"It was just an accident," Trev protests, stepping between them.

"That's right, sweetie," Sky agrees innocently, looking up at him wide-eyed. "Maybe we should find our seats though before there's another one." Sky turns Trev around, slips one bejeweled hand into his back pocket, and steers him away.

"Can you believe her?" I whisper incredulously to Liz. I check my dress again. I have to remember to tell Nadine to buy thoses wipes.

"Kaitlin, the movie is going to start," Laney informs me, reappearing suddenly. She looks at my shell-shocked face. "What happened?"

"You missed the fireworks," Liz responds dryly. She quickly fills Laney in on the popcorn debacle as Rodney, carrying an assortment of snacks, helps us find our seats in the large auditorium.

"The nerve," Laney seethes as we walk past the beautiful Asian vases and statues that decorate the 2,000-seat theater. Even though the lights are dimmed, I recognize many industry folks seated nearby. Behind me I hear a fan call out, "HI, KAITLIN!" "Looking, good Samantha!" someone else screams.

"... showing up at your movie premiere," Laney is fuming in an undertone, spitting out her words in disgust. "She's unbelievable."

"I gave Trevor two tickets," I explain sheepishly, wiping my arm from Laney's wet rant, and take a seat next to Liz. Mom, Dad, and Matt are already seated and busy greeting everyone around us.

"Is Trevor a moron?" Laney asks, and then shakes her head. "Never mind, you just enjoy yourself. I'm going to find Barry Weinberg and tell him that we don't expect to see Sky at the after-party."

"I don't want to cause a scene," I protest. "I'll stay clear of her."

"I'll make sure she does," Liz promises. Liz hates Sky. Their dads are partners at the same entertainment law firm and Liz says Sky's father is always trying to steal Mr. Mendes's clients.

The theater lights start flickering to signal the movie starting. Laney mouths "stay put" and walks away to find her seat.

"We're so proud of you, honey," my dad leans over and whispers as the credits roll. Mac's name appears on the screen, and the audience cheers loudly. My name follows, and our whole row hollers along with the auditorium. It's an amazing feeling.

"Kates, did you see who's sitting in front of us?" Mom looks like she's going to have a conniption. "Hamilton Wein-berg." He's the head honcho at the hot new indie company, Famous Films. Everyone wants to work with him -- including me. "Make sure you go over and introduce yourself after this."

I smile weakly in the dark. It's going to be a long night.

Six: The After-Party

I'm not sure if I should laugh right now or cry.