Page 56 of Grunt: A Marine Romance

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“WELCOME BACKTO the live finale of Dancing under the Stars. You saw the final three couples battle it out last night. And right now, one of our three finalists is about to be eliminated. Last night, millions of you voted online, called, and texted your votes,” Matt said. “With those votes combined with our judges’ scores, we can now reveal which of our couples will be the first to be eliminated tonight.”

Xavier had his arms around Selena on stage. Tonight was much tenser than last night’s group dance orgy. No chest-bumping backstage tonight. None of them were ready to fly the white flag now. Bret had barely slept last night—Selena knew, because he kept her awake the whole time, tossing and turning. And she had fretted because she just wanted him to win. She had to use Preparation H to cover the bags under her eyes.

The ominous elimination music began to play. “Xavier,” Matt said, “last night Karen said your freestyle was the most creative she’s ever seen, but did the viewers agree?”

Their freestyle had been amazing. Selena had strung a medley of Xavier’s greatest hits together, and they’d danced this cha-cha, rock fusion number. Xavier flipped her over like a tortilla.

“Laura, last night Steve said your Viennese waltz was exquisite, but did the viewers think it was enough for you to win the trophy?” Dima held Laura, who despite the layers of tanning cream looked very flush. They were out for sure. Her Latin actually really improved this season, but it was her Standard that landed her in the finale. Their Viennese waltz was exquisite—perfect lines, feet, and body posture. And she looked great during Selena’s paso doble. It was her freestyle that killed their chances. She tried to dance a tango/cha-cha combo that just didn’t flow well at all.

“And Robyn, Benny said you’re the team to beat and you received a perfect 30. But will the viewers send you to the finish line?” Bret and Robyn looked confident and weren’t even breaking a sweat with the hot lights shining in their faces. Her paso had been perfect. But in her freestyle, she went 100% hip-hop, and sometimes the viewers vote against that. But it didn’t seem to faze her. Selena studied Bret. It was kind of nice, to see him smile again. He seemed as happy as he had been when they were teens.

“The couple in third place is . . . ,” Matt paused and the drum rolled. “Dima and Laura.”

Yes, yes, yes!Selena and Xavier were in the final two! Xavier threw his arms around her, and she swore she was gonna suffocate. When he pulled back she saw that she’d gotten glitter all over his white shirt. Bret and Robyn were comforting the losers.

“Look pro, Xavier,” Selena whispered and then led him over to hug Dima and Laura. Selena could be the first dancer ever on this show to win three titles, including all the dancers in the forty-two international versions. But I just want Bret to win!

The audience gave Dima and Laura a standing ovation as they walked down the stairs from the stage. Matt embraced them. “Laura, you’ve gone from a teen mom to a dancer. Tell us what this experience has been like for you.”

Dima clutched Laura to his chest. “It’s been incredible. I met so many great people, and learned so much about myself. But the best part of this entire experience has been meeting Dima. He’s changed my outlook on my life and he’s a truly beautiful person inside and out.” Dima gave her a kiss on the mouth. Selena couldn’t believe he would be so open about hooking up with his celebrity partner, especially since she was a teenager.

Matt aborted the interview. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Dima Pavlov and Laura Benson. Coming up, a musical performance from John Matthew.”

They headed back to the red room to watch John’s performance. Selena couldn’t believe the producers convinced him to come on this show. Between Xavier, Bret, and George, she swore she’d been sucked right into some kind of Eighties flashback. Dima and Vika were huddled in the corner consoling Laura. Selena sat next to Bret.

Bret had to win this. Selena had won twice before—once with a boy-bander and once with an NHL hockey player. Bret needed to win now for Pierce’s family. For himself and Selena.

“You nervous?” Bret asked. He was decked out in a tuxedo with tails. Like a prince.

“For once, I am. I just want you to win.” John started singing her favorite song, “Careless Kiss.” She closed her eyes and relaxed into Bret’s arms. He kissed her neck and she wanted to savor the moment forever. They hadn’t given the press an interview about their relationship because they didn’t want to hurt Bret’s chance for victory. Selena loved Bret. He made her happy. And she deserved to be happy.

The song ended and the producer called them back on stage.

“Here we go,” Xavier said, pulling her up. He jutted out his elbow, ready to escort her like a proper gentleman. She slipped her hand through and they walked down the long, white hallway, right to where John was stepping off the stage. She couldn’t help it: suddenly she was fourteen years old again. John was her dream long before Xavier’s poster went up in her bedroom. She didn’t even care that John was gay; her knees actually went weak standing so close to him.

“Good luck, love,” John said, touching her arm. She almost peed in her costume. She’d just touched John Matthew. . . while holding Xavier’s hand! Could life get any more fabulous?

They took their place on stage. Bret and Robyn stood next to them and Selena rushed over and hugged Robyn. Then Bret and Xavier jumped in and they all hugged each other. It probably looked so hokey, she knew, but that was just how it was tonight. Selena swirled in emotions. Looking over at the audience, she saw she wasn’t the only one. Bret’s Marines were sitting next to Xavier and Robyn’s kids, everyone looking so proud. Xavier’s whole band had shown up also. The place was packed tonight, standing room only. She knew on television the ballroom looked huge, but there were only about four hundred people stuffed into the crammed soundstage. The cameras panned overhead to create the illusion of a sea of people. She didn’t have to see the millions of viewers at home to feel their eyes on her. This finale wasn’t like any of the others. This one, she really cared about. It could be her last.

God, she wanted Bret to win.

“Good luck, Selena,” Robyn told her.

Selena took her hand. “You, too.” Robyn gave her a hesitant smile and squeezed her hand as they all four lined up for the final announcement.

The music came on. Matt took his position. “For the past fifteen weeks, these couples have lived in the studio and endured endless hours of practice and blisters on their feet. Right now, we will finally reveal the winner of season seventeen of Dancing under the Stars.” He smiled so big Selena swore his bleached teeth actually twinkled from the bright lights. “The winner of the crystal dance shoe trophy is . . . .”

She looked over at the judges’ table. Benny was grinning at Bret. He mouthed, “You did it!”

She bit her lip.

Matt read the card. “Robyn Quintana and Bret Lord.”

Selena’s scream was drowned out by the howls of the audience as Bret lifted Robyn and twirled her around in the air. He did it! All the dancers and stars from the season flooded the stage. Xavier embraced his wife as confetti hailed the stage.

Bret looked Selena in the eye and kissed her on the lips. The cameras ignited. Their secret was out. For once, Selena didn’t have to live a lie.