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ied about it," I said.

"I know you're not:' Jade fired back.

We stared at each other for a moment and then Doctor Marlowe stood up and we all followed her out.

"All right, girls. Thank you again. Jade, tomorrow?"

"I wouldn't want to miss it for anything," Jade said dryly. "The chance to be another Star."

She looked at me and laughed and I laughed too. Sometimes, it just felt better to laugh.

We stepped out.

Misty's mother had a cab for her this time.

"Daddy's got another bill to pay," she announced.

Jade's limousine was right behind it. Across from it Cat's mother waited and watched us like some bird, not looking directly, but nevertheless we could see she was aware of every step we took.

Granny pulled up last.

"What's your grandmother's name?" Jade asked. "You've only referred to her as Granny?'

"Betty," I said. "Betty Anthony."

Jade sauntered over to the car as she walked toward her limousine.

"Hello, Mrs. Anthony," she said. "I'm Jade."

Granny smiled and said hello.

"Hi," Misty said hurrying toward the taxicab. "I'm Misty."

"Hi," Granny called back with a laugh.

Cat moved slowly toward her mother's car and paused to nod at Granny.

"I'm Cathy," she said but lowered her head and moved quickly away before Granny could respond.

I got into the car.

"That girl's plenty shy," she said referring to Cathy.

"Yes," I said. We watched her mother pull away first. She looked upset.

"Well," Granny said. "They seem like nice girls for spoiled rich girls."

"They're not all spoiled. Well, maybe they are. I don't know," I said. "Maybe it's not bad to be spoiled," I muttered.

"You all right, child?"

"Yes, Granny."

I looked back as we drove out. What a funny caravan we made, I thought.

"So you did fine?" Granny asked.

"I don't know, Granny. I did what Doctor Marlowe wanted me to do."