Olivia smiled and wrote, ‘Be true to yourself,’ below her signature.
She and Jackson started signing autographs together and talking to the fans who had waited so long to see them.
Suddenly, the crowd went silent. Jessica had appeared at the exit. Someone booed and then the rest of the crowd joined in.
‘Whatever!’ Jessica declared and waved her hand dismissively. She clicked away and ducked into the back of a limo.
Olivia couldn’t help feeling relieved to see the back of Jessica.
‘I hope that’s the last we see of her,’ Ivy said, linking her arm through Olivia’s.
With her sister on one side and her boyfriend on the other – and crowds screaming her name – Olivia couldn’t keep the grin off her face. She twirled round on the spot, taking it all in. Remembering the poses that Spencer had taught her, she allowed the photographers to snap her with her new hairstyle.
Everything was going to work out. She could just feel it. With Ivy encouraging her and Jackson on her arm, Olivia knew she could do more and more as an actress. It wasn’t just about the dresses or the hype, the crowds of fans or the glamorous hotels. It was about being true to herself.
I did it. I really did it, she thought.
‘Happy?’ Jackson asked, as she rested her head on his shoulder.
‘I couldn’t be happier,’ she murmured. ‘I’m with you, aren’t I?’
Jackson leaned over and kissed the tip of her nose. The crowd exploded into cheers and applause. Jackson brought one arm around Olivia’s waist and dipped at the knees to scoop his other arm beneath her legs. Before she knew it, he’d picked her up and was swirling her around and around. She threw her arms around his neck and burst out laughing. She could see the blurry outlines of Ivy, her dad and Lillian all grinning as they watched.
‘This is the best moment of my life!’ she cried. And she knew this was only the beginning.