"It worked for Britney for a while, but then people got tired of her too," Ava adds. "We thought you'd brighten up after we let you tell your sob story, and you did for a few nights, but now you're all sully again and it's keeping the cute guys at bay."

She's got to be kidding. "You mean sullen," I clarify. "You said sully." It's an SAT word so I should know.

"Whatever," Ava says. "The point is you're bringing everyone down. We just saw Lauren, Lo, and Audrina and they didn't want to come over to take a photo because you looked so miserable."

"Oh look! There's Paris!" Lauren shrieks. "Let's go say hi."

The two of them leave and I find myself relieved that they're gone. The fog has definitely lifted. Maybe Nadine was right. When I think back over the last few weeks, I can't make excuses for the girls anymore. Yes, they were there for me when I needed them, but that doesn't mean they're the best people to hang around with. Lauren and Ava are awfully obsessed with having their face in the paper. They talk about everyone we see behind their backs. They're mean to their fans. Their stealing is going to catch up with them eventually and I don't want to be there when that happens. And going out all the time is overrated.

I've got to admit the truth to myself if no one else. At first the nightly dinners and dancing were a great escape. But after two weeks of it, I have to admit I'm bored and exhausted. Spending all this time at the big celeb hangouts only reminds me of why I never go in the first place -- it's not fun to be photographed all night and hang out with stars that only care about being a star.

I miss Liz. I miss the old Nadine. And even if I don't make up with either of them, I'm starting to think I can't spend all my time with Lauren and Ava either.

"Hey, Kaitlin." Diane Byler approaches the table and smiles at me.

I know Diane because we're both on the same network. Or I should say were since Diane's show was canceled two seasons ago. Spaces Between Us had a long run. Her show was on for six seasons, which is better than most. Diane and I sometimes used to eat lunch together and I was bummed when her show ended and we didn't get to do that anymore. She's really sweet and very quiet.

"Hey, Diane," I say, happy to see a friendly face. "What have you been up to?"

She shyly sits down. "Auditioning for pilots," Diane tells me with a grim face. "Same thing I did last year, but the one I had last time didn't get picked up."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I say.