Relatively Famous by Jessica Park

jumped the rest of the way, whooping with delight. The French doors opened onto the deck that was surrounded by a stone wall, encasing the outdoor paradise. The hot tub bubbled happily, beckoning her to get in, but Dani was too fired up to sit right now. Maybe she’d use the outdoor shower? How much fun would it be to shower surrounded by leafy foliage and pungent flowers? The patio was fill ed with potted plants , and the tropical atmosphere was positively intoxicating. The view was really unbelievable and she adm ired house after house nestling the Hollywood Hills.
    Dani lay down on one of the cushioned lounge chairs and noticed a number of small remote controls. What were these for? She hit the power button on one and nearly fainted when an awning began to appear above her, shading her from the strong sun. Very cool. After a little experimenting, she determined the other remotes controlled the hot tub, the outdoor sound system, and the lights.
    “Dani?” Mark stepped onto the deck. “You doing okay out here? I wanted to make sure the housekeeper remembered to leave you enough towels. The bathroom is stocked with shampoo, soaps, weird skin polishers, and all that stuff you girls like. Do you need anything else?”
    “I can’t think of anything else I could possibly need. Do you want to sit down?” She gestured to some chairs and sat down.
    Mark sprawled out on a lounge chair, put on his sunglasses, and handed her one of the bottles of water that had an unpronounceable name. “Tomorrow we’ll go shopping for whatever you want. I know some really great stores. Listen, we have to do a stupid interview with Celebrity City tomorrow, too. I’m sorry about that. Hopefully the press will get their story and leave us alone. I promise it will be quick. The show is sending someone here in the afternoon , and we’ll give them what they want and then kick them out. Sound manageable? Is it too much for you? Say the word , and I’ll cancel it.”
    Dani was slightly nauseated at the thought of being on television, but she supposed Mark was right. There was no way to avoid dealing with the press , and her father was certainly more of an expert in this arena than she was. Besides, Sam was nuts about Celebrity City , and she would throw a fit if she ever found out Dani refused do the show. “Yeah, I can do that.”
    “And I’ll get you signed up at Waves tomorrow, too. You’ll like it there.”
    “Waves?” Dani asked.
    “That’s the Malibu beach club I belong to. I’ll just add your name to my membership , and you can charge whatever you want. I called a producer I know, Evan, who belongs there. His daughter Kayla is also fifteen , and I thought maybe the two of you could hang out together. She can give you the lay of the land better than I can. How about the day after tomorrow?”
    “That’s nice of you. Thanks, Mark.”
    “Sure thing. Hey, don’t forget to call your mother and let her know you’re alive.”
    “You’re right. I did promise her I’d stay in touch. Practically every hour,” Dani said, rolling her eyes. “Is there a phone upstairs? Or a computer? I could just email her.”
    “You have a new computer in your room. Didn’t you see it? But you can use your phone or whatever.”
    “Um…I don’t actually have any of those things, but the computer will be great.”
    Mark sat bolt upright in his chair and pulled his sunglasses off. “You don’t even have a cell phone?” he asked, looking dumbstruck. Dani shook her head. “How are you supposed to know what your friends are doing? Good God. Consider it done. We’ll hook you up tomorrow. And, do you need a tan or what? I’ll have someone come to the house to spray you.” Mark checked his watch. “Dammit. Look, I have a date tonight. You’ll be fine by yourself, right? The fridge is packed , or I could order you take-out. I have to leave soon, so I better get going. You good?”
    “Yup, I’m all good.” Dani said, feeling some disappointment.