Maeve on the Red Carpet by Annie Bryant Page A

neighborhoods. The streets were all one-way and really tiny, running up and down a hill that overlooked the Boston Public Garden. Smack in the middle of Beacon Hill was the State House. I thought Massachusetts had the most beautiful state house ever, even thoughI’d only seen the state houses in Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida (Orlando is a total must-see). But what I liked best about the Massachusetts state house was the gold pine cone on the top of the dome. Ms. Rodriguez told us that the pine cone symbolized the importance of the lumber industry to the early New England economy.
    “Look, Mom, there’s Louisberg Square. That’s us.”
    Mom turned right on a narrow street lined on both sides with brick townhouses. I instantly felt like I was back in time, or in an old movie—like
My Fair Lady
with Audrey Hepburn (even though it was supposed to be in London, I think).
    “Number 7 Louisberg Square. Here we are,” Mom said and whistled. “Your father was right. This place really is something.”
    I just gulped. Maddie’s house was a huge brick mansion on the corner, probably the biggest house on the street. It was surrounded by a tall iron gate covered with ivy. Mom pressed the button on a little box on one of the tall posts in front.
    “Name?” said a man’s voice.
    “Carol Kaplan. I’m Maeve Kaplan-Taylor’s mom. We’re here to see—”
    BZZZZZZ!
    The gates split and slowly opened up to a crescentshaped driveway. “Whoa. Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” I breathed.
    We pulled up to the front door and I felt myself shaking as I gathered my things.
    “Don’t be nervous, sweetie. I’m sure the Von Krupcakes are just like us … only …”
    “Richer?” I offered.
    “Now, Maeve, that’s not very polite,” Mom reminded me. “You know better than to judge people by how much money they have.”
    I’d heard that whole “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” speech like a million times before.
    “It’s not a bad thing, Mom,” I assured her. “I think Maddie’s … fabulous. Ta-ta!” I quickly kissed Mom on the cheek and got out of the station wagon. I really wanted Mom to drive away quickly before Maddie noticed that the car that took me here was definitely not a stretch limo with a chauffeur.
    I rang the doorbell and in about ten seconds the door opened. “You must be Maeve,” said a gorgeous Orlando Bloom look-alike in a suit. “We’ve been expecting you.”
    And you must be my future prince
, I thought, feeling myself blush a little. Thank goodness “Yes, I’m Maeve,” was about the only thing I could squeak out.
    “Pleased to meet you, Maeve. My name is Kenneth. I’m Mr. Von Krupcake’s personal assistant,” he said in a British accent. “If there is any way I may be of service to you during your stay, do let me know.”
    “What does a personal assistant do? Is that like a butler?” I asked.
Way to be a total ditz, Maeve. Butler? Oh no …
    But Kenneth just smiled kindly and explained, “Something like that. I run Mr. Von Krupcake’s household and arrange some of his business affairs.”
    I nodded. It was probably better for me to just smile and stop talking. Kenneth was too dreamy—Maddie had to be the luckiest girl ever. Still, I couldn’t imagine asking him to do anything for me. It just seemed so weird! “Thanks, Kenneth,” I managed to say.
    “Miss Madeline is upstairs. I shall show you to her wing.” Then Kenneth started to grab my black velvet sleepover bag right out of my hand.
    I tightened my grip and cried, “What are you doing?”
    Kenneth seemed just as startled as me then he started to chuckle. “Oh no, I’m sorry, Maeve. I was going to carry up your bags for you. You are the guest of honor.”
    I wanted to shrivel up and disappear on the spot! Wow, talk about not being used to the life of luxury. I’d have a thing or two to tell the BSG after this for sure!
    I followed Kenneth through the front hall and up a