‘So, then.’ She folded her arms triumphantly. ‘Why?’
I hesitated. ‘Long story short, I got in a bit of trouble recently so Mum grounded me and is making me help out around the hotel.’
‘If you’re grounded, doesn’t that mean you can’t leave your house?’ she asked, with furrowed eyebrows.
‘Right. I’m stuck here.’
‘Wait a second.’ She looked at me in disbelief. ‘Youlivehere?’
I nodded.
‘In the hotel? In Hotel Royale?’
‘I know, it’s weird.’
‘Weird?’ Her expression broke into a wide grin. ‘It’s SO COOL!’
‘I guess it has its moments.’
‘You must order room service the whole time. I would.’
‘Mum doesn’t let me,’ I admitted, pleased to have someone else on my wavelength. ‘She likes to keep everything as normal as possible. Our flat has a kitchen and everything, so I’m not allowed to use any of the hotel perks.’
‘You have a flat in the hotel?’
‘Yeah, it takes up most of the fifteenth floor.’
She shook her head in amazement. ‘So, being grounded in your terms means you get to hang out in the most amazing hotel in the city?’
‘That’s one way of looking at it.’ I shrugged. ‘But it’s just home to me.’
‘And part of your punishment is helping out? Doesn’t sound like much of a punishment. Must be cool to see how it all works.’
‘Wait until you see the number of forks there are.’ I sighed. ‘Your turn.’
‘My turn what?’ she asked, baffled.
‘I told you why I did the evil cackle, now you tell me why you’re on your own hiding out in a piano room when you’ve only just arrived in London.’
It was her turn to sigh. ‘Sometimes all the photographers, and the fans, and being told exactly where to be and when, with no time to myself . . . I just haven’t stopped.’ She bit her lip. ‘Sounds selfish, doesn’t it?’
I shook my head. ‘Not really. I can see why sometimes you’d want to sneak away and have a breather from it all.’
‘Right.’ She nodded slowly. ‘I could have just played the piano in my room, I guess, but I didn’t want to kick my team out when they’re so busy sorting the schedule. I needed a bit of space and your mom mentioned you had a piano room so I thought I’d sneak out for a bit. Playing the piano is very calming. I feel much better now.’
‘Then you should sneak out more often.’
She smiled and then held out her hand. ‘I’m Sky, by the way.’
‘I know. And it’s Flick, rather than Felicity,’ I said, stepping forwards to shake it.
‘It’s really nice to meet you. Hey, do you –’
Suddenly the main door swung open and my mum marched in, followed closely by Audrey and a worried-looking Timothy.
‘Flick, I can’t believe . . . Oh.’ Mum came to a halt when she saw who I was talking to. ‘Miss Chase.’
‘Hi, Christine.’ Skylar gave her a cheery wave.
