Pulling her to a stop after all the other girls have made their way into the main house, I wrap my arms around her and hold on tight.
“You’re stronger than you know. Just remember that. When you get home, after you’ve hopefully had a little fun here, I want you to hold on to that strength when you take back what is rightfully yours if that’s what you still want.”
She dabs at the tears welling in her eyes as she nods.
“Now, let’s go show those boys what they’re missing out on. We look hot tonight,” I declare, once again looping our arms together and walking through the door with our heads held high.
The room is abuzz with chatter. The girls are on one side, the boys on the other, just like last time we were in here. All talking ceases when Ed walks through the double doors to my left.
“Please take your places, everyone. We have a show to do.”
You would think he would be happy to still have a job. Not that I meant to threaten it by being non-compliant, but still. We wouldn’t have received new contracts to sign if they were going to pull the plug. I feel like screaming “you’re welcome” across the room, but I bite my tongue and take my place on the makeshift stage.
Ten minutes later, Ed has his game face on and stares into the camera as they countdown to our first live episode.
I feel like I’m going to vomit.
“Welcome back to Love or Lust,” Ed begins, his back to us as he looks in the camera. Claudia is behind the cameraman holding a sign that says smile in bold letters. It’s meant for everyone, but she’s glaring at me. “Our lucky singles have spent the last week getting to know each other a little better. Let’s take a quick peek at what they’ve been up to.”
A cameraman yells “clear” as the green light turns red, and Ed slowly moves to face us as Claudia hands him a bottle of water.
“Okay, so here’s what’s going to happen. If you didn’t notice, none of you were given a voting card yet.”
“Did you make the decision for us?” Jace asks from behind me. Looking over my left shoulder to where he’s positioned, I shoot him a grin of approval.
“No. In fact—”
“Ed, we’re back up in five,” Claudia says, cutting him off. He whips around and takes his mark as she hollers, “Smile.”
“Looks like they had a lot of fun this week, doesn’t it? And we have more in store for them in the coming weeks. In fact, starting tomorrow, the contestants will be paired up and compete in the Love or Lust Mock Olympics. Each day, we’ll have a different competition, and the two individuals at the end of the week with the best competition record will have immunity for next week’s elimination.
“What about this week, though? Who do you think is going to go? We’re going to take a short break and find out.”
I anxiously wait for Ed to turn back around and continue with what he was saying, but he doesn’t. Instead, Claudia shuffles over to us and starts barking directions. We’re each being interviewed separately around the property after this. I’ll be heading to the outdoor kitchen.
She no sooner finishes yelling than we’re told to smile again and Ed is blowing smoke up America’s ass as he talks to the camera, slowly making his way over to where we’re standing. Jace reaches for my hand, giving it a squeeze. I expect him to let go, but he doesn’t and I’m grateful.
I can feel the impending doom about to rain down on me. The tension in the room is thick. I’m a ball of nerves, ready to crawl out of my own skin. The simple act of Jace holding my hand has calmed me in a way I can’t explain.
That is until Ed announces who’s going home, which is followed by a sigh of relief from everyone around me.
“You heard me correctly, they’re all getting a second chance. A second chance to get close to each other and make a lasting connection. Or at least one that will bring a smile to their face. After all, it’s not always about finding love, sometimes lust is enough. But will it be enough for the two people left standing? You’ll have to keep watching to find out.”
My body sags as soon as the camera turns off. We’re all safe, at least for a week. My mistake didn’t cost anyone a chance to move on, and I couldn’t be more grateful.