Carnivorous? Ivy’s stomach lurched. That could count as evidence. ‘Does that mean you don’t want to see him any more?’ If Olivia was going to give him up anyway, then Ivy could stop her investigations.
‘I’d love to keep hanging out with him, as long as it’s not at lunchtime.’
Ivy sighed. She was going to have to get proof – and that meant going back to the movie set tomorrow and facing whatever consequences there might be for Jessica’s outburst. She was clearing the dressing table when there was a knock at the door.
Ivy whirled around as Olivia said, ‘Come in,’ and Mrs Abbott appeared, carrying a tray of warm milk, some crackers and a bottle of pink digestion liquid. Good thing it hadn’t been a minute later, or they would have had a tough time explaining why Olivia’s dressing table was on its back.
‘You said your tummy was bothering you.’ Mrs Abbott put the tray down on the edge of the bed.
The tummy ache plan from this morning had worked like a charm, and Ivy had already wolfed down the roast-beef sandwich they’d bought on the way home – mmm.
Ivy snapped out of the happy memory to say, ‘That’s so nice of you, Mrs Abbott.’ Moms really were awesome.
‘I just want to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.’ Mrs Abbott gave both girls a hug and wished them sweet dreams. ‘Olivia, honey, be considerate to our guest and give Ivy the comfy bed tonight.’
Once the door was shut, the sisters burst out giggling.
When they’d recovered, Olivia looked at Ivy and pointed to the bottle of antacid. ‘I am not drinking that for you.’
Olivia flashed her badge at the security guard.
‘Hey, where can I get one of those?’ shouted a teen girl from the crowd as Olivia, Ivy, Sophia and Camilla walked through the barriers on to the movie set.
‘I want one, too!’ called a little girl with a balloon.
Olivia wished she could help. Ivy and Sophia’s extras passes were still valid from yesterday, but only her top-level VIP pass allowed her to bring someone in – and it was only one person.
‘Sorry!’ Olivia called behind her.
As they walked around the parking lot, Olivia could see that the buzz had drained away from the production since yesterday. There were barely any people milling around and anyone who was, looked worried.
‘Is this how it’s supposed to be?’ whispered Camilla, pulling down the hood on her ‘Watch the Skies’ hoodie.
‘Not at all,’ Ivy replied.
‘There she is.’ A snide voice came through the open door of a trailer and Charlotte, followed by a group of extras, stepped out into the cold. ‘That zombie girl is the one who ruined the movie for everyone.’ Charlotte was pointing right at Ivy.
Ivy glared back at Charlotte.
Olivia had a flashback to a district cheerleading competition at her old school two years ago where two squads had got their ponytails in a twist over an accusation of a stolen stunt.
‘It wasn’t anybody’s fault,’ Olivia began, stepping between the two groups. ‘The movie is on hold because Jessica wanted to quit.’
‘But if it wasn’t for your freakish sister –’ Charlotte tossed her hair – ‘we would all be getting our big chance to break in.’
‘Break into the discount store?’ Ivy asked.
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. ‘No, you ghoul! To Hollywood, California – where people have skin tone?’
‘Hey,’ Camilla said to Ivy, pointing across the parking lot. ‘Isn’t that Steven Spielberg?’
While Charlotte and her crew all strained to see, Camilla hooked her arm through Ivy’s and pulled her in the opposite direction. Olivia caught on to what she was doing, grabbed Sophia and followed.
‘Losers!’ Charlotte shouted after them, once she’d realised they were making their escape.
‘If Charlotte ever becomes a celebrity,’ Sophia said, looking back over her shoulder, ‘I’m moving to Mars.’
‘Can I fly the ship?’ Camilla asked.
Charlotte being mean didn’t matter, but what she’d said made Olivia’s heart sink. ‘Do you think it really is all over?’
Ivy linked her arm in Olivia’s, so they were walking as a foursome. ‘I don’t know.’
‘Olivia!’
Someone ahead of them was waving frantically. It was Jackson. Her heart did a little cheer of its own.
‘I’ve great news,’ he said when the group had gotten closer. He scooped Olivia up in a hug.
Oh my goodness! Olivia thought, stunned but thrilled.
‘Come with me!’ He grabbed her hand and led them back through the parking lot. ‘This is so exciting,’ he said. ‘And I definitely want you to be a part of it.’
He was tugging her along with such excitement that she felt swept off her feet. She glanced back at her sister to give her an excited grin, but Ivy had a strange look on her face.
What is Jackson talking about? Olivia wanted to know. When they reached the main entrance, Jackson gave her a wink and dropped her hand. He grabbed a megaphone from one of the security guards and hopped up on one of the wide pillars.
‘Hello, Franklin Grove!’
The response from the crowd was a mix of squeals, cameras flashing and returned hellos. The movie’s crew and other extras were gathering around as well. Something big was about to happen.
‘What’s going on?’ Camilla asked.
Olivia could only shrug and continue to stare up at the world-famous movie star who wanted her to do something that involved a loudspeaker announcement to an entire crowd of his fans.
‘If you haven’t heard, I’m filming a romantic comedy.’
More shrieking and Olivia saw one girl faint.
‘But now I’m missing a leading lady.’
Olivia’s tummy did a basket-toss.
‘Which means I have to make a very, very special announcement.’
The entire crowd held its breath.
‘We had a big meeting last night and decided that the best way to cast a new leading lady is . . .’ Jackson gazed around at the upturned faces, grinning. He was making the most of this. Then he shouted into the microphone: ‘To find one right here in Franklin Grove!’
Chapter Seven
Once the cheering had quietened, Jackson went on, ‘Filming has to start again soon, so the director will be choosing someone quickly. Anyone interested in auditioning should go to the reception trailer just inside the set. We’re also making announcements on local radio and counting on you to spread the word to your friends.’