“How would that even work?“ Daisy asks.
“Both characters start out on the same pee-wee hockey team as kids,” Madison explains. “Avery is later pushed into figure skating by her mother, and she’s pretty good at it, but eventually quits to play hockey for her college team. Meanwhile, Eric gets into couples figure skating because of his high school girlfriend, but then they break up and he’s already in too deep so he keeps at it.Then, several weeks before a big competition, Eric’s current partner gets badly injured and can’t participate. At the same time, Avery’s coach wants her to be more of a team player—because she’s always trying to prove herself and constantly overcompensating—so he sidelines her and forces her to work with Eric. At some point, they realize that they know each other, and of course they both resent the situation. Over time, though, they fall in love, because of course they do.”
The rest of us exchange glances, intrigued by the concept—although it reminds me of one of Stefanie‘s stupid books. I guess she’s right; people are crazy for this stuff.
We segue into the details of some drama on the set ofThe Workspace, which Alexa goes into with no hesitation. Her co-star Greg Wendover keeps pitching jokes that aren’t funny, and her other co-star Nadine Pope only likes improv and never wants to rehearse.
Later, Claire shows us her impression of different runway models, explaining the nuance of each walk.
At some point Lauren wants to know what it was like for me onLucky Stars, so I share a few behind-the-scenes fun facts. Like how the televised moment of me running out of my audition when I got my “yes” was actually a third take, because the producers didn’t like the angle when I came out the first time (my genuine reaction) so they made me act it out twice more. Or how the show stylists spent a whole week giving me an intense full-body makeover, which made me feel like Katniss getting prepped for the Hunger Games (IYKYK). Or how much the live audience was coached on when to cheer and how hard.
Lauren, Claire, and Madison go back to dance for the next song (because Lauren shouts, “This is my jaaaaam!”) but Daisy says she needs a few more minutes before she goes out there again, so I stay with her and keep her company.
We talk about our mutual love of the showWildwood Enigmaand how hard it is to stay caught up on the episodes when we’re so busy. After that, there’s a lull, and I happen to glance through the window to the inside of the house, where I can barely see Riff beyond the room nearest me, still talking to Mikayla. The amount of time he and I have spent apart tonight gives me a gross feeling I don’t want to address, as I wonder what they’re saying, whether he’s getting closure, or if it’s more.
When I turn back to Daisy, she only smiles and takes another drink of water.
“You haven’t asked me about my dating life,” I point out.
She swallows, then shrugs. “I figure if you wanted to tell me, you would.”
“Thank you. That’s … refreshing.”
“It has nothin’ to do with you anyway.”
I laugh. “My dating life has nothing to do with me?”
“That’s right. There are a thousand more interesting things about you than whatever guy has the privilege of your time.”
Whoa.
I love that.
I guess she too would know something of what’s it’s like to be the topic of discussion for things that matter least: Everyone made such a big deal about her and Lex Himmer, it completely overshadowed the release of her new single. That had to suck.
When I was her age, I felt like I should be lucky anybody knew who I was or noticed me, whatever it was for. She’s really ahead of the game.
“You are wise beyond your years, Daisy Malloy.”
She Tastes Like the Real Thing, My Fake Plastic Love
RIFF
ABOUTANHOUREARLIER
“Wow,” I say to Mikayla, “this is … kind of crazy.”
“It is.” She seems to be taking me in, observing my clothes, my demeanor. “But it’s really good to see you. You’re looking … sharp.”
Because I’m still caught off guard by her being here, I tug on my lapels and say, “Why, thank you,” in a playful tone that makes me sound like a dumbass.
I forgot how she used to think my sense of humor lacked sophistication.
Clearing my throat, I add, “You look … very nice, as well.”
She really does. Mikayla doesn’t “glam” up often, she always leans more toward professional—chinos with blouses, that sort of thing—and practical. I liked that about her, that she wasn’t too focused on material things, just on her goals. But I won’t lie, she’s a vision tonight.
Which leads me to realize how attracted I am to ambitious women. Mikayla is like Harmony that way, and creative too. Notthat I’m attracted to Harmony. Iwas. Right now it’s—I mean, not that I’mnotattracted to her, but, what I’m trying to say is—
