He tapped the page of the book open in his hands. ‘Reading. That’s what people do in a library.’
‘I need your help with something.’
‘Why do you think I would help y–’
‘SHHHHHHHHHH!’
Mr Grindle was at the end of the row again, with a thunderous expression. I pointed accusingly at Cal, who narrowed his eyes at me. I waited until Mr Grindle went back to his desk.
‘Can we go somewhere where we can talk? Please? It’s important.’
Cal sighed before reluctantly shutting the book. ‘Fine.’
‘A History of London and its Buildings,’ I read aloud from the book’s cover as we walked towards the front desk. ‘Well, that sounds like the most boring book of all time. Is it by that Nicholas Huntley writer you’re creepily obsessed with?’
‘No. His book is about tanks.’
‘Oh yeah. That other really interesting topic. Why would you bother reading a book about London’s buildings? Why don’t you just go around and look at them?’
‘Because it’s interesting to learn about their history and architectural detail,’ Cal huffed, filling in a form for Mr Grindle, who was still staring at me dubiously. ‘The Royale is mentioned in this, you know.’
‘Why?’
‘Because the hotel is an important historical building with incredibly intricate architecture,’ Cal explained, looking at me as though I was mad.
‘Well, duh, you can see that just by standing in the lobby with all its gold archways and the paintings and stuff. You don’t need to waste your time reading that old thing.’
Going out of the library, I saw a particularly giggly Ella and Olly talking to each other nearby. Before they could see us, I quickly grabbed Cal’s arm and pulled him sideways into the nearest doorway, which turned out to be a cleaning cupboard.
‘Why are we in here?’ he asked, accidentally kicking over a mop as I squeezed in next to him.
‘Because we can get some privacy.’ I shrugged, trying to act as though this was all planned.
‘Sure.’ He sighed. ‘And it has nothing to do with you not wanting your friends to see you with me?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
‘Why don’t you just tell me why you need my help so we can get this over with?’
‘I’m here to offer you a proposition. You need a topic for your stupid journalism competition thing, right? What if I told you I had the best topic, which would guarantee you winning the top prize? Even better than Prince Gustav.’
Cal snorted. ‘I’d be very surprised.’
‘Trust me, you’ll want to hear me out,’ I insisted.
‘Go on, then.’
I took a deep breath. ‘An exclusive interview with the biggest pop star in the whole world, Skylar Chase.’
He looked impressed. ‘You’re serious?’
‘Yes.’ I nodded. ‘There’s no way anyone else in your stupid competition is going to get access to that kind of public figure, is there?’
‘And Skylar Chase told you she would let me interview her?’ he asked, looking doubtful.
‘I haven’t asked her yet, but we’re friends,’ I added hurriedly when he raised his eyebrows, ‘she’ll say yes, I’m sure of it.’
‘OK, so what’s the catch?’
