"Of course we're on yours," Lauren says. "I think everyone is bullying you around. Who cares if you have a new show or movie to do this spring? Ava and I haven't shot anything since last year and the press still adores us. You don't have to toil away at work to get the perks of being a celebrity, you know."

I nod. But I don't want to be a celebrity. I want to be an actress. And the truth is, I like working. I think I'd be pretty bored if I was sitting home every day. I used to fantasize about time off, but a few months during hiatus is all I really seem to need. "I'm glad you guys understand. No one else seems to get what I'm going through," I complain.

"You know what you need?" Ava asks. "You need to take control of your own destiny. It's like I keep telling you -- no one is going to give you the respect you deserve unless you take it for yourself. I can't believe they made you do a music demo! Stop letting them boss you around and make you do stupid things. You have to make the decisions. What do they know anyway?"

"Well, Seth is a well-respected agent," I admit. "And Laney is one of the best publicists around."

Lauren coughs. "You could get a publicist for half the price who would do the same thing. I don't even have a publicist right now and look at me. I'm doing okay."

"Your last publicist dropped you," Ava reminds her. They both giggle. "For good reason."

"Why?" I ask.

"It doesn't matter," Ava says dismissively. "Right now we're worried about you. You're a mess! It's time for Kaitlin Burke to take some me time. Stop letting everyone else call the shots."

I feel the anger start to bubble over. "You're right!" I tell them. "I do deserve me time." I feel stronger just saying the words out loud.

"Thatta girl," Lauren commends me. "Be free." Suddenly she gasps and grabs my hand. "I love this song!"

It's a Ne-Yo tune and I know the lyrics by heart. The three of us start singing at the top of our lungs and I don't care if people are staring. It feels good to let loose.

"Ooh! Let's go dance," Ava suggests. "We can dance and make fun of people at the same time."

Lauren giggles. "Seriously, this is one of our favorite pastimes," she says conspiratorially. "Did you see what some of these people are wearing?" My face must look surprised because then she adds, "We do it all in good fun. We're not really being mean, you know. Everyone does it." I nod.