Sugar and Spice_ An L.A. Candy Novel - Lauren Conrad [53]
“Say anything about what?” Jane said, confused. Scarlett had mentioned that Gaby looked different the last time she saw her, kind of like a mini-Madison, which was not good.
“Just keep the comments general, like ‘I like your dress’ or whatever. What, Ramon?” Dana barked into her headset. “Gaby’s here? Good. What do you mean, we’re short one camera? Can’t they . . . fine, I’m coming now.” She hurried away.
Jane and Scarlett exchanged a look. What was up with Dana tonight? She seemed even more frazzled than usual.
“Jane? Are you there?” It was Hannah again, on the earpiece. “I can’t reach Madison. But Isaac was still at the office, and he’s driving over with the gift bags right now. He’ll be here in ten minutes.”
“Good. Thanks.” Jane turned back to Scarlett and smiled. “Sorry, it’s probably going to be crazy like this the whole night.”
“No worries, I know you’re working,” Scarlett said.
“What’s Liam up to tonight?”
“He’s out of town. He has this freelance gig in San Francisco all week.”
So. That explained why Jane hadn’t heard from Liam about Scarlett’s surprise birthday party. Not that he necessarily would have contacted her about it, but still. Now, she was doubly glad she was planning the party, since Scar would have something fabulous to do on her big day. Of course, Scar wasn’t one to fuss over her birthday—she usually preferred something totally last-minute and casual with Jane and whatever other friends happened to be around. But this year would be an exception.
“Is Caleb here?” Scarlett asked her, glancing around.
“Not yet. He texted me and said he and Naveen are on their way.”
Scar didn’t reply. Jane hoped that Scar wouldn’t feel too uncomfortable seeing Naveen tonight. She knew it was awkward for Scar to have to hang out with him on camera, since Liam couldn’t be on the show.
Jane also hoped that Scar wasn’t going to be weird about Caleb. Her only comment since the two of them started dating again had been, “If he hurts you again, so help me God, I will personally inflict him with severe bodily pain.” Typical Scar. Jane had reassured her that she and Caleb were taking things slowly, and that she wasn’t going to set herself up for that kind of heartbreak again.
Jane knew Scar wasn’t exactly happy about the latest voice-overs Jane had recorded for the show, recapping previous episodes for viewers and hinting at what was to come next. Jane wasn’t thrilled about them, either. She didn’t like having to say stuff like I didn’t think I was ready to start dating again after Jesse and I broke up. But now I can’t stop thinking about Caleb. Or: It looks like MY best friend and Caleb’s best friend can’t stop thinking about each other, either. I wonder if they’re going to hook up? She had argued with Trevor about these lines, especially the ones about Scar and Naveen, but in the end, he had managed to persuade her to record them with no changes. “They’re not supposed to be the truth, Jane,” he had explained in his annoyingly calm voice. “They’re supposed to make viewers want to watch the episode.” Whatever.
Jane saw Dana signaling to her and Scar from the red carpet area. “Hey, we’d better get out front,” she suggested.
“Sure. Let’s get this over with,” Scarlett agreed.
As they threaded their way through the room, Jane saw that the place was already starting to fill with guests (including D—she made a mental note to say hi to him later). The DJ was playing Lady Gaga . . . the barely clothed waitresses were beginning to seat people and serve drinks . . . and a small group was already checking out the video game, which looked pretty intense up there on the big screens. Good. Except for the gift bag snafu, which was now under control, everything was going perfectly and according to plan.
She and Scarlett neared the red carpet area, where people were waiting to walk the press line of photographers and reporters. Then Jane’s gaze wandered to the end of the line, to a girl in a skintight black minidress on the arm of a really cute guy. Jane recognized the guy; he