"Before we get there, Laney wanted me to go over a few things about the interview," Nadine announces when she notices the traffic letting up. "She won't be there."

"Okay." I put away my Sidekick.

"Number one, make sure you talk about the Family Affair finale," she reads off the printed e-mail from Laney.

"Piece of cake." I stifle a yawn.

"Number two, make sure you don't reveal too many details about what's going to happen at Krystal's wedding."

"No major plot leaks," I agree, shaking my head.

"And most importantly," she finishes, "downplay the animosity between you and Sky."

I pretend to be fascinated by the shiny Mercedes and Porsches whizzing by the window.

Nadine eyes me suspiciously. "Seriously, Kaitlin. Tell this Zara chick you don't want to talk about Sky or Trevor."

"That's all she's going to want to talk about," I protest.

"We went over this with Laney," she recites smoothly. "You and Trevor are friends. You're happy for him and Sky. Whatever you do, don't ramble on about the whole thing. You think every reporter is your friend, Kaitlin, but they're not. They just want the story."

"I can't help it." I look over at Rodney. I can tell he's trying not to laugh. "They get me going about Sky, and I find myself coming up with excuses about why we don't hang together. I mean, I can't tell them she's positively evil, right? That would make me look bad. And the Trevor thing -- I don't like him! Not that way. I feel bad he's been hypnotized by Sky, but..."

"You're doing it again." Nadine wags a finger at me. "You're rambling."

"Sky's a sore subject with me." I fold my tanned arms across my chest.

"When you're nervous, you ramble," Nadine says sternly. "I don't care if Zara claims to be president of the Kaitlin Burke fan club. Don't say anything negative. Let Sky bury herself."

"Okay," I agree wearily.

"Well, whatever you plan to say, figure it out quick," announces Rodney as we pull into the tiny parking lot at Fred Segal on Melrose. "We're here."

Two: Schmoozing at Fred Segal

When Teen People told me they wanted to shoot my cover story at my favorite store, I immediately thought of this sci-fi shop on La Cienega where I buy Star Wars memorabilia. I know it borders on geekdom, but I'm obsessed with Star Wars. Not only is it the best good vs. evil story ever, with the cutest heroes (don't even get me started on my "it boy," the charmingly cocky Han Solo), but it also has a butt-kicking heroine. What I wouldn't give to play Princess Leia, with my hair in wacky bun braids....

But we won't be talking about my love of all things Star Wars today. Laney nixed the idea. "It's nerdy. Pick Fred Segal. That store is hip."