Read Online Rock Royalty by Kathryn Williams - Free Book Online Page A

camper out yet, and I’m not going to start now. Rock reporters are part of the music industry, and I am impressed by your drive. I understand how it could be hard to pass up such an opportunity. But I hope you understand that I can’t allow you to report on Camp Rock. I want campers to feel this is a place where they can explore their musical talents and be themselves without being judged. It can’t be that way if they’re afraid of ending up in Celeb Beat magazine.”
    Mac nodded. He understood. After all the negative fallout from the article, he was beginning to wonder if reporting for Celeb Beat was what he really wanted to do anyway.
    â€œSo,” Brown continued, “I’m going to let you stay on two conditions. One, you won’t report on us for Celeb Beat anymore.”
    Mac nodded.
    â€œTwo, you’ll apologize to the whole camp at the Bonfire Jamboree tonight.”
    Mac gulped but nodded again. “Deal,” he said, standing to shake Brown’s hand. “I’m sorry for any trouble I caused, Brown.”
    Brown slapped Mac on the shoulder. “I know you are. I remember when my friend Cameron toured with us as a reporter for Rolling Stone . Boy, some of the stuff he wrote really ticked off my band!” Brown chuckled. “We forgave him, though. We knew there was always truth in what he wrote, and we knew he covered music because he loved it as much as we did.”
    â€œThanks, Brown. I just hope my friends will forgive me.”
    Brown thought about this as he walked Mac to the door. “I bet they will,” he said. “You just think about what you want to say tonight at the bonfire. Remember, it’s all in the presentation.
    D own by the lake, the bonfire was going strong. The reflection of its orange flames danced on the water behind the fire pit. The campers were excited. They’d been working on camp songs all week. That was the theme—regular summer camp songs with a rock twist. Connie had even set up a s’mores table so the campers could roast marshmallows and build their own gooey, chocolatey graham cracker sandwiches.
    Now campers and counselors sat in a semicircle around the bonfire, waiting for Brown and Dee. Some of their suspicion about the Celeb Beat undercover reporter had worn off, and they were talking excitedly again.
    Mac, however, was silent. He knew in a matter of minutes he’d have to tell everyone that he was the one who’d given Celeb Beat their information. He was sure Tess and Mitchie would be furious. Not to mention Shane. He knew Colby was angry. And then there was Caitlyn. He was worried about her reaction the most.
    Mac’s silence hadn’t gone unnoticed by Caitlyn. They were sitting next to each other on a log by the fire. Mitchie and Shane were next to them, followed by Lola, Peggy, Ella, Lorraine, and Tess. Everyone was there. Except for Colby. He’d chosen to sit on the other side of the fire.
    â€œAre you okay?” Caitlyn asked, eyeing Mac. “You’re being really . . . quiet.”
    â€œYeah,” Mac said. “I’m okay.” But, in truth, his stomach was in knots and his palms were sweaty. He was not looking forward to this.
    â€œOkay,” Caitlyn said, jumping up. “I’m gonna make a s’more. Anyone with me?”
    â€œOoh! Me,” Mitchie said, also jumping up.
    â€œYou don’t have a personal assistant to make one for you?” Shane joked.
    â€œHa-ha,” Mitchie laughed sarcastically. “Don’t you know my diva days are behind me?”
    â€œDoes that mean you’ve decided to step down from the pop princess throne?” Caitlyn joked.
    â€œI think I like being a commoner better,” replied Mitchie. Laughing, Mitchie and Caitlyn headed for the marshmallows. As they did, Brown walked up to Mac.
    â€œYou ready?” Brown asked him.
    Mac sighed heavily and stood up. “Ready as I’ll ever