Page 60 of Becoming Cinderella

I can only imagine what we look like right now with our wigs, and Penn and Jared’s semi-costumes. I feel ridiculous, but can’t stop laughing. I’m grateful for Penn and Jared, not only for coming with me, but for helping distract me from the current catastrophe my life has seemed to become.

“Okay, she’s distracted,” Jared whispers, even though we’re not at risk of being overheard by Coach B anymore. “Let’s move.” He says into an invisible walkie talkie as he makes some signals with his hands like he’s some secret spy.

We run like we’re burglars in the night until we reach Jared’s car. Penn practically dives into the back seat as I throw open the front passenger door.

I can’t stop my legs from bouncing as Jared pulls out of the parking lot.

“Man, that was close. Wait, what are you doing?” Penn pokes her head between the front seats. “You need to take Timpview Drive then over to Canyon Road. It’s faster!”

“Instead of University Avenue?” Jared glances over his shoulder as he switches lanes. “No, it’s not.”

“Are you kidding me? Yes, it is. There is less traffic and not as many stop lights that way.”

“University has a faster speed limit.”

I bite my thumbnail as Jared turns onto University Avenue. They’re playfully bickering, which is honestly adorable, but whatever road gets me there faster, is the road I need them to take.

“I’m driving next time,” Penn folds her arms over her chest as she sits back in her seat.

This makes Jared smile at her in the rearview mirror. “Okay, next time we have to rush Carter to her celebrity boyfriend, you can drive.”

Any other time I would be glowing from the inside out at how sweetly playful they’re being, but right now I’m too busy trying to will myself not to throw up to focus too much.

“Hey, deep breaths.” Penn leans forward again, placing her hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be okay.”

We drive in silence for several blocks. My heart is pounding against my chest as I try to think of what I’m going to say when I see Liam.

“Penn!” Jared slams on his breaks as we pass a cop car. “You’re supposed to be on the lookout.”

We all hold our breath as we watch the cop car pass us, praying it doesn’t turn around.

“Was I? Hmm, well sorry, I’m trying to console my best friend.” Penn sounds unbothered once we realize we’re not about to be pulled over.

“I think I’m going to be sick.” I rest my head against the window, trying to let the chill from the glass relieve my anxiety induced nausea.

“See Jared, your driving is making her sick. I knew I should have driven.” Penn playfully whacks his shoulder. Jared reaches up and grabs her hand before she can withdraw it, giving it a tight squeeze.

Ten long minutes later we pull into the hotel parking lot full of reporters and paparazzi. One look at all the camera’s and I’m glad Penn convinced me to put on a disguise. There are even some teenage fans in the lot, despite the school day still going on.

As soon as Jared puts the car in park the three of us tumble out of it and bound towards the lobby.

“You’ve been here before, right? Do you know what room he’s in?” Penn asks as we duck our heads to hide from a group of the photographers.

“No clue. We only met in the gym down the hall the couple of times I’ve been here.”

We take a side door into the lobby to further avoid any photographers and possible security.

We stop when we come across a guard who is stationed at the side door, making sure fans don’t sneak in.

“We’re checking in.” Jared says as I try to use my blonde wig as a curtain to block the guards view from me. I don’t recognize him, but with my face over the tabloids today because of Liam, I’m positive they’d recognize me.

The guard lifts an eyebrow, not believing that three high schoolers are checking into a hotel.

I have to fight to not chew on my bottom lip with my nerves, to try to act like I’m supposed to be here.

“It’s true, my dad is a businessman who comes to work up at Sundance, but we stay down here because my cousins-” she points to Jared and I “-live here. My dad won’t be here until six and we called ahead and the guy on the phone said I can still check in without him.”

I’m amazed by how quick Penn can think on her feet. I guess all the improv workshops in her drama class have paid off.

---