — studying. That and working with Daniella on your movie. Wait till you see some of the scenes at the private screening in December, Kates. You look so fierce. You’re definitely going to give Angelina Jolie a run for her money in the action business.”

“I don’t know about that.” I laugh. My face feels so fresh for a change. Maybe that’s because my ivory complexion isn’t covered under a mask of foundation and bronzer. I didn’t even wash my hair this morning. Instead, I fixed it into a low bun to keep the creams and oils away from my highlights. “Did I tell you I asked Monique to give me some SAT practice tests? They’re really hard, but I think they’re helping. I may not know what I’m doing about college, but at least if I get a good score, I’ll have options.”

“I think that’s really smart, Kates,” Liz agrees.

“Oh, I’ve got some other news too. I think I’ve figured out the perfect birthday gift for Austin.” I can’t help but smile at the thought. “You know how he loves watching NASCAR? Well, I talked to Rodney and he said that the Las Vegas Mo-tor Raceway gives rides on the track. I thought we could fly to Vegas on his birthday — it’s only an hour flight — and he could be a passenger in a race car. Then we can have dinner at SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas before flying back. What do you think?”

Liz frowns and her eyes shift downward.

“You hate the idea, don’t you?” I worry. “Why? Do you think it’s too over the top? I thought taking Austin somewhere rather than buying him an expensive present would make him less uncomfortable. Do you think I’m wrong? Or is it our moms? I didn’t think about this, but maybe they won’t want us flying out of state for a date.”

“Kates, calm down,” Liz says gently. “I think Austin would love the idea.” I breathe a sigh of relief. “But there’s still a problem.”

“What?” I bite my lip.

“Austin’s birthday falls on Homecoming this year, which wouldn’t be a big deal except that yesterday the nominations were announced for Homecoming court.” Liz pauses. “Austin is up for the court. That means he’s supposed to ride in the Homecoming game parade. Technically, he doesn’t have to go to the dance, so I guess he could go to Vegas in the afternoon, but I’ve never heard of a nominee bailing on the dance. Maybe he could forfeit his nomination,” Liz suggests.

I shake my head. “That’s silly. I’ll do the Vegas thing another day.”

Liz smiles. “Definitely!”

“I wonder why Austin didn’t say anything about the nomination,” I question. “We went out for sushi last night and he didn’t say a word.”

“You know boys,” Liz says dismissively. “He didn’t tell me either. He told Josh. Josh said Austin knew you’d been planning a birthday surprise and he didn’t want to disappoint you. Josh told him to ask you to the dance instead, but Austin didn’t think you’d want to go after what happened at the Spring Fling.”

“The paparazzi showing up and ruining the school dance again wouldn’t make me that popular with the student body,” I agree. “I’d be banned from Clark for life.” I look up at the creamy white ceiling hoping for an answer. “The dance sounds fun,” I say. “And if it’s on Austin’s birthday and he has to go, that’s where I want to be too. I wish there was a way I could go with him.”

We’re both quiet for a minute. Then Liz says, “Why can’t you? What if the paparazzi had no idea you were going to be at the dance?”

“They’ll find out.” I frown. “They always do.”

“Not if Austin thinks you’re not going to the dance either.” Liz sounds excited now. “This is what you do: Tell Austin you just found out you have reshoots for
Pretty Young Assassins
on his birthday. Apologize profusely and tell him you’ll celebrate with him on Sunday instead. Austin’s such a good sport, he’ll feel obligated to go to the dance and won’t feel bad about it anymore. When people ask if you’re going to be his date, he’ll obviously say no. The press will think you’re not going. Then, that night, you can show up at the last minute, when it’s too late to alert the paparazzi. That would be the ultimate birthday surprise!”

“Liz, you’re a genius.” I hug her. “I’ll take Austin to Vegas on Sunday. He’ll get two birthday presents.”

“You see? I knew we’d work it out.” She grins. “I’ll buy you a ticket for Homecoming this week so you have it. Austin has to buy them ahead of time and he won’t get you one if he thinks you’re working.”

“Perfect.” I hear the door open.

“Morning, Katie-Kins!” my mother sings. “Are you and Liz having fun?” My mom is dressed casually in Genetic Denim jeans and a three-quarter-length sleeve ballet-neck navy T-shirt with flats.

“This place is amazing, Mom,” I tell her. “You’ve got to ask them to use the Jacqua Buttercream Frosting lotion for your massage.”

“Is that what smells so overpowering in here?”

Who said that?

I do a double take. Walking in behind my mom is Alexis. In addition to a super-sized smile, she’s wearing hip-hugging J Brand jeans and a bedazzled burgundy tank top. Her long red hair is a little frizzy, but perfectly curled at the ends, like she’d gone to a party the night before and it hadn’t been redone since. Laney is standing behind her and she looks really ticked off.

“Hey, Alexis.” I manage to compose myself quickly. “I didn’t know you were going to be here today.”

“I invited Alexis to join us so we could tell her all about how Burke Management has enhanced your career,” Mom explains happily.

What? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

There goes my blissful Saturday.

I can feel my heart palpitations kick-start. With work being so busy this past week, and Mom’s social calendar more packed than Nobu on a Saturday night, I haven’t had a chance to tell her or Laney my suspicions about Alexis or about the stunts she’s been pulling on set. Thankfully, from the look on Laney’s face, I take it Nadine’s told her a thing or two. But it’s obvious Laney hasn’t discussed them with Mom yet.

Laney slips out of the BCBG blazer that I gave her and plops down next to me. “I had no idea she was coming till I pulled up and saw her flaming red hair in your mom’s Beamer,” she whispers to me while Mom is busy introducing Alexis to Liz. “I was wrong about this girl. I want you to know I’m not on board with this, Kaitlin. I don’t represent frauds. Having
FA
’s biggest star on my roster is enough for me.”

I’m so touched I want to reach out and hug her, but I know Laney doesn’t like to have her neatly pressed clothes wrinkled. Instead, I smile brightly.

“Nadine has been filling me in about Alexis and her blatant attempt to woo the writing staff,” Laney continues, her voice dripping with disdain. “Well, that’s nothing compared with the disturbing set gossip I’ve been hearing.” My heart lurches as Laney’s dark eyes peer into mine ominously. “This girl is no good. I don’t trust her and I don’t like how she’s infiltrated
FA.
You’ve got to be careful. I mean it.”

“I know,” I say, feeling light-headed. Laney has just confirmed what I’ve been thinking about Alexis for a while and I’m not sure how to process it.

“I’ll straighten out your mother,” Laney promises as my mom whips a large stack of papers out of her green Balenciaga tote and places them on the table in front of me. “Trust me.”

“So is this why you wanted me to come here today?” I whisper to my mother as she takes a seat on the couch across from me. I smile sweetly at Alexis, who is making small talk with Liz. “So that you could woo Alexis?”

Mom purses her lips, which look thin again. I’m sure lip plumping is on her agenda today. “Shh,” she says, looking over her shoulder at Alexis. “Don’t look at me like that. We’re here so you can have a relaxing, well-deserved day of pampering. I just thought it would be nice to write the whole expense off by doing some business as well, so I invited Alexis.”

“Didn’t the spa comp this whole thing because Kaitlin was a guest?” Laney asks. I try not to grin. She’s probably right.

Mom raises her right eyebrow at Laney. Uh-oh. “It can’t hurt to talk to her about my management firm, can it?” Mom asks us.

“I really don’t think that’s a good . . .” Laney stops talking when she realizes Alexis is listening. Alexis walks over and takes a seat next to me.

“I’m so glad we’ve got a chance to bond together today, Kaitlin,” Alexis says to me. “I was just telling your mom that I rarely see you when we’re not shooting.” She looks like a sad puppy in a store window.

“She’s good,” Liz whispers in my ear.

“That’s why you came today, Alexis? To hang out with Kaitlin?” Laney asks politely. “That’s
so
nice.”

TRAP HER Laney. At least someone other than me — and, well, Sky — sees through Alexis’s sickingly sweet fake act.

“That’s the main reason.” Alexis smiles at me. “I’m dying to know more about Kaitlin Burke! What makes you tick? What do you like to do on your day off?” She stares at me, waiting for an answer.

“Nothing exciting,” I say slowly. “I do the same things everyone else does.”

“You’re too modest!” Alexis laughs. “You can admit how fabulous your life is! I think it’s great. But I have to admit, I do have another motive for coming here.”

I hold my breath, wondering what Alexis is going to say.

“I wanted to meet the fabulous Laney Peters and talk to your mom.” Alexis grins. “I’ve heard you two are an unstoppable PR and management team.”

Now it’s my mom’s turn to smile. All this smiling and someone’s face is going to freeze that way during a facial.

“I didn’t think I needed representation, but now I’m wondering if I do.” Alexis frowns. “This town can be really tough.”

Here we go.

“Hollywood’s not meant for everyone,” Laney says simply, as the door to our suite opens and five Argyle Spa employees file in with a manicure and pedicure cart.

“Oh good, our first appointment,” Mom says excitedly. She glances at Alexis with a look of concern. “Alexis, dear, tell us what’s going on. Are people giving you a hard time?”

“I’m having a problem with my contract.” Alexis starts to tear up.

Wow, she’s an even better manipulator than Sky.

“I didn’t realize when I signed on that it was only for half a season,” she moans. “The Colby character could be a huge asset to this show if they’d just keep her around.”

When I hear Alexis say that, I almost want to laugh. So Alexis thinks my mom, Laney, and I can help her? I shake my head. Alexis’s motives are clear to me now, but I still don’t get what they have to do with me and Sky. Why is she talking trash about us? Is it jealousy because we’ve been on the show forever? There’s still so much about Alexis I haven’t figured out.