AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But a dating show? Really?
I can’t go on a dating—
“You’ll get to cook the entire time, bro,” Mikey continues. “It’s not just dating. It’s different. A whole new concept that hasn’t been done before. Think of it. You’ll be on a show that is going to change the protectory of cooking shows and dating shows alike. A trailblazer.”
Sighing, I shake my head and look out at the Pacific Ocean. His points aren’t falling on deaf ears. I do see the potential for something huge.
And the grand prize is life-changing.
My own cooking show and a quarter-mill?
I’d be a fool to turn this down.
I am many things, but foolish ain’t one of them.
Fuck. I can’t believe I’m about to give in. “I am grateful, Mikey, you know I am. But… Christ. This is fucked up even for you.”
“Would you believe me if I told you I hadn’t known the specifics before I called you to come out here?”
With a snort, I say, “Nope.”
Mikey is the most detail-obsessed of all the Mailer family, and they are a detail-oriented bunch. My mom nearly drove me nuts over the years, but I worship her in spite of her controlling, nitpicking and damn near suffocating attention to detail.
Another reason I can’t say no to Mikey; she adores this kid.
“If you didn’t know what the show was about before you lured me out here,” I continue, “I’d wonder what happened to you, why you’re off your game.”
Mikey snickers. “Fair enough.”
The way the sun glints off the water catches my eye and I stare out at the expanse of crystal blue waters stretched out before me. Even in the dead of winter, California is sixty-eight degrees and sunny. It’s unfathomable. There’s a massive Christmas tree on a platform dead center above the swimming pool, decked out in colorful ornaments and baubles, with millions of tiny white twinkling lights. “I appreciate the room, though.”
“Nice digs, huh? The studio’s sparing no expense.”
“I appreciate your willingness to spend their dime on my behalf.”
Mikey laughs, then covers the mouthpiece, his words muffled as he speaks to someone in the background. “All right, buddy, I have to jet. Call time is eleven a.m. tomorrow morning. Lucky number thirteen, Big D.”
I scowl at the old nickname. “You have that kind of sway, little cousin? I’m automatically in the top thirteen without even applying… or, I don’t know, cooking? Proving myself?”
He clicks his tongue. “You’ll prove yourself on the show, and I know you’ve got the chops for this. Besides, it’s my ex’s project; she owes me.”
Sighing, I rub my hand over the back of my neck. A favor from an ex? That sounds complicated as fuck. “I don’t know—”
“Look, if nothing else,” Mikey continues, “it means exposure, and with your skills, combined with your good Mailer looks, you’ll be offered your own cooking show in no time. I’ve already started talking you up to my boss.”
I shake my head, in awe of who my twenty-seven-year-old cousin has become since leaving the bayou five years ago. A real Hollywood mover and shaker. “I really hope you’re right, man.” I tilt my head back and stare at the ceiling as it all sinks in. “But setting me up on a fucking dating show?” I laugh, running my hand over my face. “You really must be trying to get me back for some dumbass shit from our childhood.”
“Don’t tempt me, D. We’re getting ready to do some Japanese game show spinoff and I’d happily shove you into that casting catalogue. Let’s just say that instead of a hot woman trying to claw her way into your pants, other clawed things would be crawling in them.”
“Jesus.” I grimace as that image sends a chill down my spine. “I’m good, man. Can’t wait to find love in front of the entire goddamn country.”
“That’s the spirit. And it’ll be global, but what’s the difference really?” Mikey chuckles. “All right, I’ll see you at the elimination round tomorrow. You all set with the details? Four courses; seven judges—”
“I thought you said I was already in.”
“You are; you just have to play the game a bit, you know? Make it look fair.”
When it’s anything but.
