"No way!" exclaimed Clover, sitting up intently on the comfy cushioned seat inside the local dress boutique at the Groove. "You're now dating Jed Slavin, that hunkalicious Formula 1 driver from Texas?!"
"I know, rad right?" came Daphne's somewhat dreamy-sounding voice from behind the changing curtain as she tried on the beautiful red dress that she had spotted in the shop window. "I mean, he's so good-looking and surprisingly gentle with kids. He'd make an awesome dad for Trevor. That kid could do with a fun-loving and cool parent who he could just hang out with."
"Sound's great," replied Clover, "Though you're pretty fun-loving and cool yourself, Daph, and you've done a sweet job raising Trev on your own. He's in no way unpleasant and annoying compared to how Normy used to be."
"Yeah, well I wasn't going to make the same mistakes that Mum and Aunt Raquel made with cousin Norman and let my kid grow up all mean and spoilt rotten!" remarked Daphne. "I gotta admit, I'm really pleased with how Trevor's turned out. He's always trying to act friendly at school and be as helpful as possible to his classmates and teachers. I have to confess, it has been difficult at times being a good parent to Trevor on top of being a fashion model. I'm actually a bit envious of you in that regard, Clove. Your life must be way easier to handle than mine can be. "
"Oh Daph, if only you knew how wrong you are," thought Clover with a meaningful smile.
Daphne suddenly pulled back the curtain and showed off the stunning red silk Midi dress she was now wearing to Clover. "So, whatcha think?"
Clover smiled. "About your new boyfriend, how you've raised Trevor or that way cool dress? Cause the answer I'd give to all three questions is totally awesome!"
Daphne squealed in delight and quickly went to the counter to pay for the fab dress.
"Oh pardon me, Ms Starr, but can I please have your autograph?" asked the shop assistant behind the counter as Daphne completed her purchase. "It's for my little girl back home. She's a simply huge fan of yours."
"Sure thing," sighed Daphne with a weary smile. She pulled out an autograph book from her purse, signed her name and handed the sheet of paper to the delighted shop assistant. She was used to being asked for autographs as it happened to her at least ten times a week, which was why she had a notebook and pen ready on her person.
"Talking of families, Clove," Daphne continued as she put the receipt in her bag, "have you noticed anything weird going on with Mum lately?"
Clover raised an eyebrow as they exited the shop and walked down the now near-empty mall. "Weird? In what way?"
"Well ever since that time when she went to visit you at your old beach house, I can't help but notice that she's been hanging out quite a lot with your friends' mums. I didn't think much of it at the time, but from what I've heard since, they've apparently taken up rock climbing and martial arts classes in their spare time. Can you believe that! Mum used to be way over-protective and over-cautious, but during the last couple of years, it's like she's had a near-complete personality transplant! I tried asking Dad about it, but he keeps dodging the topic, saying that she's just trying out some new hobbies."
YOU ARE READING
Kidnappers Incorporated
AdventureClover is absolutely elated when her super-famous sister, Daphne, comes to visit, but things quickly go downhill when they both end up caught in the middle of a dastardly kidnap caper. Can Sam and Alex rescue their best friend and her sister in time...