Page 8 of Kiss Me Again

"I've got great news!" Diana rushes into the room just in time to save the situation.

We both face her, but she’s jumping with joy.

"I've got an audition! I've got an audition!" she keeps repeating as she dances across the kitchen, unable to control her excitement.

"Congratulations! That's amazing!" Mia says with a smile.

"What audition? Mom told you that you can't act if you have Cs in school," I remind her, knowing that our parents will be mad at her, blaming me for being an older brother 'who had to watch his sis better.'

"As if they'll ever find out," she chuckles, not stopping her dancing. I roll my eyes in response.

I am actually really supportive of Di's desire to become an actress. She has wanted this since she was six years old.

"What's the part?" Mia asks.

"It's a role in a sequel ofThe Devil Wears Prada, Di answers enthusiastically and jumps even more.

Mia starts giggling with excitement too. I don't know what they are talking about. Probably some movie.

"Isn't the first part filming in New York?" Mia asks, frowning, and I tense.

Did she sayNew York?

"The audition is in New York, but the filming will take place in Toronto," Di blurts out as if it's not a big deal.

"New York?" I raise my voice involuntarily, but that makes my sister finally stop jumping. "Are you out of your mind? You can’t go to New York!"

"You can't forbid me!" She raises her voice as well, glaring at me like a child who doesn't want to give up her favorite toy.

"Actually, I can," I say seriously, trying not to yell. "You’re only seventeen, and I am responsible for you, and..."

"I'm turning eighteen next week!" She interrupts without letting me finish. We look at each other angrily.

"Well, then I have no choice but to call..."

"No, please don't call our parents! They don't have to know!" She starts begging and comes closer to me, folding her hands in a prayer gesture, looking at me with those puppy eyes. It won't affect me.

"Then I'll go with you," I say strictly. How can I let her wander Manhattan alone? It's one of the most crowded cities in the world. Our parents are going to kill me if they find out. They wanted us to have driver/bodyguards just a year ago, and I just barely convinced them that it was unnecessary.

"You can't; you have your rehabilitation sessions," she reminds me.

I open my mouth to argue but then close it again. My coach told me those sessions are crucial, especially at the beginning of the healing process.

"It's going to take only a few days! A week max!" Di keeps insisting. "I'll stay at Plaza, and I won't leave Manhattan."

"And you'll take Gunther with you," I say, talking about our driver. Before she can argue, I add, "That's non-negotiable."

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Di starts jumping across the room again, running to hug Mia. "I'm going to New York! I'll be the next Anne Hathaway!"

"Of course you will!" Mia responds with excitement no less than my sister’s. It's only then I realize that we will be staying in the same house—alone—while Diana is in the Big Apple.

"Wait," Diana says thoughtfully, looking at me again. "Who's going to drive you to your sessions then if both Gunther and I are gone?"

And before I can respond, my sister turns to her best friend with a questioning expression.

"Of course, I don't mind," Mia says, almost in despair. Of course, she's too kind and empathetic to refuse.

"I can drive myself," I say, looking at them.

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