Chapter 24: Chapter 24

: Ted

Though Lucy and Anna devised a good plan, it seemed like it was going to take more time for it to be implemented. They decided that if they were going to give Chris a shot, it must be one that had some sort of permanent effect, allowing him to grow on them and learn to like Anna more, while he was still in a relationship with Britney.

It would happen over time, then at exactly the right moment, he would be snared into their trap. They knew that Chris could not be easily manipulated like Justin, it was no lie he was tougher and also a lot smarter.

If this was to work, they had to have a stable plan. Something that would allow both of them to see his weakness and build from that.

In order to do that, they had to be on his good side, but the girls had sensed that he didn't really trust them.

Yes, it was going to take some time. They couldn't tear his new relationship just yet, instead they waited like lions for the perfect time when Chris was the most vulnerable. That would be the best way they decided.

---------------------------------------------------

The next day true to his word, Justin came by to pick Lucy. He was much more open and relaxed with her this time around, after the whole turn a new leaf conversation.

He even made an effort to kiss her and put on the biggest smile he could get away with. He greeted both Lucy and Anna cheerfully, with a budding hope that maybe it could work, taking Lucy by the elbow as she mouthed a hurried goodbye to her best friend before being sashayed into the car.

Justin kept things fresh with Lucy during the car ride. One thing he was good at was conversation and charm. It was no time before he had Lucy blushing frantically at his every word and latched onto him as if letting go would mean a certain death.

He pulled his phone from his pocket when he received a call from Chris, who informed him that he and Britney were already at the restaurant. Justin passed the message on to Lucy who nodded. Both really wanted to see this Britney girl, of course both for different reasons.

The car parked by the restaurant and Troy (Justin's body guard) opened the door for them. Truth be told Lucy and Justin did look good together.

---------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile

Mckayla walked past the offices of the Gossip Firm her Aunt managed. One of the fastest growing gossip firms in America. Her Aunt managed the branch in LA but they were many more in other major cities across country.

She entered the elevator and pressed the buttons to the top floor. Mckayla worked part time at The Close Up, which was the Gossip firm she was currently at. Passing the hall way which was decorated in the bold letters of their company motto, "The Close Up, giving you the story behind the story faster than the rest."

Mckayla's dream was to become an entertainment Journalist. Hollywood had always intrigued her, and since she had no major talents, like singing or acting this seemed to be the only way. Not that she hated it, no, on the contrary she lived for it.

Some people called it dirty, being a filthy paparazzi journalist for a tad boy Magazine but she loved the thrill of it and was more than comfortable with her charisma and talent before the camera.

Her Aunt always told her that she was more than capable. She was fast, efficient, sneaky and creative, to top it all off she had her good looks that took her out of many a stick situation.

She had dark coal hair and chestnut brown eyes, full lips and a great shape to top it all off and like every good reporter she could talk.

The elevator opened at the top floor and Mckayla came out, pulling her dress down. It was a Friday today that meant no school to worry about, at least for her. She could afford missing a full day but not for Britney.

Friday was spent all day at The Close Up.

"Morning love," Ted called, spinning in his cubicle chair, flashing her, his charming grin. She returned the smile fixing her dress. Ted was one of her good friends, she knew he had a crush on her.

He had been less than subtle with it but he had that charm around him, apart from his obvious good looks, honey hair and green eyes with a glorious build he had a great sense of humor and was comfortable to be around, “hi ted," she said pausing at his office cube, "is Aunt Molly in?"

"Yes" he replied standing up with a camera dangling from his neck, "and she's been asking for you,”

"I'm not in trouble am I?" Mckayla asked with a slight frown...

"Do you ever get in trouble?" he replied chuckling

Mckayla thought for a minute, "You're right, I don't," she said smiling and lifting up her hand bag. Just then Ted desk telephone rang, he scooted back answering it "hello" be began glancing at Mckayla, he tilted his head listening to whoever it was before saying, "yes ma'am," putting the phone down.

"Your Aunt wants to see the both of us, right now,”

"Ah well, I guess we better get going," Mckayla began heading toward the glass door at the far end which read HEAD OFFICE in block letters.

She noticed that the door was already "knock, knock," Mckayla she began entering the office just as her aunt looked up, "You're finally here sweetie," she said as Mckayla hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Ted," Aunt Molly said nodding.

"Morning ma'am," he replied joining

Mckayla who had taken a seat opposite her Aunt Molly, across the large office table.

"I'm glad you two are finally here because I have a juicy story for you two to cover,” Aunt Molly said leaning in with a smirk plastered on her face.

"A juicy story? Mckayla likey," Mckayla replied excitedly, rubbing her hands together "let's hear it."

"Well, “Aunt Molly began brushing her blonde hair to the side, "I got an inside story that Justin Star, You know who I'm talking about right?" she asked turning to Ted.

"Yeah the new superstar teen crush everybody's talking about,”

"Correct! I received some news from Zack...”

"Zack? The short guy?" Mckayla asked motioning the high with her hands.

"Yes, he might be a little short but he can stalk people like a homing device and he knows how to get information pronto,”

"Who would have guessed?" Mckayla said giggling.

"Well, he claims that Justin Star is having a lunch with his girlfriend..."

"That Lucy chick. In the magazine the other day?" Ted asked

"Well it's fairly recent," Mckayla replied

"Yes...but get this it's a double date with his brother and his new girlfriend,”

"What?!" Mckayla echoed shocked her eyes widening knowing fully well that Britney had gone to lunch with Chris but had no idea it was a double date thing.

If they covered this story she was pretty sure that Aunt Molly would find out that Britney had skipped school for her boyfriend who was a major celebrity, and Aunt Molly had a rule that none of her daughters should ever date celebrities because she claimed they were huge cheaters, something about a major bad experience, Also known as Britney's Dad.

It was also a well-known fact that Aunt Molly knew a lot about the cheating habits of celebrities as it was in her line of work and had uncovered many a cheating scandal in her career as an entertainment journalist in her younger years.

Horrible stories of various celebrities. This is why the rule had been placed even though there was only a 0.5 out of ten percent chance that her daughter or niece would ever date celebrity but either way it had happened and like the unlucky day it was it, the rule had been placed and had been successfully broken.

Mckayla stared at her Aunt in disbelief.

"Yes, turns out Robin Ryder's eldest adopted son-"

"The understudy?" Ted asked

Aunt Molly nodded, "according to Zack he is off the market dating some new girl, some pictures were taken of him walking at the beach yesterday with an unknown girl but none of the pics clearly show her face."

"So...uhmm what is it you want us to do?" Mckayla asked, shifting uncomfortably in her chair

Aunt Molly grinned leaning in, "I want the two of you to take it up. Here's the address of the restaurant they are going to be at. I want The Close Up to be the first to reveal this information. You two are the best I have in here, you," she said turning to Ted, "have the best eye for photography, "and you," she said turning to Mckayla

"I don't even have to mention your talents sweetie it's pretty clear,"

Mckayla shrugged smiling, she wasn't one to deny a compliment

"I have the two best journalists in LA and I want the best story on the headlines of The Close Up tomorrow, printed right here on the cover page," she said lifting up last week’s edition of the close up, "don't disappoint me."

"We will do our very best ma'am," Ted said getting up.

"I know you will," Aunt Molly replied, with a curt nod as she twirled a pen around.

"Aren't you coming?" Ted asked Mckayla who had literally froze still deep in thought.

"Mckayla," Aunt Molly called snapping her fingers.

Mckayla blinked twice glancing at Aunt Molly then Ted, a bit confused before remembering what it was she was supposed to do, "oh..yes..yes..we will be on our way, " she replied her cheeks heating up as she stood up.

"Good, because I'm counting on you, I paid good bucks to get this information, do not disappoint me!" Aunt Molly called out to them as they walked out of the office.

Mckayla followed Ted into the elevator, deep in thought, wondering how on earth she would warn Britney or stop Ted. Neither he nor Aunt Molly could find out. She glanced at Ted who was busy fixing his camera as the elevator took them down to the bottom floor.

"Have you decided which car you’re taking?" Mckayla asked slyly, as they passed the lobby.

"You know me, it's going to take a minute or two," Ted said with his charming grin.

"I thought so, I'll be standing right outside waiting for you," she replied as Ted left to choose the best car he could find.

She watched him as he walked away then frantically took out her phone dialing Britney's number.

"Pick up, pick up!” she muttered over and over again as the phone just kept ringing causing her to groan in frustration.

If only she could tell Britney that they were coming maybe she would be able to change restaurants quickly but that could only happen in Britney would pick up her dang phone.

"Damn it!" Mckayla cursed redialing the number.

*************************

Meanwhile,

Justin and Lucy walked into the restaurant where they found both Chris and Britney at the far end waiting patiently for them, engulfed in their own little conversation, fitted alone, isolated so as to gain more privacy, which seemed to be working because no one seemed to notice who Chris was.

Chris and Justin hugged in their usual bro hug turned handshake, as he welcomed Justin and Lucy to their quaint little space. Justin slipped into the booth chair opposite Chris focused on the pretty chestnut haired girl by him as Lucy sat next to him

It was no lie Justin stunned by Britney, "So this is the girl that makes your heart skip a beat," he said kissing the top of her hand lightly.

Lucy took one look at her and decided she did not like Britney one bit, not at all. Britney blushed, "it's nice to finally meet you," she said smiling sweetly while Chris put one arm around her.

"Oh, this is my girlfriend, Lucy" Justin introduced after a few seconds of silence.

"Hi," Lucy replied, faking a smile, “I like your hair, it's done so well,” she complemented.

"Well thank you, but I can't take all the credit, my cousin did it for me,"

"Mckayla did this?" Chris asked, admiring it once again, “I only thought she knew how to talk."

Britney rolled her eyes pushing him playfully

"Justin, you've got to meet her cousin one day, man she's the bomb,” Chris began playfully hitting Justin.

Britney chuckled as they all settled down.

Lucy took this opportunity to take a good look at Britney. She was pretty enough, she thought and so far she couldn't see a blemish on her but she was determined to dig up dirt, after all everyone has something to hide.

Chris ordered for them and the waiter brought their orders.

"Well, who amongst you two recommended this restaurant," Lucy spoke up taking a bite of the food before her.

"Why, is there something wrong with it?" Justin asked, with a slight frown.

"No, no, not all, the foods amazing, I just want to know who discovered this piece of heaven"

Britney smirked, "should I explain?" she asked Chris, ignoring the deep blush threatening to implode.

"Well unless you’ll like me to,” Chris replied with a smooth grin

"Okay. I’ll do it," she replied turning to Lucy

"Actually this restaurant is where Chris and I first met."

"Really, that's romantic!" Lucy said clapping her hands together in glee.

"So what? This has now become your special spot?" Justin asked with a knowing grin as he glanced at Chris popping a fry into his mouth

.

"Yeah I guess you could say so, it's where we usually hang out, I never thought about it like that," Chris replied turning to Britney, "but now as I think about it, this place is quite special to me," he said.

Britney smile only grew as he interlocked their fingers together.

Lucy quickly stared down at her plate, feeling like she was on the verge of throwing up at the amount of corny affection she was affection she was witnessing, and not at all because Justin had never quite showed her that display of affection-nope that was not it. She was not envious.

"Aww, now feel like I'm watching a movie right now, you know what? I think Justin and I have a special spot," Lucy said grabbing Justin's elbow.

"Maybe but we kind of met in the lobby in Chicago so I don't know how possible that is," Justin said as he and Chris laughed a little.

Lucy pushed him playfully, hiding her growing irritation.

"Okay so Britney,” she began focusing back on the girl, "I mean we're just getting to know you, how about you tell us more about yourself?"

"Yes, we'd want to know you more," Justin backed. The only thing he had done right so far, Lucy thought.

"Okay, what would you like to know?" she asked looking at the two of them still grinning

"What you do, you know, just a little intro," Lucy explained

Britney smiled a bit shy.

"Pretend you were at a job interview and you were being interviewed,” Justin commented.

"A job interview?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

"Yeah like, pretend I'm interviewing you for the prestigious position of being my brother’s girlfriend, I want to know if you’re compatible for him, so tell me about you,"

"What? A girlfriend interview?" she joked glancing at Chris who shrugged, "you know what, I want to hear this," he said leaning back.

"Okay, alright but you'll also have to do one in front of Mckayla," Britney argued.

"Mckayla," Chris echoed contemplating, "ok, deal."

Britney shook her head with a slight chuckle, he obviously didn't know what he had agreed to. Mckayla's very instinct was to interview and ask celebrities alarming questions about themselves, "Alright, let me start," Britney said leaning in and adjusting her hair and dress,

"What are you doing?" Justin asked as he watched her

"Well it's a job interview, I have to look good and I really want this job,”

She replied as they all laughed.

"Okay I'm ready, .hello sir, madam," she said politely to Lucy and Justin, ignoring Chris' snorts,

"Good afternoon. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you want this job," Justin replied in the most professional way he could muster, however failing to hide the chuckle that escaped at the end

"I very will can, my names is Britney Langley, I’m turning eighteen on the 6th of November, I live with my mother and troublesome cousin," she said

"Very talkative," Chris backed hiding it with a cough.

Britney sent him a playful glare before continuing her speech, "I am student at Whittier High, right here in LA. My hobbies include, reading, horseback riding with my cousin, watching movies and listening to music and a little dance,”

"Dance?" Justin asked intrigued.

Lucy watched Justin carefully, she wanted to make sure he was not getting attached to this chick but so far she couldn't tell that anything was up.

"yes, just a little dance, I also enjoy poetry and a little romance,” she added with a slight shrug.

"I know you like that," Chris said nudging her, she grinned glancing at her phone as it phone vibrated on the table.

She ignored it after seeing it was Mckayla. It rang again before Justin could ask her another question.

"Maybe you should pick that up," Lucy persuaded.

"No it's okay, it's only Mckayla. She usually calls to check up on from time to time, I'll call her back," she said switching off her phone, "next question please,”

"Okay Miss Langley. Why do you want this job," Justin asked switching back to his professional tone.

"Well, I believe that this job is a very important one and it involves an equally important person. Having known that, I want to love, to treasure and to care for it with all my heart. I have found that it is my passion and area of expertise.

I know in my heart that once I am hired for this job I will excel in it and I assure you my work will be flawless," she said turning to Chris who was tracing small circles on the back of her hand.

Justin watched them, getting lost for minute as he saw the look of desire in Chris eyes and the one of pure satisfaction in Britney's.

Something so different, so special, so rate. He wanted something like that.

He began to clap slowly getting back Chris' and Britney's attention, "congratulations, Miss Langley, you’re hired," he announced.

"Oh really!?" Britney gasped faking the surprise, "Thank you sir, you’re so kind!" she said, giggling as Chris pulled her toward him, "of course you got the job, love, no one else deserves it."

Lucy and Justin watched the two of them for a few moments, before uncomfortably glancing at each other.

***********************

Meanwhile.

Mckayla was trying in vain to reach Britney till it seemed even the phone had given up hope when it finally replied to her

"The person you are trying to reach is either outside the coverage area or has their phone switched off. Please try calling later,”

"Damn you Britney," Mckayla cursed tucking her phone away in frustration,

"Is everything okay there?" Ted called out from the window of the car that had parked in front of her.

"Oh, you're here! No, no it's nothing," she lied a bit startled as she looked up and saw him.

“Well c'mon in, we don't have forever, “he called back, his eyebrows hunching over in confusion.

He sensed something was up with her. She always had this face when she was either lying or trying to hide something. He thought over all this as he watched walk toward the car, opening the door and sliding into front seat beside him.

"How do you like this baby," he said patting the car. He called all the company cars his baby.

"Well, it's better than the truck you brought in the last time,” Mckayla replied putting her seat belt on, not that she didn't trust Ted, he was a great driver actually

Ted chuckled as he started the car, “I was in a bad mood that time I had to get a car that suited the moment," he said as they backed out from the parking lot.

"So, I guess you're happy now," she replied examining the BMW

"Can’t you guess?"

The engine run smoothly as they sped into the main road, "looks like we are off to the restaurant near Harvey's theme park," he said looking at the paper he had in his hand with the other hand on the steering wheel.

Most people would freak out about this, safety and all that, but Mckayla knew she was more than safe when Ted was driving.

Mckayla thought hard about an excuse to stop the car but none came as they moved on to the freeway, "Please stop the car," she said aloud just trying to buy time,

"Why?" Ted asked still driving.

"I said stop the car!" Mckayla shouted out

"What! Why?” Ted asked, clearly baffled but still driving, "we need to get there fast,"

“Stop car Ted, I need to pee," she lied, pressing her knees together.

There was a short silence as Ted looked at her with raised eyebrows, “what? Can’t you just like hold it in?" Ted asked, he hated stopping when he was in a good mood to drive.

Mckayla gave him the look, the look she was so famous for. One glance of the look was all he needed to get the message, “I can't hold it in Ted, if you don't stop right now, I'm going to pee right here!" she yelled.

"Oh c'mon not in the car!" Ted said, his heart almost bleeding out for the innocent machine.

"I'll do it Ted! So help me-!!" she called back

"Okay, okay," he said as he parked by a nearby filling station.

Mckayla immediately jumped out of the car and rushed to the bathroom. She locked it glancing at the closed for a moment before frantically pulling her phone out as she turned around facing the toilet, immediately gagging at the sheer smell, clasping one hand over her nose as she tried redialing Britney's number,

"The person you are trying to reach is either outside the coverage area...”

Mckayla cut the call groaning, her back sliding against the wall, starting into nothing for a few minutes.

Ted was waiting patiently outside, glancing at his watch as he leaned against the car, waiting for Mckayla. Any longer and she would cost them this chance, “is this how long it takes a girl to pee?" he thought to himself, though airing it aloud.

Mckayla knew she couldn't wait any longer, she shook her head, reassuring herself she had at least given it her best try as she washed her hands and finally came out.

"Finally" Ted muttered as he entered the car, watching as Mckayla did the same,

"Are sure you only needed to pee?" Ted asked, with a smirk.

"Shut up Ted," Mckayla mumbled sending him into a curt laugh, as he pulled away from the filling station

Soon enough they were pulling into the car park by the restaurant.

"Zack was right, they're definitely here," Ted said getting out of the car.

"How do you know that?" Makayla asked fiddling with her seat belt opening the car door.

"The two jeeps parked side by side over there are celebrity type vehicles," he said pointing to two cars, "Black, tinted windows, yeah they're here"

Mckayla nodded, taking a note if this for future reference.

"Plus the body guards are sitting over there," he said pointing to the window of the restaurant. One could literally see their bulky suited up figures.

Ted took out his camera, “hold this," he said handing it over to her.

Mckayla glanced at the camera in her hands hitting her lip. If Ted saw Britney it would be over for her. She had one chance, one chance to...

"Oops,” she said steeping back as the camera crashed into the hard cement floor.

"What happened?" Ted asked turning around sharply.

"It was too heavy," Mckayla lied, a poor excuse but the only excuse she had at the moment, faking her best apologetic face, "I'm sorry, I didn't expect it to be so heavy."

Ted glanced at the broken camera picking it up, before taking another good look at Mckayla, "you're going to pay for that one," Ted replied with a slight frown.

"Oh well, I guess we have to go back and get another camera," Mckayla replied, failing to hide the victorious smile that had captured her face as she moved to enter the car.

"Hold your horses sweetness, I have a spare one," Ted replied with a smirk as he retrieved yet another camera from the back.

"Spare?" Mckayla asked shocked. Of course Ted had to come with a spare.

"Of course, I came prepared," he said looking, focusing the camera, as he found a good position, gazing into its lenses, before Mckayla could react he had taken a photo.

"Well, let's see who this mystery girl is, shall we?" he asked looking at the picture. Mckayla held her breath, spinning around, as her mind began counting down from ten.

"Wait, this can't be-what's Britney doing there?" Ted asked, glancing at the restaurant then turning back to Mckayla in confusion.

Mckayla stood up sharply

"That isn't Britney," she argued mindlessly, “Britney's at school like the good little girl she is, “she lied right through her teeth. And for no good reason. The boy could see her quite clearly through his camera.

"I thought so too" Ted replied, scratching the back of his neck, before catching Mckayla's weird expression.

"But this picture says otherwise," he said, turning his gaze back to examining it carefully.

"Give me that!" Mckayla yelled trying to snatch the photo from his hands.

"Oh no you don't," he replied putting it out of her reach, which was easy, seeing as he towered over her quite easily. Not that it mattered. Mckayla was sure with how sturdy Ted was built, she would be able to climb him like a tree, anything to get that photo back.

"Ted, just give it to me" she blurted out trying to reach it, he easily moved away from her. Another thing she hated about him, he was so smooth in everything he did. Made it seem effortless.

"Why? I thought you said Britney's at school, why would you want to see this photo?" He asked amused, as he watched her failed attempts.

After reading this was going now here's she finally stopped, although already out of breath, folding her arms in frustration, looking like she was about to throw a fit.

Ted lifted on eye brow, "you sneaky little girl," he said, realizing what had been going on. He watched her every expression carefully as it all came together in his head, "is that why you made me stop at the filling station?" He asked.

Mckayla didn't reply, throwing her vest and admittedly not most convincing innocent face.

Ted glanced at his broken camera pieces on the ground laughing, "and you broke the camera so I wouldn't find out,”

Mckayla sighed, rolling her eyes, "yes genius!" She said slumping her back against the car.

"For the first time I guarantee you, the both of you are going to be in deep trouble, especially when your Aunt sees this photo. Britney for missing school, and you for covering up for her," he said still laughing.

Mckayla stood up straight, "we're not going to be in trouble," she huffed out cunningly.

"I highly doubt that," Ted replied, knowing full well exactly what his boss liked and disliked.

"We aren't going to be in trouble because you aren't going to show her that photo,” Mckayla fired back.

"Are you sure about that?" He asked smiling

"Very," she said moving closer to him,

She licked her lips as she moved closer to him in a sexy way and propped him against the car. Much to his surprise. He had never, ever thought Mckayla was capable of this moved...only in his dreams but that was something else altogether.

She smiled seductively him moving even closer, causing his heart to race loudly, eyes caught in her gaze, longingly entranced in her beauty, wondering if this was really happening to him as she came even closer, biting her bottom lip.

His mind raced in the thousand and one things she could do him in that moment, then suddenly, as quickly as a striking viper, she leapt up with one swift move and snatched that picture from his hand and took a step back ripping it to shreds.

Ted was knocked back to reality in a second, taken by surprised. He knew Mckayla was a sneaky girl.

"Nice move," he commented, nodding slowly as she chuckled shrugging, "I know."

"But you forgot one thing," he said

"What?" she asked as the smile faded from her face.

"Britney's still there and I can take a thousand more photos, so it really doesn't matter what you did to that one," he said triumphantly, in a very casual tone.

Mckayla gasped, taking a step back in defeat, realizing that Ted was right. He did have the upper hand in that situation

She sighed slowly, "Look you can't tell Aunt Molly, okay?"

"I don't see what the big deal is. We will have a huge story on our hands probably cover page if I give this to your aunt. Then In exchange she will probably just shout at you two or ground you for a couple days then everything would be back to normal," he replied taking some more photos. Mckayla stood in front of the camera,

"You’re blocking the view," Ted called out

"Of course I know I'm blocking the view," Mckayla snapped, "Okay listen, huh? I need you to listen Ted, eyes here." She said snapping her fingers in front of the camera.

Ted put the camera down watching her, "Look,” Mckayla began as serious as if she was pitching a business idea to multi-billion dollar empires, "Britney really likes this Chris fellow and frankly I feel like his a pretty nice guy too. She's been tied up since her last relationship and now she finally seems to like someone again and I don't want you to ruin that for her,"

Ted stood up from his kneeling position. "Keep going,” he said, leaning against the car.

"If you show Aunt Molly these pictures, she won't allow Chris to see her again. She said she doesn't want any of her girls dating celebrities."

"That's a stupid rule, shouldn't she be happy if you guys dated rich guys,” Ted asked, speaking mostly about Britney, Mckayla should remain under that rule until maybe, he somehow got famous.

Mckayla shook her head.

"Britney's dad was a celebrity, he left Aunt Molly a few months after she told him she was pregnant for him," she said standing next to Ted as they gazed at the restaurant. She could see Britney's outline, or what seemed like it.

"Really? What celebrity?"

"She won't say, I mean I think she's told Britney but Britney doesn't like talking about it. All Aunt Molly's told me is that she has uncovered many celebrity undercover stories and she doesn't want us to have a story like hers. So do you get why you can't do this?"

Ted looked over at her, "you know your Aunt won't support this relationship, so why support Britney," he asked finally.

Mckayla smiled softly, watching the figure, “week the evidence is right in front of you," she said pointing to the restaurant window, "Because she's happy, she deserves to be. I like her more that way. She's been sad a lot lately and this just makes her so...so happy."

Ted smiled, starting at the restaurant for a minute "okay."

"Okay?" Mckayla asked, turning to him in surprise.

"Okay, but I have one condition,” Ted began with a smirk as he turned to face her, completely engulfing her in his shadow.

"Conditions again?" She groaned, "Why can't you just do me a favor?"

"That's not how I roll, you should know that by now,” he retorted pushing her playfully.

Mckayla huffed, "okay what's your condition?"

"You come on a date with me."

"A date?" She echoed turning to face him

"Yes, you and me only, " Ted added watching her changing expression. So far he didn't see any disgusted look or a look of disapproval of any sort.

Mckayla grinned, “I like the way you think," she said in a flirty way

Ted shrugged.

"But you should know that I'm anti-corruption, and you will not black mail me!" She said angrily flipping her hair as she stomped back toward the car.

Ted got a little nervous at her sudden outburst, but nevertheless was quite determined, "It's only fair, I keep your secret and you go on a date with me,” he tried again

"Nice try darling, if you show my Aunt that photo of Britney or say anything to her I will. I will.." She cut her self-short wondering what she would do.

"You will what?" Ted asked chuckling knowing full well she was stuck

"I will..." She was still thinking

"Will?" Ted asked still smiling

"I will never talk to you again, never, read my lips. Not at all," she said turning hack to face him, giving him one last hard glare before stalking back to car and sat inside it, folding her and angrily.

Ted cocky smile faded, "okay. Fine," he said following her, "c'mon it doesn't have to come to that Mckayla,” he pleaded feeling very guilty.

She looked away folding her arms not saying a word.

"Okay, okay, I won't say a word," he rushed, pleading with her.

Mckayla looked back at him, pulling off her best puppy eyes.

"Promise?" She asked

"Pinky promise," he said showing her his rather large pinky finger so they pinky locked the promise.

"But you owe me one” he said

"Whatever," Mckayla replied smiling, she surprised him by engulfing him in one hug.

He was startled at first but quickly responded. He would take whatever she would give, she let go, going back to scowling, causing him to chuckle once more.

She was going to be the death of him.

"We can't go back empty handed,” Ted began getting his camera out,

"What are you doing?" Mckayla asked

"Taking pictures," he called back

"What?" Mckayla replied climbing out of the car.

"Don't worry, I'll blur Britney so your Aunt doesn't recognize her," he said still taking photos, "You should probably start thinking of a headline to back these photos for the magazine," he called back.

Mckayla nodded

In a few minutes they were done and back on the highway home.

**********************

Britney only arrived back home when it was 6:30pm, a few minutes before her Mother arrived.

Chris dropped her off and kissed her good bye. She watched as the car left, waving goodbye, immediately noticing that her mother was not yet back because there was no car parked in the driveway.

She entered the house with a huge smile on her face skipping up and down as a girl who is hopelessly in love does.

She entered the sitting room and found no one, therefore opting to go to her bedroom fumbling with the switch. She froze suddenly, stiffly.

Her smile faded very fast. There on her bed she found a lot of pictures of her and Chris spread on the bed, from their day at the restaurant.

She took one in her hand skimming over it, then dropped it looking at another, "what's this about?" She said aloud.

"Oh you should know what it's about," a voice said from behind her causing her to turn around sharply to see who it was that talking.

"Dang it Mckayla!" She said touching her heart, a relieved scowl developing on her features.

Mckayla smirked, "did I scare you? I really wanted to make it like one of those horror movies," she chuckled

Britney sat down spreading the photos around her, "Don't do that to me again," she said dropping her shoes that were in her hand.

"Well serves you right for not picking up my calls," she huffed out folding her as

"Sorry about that, I just didn't want to seem rude," Britney replied as she skimmed through the photos, "why did you take pictures of us?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to have a double date with Justin and his girlfriend” Mckayla snapped back.

"I didn't think it was necessary,”

"Oh you didn't think it was necessary? Are you forgetting I'm a journalist?”

"Paparazzi."

"Whatever! Aunt Molly wanted me to stalk Justin Star because she heard he was at a restaurant with his girlfriend!" Mckayla snapped

Britney eyes almost popped up, "Does she know?" She asked frantically.

Mckayla shook her head, with a deep sigh, "relax, not yet."

Britney breathed out nervously, rubbing her hands together in relief.

"But it cost me a lot, plus it took hell to make Ted shut up. Can you believe he wanted a date in exchange?" Mckayla scoffed.

Britney massaged her feet, "I can, I always told you that guy had a crush in you."

"I know, I know, it's very apparent,” Mckayla groaned rubbing her tempo.

"I don't see what's so bad about him,” Britney began watching her cousin in confusion, "Ted is the hottest guy in school, charming and selfless, he is very cute, nice and you've known him like forever. You two do everything together, he's like your partner. Some people even think you're dating already."

"That's just it, I only see him as a really good friend, I can't imagine him being anything more. I just don't want to be added to the list of Ted multiple girls he has had, so no thank you."

"Come on, Mckayla give the guy a chance. He hasn't dated anyone since he started pursuing you, and I have to say he has been pretty diligent."

"Phish posh" Mckayla grunted shooting Britney's motion away.

"You know you surprise me," Britney replied

"You aren't the first one to say so but why?"

"You are the one who keeps telling me to try new things but you don’t” Britney countered.

“Let’s not go there”

"Look, I know you something bad happened-" she trailed off, gulping softly,

"But you got to put it behind you, you can't let that. You can't let Him stop you from being happy"

"It wasn't his fault," Mckayla whispered lowly, her eyes focused on the ground.

"Maybe but he is no longer a part of your life, leave it as it is, " Britney replied

"Whatever... Wow, let's just change the subject...how did it go?" Mckayla asked.

Britney paused, shaking her head at her cousin before releasing a tired groan, "it was nice, Justin's a really good guy I guess, funny and cool, " she began, " I really didn't expect that from a celebrity as young as him you know? I always had the built in notion that Celebrities don't like hanging around us normal, bit he was just so free..."

"But..." Mckayla put in, knowing fully well there was always a but.

"His girlfriend, I just get this feeling that she doesn't like me,” she finally blurted out.

"Why?"

"She kept asking me questions about me, not like in a, hi, I want to get to know you better way, more like in a, I know have flaws way."

"Really?"

"Yes and I got blurry when she asked me what kind of job mom does, " Britney sighed rubbing her feet.

"What did you say?" Mckayla asked intrigued, about ready to laugh.

"I lied, I said mom was a manager at a firm,"

"Well isn't she?"

"Close, you know she works at one of the biggest Gossip firms, you know that. You work there for Pete's sake,” Britney muttered laying back in bed.

"So you told a white lie," Mckayla replied scooting beside her.

"I couldn't tell them what she really did, I mean when did a celebrity ever date paparazzi? It's better this way,”

"Britney, you do know that the truth will come out one day."

She sighed, "I know,”

"So what did you say I did?"

"Nothing I just said you had no part time job and when to school like a regular kid,”

Mckayla chuckled, "So Chris doesn't know I'm paparazzi”

"Yes."

"So you think Justin's girlfriend believed you?"

"Her names Lucy,”

"Aa lucky, I knew that,”

"I don't think she did," Britney replied biting her lip, "however, she kept looking at me in such a defiling way i was so uncomfortable, I wonder how a nice guy like Justin found himself with her." She scoffed.

"Poor guy," Mckayla replied, agh well, the uglier the girlfriend the more possibilities of an ugly break up, which meant a good juicy story and ultimately more credit, she thought.

"Don't you worry Couz, if she still makes you feel like that, just give me a call, I'll come and gouge her eyes out,” Mckayla replied, actually quite serious.

Britney chuckled knowing fully well this wasn't a joke, "you’re unbelievable,”

"I will, I'll do it! If that spoiled brat tries anything raw, I'll handle her, you know me, and I’m crazy."

They smiled and laughed more as Britney filled Mckayla in on all the juicy details.

************

Meanwhile Lucy was back in her apartment eating some snacks after their hectic day.

Anna walked in and joined her, "so how was it?" She asked, carrying a bowl of vanilla ice cream in one hand.

"It was actually fine, Justin's really trying," she replied, throwing in another chip.

"That's good, " Anna replied taking a bite of her delicious treat

"Yeah."

"So... how about Chris's new girlfriend, did you get to meet her,” She finally asked.

Lucy sent her best friend a knowing look, chuckling for a moment, "Yes, as a matter of fact we did. It was definitely that Britney girl, “she passed starting at nothing for a moment, "she's pretty, quite pretty, she's smart and has a great sense of humor, I'll give her that,”

"Sounds perfect," Anna replied, clearing her throat to hide the disappointment.

"Yeah, she almost had me,” Lucy replied with a snort digging into her snack.

"Almost?" Anna echoed lifting both her eyebrows in intrigue.

"When I asked her some questions, I noticed her getting quite uncomfortable,” she turned to face Ann, " I bet you a hundred bucks she's hiding something."

"You really think so?" Anna asked moving closer to her in surprise.

"I don't think so, I know so. I may not know what exactly, but she's a bad liar. She can fool the boys, but she has to try a little more harder than that for me, " Lucy replied, "there's something off about her, but don't worry I'll find out soon enough, everybody has dirty laundry, just a matter of time till it shows."

"I would really like to meet her,” Anna replied with new found confidence and a streak of hope.

"Maybe you could, I got her number. We could invite her over for a girl’s day or something like that on Saturday,”

"Yeah, yeah" Anna began thinking deeply, "that’s a good idea,"

"Yeah that might do," Lucy said getting her phone, as she wiped her hands on the kitchen towel, dialing Britney's number,

"We will soon have that sneaky bitch cornered, hell she won't even know what hit her," Lucy grinned.

"Britney," Anna repeated to herself.