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  “Let me guess,” Fran says in a weary voice. “Mother is setting her sights on you now.”

  I shrug. “It’s okay.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Just eat what you can,” I say as I arrange the food on the tray and set it on her bed. I sit down and give her the update on Paige and Dylan. Naturally, I pad the story, making it seem more pleasant and hopeful than it really is. I suspect Fran knows there’s more to it, but I decide perhaps this is a game we both have agreed to play … the Pollyanna game. At least until she’s better. I just hope that she will get better. I’m praying (and asking everyone else to pray too) that the transplant will work and turn things around for her. Because I have a feeling if things don’t turn around, Fran won’t last too long. I wonder if Fran’s mom thinks about that.

  When I’m sure that Fran’s asleep I tiptoe out and find, to my relief, that Mrs. Bishop is not around. I suspect by the sound of the television that she’s retired to the guest room for the evening. I let myself out, locking the door behind me. Then as I’m walking to my car I hit speed dial, finally returning Blake’s call from earlier this evening.

  “Hey, Erin.” Blake’s tone is warm and friendly.

  I tell him where I am and what I’ve been doing, and he invites me to meet him for coffee on my way home. “Maybe an iced coffee,” I say as I get into my Jeep.

  “Great. I have something I want to talk to you about.”

  I tell him I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. As I’m driving, I get curious. What is it that he wants to talk to me about? It’s not like we don’t talk a lot these days. In fact, since I got home from the Bahamas, we’ve been in closer contact than ever. I realize it’s partly the result of the letter I wrote him, apologizing and confessing that I have some fears and inhibitions when it comes to relationships. It’s like when I opened up to him, it opened a new door in our friendship. And now he wants to specifically talk about something.

  It seems only natural to suppose that he wants to talk about us. Before I broke it off with him, he’d wanted to elevate our relationship to the next level. I’m curious if that’s what he wants now. In some ways, I think I’d be open to committing to an exclusive relationship with him now. In fact, that might actually simplify life a bit. Like I’d know he was there for me, and I’d be there for him. No more playing games and guessing. Really, I’m thinking as I pull into a parking spot near Starbucks, that might be pretty cool.

  “Hey, there you are!” Blake hugs me, kissing me on the cheek.

  “How was work?” I ask as we go inside and get in line. Blake’s been working this summer for an uncle with a landscaping business.

  “Hot and grueling,” he admits.

  “But look at that tan,” I say as I touch his cheek. “Hopefully you’re using sunscreen.”

  He nods. “Yeah, my mom’s been all over me about that.”

  We order our iced mochas then go sit down. Blake is grinning like he’s got a sweet secret and I’m dying of curiosity, but I don’t want to be pushy. Instead, I tell him about Fran’s pushy mother. “She actually thought I was being nice to Fran just to secure my job. She said Fran was my meal ticket. Can you believe that?”

  He laughs. “That just shows you how wrong the poor woman is.”

  “I guess.” I smile at him. I’m not sure if it’s just me or his tan or the fact that his hair is longer than usual, but it seems like Blake gets more handsome each day. I’m about to mention this when our mochas are ready and Blake goes to get them.

  As he’s walking back, I decide that if he is about to ask me to be in an exclusive relationship with him, I will definitely, absolutely, say yes!

  “Here you go, my lady.” He sets my drink in front of me and sits down.

  I take a sip. “Mmm … delish. Thanks!”

  “And I’ll bet you’re wondering why I asked you here tonight.”

  “Yeah.” I give him a hopeful smile and wait.

  “Well, Ben called me this afternoon.”

  I blink. “Ben? Benjamin Kross?”

  He smiles. “Yeah. Who else?”

  I shrug and try not to show my disappointment, which is twofold. One part is that I suspect this conversation is not going to be about our relationship after all, and another part is that I really wish Blake and Ben would go their separate ways. It was sweet that Blake befriended Ben at first—back when Paige and Ben were dating, and when Ben needed a friend after Mia Renwick — Ben’s reality show co-star—died. But when I saw him in France, it seemed that Ben was intent on returning to his selfish, shallow ways, and I can’t imagine how Blake has any positive influence on him.

  “Anyway …” Blake smiles broadly. “Ben’s in on the ground floor of a new reality show.”

  “A new reality show … just what this world needs,” I say in a cynical tone that I instantly regret.

  His smile fades. “So, it’s okay for you and Paige to have a reality show, but no one else?”

  “Sorry. That was just my exhaustion showing.” I force a smile.

  “Okay.” He nods. “So anyway, Ben and his producer have been pitching this new show and it sounds like this one network is really interested, and—guess what?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “Ben’s invited me to be part of it.” Blake is beaming now. “Can you believe that?”

  I’m trying to wrap my head around all this. Ben wants Blake to be part of his reality show? “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. It would be so cool, Erin. For starters, I could quit working for my uncle—talk about slave labor. Do you know how miserable it is to do yard work in this heat? Plus, I’ll be able to make enough money to go to film school. I mean, later on, after the TV show ends.”

  I nod. I know how unhappy Blake’s been with his dad’s pressure to get a “real” degree. And how disappointing his first year of college was. Going to film school was Blake’s dream even before it became mine. It seems that both our dreams got put on hold last year.

  “Wow.” I try to make a genuine-looking smile. “That’s cool, Blake. Tell me about the show.” It takes all my self-control not to rain on this parade, or jump to negative conclusions, or to point out that party-boy Benjamin Kross’s show will probably end up a train wreck.

  “It’s called Celebrity Blind Date.”

  “Celebrity Blind Date?”

  “Yeah. There’ll be an ongoing cast of guys and girls who are semi-known, you know, kinda celebrities — like B-listers.” He chuckles. “Actually they’re more like C- or D-listers. And with the aid of a computer dating service, which will be one of the show’s sponsors, they’ll go on blind dates.”

  “Real blind dates?”

  “Well, as real as anything can be in reality TV. Naturally, the cameras will be around, but Ben wants them to be sort of incognito. And at the beginning and ending of each episode the daters—”

  “The daters?”

  “You know, the regular cast — the pseudocelebs. Anyway, they’ll gather somewhere, like a restaurant or club, and they’ll discuss the dates—like what went wrong or right or whatever.”

  “It actually sounds like an interesting premise.” “It is!” His face lights up.

  “And so did you tell Ben you would do this—for sure?” I’m hoping there’s still a chance for Blake to escape the crazy world of reality TV.

  “I told him I wanted to think about it.”

  “And what do you think?” It’s a silly question, because I can tell by his expression that he’s already on board.

  “It’s a huge opportunity, Erin. I think I want a piece of the action.” He gets a thoughtful look. “But I’m curious … what do you think about it?”

  “Really?”

  “Sure, you’re my best friend, Erin. I want your opinion.”

  “Well …” I pause to consider my words. I don’t want to ruin this for him. “You know how a reality show can mess with your life, Blake. You’ve seen the kinds of trials Paige and I have gone through. And that being in the spotlight
comes with a price.”

  “I know.” He nods. “I’ve had a front row seat, Erin. I’m well aware of the downside of the business. I’d be going in with my eyes wide open.”

  “Well, at least as wide open as possible,” I caution. “But you never know what’s around the next corner, Blake. I mean, even this thing with Paige and Dylan—it’s really a by-product of our show.”

  “Are you saying Paige wouldn’t have gotten her heart broken if you guys weren’t doing the show?” He studies me closely.

  “Hmm … good point.”

  “Life is life, Erin. Whether it’s on film or on the streets, it happens. And this blind date show —well, I’ll admit it’s not going to save the planet, but I still think it’ll be good fun. And it will look great on my résumé for film school.”

  “That’s what I keep hearing.”

  “So anyway. I think I’ll call Ben and tell him to count me in.”

  “What will your dad say about this?”

  Blake frowns. “Oh, you know, he’ll give me his free lecture about the real world and how I need a real job—but I’m sure he’ll back off once he sees my mind is set.”

  Seeing his mind is set, I decide not to point out any more potential pitfalls to his plan. “So when do you think it’ll go into production?”

  “Assuming the network gives him the thumbs-up, Ben said he wants to get it rolling as soon as possible. He’s worried that someone else might try to snatch his idea.”

  “I’m curious, Blake. How do you see your faith playing into the whole thing?”

  “My faith is part of who I am, Erin. And Ben actually appreciates that too. He said he wants me to be up front with it. It’ll provide some interesting contrast within the show.”

  “Like you’ll be the angelic boy amidst all the little devils?”

  He chuckles. “Maybe not quite like that. But Ben wants to have a diverse cast.”

  “Meaning it won’t just be a bunch of the old Malibu Beach kids—the ones who’ve outgrown that show?”

  “He’ll probably use a few of them. But he’ll hire some new faces too.”

  Suddenly I feel very tired. “You know, it’s been a long day,” I tell him. “I should probably get going. And I need to check on Paige. She’s still pretty fragile.”

  “When is she going public with the breakup?” Blake asks as he walks me to my Jeep.

  “I’m not sure.” I glance at him. “You didn’t tell Ben, did you?”

  “No. I promised you I wouldn’t. You can trust me.”

  “Good.” I sigh as I unlock my vehicle. “To be honest, I’m not totally sure they are breaking up.”

  “Are you kidding? After what Dylan pulled?”

  I shake my finger under his nose. “Remember … innocent until proven guilty.”

  “Right.” He leans down and kisses me on the cheek. “Be safe.”

  As I drive home, I’m mulling over two things. First and foremost is Blake’s big news. And while I know this is a good career break for him and I should be happy, an unsettling cloak of worry wraps itself around me. What if this “opportunity” derails Blake? What if it unravels him the way I’ve seen it unravel so many others? The other thought nagging me right now is that brotherly peck Blake gave me as a good-night kiss. What did that mean anyway? That his interest toward me has suddenly cooled now that he’s got a hot new project to leap into? And, if that’s the case, how does that make me feel?

  On my way up the stairs to the condo, I remember my hopeful expectation as I drove to Starbucks. I was actually getting ready to tell Blake, “Yes! I want to be in an exclusive relationship with you!” Now, instead of taking that next step, I’m trying to accept that my would-be boyfriend might be participating in a reality show about dating—dating other girls!

  Chapter

  3

  As usual, I’m surprised at my sister’s resilience. Either that or she’s becoming very adept at concealing her real feelings about Dylan. But other than being a little quieter and more of a homebody, Paige seems to be bouncing back. However, like many things in life, appearances can be deceiving.

  After previewing some of the Bahamas footage, as well as the Eco Show episode, which I snagged on my own, Helen invites Paige and me into her office. “I just love that little redheaded designer,” Helen tells us with enthusiasm. “The one whose mom died of a drug overdose.”

  “Rhiannon Farley,” I say. “Yes. Remember, we met her in New York over the winter?”

  “Yes, I thought she seemed familiar.” Helen adjusts her glasses as she writes something down. “Well, she’s great on camera. She has a compelling story. And I would love for you girls to do a whole show about her.” Helen pauses as if thinking. “Perhaps the show could feature a couple other new designers too — you know, fresh young faces, passion, enthusiasm, new blood.” She smiles at us. “What do you think?”

  “I love it,” I tell her. I notice that Paige seems checked out just now and I wonder why. But I suspect that seeing the Bahamas on the big screen (including shots of the actual heartbreak hotel) is taking a toll on her. “I know we did a bit of this last winter, but we never devoted a whole show to new designers. I think our viewers would respond really well to it. It’s like that old story—only in America.”

  “Exactly.” Helen points her pen in the air. “Only in America. That’s good, Erin. Maybe that’s what we’ll call that episode.” She leans over to write it down then looks up. “By the way, have you seen Fran lately?”

  I explain that I was with her last night and give a quick update about the upcoming transplant procedure.

  “I’m hoping to get this new designer show in the can before hiatus,” she says. “Maybe I should give your mother a call.”

  I nod. “Yes. It’s her last week at work at Channel Five.”

  “Perfect. If all goes well, I think you girls can plan to pop on over to the Big Apple by late next week. Sound good?”

  “Sounds great. Fran’s transplant will be over by then too.”

  Helen frowns at Paige. “What about you? You sure are being quiet. Everything okay?”

  Now I notice that Paige looks like she’s seriously unraveling, and I can tell she’s about to cry. “I — uh — I …” she stammers. Helen doesn’t know about what happened in the Bahamas with Dylan yet, and I realize this situation is way more complicated than I’d assumed. Suddenly Paige stands up. “I — uh — I need a moment.”

  “Okay …?” Helen’s brows arch as Paige makes a quick exit. Once the door is closed, Helen turns to me. “All right, Jiminy, tell me what’s going on here and make it quick.”

  I press my lips together, wondering how much to say. Then I realize there’s really no way to keep this a secret from Helen. So, without going into much detail, I hurry to spill the story.

  “That rotten little brat.” Helen makes a growling sound. “If I had any mafia connections, I’d send someone out to break that boy’s legs.”

  “We don’t know for certain that Dylan cheated,” I say meekly. “After all, there was a hurricane—it was kind of crazy. And he claims he only slept on the couch in the girl’s suite.”

  “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” She lets out a foul word. “Poor Paige.”

  “Yeah, it’s been hard on her.” I realize I didn’t mention the name of the girl involved. “And there’s one more thing.”

  “What?”

  “Rhiannon Farley’s business partner is Eliza Wilton—”

  “Yes, I caught that part in the film. Eliza used to model. And wasn’t she friends with Taylor Mitchell?”

  “Uh … yeah.” I had forgotten about Helen’s familiarity with Eliza. “So, anyway, Eliza was the … the other woman.”

  Helen frowns. “Oh, dear.”

  “Allegedly, I mean. The other woman, allegedly.”

  “Yes, well, that does put a damper on the ‘Only in America’ episode.”

  Now I feel torn. For Rhiannon’s sake, I really want to do her story. But what ab
out Paige?

  “Well, maybe we need to rethink that idea.” Helen points her pen at me. “Or … maybe you should take your mother and the crew and get that show yourself, Erin.” She smiles. “That’s it. We’ll send you on a solo mission. You did a great job with the Eco Show and—”

  “Sorry about that,” Paige reenters the room.

  Helen waves her hand. “It’s completely understandable. Erin just filled me in on the details.” She makes a tsk-tsk sound. “And you have my complete sympathy. Furthermore, you’re off the hook for the New York trip.”

  “Really?”

  “Erin will cover that show on her own.”

  “What?” Paige looks at me with troubled eyes. “I’m not going?”

  “I figured you wouldn’t want to go, Paige. Considering that Rhiannon’s partner is, well … you know.”

  Paige stands up straighter. “What if I want to go, Helen?”

  Helen smiles. “Then you’ll go.”

  “Fine.” Paige nods firmly. “Then I’ll go.”

  “Great. You girls bring your mother in here on Monday — check with Sabrina for the time — and we’ll go over the details.”

  With the meeting over, I stop by Sabrina’s desk. Today she’s dressed like she wants to audition for the next vampire movie, but I know that’s just her style. I ask her for an appointment on Monday. “But not after one,” I tell her. “Fran is having her bone marrow transplant that afternoon.”

  Sabrina makes a sympathetic smile. “Tell her hey for me, okay?”

  “I will.”

  Monday’s meeting is set for nine, and before long Paige and I are on our way home in her car. She’s quiet as she navigates her way through rush hour traffic.

  “Are you okay?” I ask. “I mean with the New York trip.”

  She scowls my way. “I can’t believe Helen was going to send you alone, Erin—and that you were willing to go.”

  “Is that why you’re being so quiet? You’re upset about that? If it makes you feel any better, I wasn’t too comfortable with the idea either. I just didn’t want to lose the chance to do a show on Rhiannon. She’s a great designer. I think she deserves a break like that. Don’t you?”