‘Can I do this?’ she said to herself.
She had two choices: stay and face the booing crowds, or go back home and live quietly, without all the pressure.
She took Amy’s make-up remover and started wiping away her ruined eye shadow. As she worked, she remembered what it felt like when Harker had first chosen her for Eternal Sunset. It was the best feeling. And getting interviewed by Chuck was one of the highlights of her year. Singing ‘Wacky Walrus’ with Ivy in that studio felt like she’d come home.
But every time she saw Jessica with Jackson, it felt miserable. The premiere when she couldn’t walk in with Jackson, and being spied on by paparazzi – all of those things were less than perfect.
‘It’s just not worth it,’ Olivia said out loud.
It didn’t matter whether or not the world knew about her relationship. She understood what she and Jackson were all about. She could go back home to Franklin Grove and be happy. She had cheerleading; she had her friends and she still had the best boyfriend in the world.
‘I’m lucky, really,’ she murmured. She could feel determination rising up inside her. Why should she run away like a coward when she knew she had so many things to be proud of?
‘One last night,’ she decided. She wasn’t going to walk out on her role at the awards – she had commitments. She’d do what she had to, show a brave face – and then leave it all behind without any regrets.
No vampire diva actress was going to scare her away. Olivia might not have to file her fangs, but she could put up a fight any vampire would be proud of.
She inspected the make-up scattered across the counter, then picked out Amy’s mascara like it was a weapon.
‘Now or never,’ she told herself, leaning towards the mirror and reapplying her make-up. ‘No one puts Olivia in the corner.’
It was time to show the world what she was made of.
‘Where is my daughter?’
Ivy heard her dad’s grave voice booming across the vast backstage area. He was berating some poor technician, with Lillian trying to talk him down, so Ivy hurried over.
‘Dad!’ she called. ‘She’s over here.’
‘There is no way my daughter will be treated like this by anyone,’ Mr Vega declared as he pushed his way through a troupe of dancers.
‘She’s OK, really, Dad,’ Ivy said. ‘Come on. I’ll take you to her.’
When they got to the dressing room, Olivia had fixed her make-up and taken her hair down. The style was a bit tousled, but Olivia could definitely pull off the casual-chic look.
‘What a transformation!’ Ivy said.
‘Don’t sound so surprised,’ Olivia said, laughing and hugging Mr Vega. ‘I’m ready to get back out there and smile.’
‘Well done,’ Mr Vega replied. ‘Good for you.’
‘Are you sure you’re OK?’ Lillian asked. ‘That must have been awful.’
Olivia nodded. ‘It was, but I’m over it now.’
‘You know,’ Lillian went on, ‘Jessica is not representative of the whole of the film industry. There are good people here, too.’
‘I know that’s true,’ Mr Vega said, looking right at Lillian, who immediately blushed.
Ivy gave Olivia a pointed look. If that wasn’t proof of something going on between the two of them, what more did Olivia need?
Mr Vega cleared his throat. ‘Uh, girls, I have something to tell you.’
‘Oh, please!’ Ivy interrupted. ‘I’ve seen this romance coming from a mile off.’
‘You have?’ Lillian asked.
‘The dinners, the blushing,’ Ivy replied. ‘I’m really happy for you both.’
Mr Vega looked at Olivia. ‘I know there’s a lot on your plate at the minute, but –’
‘But nothing,’ Olivia said. ‘I’m delighted.’ She gave Lillian a big hug. ‘If I hadn’t been so wrapped up in myself these past few days, I would have seen it coming, too.’
‘You’ve had a lot to take in,’ Mr Vega said.
‘But this is the end,’ Olivia said. ‘I’m not interested in all the craziness. After tonight, I’m going back to Franklin Grove, just little old me.’
‘No way!’ Ivy said. ‘You’re not giving up on your dream!’
‘But in my dream, it’s fun and happy and nice,’ Olivia said. ‘All this other stuff just isn’t me.’
Ivy frowned. Jessica was getting just what she wanted – her new competition was giving up. ‘Ignore Jessica. What about the nomination? Regardless of Jackson, people liked you enough to think you were one of the top five Brightest New Stars.’
Olivia paused. ‘Yes, but . . .’
‘Just wait and see,’ Ivy insisted. ‘Don’t make your final decision yet.’
Lillian put a hand on Olivia’s arm. ‘You’re a born actress, Olivia. You should at least wait and see how the award goes. Take it from me – I know talent when I see it.’
‘It might be a tough audience,’ Mr Vega said, ‘but only leave if you want to, Olivia. Don’t let anyone else make that decision for you.’
‘Olivia Abbott?’ called a stage manager. ‘We need you now. Jackson’s waiting.’
Olivia looked around from Ivy, to Lillian, to Mr Vega. ‘We’ll just have to see.’
Ivy just knew that her sister would charm them all, if she could get out there and talk to everyone. Ivy hoped with all her heart that Olivia would win the award.