Kinda hate that they heard her in that way, that they almost peeked in on a special moment between us. To be fair, though, we were warned that privacy is something of the past. On this island, whether it’s other cast members or crew, you’re never truly alone. Guess I’m just now seeing the negative side of that.
Everyone drops it, then dives into conversations about the girls they’re all interested in. There isn’t a camera crew in here catching all of this, but when I look up at the ceiling, I see several of the built-in cameras adjusting and zooming in all directions, so it’s clear we’re most definitely being recorded.
Landon is lying on his bed reading a book when I sit down next to him. He lifts a questioning eyebrow to me before his eyes move back to the page.
“You’re quiet,” I say.
“Yup,” he answers.
I can’t help but chuckle. He’s a grumpy one, for sure. That’s okay, though. I’m looking for a wife, not a best friend.
“What, you’re not gonna chime in and give me and Courtney shit?”
He makes a sound that almost sounds like a scoff as he turns the page. “What you do with that girl is your business. I’m minding mine.”
My brows dip for a moment. It’s not really his words; maybe it’s not even his tone either. Something about it, though, rubs me the wrong way.
“Why do you say it like that?” I ask.
His eyes flick to me, but he doesn’t speak, so I push further.
“Do you have beef with her or something? I mean, we literally just got here. Did you shoot your shot and get rejected or what?”
Landon makes a face like he couldn’t think of a worse idea and sets his book down. “Definitely not. She’s just not my cup of tea. More for you, bro.”
With that, he stands up and heads for the shower.
I don’t know why, but it almost offends me that he’s not into her. I mean, obviously I don’t want anyone else vying for her attention, but it’s kind of a compliment when others recognize how lucky you are.
The door to the hallway opens, and a woman with a headset peeks inside. “Sorry to bother you guys. Noah, we need you.”
I look down at the towel I’m still wearing and reach for clothes when she shakes her head.
“Like that is fine.”
A few of the guys laugh, and honestly, I do too. Not sure America signed up for all of this on day two, but they are the boss.
She leads me through the house before bringing me to what I’m gathering will remain the permanent confessional room. It’s really just a couch in front of a green screen and a shit ton of lights, but I’m sure behind the camera it looks great.
“So, Noah, how was the challenge today?” she asks.
I smile at the camera and shake my head. “Nasty. The textures, the warm foods that should never be warm, and then knowing I’m having to pass that on? Sorry, Savannah.” I laugh.
She smiles at me. “It seems like today wasn’t all bad, though. You got all cleaned up, clearly. Tell the audience about that.”
My grin turns cheesy as I duck my head. “Yeah, I mean. As you can imagine, that game was messy. So, Courtney and I figured let’s do our part and conserve water.”
“Sure sounded like that was all you were doing in there,” she goads.
“Apparently, we were a little loud. The guys let us know about that.”
The woman nods. “As you know, Courtney already did her confessional. Did you know that we asked her who she would lock in right now with if she had to, and she picked you.”
My mouth parts slightly. Not necessarily in shock but maybe relief? She’s a tough one to crack, I haven’t quite been able to read her yet. So to hear that everything I’m feeling already, she’s reciprocating?
“That’s fucking awesome. Really?” I ask, leaning forward and pushing away all at the same time. My gaze drifts to the blank wall to my right as I attempt to control my smile. I’m failing miserably, but at least I’m trying, right?
The woman nods again. “So, now we have to know. If you had to lock in with someone today, who would it be?”
