A Star is Torn/Episode Summary

At the college students' apartment, Cassie asks Paige if she has to go to the studio. Paige says yes, but she has to finish her spreadsheet before her parents come. Cassie tells her it's not like she is going to be a sister wife: she got the lead part in *Locked*and it isn't so bad. Paige confesses that her dad is a teacher and education means everything to him. If she drops out, she'll be the first person in her family not to get a college degree. Jake asks why her spreadsheet is just a mess of random numbers, to which Paige says if her dad's mantra: numbers don't lie. The spreadsheet is proof that Paige can still be in school and do the movie. Cassie suddenly receives a phone call and leaves, saying she has to go for biology. She adds that she'll be home later so they can clean up the apartment before Paige's parents come. Jake says he thought biology was on Tuesdays, but Cassie says it's not bio but psychology. Cassie wishes her luck as she leaves.

Jake asks if there is any reason Nina wants to see Paige, but Paige says it isn't to fire her as she hasn't done anything yet. She asks Jake if he wants to have coffee later. Jake, however, says he got a call from that agent who read his script and he wants a meeting. Paige is ecstatic and says why he didn't tell them earlier and embraces him in a hug. As Paige begins to say how incredible it is that someone like that read their script, her voice falters, as they deeply look each other in the eyes. She then composes herself and finishes her sentence. They look at each other again, but Paige breaks away. She starts to bubble, saying they have to talk about that talk they've been discussing. Jake, smirking a bit, comments about how well he can interpret her speech. But he says he does know they have to talk, and that they'll do it later. They both wish each other luck as she leaves for the studio.

At Jordan's house, Nina wakes a sleeping Jordan, telling him she has no idea what will happen if anyone found out about them as she strokes his chest. Jordan says they're both adults and there's nothing wrong with what they're doing. Nina, however, does say it's wrong. She straddles his hips, and says it's all part of the fun. Jordan turns her over, so that they are on their sides, and begin kissing.

In the background, Barrett Hopper is giving a report about Nina on television. They both stop at the sound of fighting, and turn to look at the TV. A video of Jordan and Rainer's fight is shown, and Nina curses him. Barrett announces that the fight was sparked by Rainer finding out his girlfriend Tangey Turner was cheating on him with Jordan, his supposed best friend. Jordan asks Nina how Barrett knows of this. Barrett continues his report, saying his secret source confessed Jordan had too much to drink and Tangey was seducing him. Jordan tells Nina that that's not how it happened, and Nina, who maintains a blank face, believes Tangey must have told someone. Jordan says they hooked up but weren't drinking.

Paige arrives at Gold Brothers Studios and stops at the parking booth. She tells the security guard posted there good morning and that she's Paige Townsen "without the d". He asks if she has a drive-on, and she responds that she should have one. She adds that he could just call her Paige, and reads his name tag. Paige tells Alberto, his guard's name, that she is going to be coming in and out of here a lot. A car who is waiting behind her beeps their horn at her while she continues saying they could be on a first-name basis. He asks for a photo I.D., and Paige relents. She digs through her purse, looking for her driver's license. She finds a card and hands it to him. Alberto sees that it's her school I.D. card and hands it back to her, telling her he needs her driver's license. The car beeps again as Paige tells him that she's the same girl in the picture. But he's stubborn and tells her to make a U-turn. Paige, not wanting to miss the first day of work, frantically searches her purse and Alberto calls security. Suddenly, Rainer appears beside her in a flashy silver sports car. The security gate instantly opens for him. He greets Paige and Alberto asks him if he knows Paige, to which he replies that she will be a big star. Rainer leaves as Alberto lets Paige inside the studios.

Jordan is leaving Nina's house as Nina begs him to stop. She says there is a lot riding up to the casting party tomorrow. They're over budget, but the studios are looking the other way. Nina can't have him chasing after Hopper, but Jordan says he can't have the world going after Tangey for something they both did. Nina says she'll fix it; she invested everything in "Locked" and she knows how much needs the movie to work out. Jordan understands, but Nina still tells him to stay away from Rainer and Hopper until she has a chance to work everything out, and to not talk to Tangey until she talks with her manager. Jordan nods as Nina leaves.

Paige is waiting in Nina's office as she arrives. Paige stands up but Nina insists she sits back down as she herself sits behind her desk. She asks Paige how's it going, with the college student replying that she's a little nervous. Nina asks if she needs a doctor: they can get her on a mood stabilizer, and also asks if she's seen Giselle yet. Paige says she's going to meet later this afternoon, as she sounds nice. Nina says she's a backstabbing bitch but the best stylist I'm town. Paige once again thanks her again for letting her bring her friends to the party tomorrow night. She confirms Nina's next question that she is excited, but there's this class she's going to miss but it's okay but she's going to get the notes from someone else. Nina tells her she assumed Paige was taking a gap year. Paige corrects her, believing she can do the movie and stay in school and unsuccessfully argues her case to a disbelieving Nina. The older woman tells the younger that the role of August Roch is bigger in the films that in the books. Bring a movie star isn't just a part time job, and she has to make a choice - either she commits to the movie or spend the rest of her life doing math.

At a large mansion in the hills, Brody asks Cassie if there's any chance she could come over more than once a week. Cassie, who seems to be packing up, tells him she has school. Brody, however, is insistent and offers to pay her an extra fifty. A thoughtful Cassie agrees, saying she can make it work. Brody smiles, saying he's looking forward to it. He tells her to let herself out and leaves. Cassie herself later leaves.

At Gold Brothers Studies, a flashy blue car illegally parks itself sideways next to Jake's yellow convertible. Paige, who is coming to the car, tells the driver they booked her in, but then Alexis Glenn gets out of the vehicle. Paige is starstruck, saying she never missed an episode of her T. V. show "Back Splash" and that Alexis' character, Becky Barnes, was her hero. Alexis replies that she was America's sweetheart as she takes out her pen for an autograph, asking to whom does she make it out to. Paige thanks her, as tells her her name. Alexis recognizes her name as that of the girl who stole the role of August in "Locked" from her, clarifying that she's the female lead. Paige confirms it, saying it's her first big role in a movie. Alexis says it's obvious and proceeds to walk away. Paige is confused, and Alexis turns around to clarify that just because Paige won a callback with a push-up bra and fake hair extensions doesn't mean she's an actress. She walks up to her face announcing that the part still isn't officially hers until the cameras start rolling. Alexis leaves, leaving a shocked Paige behind.

At Nina's office, a sassy Ida Turner, followed by her daughter Tangey, announcies all those stories in the press are nothing but lies and says she's considering taking legal action. Nina asks if their friends, with Ida replying "Ish". She recommends to the manager to fight bad press with good press. Ida says she's listening. Nina asks if Tangey covers the main song for "Locked". The mother-daughter duo look at each other, with Ida replying that that'll create some buzz. But what's in it for Nina? Throwing a casting party tomorrow would show the world that Tangey, Jordan and Rainer are still friends. Tangey says if it means good press she'll do it. Ida says if she needs to reconcile with Rainer, they can make it happen, much to Tangey's protests. Nina says that they can let the kids work out their personal lives and Ida agrees.

At Wyatt's trailer, Alexis is complaining that she delivered a good audition and questions why they gave the part to an amateur. Wyatt says he didn't make any promises, and that Paige Townsen ended up being the best part for the role. Alexis asks about the role of the dumbass sister, but Wyatt says he's going to offer it to someone else. Alexis says she wants the part as she needs it - things have been going slow for her lately. Wyatt says he isn't sure she's right for the part. A crestfallen Alexis leaves for the door, but rather locks it and pulls down the window's shades. Alexis pulls down the zipper of her shirt, seductively asking if there's a way she can audition privately. Wyatt gets up and asks her to stop. He admits to her that he likes her - *really* likes her. Alexis is confused, but he says he wants to take her out for dinner. She's shocked, but nervously says "fine".

A nervous Paige paces as Cassie asks her who is going to be at the casting party. Paige says Nina made it sound as if she can't do the movie and do school together, and she believes her, as the spreadsheets don't lie. The doorbell rings, and Paige comments that they're here. She doesn't know what to say. Jake tells her to breathe, while Cassie advices her to lie. An unsure Paige says she can lie. She opens the door and greets her parents with a hug, then her mother goes inside to greet her friends. Mrs. Townsen excitedly tells Paige that she saw Carrie Ann Inaba, while Mr. Townsen comments they saw her practically naked. His wife corrects him and says it was a halter top, while he sarcastically replies if that's what they're calling a bra nowaday. Paige asks if they can go to lunch, but her father says there was a last minute change at the teachers' convention and they can only came to greet and go. Mrs. Townsen says they want to take all of them out to dinner, and suggests to pick a place with famous people. Flabbergaste, Paige turns to Cassie for help, but Cassie doesn't know what to do. Paige says they can't - they have a huge study group for Econ. Mr. Townsen understands as school comes first and he's proud she has her priorities right.

At Gold Brothers Studios, Alexis is about to leave until she runs into Rachel Davis. The latter comments that its been a while. Alexis thought she was in New York, but Rachel says she was, but there wasn't money in theater and decided to give L.A. another shot. She heard that Alexis and Dakota were a thing, but Alexis says it didn't work out and that she's a bitch. Rachel says she's sorry and Alexis thanks her. Uncomfortably, Rachel says she will get going. Alexis stops her and tells her they should get a drink, but Rachel declines, saying she still getting settled but will let her know soon.

At Lloyd's, Nina is eating and on her iPad when Alan Mills notices her. He comes over and asks if she's eating a Cobb salad out of the remains of her latest victim. This is the start of a battle of snarky, witty and sarcastic replies. Nina returns the witt and comments that they'll let anyone in the restaurant these days. Alan returns the insult and says how much her project "The Bombshells" lost the studio. He sits down and Nina asks her what he wants. He replies he wants his film back. Nina fires back and says it was never his film. He retorts, saying she stole the rights and she knew it. She admits she could have been playing dirty, but it wasn't the first time and certainly won't be the last. Alan says she knows how this business works - because he taught her. Nina says she forgot to thank him. He says she was such a bitch, but she challenges him and says if that's the best he can do. Alan says he can't believe Nina was such a hot piece of ass. Nina fires back and says it was one of the requirements of being his assistant. Alan finishes the battle by saying it still is. After some moments of silence, Nina says that unless he's buying her lunch, they're done here. Alan contradicts her and says they're just getting started. He wishes her a good lunch and leaves, with Nina staring back at him.

At the Devon house, Rainer is exercising on a trad ill when he notices Tangey comes in. Rainer says he heard she was back in town, to which ate get replies that she had other things on her mind. Rainer says forgive him if he thought apologizing to him for sleeping eith his best friend was a priority. Tangey slaps him hard: she says to be someone's boyfriend, they have to see them and if Rainer had any decency, he should be apologizing to her for the dozen hookups he has had since she's been gone. Tangey claims he never cared for her or what she said. Rainer asks what what she need, but Tangey says he still doesn't get it. As she is prepared to go, the singer says Jordan's ten times the man he is and that Rainer lost her way before she slept with Jordan. Tangly finally says he's too focused on himself to realize it, scoffs, and leaves.

Somewhere in Beverly Hills, Cassie comments that the floor is way softer than her bed. Paige comes out of a fitting wearing an ugly dress, asking if this is nice. She says it's too "peacocky", while a saleswoman says there is nothing wrong with Gucci. She asks Paige if she tried on the Prada one yet, but later recants and says the Walter Mendez is better. She hands Paige a pair of stilettos to match the dress as she walks away, not listening to Paige's protests. Cassie says she's afraid of the saleswoman, while Paige recants she's even more terrified of telling her parents the truth. Cassie says it's just an industry party - no one hears about those. Jake comes over to the room, asking if they're done yet as he's starving. Paige says she's almost ready, then steps out of the fitting room. Jake is so taken aback by her beauty, that he can only say she looks pretty. Paige seems critical of the dress, but Jake and Cassie agree that's the perfect dress. Paige, however, breaks down, saying she can't get through all of this and can't handle lying to her parents, school, and the movie. She starts crying and feels her head is going to explode. Cassie comforts her, saying they all can go through this.

A woman is waiting outside just as Jordan steps out with a man. She asks if he's "Jordy Michaels", but Jordan says she is mistaken. She presses on and says he looks like someone she knows. Jordan snaps back that just beccause he's in movies, people know you all of a sudden. He promises her she doesn't know him. The woman says she is mistaken, and calls him "Jordy" once more as she puts her sunglasses on. She corrects herself, calling him "Jordan", and walks away. Jordan tells the man he's with that that happens all the time. They shake goodbye as the man leaves and Jordan hops on his motorcycle.

At Alexis's apartment, Rainer says he heard she was offered the role of the sister. Alexis says she is still negotiating, but Rainer says he's sorry she didnt get the role. Alexis asked why he's here, and Rainer replies that Tangey stopped by. Alexis says she knows as the singer called her. Rainer is dumbfounded as Tangey blames him for the breakup, like he forced her to sleep with Jordan. Alexis defends her, and says she was lonely becuase he was never around. Alexis asks why he evens cares - they're over and Rainer's free to go after someone else. Rainer's finally understands he's a terrible boyfriend. Alexis comments she wouldn't even date him; she's known that since he was 12 - he's not boyfriend material.

At Nina's house, the half-dressed woman comments that Jordan seems distracted. He tells her that she was there when his life wasn't great and asks if she'll ever tell anyone about his past. Nina says she'll never do anything to jeopardize his career. Jordan tells her to forget what he said, and they kiss. They break part, and Nina looks at her phone. She's shocked - the head of the studio, the pie biggest ally for the film, was fired.

At a food truck stop, Paige says to Jake that they still need to talk. Jake says he's been thinking about back when Paige watched him and Cassie sleep through theater workshop class, and that's when he knew they'll be friends forever. And that's what Paige needs right now - a friend. He says it wouldn't be right to complicate things. Cassie comes with the food, and asks if everything's okay, but clearly Paige isn't.

At their apartment, Cassie helps Paige gets dressed. However, her phone rings, and it's her mother. Paige starts to freak out, but it turns out her mother are right behind her. Mrs. Townsen says shes always been a terrible liar. Paige asks if she's mad, but her mother says she might have a heart attack - in the good way. She says while her and her husband were there yesterday, she saw the "Locked" script with Paige's name on it. She asks Paige is she's the lead role, and she agrees. Mother and daughter jump up and down excitedly - she can't believe her daughter won that in an open call audition. Apparently she's a big fan of Rainer. Mrs. Townsen says her book club read the entire series. She thought she was excited to see "50 Shades of Grey". Paige asks if her father knows, but her mother says he doesn't. However, she thought they could both tell him together.

Rainer arrives to the apartment, meeting a starstruck Cassie and greets Jake. However, Jake says they previously met, but Rainer doesn't seem to remember him. Paige steps out, all dolled up, asking Rainer what he is doing here. Rainer is impressed with her attire, and announces that the event's star attraction should arrive like a star. She looks over to her friends, and RaiNed says there's room for them, too. He says she looks beautiful, and Paige returns to comment in a nervous babble. They start to leave, but Cassie stops Jake, who looks down. She says she didn't believe a word of when Jake told Paige to remain friends, but it was a pretty cool thing he did. Jake says all he wants to do is simplify her life, and he didn't see "that other guy" coming.

The group arrive at the event, with Paige looking nervous. Jake asks if those are actual swans in the pool. Paige blasts Rainer as this isn't a small party - it's a big party. Paige notices an "Extra" reported from a TV show her mom watches every night. Cassie says she's texting her as they speak. Paige tells Rainer that she has to leave by 8:30 p.m. to tell her dad the truth. Rainer tells her to take a breath - he's here for her. But Paige says he won't be at her side all night for her. He holds a cross finger sign, saying it's an "R" in sign language. Tonight, it's their code. If she's in a jam, he'll come for her. Cassie excitedly thinks she saw Kim Richards, and tells Jake it's like a buffet of "Real Housewives". She suddenly spots Brody, and drags Jake suddenly away for drinks.

Alexis comes over and greets Paige rather nicely, announcing she is going to play her sister. She pulls away and says she thinks that after this, they're going to be sisters for life. Paige is shocked at her nice façade, but Rainer pulls her away. Alexis suddenly spots Rachel and goes over her, commenting twice in two days she saw her. Rachel says she was to go meet a friend, but Alexis stops her. She starts by saying she knows she made a mistake but she is a different person. She even tried therapy, twice. Looking around to make sure no ones watching, she kisses Rachel. They both say they miss each other, and Alexis says she want to see her again. Rachel asks if Nina told her, but she got a part in the movie, but had no idea it came with benefits. Alexis has disbelief on her face.

Inside, Tangey finds a sullen Jordan. She asks if he's hiding out, since he never liked an industry party. Jordan says he doesn't want another scene with Rainer. She says she hasn't heard from him in a while. Jordan says its crazy, and it isn't fair the media is putting all the fault on her for what they did. Tangey says the tabloids did blow, but being with him was worth it. Then, Rainer and Paige walk in. He asks if he's interrupting round two. Jordan admits he and Tangey made a big mistake and he's sorry for it. However, all of them are working in this movie together and so he tells him to stop being a little bitch. Rainer says if he wants to do this again, and they start getting physical. Nina comes over and stops them before the night is ruined. She tells them the story is Rainer and Tangey broke up amicably last month and that nothing happened between her and Jordan, nothing more than an absurd rumor. Everyone basically reminds friends, she says. The group of young people begin to leave before Nina stops Rainer. Paige overhears his mother tell him that just because he's America's good guy, that doesn't mean she knows he sleeps with a different girl every night, so stop believing at age meant something.

Paparazzi frantically ask Tangey what she's wearing outside as they snap her every pose, before she blows a kiss and leaves. Nina, now with a mic, introduces Rainer and Jordan as their movie roles to the paparazzi. Plastered with smiles, Rainer says that even though he donned his mom for the role, they're not good. Jordan, however, says through a smile that he got it based on his own talent. Nina introduces Alexis and Rachel next. She introduces Paige as the next face in Hollywood, and Paige starts to walk over, everything starts to slow down, signaling shes becoming overwhelmed at the paparazzi's flashing camera lights and questions. One reporter asks her where she has been hiding, with Paige replying nowhere nervously. Another asks her if they've seen her anywhere before. Paige distractedly says in the CMU quad. It comes to a point where it's too overwhelmin, and she makes the "R" sign while scratching her arm. Rainer notices and comes to her rescue, saying her studio insurance policy doesn't kick in yet. They laugh as Rainer silently nods if she's okay, which she nods back.

It's 8 o'clock and Jake's looking for Paige. Cassie says she hasn't seen her since the announcement. A lone Brody finally notices Cassie, and she tells Jake she has to go pee, hurrying away. Alexis comes over and says hi. Jake, taken aback, asks her if she's - but Alexis finishes for him, saying she's "America's sweetheart". She asks him if he's the one who arrived with Paige, and he tells her they're good friends. Alexis says any friend of Paige's is a friend of hers, especially those with big brown eyes. Paige notices them talking, looking daggers at them.

Nina is on the phone with a guy named Todd, complaining how the studio is deciding her fate. Ida comes over to her and says Tangey should have been photographed with the cast, and can't be a triple threat if all she does is sing. Nina clarifies the movies' cast, and Ida says they don't have a deal with the movie's soundtrack. Nina tells her to have gratitude - another PR mishap like her last, she'll be lucky they'd let her sing at the mall. Ida looks stunned, and Nina tells her to enjoy the party.

Jake and Cassie are at the bar when Brody comes over, calling her "Lacey". Cassie begins to tell him that no one here knows - but is interrupted by Jake, who hands Brody a drink and introduces himself. Brody does the same. Brody starts to ask if he's a client of hers, but Cassie suddenly screams that Selena Gomez is here, dragging him away with her. Jake says it isn't here, however, and Cassie says "My bad".

Alexis seems to be looking for someone when Tangey comes over, asking who. Alexis says no one, and starts to point out Paige and her goofy grin, saying it has to be veneers. Tangey asks why does she hate her, receiving a facial expression from Alexis.

Paige is happy that she's found her friends, saying she needs to leave just as Nina stops her, saying she has to meet Barrett Hopper. Paige tries to persuade her not to, saying she has to leave. Nina asks why, and Jake responds is that her parents are in town. Nina asks him who he is, and Jake introduces himself, not catching it was a rhetorical question. Nina tells Paige this is her job now, and her parents can wait. Nina begins to pull Paige away, as Jake asks if he can call her mom. Cassie says she'll send her another text as they grab another Uber. Nina then introduces Paige to Barrett as the star of their movie. Barrett says her hair could be the star on its own. He comments that she's been the talk of the town, and tells her to tell her life story.

Rainer drops off Paige at home. He tells her he's sorry he couldn't get her out of there in time to meet her dad. Paige says she's sorry he and Jordan are still fighting. She says he has a lot of history with a little of different people. But Rainer says only a few. He asks if her friends, assuming Jake and Cassie are dating. Paige corrects him, saying they're all friends. They have stopped, and Rainer says he's never met anyone quite like her before. They lean in to kiss, but then they hear a throat being cleared from above. It's Mr. Townsen, looking very stern! Mrs. Townsen, who is beside him, apologizes to Paige from below, as her father saw her on the news. She also says hi to Rainer.

Inside, Paige's father berates her for lying and making his wife do her dirty work. He doesn't even know who she is right now. Paige says she's sorry and she was going to tell him. Mr. Townsen is angry that Paige is throwing away her education to star in a Hollywood movie. Mrs. Townsen interrupts, saying it's a really big movie, and Paige says she won't throw away her education as she found a way to make it work. Mr. Townsen tells her she can only quit, receiving protests from his daughter. Paige says she made a commitment and Mr. Townsen tells Paige to tell that she changed her mind. Paige is final in saying she won't quit. She tearily tells him he taught her to dream big and this is as high as her dreams can get. She's doing the movie, much to his disappoint. He walks away as Paige is comforted by her mother,

On the balcony, Cassie tells Paige if her father knows she's getting paid big for the movie. Paige says her father thinks she can't handle both school and the movie and she's starting to think he's right. Jake says Cassie brought some dessert in her purse and asks Paige if she wants a cookie, to which he agrees. He tells her he'll make some tea and he stands and leaves. Her cell phone vibrates, and she sees Alexis is calling. Making sure no one is paying attention to where, she picks up and says in Spanish, "Are you the woman my husband has been cheating on with? Stop calling him, you little whore!", to Alexis's shock, and hangs up.

At Nina's office, Alan Mills arrives and says her assistant isn't at her desk, probably picking up her Boniva prescriptions. She asks if she needs to call security. Alan tells her sure, and to tell them her new boss is here. A shocked Nina turns around. Alan tells her he's the new head of Gold Brothers, and that he's going to have a lot of fun making her life a living hell.

At Brody's mansion, he says he's glad they were able to work it out. Cassie tells him they agreed on fifty more bucks as she needs it for school. She drops her things and suddenly drops her top, revealing her bare upper body. She lays down some cleaning supplies and turns a vacuum on, starting to clean as Brody watches from a chair.

Jordan is leaving his trailer as he receives a text from an unknown number, which reads "DO YOU WANT THE PRESS FINDING OUT ABOUT YOU?" Under it is a picture showing a younger Jordan with the woman who confronted him earlier.

At a restaurant with his family, Mr. Townsen says he's not sure why they're here, since nothing's changed from last night. Paige says he doesn't want him to go home mad at her. He clarifies that he's disappointed but that would be a lie, something she knows a lot about. Suddenly, a girl named Jennifer comes up to Paige, starstruck, and asks for an autograph. She starts to say she read "Locked" six times and wrote a paper on her character, August Roch. Mr. Townsen asks what grade she got, and she replied +A. Jennifer thanks her. Mrs. Townsen thinks it's incredible that she's famous already. They both look at Mr. Townsen, who seems to be denating and considering his daughter's position. He scoffs lightly, and asks if she's sure she can do this movie and do school. Paige says she'll do anything to do both. Mr. Townsen is still doubtful, but says he can make a spreadsheet to help with her schedule. He then asks what this "Locked" is about, as Paige and her mother respond simultaneously with an "um".