First Date

by Krista McGee

  “No. I’m Picasso and you’re my niece—she’s much cuter than Barney. And smaller. And less purple, and definitely not as annoying.”

  “Okay, okay. So people like me because I’m untalented?”

  “People like you because you’re not ashamed of being untalented.”

  Addy was still trying to understand when she heard a commotion outside her door.

  “Addy Davidson! We’d like to talk with you, if y’all don’t mind.”

  Addy looked questioningly at Kara, then walked to open the trailer door.

  A mob of girls in pajamas was crowded around the little metal steps leading to Addy’s trailer. A mob of angry girls in pajamas.

  Lord, give me strength. “Yes? What would you like to talk about?”

  Southern belle Anna Grace stepped forward. “Don’t act all innocent with us, Addy.” She tossed her short blond hair. “Do you think this is a joke?”

  Addy thought of at least half a dozen fabulous comebacks, but, remembering her desire to be a light, she held back. “I’m sorry?”

  “Well, you should be. We work our butts off preparing for last night, and you waltz in with that stupid kazoo and get the entire spotlight?” Anna Grace crinkled her perfect little nose. “First you act all nasty; now you’re a clown. You’ll just do anything to get people to notice you.”

  Addy massaged her temples and tried to speak but was cut off by another of the contestants—Taylor from Tacoma.

  “Don’t even try to deny it. We’ve all been watching you and we’re onto you. You’re going to regret this, Addy. We’ll make sure of it.”

  With that, the girls turned their heads and walked off. It was so perfect Addy wondered if they had choreographed the whole thing. She shut the door. These girls are ridiculous. Last night everything was fine. Lila even told me I was creative. I thought things were finally getting better, that maybe we could all be friends.

  “How could they change so much in less than twelve hours?” Addy picked up her 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

  Ladies,” 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

  The 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 for an exciting night.”

  The crowd cheered, the girls beamed, and Jonathon remained on his perch looking like royalty.

  Addy was uncomfortable, to say the least. The girls’ “shopping spree” turned out to be a day of pictures with various department store executives. Afterward, each girl was given a bag with a specially chosen outfit for the evening’s show. Addy had been dressed in a fuchsia sundress and jeweled sandals. She had then been forced to sit in the makeup chair and be covered in layers upon layers of foundation and powders. Her hair had been teased, curled, brushed, and sprayed.

  When it was all over, Dominique, the head stylist, said, “Looks great. Very natural.”

  Addy would have laughed, had her face muscles not been paralyzed by the weight of her blush.

  The other girls underwent similar tortures before being placed in green padded chairs surrounding Jonathon’s rock. Addy couldn’t help thinking it was like a teenage version of The Lion King.

  Hank would definitely be Scar.

  Addy couldn’t believe how dead a “live” show was. First, there was the intro—Hank announced that the show was beginning and spent a few minutes talking to Jonathon. Addy was constantly amazed at how poised Jonathon was. He didn’t look awkward and he always said the right thing. But he didn’t appear to be putting on a show or even acknowledging the cameras. After spending three years surrounded by Secret Service, Jonathon had probably just adjusted to being watched every minute of the day.

  After the intro came a four-minute commercial break. Television sets were mounted behind the cameras so Hank, Jonathon, and the girls could see what was happening.

  “Don’t look at them while you’re on, though,” Hank warned.

  The next forty minutes were filled with the week’s “packages” and more commercial breaks. Addy felt like she was watching the same interview twenty times over. After each package, Hank would spend thirty seconds talking with the contestant. “How has your time been?” “What has been your favorite part?”

  Each girl, as instructed, said
she loved everything and everyone and was just so thankful for the opportunity.

  “America doesn’t like whiners,” Hank had cautioned. “Don’t complain or appear ungrateful.” He looked at Addy.

  She deserved that so she let it go. She was committed to focusing on the positive.

  Finally, it was her turn.

  “So, Addy, tell us about your week at The Mansion.”

  “I’ve had a great time. Kara and I are roommates, and I can promise you, she is just as fun as she seems. Other than waking me up way too early in the mornings.” Addy leaned over to smile at Kara.

  “So you’re not a morning person?”

  “Not exactly.”

  Hank smiled and pulled an index card from his jacket pocket. “I have a special question for you, sent in by one of our viewers: ‘Hank, could you please ask Addy if she plans on going professional with her kazoo playing? ’”

  The audience laughed, then clapped. Addy looked over at Taylor and saw a smug look on her face. I bet she is the “viewer” who sent that question in. Addy was being mocked in front of fifteen—no, twenty million people.

  “Well, Addy? Will we see you with the Philharmonic?”

  When in Rome . . .

  “As a matter of fact, Hank,” Addy said, smiling, “I’m already working on my first album—Christmas Kazoo. It’ll be out at Thanksgiving.” She laughed and the audience joined in. Nothing like a little self-deprecation to win friends and influence people.

  Taylor crossed her arms and frowned.

  More commercials, more talking, more packages. Then, finally, it was time to announce the five girls leaving. The vase of red daisies sat on a table next to Jonathon’s chair. He pulled out the first one and announced, “Janet.”

  That young woman took the daisy, hugged Jonathon, and walked toward Eric, who was waiting with a box of tissues. Christina, Gabrielle, and Amy were called, each receiving the daisy, a hug, and her own box of tissues.

  “One daisy left,” Hank said to the camera. “Who will be the last one leaving tonight? Stay tuned to find out!”

  Eric motioned for a commercial break and Addy looked around. Taylor was sitting beside her, smiling and smug. Kara was at the end of the row. Addy was sure that last daisy had her name on it.

  I’m actually going to miss it here. Kara is such a good friend. She’s stuck by me, even when all the other girls hate me. She’s helped me. She puts up with me. She’s made being here worthwhile. Addy looked at Jonathon. I can’t believe I even considered that he might be interested in me. I must be crazy. Look at these girls. Still, it feels like we have a connection. But maybe it’s just me. Too bad I won’t be able to stick around and find out.

  Eric got into position and motioned to Hank that the last segment was about to begin. Hank tapped Jonathon’s shoulder and brought him behind the rock. He obviously didn’t realize Addy was just on the other side.

  “Listen,” Hank said, his voice low. “Your parents have high standards for you. Don’t forget that. You need a girl who is worthy of having the privilege of being on a date with the First Son. Don’t feel like you have to choose girls that America likes. We can make America like the girls you pick. That’s our job. Your job is to make your parents proud. Choose girls who will reflect the dignity of your father’s office. All right?”

  Jonathon didn’t have time to respond because Eric gave the thirty-second warning. Addy didn’t need to hear the response, though.

  Hank might as well have come out and said, “Don’t pick Addy. You’re too good for her.” If she had any doubt she’d be leaving tonight, it was gone.

  Addy waited as the host talked about the last week’s highlights, the twenty-six girls who remained, and the exciting surprises that awaited the audience in next week’s show. “And now, Jonathon, time to announce the name of the last girl to be leaving.”

  “The last daisy goes to . . .” Jonathon paused as the cameras panned the girls’ faces. “Taylor.”

  “What?” Taylor shouted. Out of the corner of her eye, Addy could see Hank stiffen.

  Taylor walked over to Jonathon and grabbed the daisy from his hand, glaring at Hank over Jonathon’s shoulder as she gave him the “good-bye hug.”

  The crowd was talking, and Hank valiantly tried to speak over them, looking at the camera and inviting everyone to tune in next week for another chapter in The Book of Love. The crowd joined him in shouting the show’s name, then erupted in squeals and “Hi, Moms” to the cameras.

  “Cut,” Eric shouted.

  The crowd pressed in on the yellow barricades set up to keep them from getting too close to the set.

  “Can we have your autograph?”

  “Jonathon, pick me!”

  “Your dad’s a jerk. We need to get someone in the White House who knows what he’s doing.”

  “I love you, Jonathon!”

  Jonathon whispered something to the large guard standing next to him. The guard slapped Jonathon on the back and yelled for the crowd to move away. “Enough, folks. Leave the boy alone.”

  The girls were surrounded by bodyguards and led to the buses. Taylor walked over to Hank. Curiosity took over and Addy stayed behind to listen.

  “Hank, you promised I’d make the cut. I know my parents gave a big ‘donation’ toward your next project—”

  “Look, Taylor, this was not supposed to happen.”

  “You need to get Addy off and get me on, then.” Taylor folded her arms against her chest, lips tight.

  “This is live TV. We can’t do that. The audience would get too upset. I’m sorry, Taylor. I really am. I’ll keep you in mind for my next project, okay? Don’t worry. This is just a setback. All performers have them.”

  Taylor cursed at Hank, then stalked off. Addy tried to sneak away but Hank saw her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her behind a nearby tree.

  “This is the last straw, Addy. I’m tired of you ruining this show for the girls who deserve to be on.”

  “I didn’t do anything, Hank.” She waved her hands. “I didn’t make Jonathon choose me. I think you’re just upset because someone who didn’t pay to be on has made it another week.”

  Hank squeezed her arm even tighter. “This is a business. My business. How many times do I have to tell you that I am in charge? I will not allow you to make a fool out of me.”

  Addy wanted to say that the ridiculously tight T-shirt he was wearing already made him look foolish, but that wouldn’t be appropriate.

  “What are you smirking about?”

  “Nothing, Hank. Look, I’m sorry. I promise I had nothing to do with any of this.”

  “Right. Just get on that bus and get out of my face.” He turned around to face a camera flash from the top of a neighboring tree. “What the—? Get down here!”

  The tree shook and a wiry man jumped down, running toward the cover of the crowd.

  Addy took his cue and made a beeline for the buses before Hank could start in on her again.

  “So what do you think happened?” Addy asked Kara back in their hotel room after an incredibly awkward bus ride.

  “I think Jonathon actually picked you. It sounds like he was instructed not to, but he did it anyway. How romantic.” Kara sighed. “You better send me pictures from prom.”

  “Hank will make sure that doesn’t happen. Did you see how Taylor was conspiring with them on the ride home? And you know Hank won’t care if she plans anything vicious. He might even be in on it with them.”

  “Please, Addy. Those girls are too scared they’d break a nail to try and mess with you. And Hank might be a jerk, but he’s not about to do anything to jeopardize the show’s success. Think of how bad it would look if word got out you were being bullied by the others. Didn’t you watch all those clips from last week? The producers want to make it look like we’re all best friends.”

  “So ‘reality TV’ is completely orchestrated?”

  “You’re learning, my dear. So let’s play our parts and enjoy the ride,” Kara said. “N
ow, as a major television star, I have work to do. Fan mail doesn’t answer itself, you know.”

  Addy laughed and crawled under her sheets, still thinking about her evening. Jonathon picked me. He picked me. Maybe I can handle staying here a little longer, God. If you really want me to . . .

  Chapter 16

  For the first time since the show started, the girls were given an entire day off. Addy was thrilled.

  Kara hung up the phone. “I just got permission to go home for the day. Wanna come?”

  “Really?” Addy said.

  “No, I was kidding.” Kara thumped Addy with a pillow. “Duh. Yes, really. You’re going to love my family.”

  “Tell me about them.” Addy sat up in the hotel bed, looking expectantly at Kara.

  Kara shifted on her bed, smiling at Addy. “Well, it’s a little complicated. Are you ready?”

  “I think so.”

  “Okay, Pop was married before and had my half brothers Joey and Luke. His first wife died of cancer when the boys were little.”

  “Oh, that’s so sad.” Addy understood that pain far too well.

  “I know. From what I’ve heard, she was a great lady. But if she hadn’t died, Ma and Pop never would have met. See, Ma also had been married before and had my half sister Mary and my half brother Patrick. Her first husband was a loser and ran off and left her for some floozie he worked with.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “Yeah, well, Ma was obviously better off without him. He’s never been heard from since. So then Ma and Pop met when Ma was working as a nurse at the hospital where his first wife died.”

  “Wow,” Addy said.

  “Kind of creepy sounding, I know. But my dad’s first wife loved my mom, and nothing went on until months after she died.”

  “That so sweet.”

  “I know. My mom had a soft spot for Luke and Joey, since they were so close in age to Mary and Patrick. She’d pick them up and take them out for ice cream or just to talk. After a while, Pop starting coming along for ice cream, then later, he’d leave my brothers and take Ma out for ice cream. A year later, they were married.”