In the Club (24 page)

“Places!” The director’s voice boomed across the set.

“Well,” Park said, staring at Madison and Lex. “I guess this is it. I guess you guys have to leave to catch your flight to Italy, right? It’s going to be a long six weeks without you.” She cleared her throat, fighting back tears.

Madison and Lex exchanged a furtive glance.

“Actually, we’re not,” Madison said. “That’s a little surprise. We’re not going.”

“What?” Park nearly screamed.

“Mom is on her way here,” Lex explained. “She said she couldn’t imagine not being here to see you make your first movie.”

“Oh!” For the first time in a long time, Park lost control of her emotions. Her face lit up happily. “I can’t believe it! This makes me feel
so
much better!” She launched into her sisters’ arms and held the embrace.

It really did feel good to
finally
have a quiet moment together, to know that everything was okay.

After a long, deep breath, Park turned and ran across the set, taking her place in front of the camera.

“Hey.” Theo waved his hand to get their attention. “Anybody want an espresso?”

“Two, please,” Madison replied.

Theo nodded and jogged over to one of the production assistants.

“I think it’s going to be a good summer,” Madison said confidently.

“Yeah, me too.” Lex looked at Madison. “But I thought you were going to tell Park the
other
big news. Why didn’t you say anything?”

Madison shrugged as the cameras started rolling. “We’ll tell her about it later. She’s too busy right now. Besides, there’s only so much news a girl can take.”

“I guess you’re right.” Lex slipped on her sunglasses. Then she bent her head to one side and listened as a police siren blared in the distance. “Sounds like they’re playing our song a few streets over,” she said with a chuckle.

Madison winked at her sister. “Proof that New York is our town.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Talk about being lucky: I get to write about cool characters, hot clubs, and all the adventures that fall in between. But I don’t do it alone, and that’s what really makes me lucky.

My editor, Krista Marino, is smarter, classier, and cooler than any character I could have imagined. She is a gift and a guiding light. Two words sum her up:
the best.

Michael Bourret has the difficult job of putting up with me, and he does this with enthusiasm, professionalism, and warmth. I am ever grateful for his support…and for his uncanny ability to respond to e-mails within seconds.

Beverly Horowitz and the excellent team at Delacorte Press make it all possible, and I am both honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful and vibrant literary community.

Angela Carlino has amazing creative vision and instinct, and so much good cheer. It is always a joy to work with her.

Noreen Marchisi does a masterful job of rousing the crowds and getting the word out. She is every celebutante’s dream publicist. (And mine too!)

I am fortunate to have such an extraordinary family and circle of friends. Bless you, one and all.

Antonio Pagliarulo
was born and raised in New York City. After the publication of
The Celebutantes: On the Avenue,
he acquired his first Dolce & Gabbana suit (along with several Zegna shirts), and gave up window-shopping. When not writing, he’s usually lunching in midtown Manhattan. You’ll never spot him without a book.

Don’t miss Madison, Park, and

Lexington Hamilton in…

TO THE PENTHOUSE

the Celebutantes

coming in fall 2008

A
LSO BY
A
NTONIO
P
AGLIARULO

A Different Kind of Heat

The Celebutantes: On the Avenue

Published by Delacorte Press an imprint of Random House Children’s Books a division of Random House, Inc. New York

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Text copyright © 2008 by Antonio Pagliarulo
Crest illustration copyright © 2008 by Christopher Sleboda

All rights reserved.

DELACORTE PRESS
and colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

www.randomhouse.com/teens

Educators and librarians, for a variety of teaching tools, visit us at
www.randomhouse.com/teachers

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Pagliarulo, Antonio.
The celebutantes: in the club / Antonio Pagliarulo.
p.                            cm.

Summary: Wealthy triplets Madison, Park, and Lexington Hamilton are shocked when one of their classmates at St. Cecilia’s Prep is killed during the opening of their father’s newest nightclub, but even after they narrow down the suspects to the members of a secret campus role-playing club, the murderer is not obvious.
[1. Murder—Fiction. 2. Wealth—Fiction. 3. Triplets—Fiction. 4. Sisters—Fiction. 5. Role-playing—Fiction. 6. Catholic schools—Fiction. 7. Schools—Fiction. 8. New York (N.Y.)—Fiction. 9. Mystery and detective stories.] I. Title.
PZ7.P148Cd 2008
[Fic]—dc22
2007007931

eISBN: 978-0-375-84654-0

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