Free Pop Star Princess by Janey Louise Jones Page A

this idea that we should base it around street café life. What do you think?” she asked as she showed the girls a scenario she had in mind, where the younger girlsstarted singing while sitting at chairs at a round table in the middle of the stage. Gradually they would get up and start dancing and singing around the table, picking up their tambourines and shaking them from time to time.

    The Beach Babes all thought it was really good idea, and so original. Poppy and Honey just couldn’t believe they were part of it. The dance part gave them much more to do than before. Poppy felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

Chapter Two
    AFTER THEIR REHEARSAL Grandpa came to meet his two granddaughters, Poppy and Daisy, and the other girls. He was particularly keen to meet up with Daisy as he didn’t see as much of her as he would have liked. She was always so busy with her part-time job, school, her friends, her pony and her other hobbies.
    â€œI expect you’re hungry after all that dancing,” smiled Grandpa as he walked into the dance studio. “How about I treat you all to lunch at Bumble Bee’s Teashop? It maynot be quite as cool as the Lighthouse Café, but the food is second to none.”
    â€œYes please,” chorused Daisy, Poppy and Honey.
    â€œThanks, Mr Mellow,” said Rose politely.
    â€œLunch sounds great and so does Bumble Bee’s. Daisy has told us all about it,” added Lily.
    Honey felt very proud that her granny’s teashop had such a good reputation with Daisy’s cool friends.
    All the way to the teashop the girls chatted about the contest.
    â€œWe’ve really got to practise playing the music now that the words are in place,” said Rose, who was very musical.
    Everyone agreed that there was still masses of hard work ahead but they were all sure it would be worth it in the end, especially if they won their heats and went through to the finals in the City.

    Poppy dropped back to talk to Grandpa. “I really, really hope we win. It would be so exciting. Daisy, Lily and Rose have written such a cool song.”
    â€œWell, I’m looking forward to it too,” agreed Grandpa. “But remember—”
    â€œIt’s the taking part that counts!” interrupted Poppy. “I
know
that, but I still want to win, Grandpa!”
    Grandpa smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with a competitive spirit, darling, as long as you can control it – and arestill pleased for your rivals if
they
win.”
    Poppy gave Grandpa’s hand a squeeze and skipped off to catch up with the others. They had reached Bumble Bee’s Teashop and Poppy was dying to tell the older girls exactly what they should order.
    â€œHey, girls, I know the menu really, really well, so if you need any help choosing, just ask. My favourite is the baked potato with cream cheese and bacon filling. Oh, but I also love the cheddar cheese and tuna melt. But then again, the fish and chips are the best ever! And the home-made apple cream cakes are yummy . . . and as for the toffee doughnuts. Deeelicious! And you really must try the fresh fruit smoothies – they are so yummy!” she advised.
    Daisy and her friends laughed.
    â€œYou haven’t really helped us to decide, Poppy. It
all
sounds great,” said Lily. “I wish I could have a bit of everything.”

    As they settled down at a table and decided what to eat, Granny Bumble greeted them warmly and began taking their huge lunch order. Grandpa sat at a nearby table and took out his newspaper, tuning out the noisy chatter from the girls’ table. It was great having granddaughters, but sometimes it was nice to get away from it all!
    â€œJoseph Mellow! How are you, old fellow?” said a voice from the other side of Grandpa’s newspaper.
    He put it down, recognizing the familiar tones. “Philip Forster! What a lovely surprise!” he said, greeting his oldest friend – and