What is Jackson talking about? Olivia wanted to know. When they reached the main entrance, Jackson gave her a wink and dropped her hand. He grabbed a megaphone from one of the security guards and hopped up on one of the wide pillars.
‘Hello, Franklin Grove!’
The response from the crowd was a mix of squeals, cameras flashing and returned hellos. The movie’s crew and other extras were gathering around as well. Something big was about to happen.
‘What’s going on?’ Camilla asked.
Olivia could only shrug and continue to stare up at the world-famous movie star who wanted her to do something that involved a loudspeaker announcement to an entire crowd of his fans.
‘If you haven’t heard, I’m filming a romantic comedy.’
More shrieking and Olivia saw one girl faint.
‘But now I’m missing a leading lady.’
Olivia’s tummy did a basket-toss.
‘Which means I have to make a very, very special announcement.’
The entire crowd held its breath.
‘We had a big meeting last night and decided that the best way to cast a new leading lady is . . .’ Jackson gazed around at the upturned faces, grinning. He was making the most of this. Then he shouted into the microphone: ‘To find one right here in Franklin Grove!’
Chapter Seven
Once the cheering had quietened, Jackson went on, ‘Filming has to start again soon, so the director will be choosing someone quickly. Anyone interested in auditioning should go to the reception trailer just inside the set. We’re also making announcements on local radio and counting on you to spread the word to your friends.’
Olivia clapped along with everyone else as he hopped down. The movie hadn’t collapsed and Jackson wasn’t going to leave! The security guards pulled open the barriers, and a steady stream of girls and a few older women hurried in towards the trailer, casting backwards glances in Jackson’s direction.
‘I hope you’ll try out, Olivia,’ Jackson said, back at her side again. ‘But even if you don’t, at least I’ll get to stay in town for a little longer.’
Olivia hoped that he wanted to stay because he wanted to spend more time with her.
Amy Teller strode up, with her cell phone superglued to her ear. ‘That’s right,’ she was saying. ‘His name needs to be bigger on the poster – no, bigger than that.’ She put her hand over the mouth piece. ‘This is going to be great publicity,’ she said to Jackson. ‘I’ve already called Inside Hollywood; they’re sending a camera crew straight away.’
She motioned for Jackson to follow her.
‘See you on set,’ Jackson said to Olivia with a little wave.
When he was gone, Camilla pretended to faint into Olivia’s arms. ‘He’s staying! And he wants you to audition.’
‘He was just saying that to be nice.’ Olivia forced herself to be sensible. ‘He wanted every girl here to audition to have the best chance of finding the right one.’
Camilla shook her head. ‘There’s enough chemistry between you to fill a text book.’
Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘Anyway – it would be ace to get to star in a movie. Are you going to audition?’
Camilla snorted. ‘Not a chance. The only way I’ll ever be in a movie is inside some green tentacle monster costume.’
Sophia shook her head. ‘I’d rather be behind the camera.’
‘I’m not exactly what they’re looking for,’ Ivy dead-panned.
Is Ivy looking a little . . . anxious? Olivia wondered. She couldn’t figure out why that would be. Maybe she was still worried about what had happened on set yesterday.
Olivia had already made up her mind about auditioning. ‘I’m going to.’
The little group whooped and cheered as she did a double clap, like at the beginning of a cheer, and stepped towards the reception trailer. This is it. Hollywood, here I come.