The It Girl by Katy Birchall Page B

Africa and handing out rice?” I asked, lifting my head.
    â€œUm. Sure?” Danny gave me an odd look. “I’m sure there’s a charity out there that . . . goes to Africa and hands out rice.”
    â€œDanny,” Jess said, sighing, “focus on the important things here. What about all the events she’s going to get invited to. Premieres, black-tie galas, shop openings, fashion shows. That’s the best thing about being a celebrity.”
    â€œOh no,” I whined, returning my head to my arms. “I’m going to have to learn how to walk like a normal person.”
    â€œYes,” I heard Danny say solemnly. “Yes, you are.”
    â€œOh my God!” Jess suddenly gasped, reaching forward and shaking my arm so that I was forced to look up at her. “If you get tickets to On the Rox, you have to invite me. Marianne is definitely having a thing with the lead singer. I saw it online a couple of weeks ago.”
    â€œOn the who?”
    â€œOn the Rox! They’re my favorite band. Being Marianne’s sister, you’re bound to get free tickets.”
    â€œStepsister,” I corrected.
    â€œAnna, who cares? Please, promise me you’ll take me if you get tickets to see On the Rox. I would be the happiest person in the world.”
    â€œPromise.” I smiled as she punched the air in victory. “I’ve never even heard of them, though.”
    â€œOf course you haven’t! But you’ll love them.” Jess nodded vigorously with a huge grin. “Ask Marianne; she’ll tell you all about them.It’s so cool that she can date rock stars. You might start dating rock stars!”
    I snorted. “Don’t think so somehow.”
    â€œWell, if you keep snorting like that you certainly won’t.” Jess raised her eyebrows at me. “I bet you’re going to meet some pretty amazing people. We’re going to have to work on your conversation skills. You’ll have to learn not to talk about Dog and Marvin comics so much in the presence of celebrities.”
    â€œMarvel. Not Marvin. Seriously, who is this Marvin person?”
    Before Jess could answer, we were interrupted by two people suddenly standing by our table. I looked up to see Sophie and Josie smiling down at me. I immediately sat up straight. This was it. I braced myself for the onslaught of ridicule.
    â€œHey, Anna, sorry to disturb your lunch,” Sophie began.
    Jess was scowling so hard, I thought the waves of “go away” coming off her might knock Sophie and Josie off their far-too-high-for-school heels.
    â€œI just wanted to say that we saw about your dad in the papers. That’s really cool.”
    â€œIt is?” I replied warily.
    â€œYeah, really cool. Anyway, my uncle remarried a few years ago, so I know what it’s like to be in your position.”
    â€œNot quite the same thing,” Jess muttered, picking up her fork and stabbing at a tomato.
    Sophie ignored her. “If you ever wanted to talk about anything. Maybe fashion tips or . . . hairstyles.” She eyed my head coolly. I was well aware that having been leaning on my folded arms for the majority of our lunch break I probably had a watch mark right in the middle of my forehead or something.
    â€œSophie has talked a lot with Brendan’s mom about stuff like this,” Josie said authoritatively. “So feel free to ask us any questions.”
    â€œHow generous.” Jess smiled sweetly up at them, like a viper would right before gobbling up a mouse.
    â€œUm, yeah, thanks,” I said, trying to elbow Jess.
    â€œAnd listen, Anna.” Josie took a deep breath. “The fire thing. It’s forgotten. I know it was an accident. And you’ve clearly been under a lot of stress. It can’t be easy being around people like Helena and Marianne when you’re obviously not really . . . well, not that interested in their