BETWEEN FAME AND LOVE

ok a step back, fe

called, her eyes f

and struggling to find the words. This whole situati

can't," I said, dazed

female workers in the P

hing will be fine. You're not a worker; you're family. Think of y

I... I

itters I've hired for her, and it's a miracle she likes you. Pl

was smiling. Oh my God! Is this really happen

his even

could see her desperation for a babysitter. And taking care of someone like

ase, dear, what do you think? Will you help me out? Ju

he was willing to do any

to hold her gaze. "You

x Records was one of her many domains. That connection

mpossible for anyone without the right connections. Most of the spots had already been claimed, bought by influential families with the right money and influence. People like the

. If she wanted, she could make this happ

this be the opportunit

u want, Nora

asked again, and I

ecently that Phoenix Records is holding auditions for new t

Girls?" she asked, and I nodded, feeling

ning as soon as possible," she replie

id she just

chance to join t

mouth in shoc

ore if you agree to help me out,

g for your call," she told me,

t it, Nora. Bye," she

she followed Mrs. Carter out,

pened so quickly. I couldn't believe I had a chance to work in the Phoenix M

his inc

g it all. A part of me was terrified, b

the musicians. I'll see them every day and maybe even t

nk I'm ready. I want to work there.

.. o

eady left for h

d want to talk to him in person about it. I can't imagine what

What sho

working at the Phoenix Mansion and train at Phoenix Records kept nagging at me. I was sure she'd never ag

e the torment of my dad's wife

walked toward the entrance

now that Dad was gone. His wife and kids would

at if I ju

tated. I started imagining al

fix my

e some

like thi

mb? Wash t

room once

ng my forehead,

about to turn it when I suddenly h

t that Da

oor and rushed in, my

e's sti

my G

ed as he rounded up his call. H

t you were leaving?

ust got delayed. But I'm about to l

unbeli

him immediately, overw

prised but hu

a movie," I heard Susan mutter

asked when we broke the hu

portant to tell you, Dad," I s

TES

xpect her to work in the Phoenix Mansion?" Mom, Mrs. Harris

promised to sign her with Phoenix Records, and that's a

How can we be sure she won't

st celebrities in America. Why would

with the household chores? You know she's b

already have a maid in the house, and that should

d happily, ignoring the bitter l

d, with Dad by my side,

surprise in his eyes. He knew I didn't lack money, so he was confused as t

trainee under Phoenix Records. "Mrs. Carter promised me, Dad," I said, trying to so

exactly what it meant to me. He had always known how much my passion for singing meant to me. It was

r conversation, but I could tell from the way Dad's voice softened that Mrs. Carter

, I want you to let me know immediately, alright? I'll step in and ma

spond, Dad's phone rang a

I'd be away for a month and I think it would be best if Nora moved in with us rig

move in permanently? I thought the plan was just for

ut with my schedule, I think it's the right move. Plus, I

feels at home. Think of it as an investmen

processed everything. "Alright then,

ness. I could tell from the tone of Dad's voice that he was finally convi

ing the car Mrs. Carter had sent

the people there. And avoid getting into trouble. U

and emb

so much," I said, and he

y flight. I'll see you when I get back," he said,

g as he got in

you were really my dad,

to my own car, the drive

nix Mansion. This whole thing is overwhelming, but ser

cially Zane. How will he react when he fi

g females around, a fact I'm still trying to und