Free First Date by Krista McGee Page B

pillow and threw it back down.
    “Don’t listen to them. They’re ridiculous and self-absorbed and jealous.” Kara squeezed Addy’s shoulder. “They were fine last night because they thought you weren’t any major competition. They’re upset today because they found out that you are . You have the spotlight they all want.”
    Addy took a deep breath. “I guess I’m just getting a little taste of what it’s like to be a celebrity. And I’m even more convinced this life is not for me.”
    “Don’t worry, kid. They mess with you and they’ve messed with me. And believe me, they don’t want to mess with me. Now, get dressed. We have a meeting in ten minutes.”
    “We do?”
    “Yes, ma’am. Your public awaits.”
    Addy groaned, dressed, and dragged herself to The Mansion’s front porch. Help me, God. I don’t think I can handle any more of my “public” right now .

Chapter 14
    L adies,” Hank began, “and Addy ,” he spat, causing the other girls to laugh conspiratorially. “The Top Twenty-Five will be announced tonight. Jonathon is making his decisions as we speak.”
    “Excuse me.” Taylor raised her hand, looking sideways at Addy. “Will there not be any kind of discipline for last night’s kazoo fiasco? I mean, it’s really making us all look bad.” A murmur of agreement arose from the crowd. “Can’t someone talk to Jonathon and make sure he doesn’t make any choices that would cause him to appear less than intelligent?” Taylor leaned forward. “I’m just trying to look out for him . He has a reputation to maintain, you know.”
    Kara stiffened. “Really, Taylor? You think Addy should be disciplined for playing the kazoo? What about you and Anna Grace and the others outside our trailer this morning, yelling and screaming? Shouldn’t there be discipline for that? Or is behaving like a jerk okay? Kazoo playing, yeah, that’s the real crime.”
    Several of the girls began yelling at once. Hank motioned for them to stop. “Kara, what happens when I’m not around is not my business. I am sure, however”—he smiled at Taylor—“that the other producers and myself want very much for the integrity of our show to be upheld at all costs.” Hank glared at Addy. “And I think much of our frustration will end tonight when the Top Twenty-Five is announced.”
    Her stomach turned to lead.
    “Now,” Hank said, “I have a surprise for you girls. The world-famous Jacobson’s department store is celebrating its one-hundred-year anniversary. And as one of our show’s sponsors, they’ve invited you to come to their flagship store in New York City enjoy a shopping spree. And then”—Hank paused, his too-white teeth glistening—“off to Central Park for the announcement of the Top Twenty-Five.”
    The girls cheered and jumped up and down. Even Addy was excited.
    “ Home sweet home ,” Kara sang.
    “Quiet down, girls,” Hank yelled. “The plane leaves in an hour.”
    The other girls ran toward their trailers, laughing and talking, making sure to shoot Addy at least one more dirty look on the way out.
    “Hey, Addy, are you okay?” Kara asked, her face a mask of concern.
    “I’m going to New York City.” Addy smiled. “Of course I’m okay.”
    “Seriously. Hank was pretty brutal.”
    “You know what? I don’t care. I get another day with you, and I get to go to New York City. What more could I ask for?”
    “I like this new, positive Addy.” Kara patted her on the back. “Let’s pack.”

Chapter 15
    T he Top Thirty girls sat in Central Park, lights, cameras, and thousands of people surrounding their live broadcast of The Book of Love . Jonathon, flanked by Secret Service and his Top Thirty, was perched on a huge rock, looking relaxed and gorgeous in faded jeans, blue button-down oxford, and brown blazer.
    Hank—once again ultrahip in his new Armani sports jacket and three-hundred-dollar jeans—welcomed the crowd, thanked Jonathon, and urged the viewers to “Stay tuned