Chapter 1

Who got a job?

One fine Saturday morning, Tori stumbled down the steps to her living room. Trina was in front of the TV, attempting to copy a perky blonde who was smiling through a hardcore aerobic routine. She walked over to the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and walked over to the piano, thinking about working on a new song. Cracking her water, she sat and contemplated the keys, knowing the song's tempo, and some melody ideas, but no clear tune yet. She was laying her fingers on the keys when the doorbell chimed. "Get that, Tori. I'm really feeling the burn now and I don't want to stop," Trina called.

Tori groaned but got up from the bench. She walked to the door and opened it. Andre and Robbie were standing there. "Hey guys, what brings you here at the butt crack of dawn?" she yawned. Robbie and Andre walked in past her, and turned to her.

"We had an amazing phone call this morning and we wanted to tell you!" Robbie started.

"Yeah, we got a movie!" Andre continued.

"Movie? Movie?! Who got a movie?" Trina said, totally forgetting her workout and rushing over to the three friends. All three looked over at her, and Robbie smirked.

"I did. They're filming a prequel to that steampunk movie down in New Zealand. I'm going to be a scientist, second to the main character," he said, glowing with pride. He poofed up, and laughed with a smirk on his face. "I'm going to be in a major film. I totally win. I beat you," and pokes Tori in the shoulder, "I beat you," and poked Trina, "I beat Jade," he jabbed his finger at the door in the general direction of Jade's house, "and I beat Beck," and again points, this time toward Beck's home. "Who's the dorky looking Jewboy now, huh?"

"Beck had a movie, too," Tori said, somewhat offended. "And what about that scene where I had to fall off the tall stage into the airbag?"

"Oh, sure, but those were bit parts. I've got the second most lines in the whole film. I'm so excited. Even Rex told me congrats." Robbie did a little jig and sat down on the couch.

"I got the same movie," Andre said. "But they wanted me to write the soundtrack. I've got nine instrumentals and two songs." His smooth smile surfaced. "I am on my way."

"What? The? Hell?" spluttered Trina. "You. You. I can't believe you got a movie!" She walked over to Robbie. He smiled up at her. Suddenly a thump from the stairs drew all their eyes to the steps.

Jade was walking down the stairs with a curious look on her face. "Who got a job?" she asked, gliding across the floor in her stocking clad feet. "Cause I could swear I heard Robbie say he beat me. I can't be beat, I mean, just look at me." Her curious look was darkening into a glare. "I'm hot, I'm talented, and I can act circles around you." She was staring down at Robbie, standing right next to the couch.

"I did," he said, bravely. "I'm going to New Zealand with Andre next week. I'll be gone for nine weeks to be in a starring role. I win, Jade. I win."

Jade's glare was becoming a deadly thundercloud about to strike Robbie dead. Andre touched her arm, and then took a long step back when she whipped her head over her shoulder. "Ah, yeah. Well, I'm writing the soundtrack. I got two vocal songs that I need singers for. How about you and Tori come along and sing for me?" he asked, relieved to see the evil eye wink out and surprise replace it.

"You want me? And Tori?" she asked. "Well, holy fucking shit, let's celebrate. I say we go out and have breakfast. Hell, I'll even treat," Jade said, a smug smile on her face.

"I'm coming, too," said Trina, dashing upstairs to change her clothes. Tori and Jade also went upstairs to get ready, leaving Robbie and Andre to watch the TV.

"Your treat?" Tori asked as they stripped down and started dressing. "I'm pretty happy about the offer, too, but why not let them cover the bill?"

"And possibly get them to take back the offer? I always wanted to go to New Zealand. It sounds like a shit load of fun, plus we'll have a hotel room to ourselves." Jade walked over and placed her hands on Tori's hips, leaning into her. Her breath tickled Tori's ear as she murmured, "Just think. No more holding back, no more keeping quiet so your parents or mine don't hear us. It will be…nice."

"Aw, well, when you say it like that," Tori said, turning around to kiss Jade. Jade pushed her back after a moment. "Let's go. Hopefully we'll beat Trina out the door."

They didn't.