"So there's no guy in your life right now?" Zara prods. I watch as she slides her tape recorder across the perfume counter where we're standing and closer to me.

I shake my head and smile. "Sadly, no. Between FA and my homework and charity obligations, I don't have a lot of free time."

"You seemed to make room last year, when you were spotted around town with Drew Thomas."

"We didn't date," I explain firmly. "We just had a few dinners. We were in talks to do a movie together." What I want to say is that Drew is an egotistical muscle head who is more concerned with how his famous dates can advance his career than having an actual relationship. I found that out the hard way, and I've had no desire to date anyone since. Of course, I truly haven't had the time to either.

"This week's TV Tome has a story about you and Sky fighting over Trevor," continues Zara. "Want to comment?" I look at Nadine, who motions for me to wrap things up.

"I think someone on set must be drinking too many lattes." I laugh. "They're hallucinating if they think we're fighting over Trevor. It couldn't be further from the truth. He's Sky's if she wants him. Trevor's a great guy, but he's a bit quiet for me. I like more assertive guys, you know? Trev's better suited for someone like Sky, who can walk ..."

"TIME'S UP!" Nadine blurts out. Zara jumps. "Sorry," Na-dine apologizes efficiently. "We've got to go." I look at my watch. It's 1:55. I had hoped to run into Mauro's Café & Ristorante, which is inside Fred Segal, to grab a strawberry smoothie, but there's no time. My stomach rumbles in protest. Sorry, buddy. Let's hope the So Chic store has a yummy Chinese takeout menu handy.

Three: A Slice of Heaven

Liz is waiting in our usual rickety wooden booth in the back of A Slice of Heaven when Rodney and I arrive at 4:15. As we weave through the crowded tables, I pull my Dodgers cap down low so that no one recognizes me. Not that I don't stick out like a sore thumb with an intimidating dude trailing me everywhere I go. Liz sees us coming and taps her watch.

"Sorry." I cringe as I slide into the booth. "Rodney and I got stuck on Robertson."

"Autographs?" Liz asks knowingly.

"Camera guys," Rodney explains through a mouthful of pepperoni. Hey, how'd he get that already? "They were like a swarm of wasps."

"It's no wonder. You're big news this week, Kates," Liz offers, her long-lashed brown eyes sparkling. "You've been spotted all over town crying over losing Trevor Wainright to Sky." She grabs my worn hat and yanks it up to examine my annoyed expression. "I don't see any tears though." She laughs, her curly dark brown hair swinging.

"Cute," I comment sarcastically. "Real cute. Can we order? I'm starving."