Bryony Bell's Star Turn Read Free Page B

said Trish. ‘Now, here’s what’s gonna happen,’ she went on, in a business-like voice. ‘The show’ll be filmed at half-past seven every morning. Live action’ll be interspersed with highlights of key events from the day before, plus outside-broadcast specials.’ She gave each Bell a piercing stare. ‘Questions?’
    Angelina raised a nervous hand. ‘Did you say “half-past seven every morning”?’ she repeated, aghast.
    â€˜Sure!’ Trish answered brightly. ‘Yeah, I know, it’s kinda early and I
had
hoped for tea time, but that’s what the bosses want. “Revolutionise the nation’s breakfast time, Trish”, they told me.’ She took out a digital camera. ‘And that,’ she went on, aiming it at the Bells, ‘is exactly what I intend to do. Now – publicity photos!’
    The little ’uns, who had spent the previous week choosing make-up and clothes and thinking about their images, immediately cheered up and struck a variety of poses. Angelina had gone for a moody and mysterious look and did some magnificent close-up pouts through her braids. Melody and Melissa had dressed identically, with the same spiky gel-glistened hairstyle, in a bid to confuse the viewers. Emmy-Louhad so many lacy petticoats on she looked like a tiny tap-dancing powder puff, and Little Bob, resplendent in Bob the Builder T-shirt, shorts, safety helmet and yellow plastic hammer, gave charming, if toothless, smiles to the camera as he fixed everything in sight.
    But when it was Bryony’s turn to be photographed, everyone else faded into insignificance.
    â€˜
Awe
some, Bryony!’ Trish gasped as Bryony glided across the carpet and did three spins and a triple jump. ‘Your skating’s gonna give the show such a
lift
!’
    Bryony beamed happily and assured Trish that if it was a ‘lift’ she was wanting, she’d come to the right place.
    â€˜You see what a talented family I have,’ Clarissa said proudly. ‘Now – how about a cup of tea?’ And she led Trish into the kitchen.
    The moment Trish stepped inside the room, she lost all powers of speech. Open-mouthed, she gazed at the enormous Stars and Stripes flag. Letting out a low whistle, she took in the publicity posters. And when she saw the stuffed bear’s head with its rhinestone-studded Stetson, her joy knew no bounds.
    â€˜What a wicked kitchen!’ she breathed at last. ‘A photo opportunity to end all photo opportunities!’
    She scribbled on her clipboard like a thing possessed, then beamed at the Bells. ‘This location,’ she told them ecstatically, ‘is the inspiration I needed.’
    â€˜I see it all now,’ she went on dreamily. ‘We call the show Breakfast with the Bells and we open with speeded-up shots of each of you bursting through the kitchen door. There’ll be a bit of chat, live from the breakfast table, then we’ll cut to recorded highlights and Star Interviews, then back for more chat.’ She flung her arms round Clarissa’s neck, gave her two large kisses, and sighed. ‘It’ll be something else!’
    â€˜The breakfast show with
style
,’ Clarissa agreed, then suddenly drew herself up to her full height. ‘I believe,’ she said importantly, ‘inspiration has also struck
me
. If you will excuse us, Trish, we’ll leave you in Bryony’s capable hands to have that cup of tea.’
    She motioned towards the door and waited as the little ’uns obediently formed a line. ‘Off to the music studio,
Broadway Belles
!’ she announced. ‘I feel a Big Number coming onthat’ll put a bang into the nation’s snap, crackle and pop!’

Chapter Four
    Trish had decided that the first Breakfast with the Bells screen test should take place on Saturday, so that school didn’t interfere with the action.
    So, bright and early that morning, the