Free Premiere by Melody Carlson

stronger than he knew, because I still think of his words when I pick out my clothes. I wonder if there’s some way I can continue to remind Paige of Dad’s wishes. Yet, when it comes to fashion, I doubt that Dad’s advice carries much weight.
    With shoes, dresses, and accessories finalized and bagged up for us to take home, we are back in our street clothes, moved on to hair and makeup. I sit with Vivian the makeup expert, and Paige is with Luis the hair guy.
    “I try to go more natural with my makeup,” I tell Vivian. Not that she’s listening.
    “This is a New Year’s party,” Fran points out from where she’s standing behind me. “You’re supposed to look glitzy and glamorous, Erin.”
    “That’s right,” Paige encourages her. “Just close your eyes and go with the flow.”
    “Right…” I do close my eyes. I take a deep breath and try not imagine myself being seen on national TV looking like a tramp. To my surprise, the makeup’s not too terrible. A little dramatic perhaps, but for a party I suppose it’s okay. And I have a feeling everyone is tired of hearing me whine. It’s weird because I don’t usually consider myself a complainer.
    “Time to switch places,” Fran announces as she continues to prep us from her notes on the latest happenings, mostly romances, on Malibu Beach. “Mia Renwick and Benjamin Kross are still dating,” she continues, “but it got a little rocky before Christmas, and some suspect that Avery Stratton has been making moves toward Benjamin.”
    “Oh, I don’t think so,” Paige says quickly. “Avery is too nice to step in and do something like that.”
    “I’m just saying.” Fran continues. “So here’s what I’m thinking. Paige, I want you to focus on Mia since she’s the one organizing the fashion show that you will be covering in your first On the Runway episode. Besides, it’s a sure way to give you more camera time, and viewers will be curious to see how you two hit it off. Plus, Mia should be very interested in spending time with you since, no doubt, she’ll want her fair share of camera time on your show.”
    I sleepily close my eyes as Luis puts hot curlers in my hair. I could so use a nap right now. And yet, I’m supposed to be at work, right? That’s when it hits me that this is my job.
    “Also, I thought Erin could cozy up to Avery. Maybe even find out what her interest in Benjamin is. Just for fun.”
    “Why would Avery even want to talk to me?” I ask without really thinking.
    “Like I said, you and Paige are the new stars of On the Runway. Naturally, all the cast—primarily the girls—will wantto score points with you. These girls are very savvy about the industry. They know Malibu Beach won’t run forever. The smart ones are already looking for the next opportunity.” Fran rambles on and I know I’m not paying as much attention as I should. Whether it’s the heated rollers or the time of day, I am so sleepy that I can’t imagine staying up until midnight. I wonder if I’ll be able to sneak in a nap.
    “Mostly I want you girls to just be yourselves,” I hear Fran say as Luis begins to remove the rollers, and her voice jars me back into the present. I think I actually dozed off and I feel a little guilty. I hope I didn’t snore. But Fran seems oblivious as she chatters on. “I’m starting to see why Helen wanted both of you on the show. Your personalities as well as your physical looks are actually quite complementary to each other.”
    I figure this is her way of saying I make Paige look even better than she already does, but I won’t mention this.
    “So, really, just be yourselves…only more so.”
    “More so?” I ask Fran, hoping she thinks I’ve been awake this whole time. “How do you mean exactly?”
    “Well, you’re obviously the conservative sister. You’re cautious and careful and that’s okay. Go ahead and play that up. It’s actually kind of cute and funny.” Fran goes over to stand behind Paige, placing