Keiran nudges Hallie.

"Oh. Right," Hallie says quickly. "We're not talking about me, we're talking about you and Zac. My point is, I think he wimped out."

I sigh. "Not helping, Hallie. He didn't wimp out. He didn't want to do the show. I knew that and pushed it anyway."

"Why are you defending him?" Hallie wants to know.

I crush some chowder crackers in my soup. "Because at least he was honest. And because I really like him." I look at Keiran glumly. "Thoughts?"

She gives me a grim smile. "Yeah, but you're not going to like them."

"Tell me anyway," I say, and crush my oyster crackers into my bowl.

"I don't think you can be mad at Zac, as much as you want to," Keiran says. "It's not like he didn't warn you that he felt this way. I have to give him credit for being so upfront about it."

"I know." I agree. "That's what makes it even worse. Zac is a decent guy. That just makes me like him more and we have zero shot together." I find myself staring at those darn

sailboats. "Now I have to find a way to stop liking him."

"Why the long faces?" Addison asks as she rejoins the table, carrying a hamburger. She must have ordered in the bar while she was on the phone.

"Charlie got dumped by Zac," Hallie explains. I glare at her. "What? It's true."

"By Zac? When?" Addison looks shocked. "He seemed so into you on Saturday!"

Part of me wants to say something sarcastic to Addison. Blame her for all of this, but Bella says I can't. I called her at college and told her everything. "You agreed to do this show and you asked Zac to be part of it instead of insisting to keep that part of your life separate. You have no one to blame but yourself." As mad as I am, I know she's right.

"He doesn't want to be a TV star," I say miserably. "And he thinks it's too complicated to try to be a couple off-camera, so I guess we're over."

"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?