Page 25 of One to Watch

For those who are new to the group (hi, Jenna!), here’s how it works: First, you create your bracket on MainSqueeze Bracket.com before 8pm ET tonight—just click the league invitation I sent last week to log in, pick a username, and you’re good to go. Then, you’ll have until NEXT Monday at 8pm ET to fill in your picks for the WHOLE SEASON. So watch tonight, get to know the men, and then make your predictions for who gets cut each week and who wins it all! The brackets all LOCK before episode 2 airs, so again, Colin, if you don’t fill in your brackets by next week, you won’t be able to participate all season. I can’t even change that as league commissioner, that’s just the way the website works, okay?

Okay! Hope you’re all as excited as I am for the new season!

xx, Beth

P.S. Did you guys hear Cat talk about our league on her podcast today?? We’re famous!

——Forwarded Message——

FROM: Colin Whitman

TO: Beth Malone

SUBJECT: Re: TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT!

Jesus Beth, I made a bracket, are you happy? You’re the one who cares about this idiotic show, not me.

——Forwarded Message——

FROM: Beth Malone

TO: Colin Whitman

SUBJECT: Re: TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT!

Yes, Colin, I *am* happy. Thank you!

——Forwarded Message——

FROM: Ray Moretti

TO: Bea Schumacher

SUBJECT: wow

Hey, so, you’re on the cover of People magazine. And you’re going on TV, to find a husband? Bea, what’s happening?

I know I haven’t responded to your emails. I’m sorry, that’s on me. It’s just, I’ve been trying so hard not to think about you, which is impossible enough on its own, but now with your face staring out at me from all over the internet, and TV, and even the grocery checkout line … I don’t know. I don’t know what to do.

You look incredible, by the way. You should know that. I hope you know that. When I see these assholes talking about you, I want to fucking kill them.

I’m sorry, I know I’m not being articulate here. You’re one of the most important people in my life, Bea. When my mom got sick, you’re the one who got me through it. Every good thing in my life, every bad thing, you’re always the person I want to tell. I love Sarah, I really do. I want to marry her. Or, I don’t know, I thought I did. But seeing your face everywhere … I don’t know. Can we talk, Bea? I really want to talk.

——Forwarded Message——

FROM: Bea Schumacher

TO: Ray Moretti

SUBJECT: AUTOMATIC RESPONSE re: wow

Hi there! This is a weird thing to say, but I’m off filming a television show right now and have no access to my phone, email, or social media (or daylight, probably). If this is business-related, you can reach my agent, Olivia Smythson, at smythson [email protected]. If this is personal (or a hideous death threat!!), I look forward to digging through my inbox and getting back to you once the shoot wraps at the end of April. Have a great day!

“What do you think?”

Bea was standing before an oversized mirror in the wardrobe room, where Alison had placed her in a navy Zac Posen jumpsuit with long sleeves, flowing legs, a ruffled collar, and a plunging neckline, all woven through with sparkling thread that gleamed copper and silver and gold, making Bea shimmer like a galaxy. With her makeup soft and romantic (and caked on thick enough to withstand hot lights and high-def cameras) and her hair in glossy waves, Bea almost felt like the television star she was about to become.

“I think you’re a magician,” she said breathlessly, and Alison beamed.