‘I wanted to say that before Jessica came back, Philippe had decided to choose you.’
Olivia let out a squeal. ‘Really?’
Jackson laughed. ‘Really.’
Even though it would never happen now, it was super-exciting to know that a Hollywood director thought she had the potential to be a movie star.
‘And since Philippe has decided that he “discovered” you –’ Jackson put on a silly French accent when he said ‘discovered’ – ‘he’s ordered the writers to create a new part.’
Olivia couldn’t believe it.
‘Since Chase only sees Mia in his imagination until the last Franklin Grove, Philippe decided that he’s going to make this Franklin Grove the second to last one, and Chase is going to be tempted to stay by another girl . . . you.’
‘Me?’ Olivia squeaked.
Jackson moved forward when he replied, ‘That won’t be too hard for me to act.’
Olivia held her breath. Did he just say that? she thought.
‘It’s only a small part, but I know you’ll be great in it.’ Jackson held up a folder full of papers. ‘I’ve brought some forms that your parents have to read and sign, if they’re happy for you to do it.’
Olivia took the papers. ‘Thank you so much. I know that none of this would have happened if it weren’t for you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ Jackson replied. ‘But you’re the one who did it.’
Just then, Olivia heard a clunk against the window and saw the curtain inside being closed hurriedly.
‘I think I better ask you to come in,’ Olivia said, realising for the first time that she wasn’t even wearing a coat.
‘I’d love that.’ Jackson smiled and she realised why she didn’t need one.
‘Oh, there’s just one last thing,’ Jackson said. ‘The new character is a goth, so you might want to get some tips from that twin of yours.’ He winked.
Olivia grinned. ‘Took you long enough.’
Ivy was only a little embarrassed about being caught watching Olivia and Jackson. When they walked into the living room together, they looked so right together that she wished she’d never tried to keep them apart.
Olivia looked like she was going to burst with some news.
‘I got a part in the movie!’ she announced.
‘Yay!’ Ivy cheered. Mrs Abbott clapped and Mr Vega looked like he knew it was going to happen all along.
As Jackson introduced himself and explained to her parents about Olivia’s part and that she would only miss two days of school, Ivy went over to Olivia and whispered, ‘Did he ask you out again?’
‘No, it was all very professional.’
‘Not all of it,’ Ivy hissed back. ‘I saw the way he was looking at you!’
‘Can I get you a drink, Jackson?’ Mrs Abbott said.
‘No, thank you, but do any of those delicious-looking snacks have meat in them?’ he replied.
‘We’re vegetarians,’ Mrs Abbott explained.
‘Excellent!’ Jackson said. ‘Me too.’
Ivy smacked her hand to her forehead. Typical. Only she would mistake a vegetarian for a vampire.