HOLLYWOOD SECRET NUMBER NINE: Even after a celebrity has made it public knowledge that they intend to do a film, it doesn't mean it's actually going to happen. I've already told you about stars that are dropped like hot potatoes because the director realized their golden child was not so golden after all. But what happens when it's the stars, not the director or studio, who want to pull out of a role they've already committed to? You could probably pull out when you get a new draft of the script and hate it or if the film switches directors, but what if neither of those things happen? If you don't want to wind up slapped with a multi-million dollar lawsuit for delaying filming, then you have to be careful. Most stars who do this sort of thing veto the project somewhere between the original verbal agreement and the date they sign the official contract a few weeks later. Sure, it upsets the studio, but they can't actually sue you over that. And if the studio has already announced or leaked that you were starring in their summer must-see, it's their mess to clean up.

"So Melli's got no project lined up after Family Affair?" Sky looks stunned. "What is she thinking? People will forget about her!"

"I highly doubt anyone is going to forget about Melli," I tell her patiently. "She's a huge star."

Sky shrugs. "That's today, but a few months or a year without anyone seeing her face on TV or in theaters and she'll start getting passed over for Hallmark movies. You know how this town works -- one bad role and you're yesterday's news." Sky shakes her head sadly. "I know Melli's made money on this show, but it won't last forever. She won't be able to keep affording that house if she doesn't sign on to new movies."

"You're wrong," I tell her. I'm shaking and I fold my arms across my chest. It's kind of cold in the studio when all you have on is a Juicy tank and sweats. Sky is in a green skirt by Zac Posen, with ankle high boots and a belly-baring fitted dress shirt that screams tacky. "Not everyone has to have project after project lined up," I remind Sky. "Maybe Melli wants to take time before she makes her decision. Maybe she's tired of everyone bossing her around! Or maybe the project she really wants just hasn't gotten back to her yet." I think of the Manolos movie. The director has been out of town for two weeks and Seth hasn't reached him. I'm beginning to lose hope.

Matty shifts uncomfortably in his Nike track pants and the Summerville High sweatshirt he had on for the previous scene.