“It seemed too good to be true. I thought no one would be interested in a show like that when my sister handed me the application. Turned out I was right.”
I sighed. “My sister signed me up, too.”
“Guess that just means they love us.”
I tried not to think about the tearful exchange I’d just had with Piper. “What about the others?” I asked, glancing behind me and somehow catching Eli’s eye again before whipping my head around.
Arnie raised his hand and held up a finger as he named each guy. “Grant thought it would was some betrayal competition show with a money prize. Danny thought it was asurvivalist show—he’s a little intense. And Eli thought he was here to do a movie.” He leaned in. “Apparently his dad signed him up for it.”
I raised an eyebrow, interested despite wanting to appear nonchalant. “Why would he do that? Wouldn’t a famous actor have better things to do?”
“Eli used to be an actor, too. He did a few movies as a teenager—nothing huge, but I’ve seen a couple of them. I guess his dad told him this would be his comeback,” Arnie continued. “Apparently, Eli has a terrible reputation now. I don’t read those online tabloids much, but Grant told me all about it. He was seen with a new woman every month and recently publicly cheated on a famous model, or something. His dad was probably fed up with Eli making him look bad.”
“Wow,” I said, forcing myself not to glance back. “I hate to say it, but that is definitely compelling TV. I can see why they would cast him for this.”
“Right? I’d watch that. Too bad we’re living it instead.” Arnie chuckled. His laugh was a little squeaky and adorable, and put me even more at ease.
We chatted a little more about our meddling sisters. He was very close with his younger sister. She knew he was struggling after his last relationship ended and she just wanted him to be happy again. He was apprehensive about the process, but agreed that he needed to put himself out there more. I shared that I was also here because my sister felt I needed to move on after my last relationship ended.
I just didn’t share exactly how that happened.
We talked for what only felt like minutes, but when Shay came over to pull Arnie for an interview, the sun had already mostly set.
“Calla, we’ll come get you later,” she said in her gruff,militia-like tone. I wasn’t sure if I preferred Brady’s faux niceties or Shay’s no-nonsense approach.
Arnie stood up and stretched. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
There was pretty clearly no romantic spark between us, but I was thankful to have a friend in this. I could easily see myself lasting for a couple of weeks with a partner like Arnie.
Sitting back in my seat, I assessed Trace and Rachel from across the room. They didn’t seem to be as thrilled with their partners as I was. Rachel had her arms crossed over her chest while a scowling Danny gestured wildly. They were clearly already disagreeing about something.
Trace, on the other hand, had a blank stare on her face as she nodded while Grant talked at her. I hardly knew Trace, but I could spot forced politeness a mile away.
I wanted to check in on Sofia and Eli, but I didn’t want him to think I couldn’t stop staring at him.
A throat cleared behind me, and I jerked my attention away from the scene across the lounge. Eli stood behind the chair Arnie had just vacated, looking surprisingly unsure of himself.
“Hi, Calla, right? It’s Eli, in case you forgot.”
My mind clouded as I took in his sharp jawline and remarkably attractive features.
“Can I join you?” He hooked his finger behind his head. “They took Sofia for an interview.”
“Arnie, too.” I could try to play it cool all I wanted, but his presence unnerved me.
He stood there, tilting his head, when I realized I hadn’t answered his question.
“Oh, sorry, please sit!” I exclaimed, too rushed.
Crap. I suck at socializing.
In my defense, I had spent more time around new people in the past two days than I had over the past two years.
“It’s pretty overwhelming, huh?” Eli sat down, dipping his chin and searching my face.
“Um...” My words trailed off. I couldn’t even manage to answer his basic question. Why had I told Piper I’d go through with this, again?
“I’m not trying to pry or anything,” Eli said, his forehead creased.
