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Chapter Fourteen
Flynn
WeekFour
I doubted any phrase infused more dread into my soul than ‘cocktail party.’ If I never attended another one for as long as I lived, it would be too soon.
Initially, the prospect of being surrounded by so many women intrigued me. Now, I’dalmosttake my chances with the media.
The producers hadn’t let me send Lexi home, even after a scathing conversation or two about her behavior, where I’d had to be entirely too careful about my words. The film they had on her was too valuable, too full of dramatic moments, so Harper and I both had to grin and bear it. Ratings were king, something Laurel never failed to remind me about.
We only had a couple of nights left until this week’s rose ceremony. They’d added more times for us to all converse outside of dates, and while it was great for Harper and me, it meant times like these where I had to entertain Lexi.
I suspected that my experiences with her were far easier than Harper’s, and I couldn’t wait until the show was over. Only two more weeks. Three more rose ceremonies. We could suffer through if it meant finally being together.
“I just don’t think you know who she is, Flynn.” Lexi batted her eyelashes and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders.
I couldn’t imagine what she thought she’d heard Harper say to bring about this conversation, especially after everything we’d been so open and honest about the night before.
“She just acts so strange,” she continued, not hesitating long enough to allow me to interject. “She’s always so tired in the mornings, and honestly, I don’t think she likes it here.”
“Maybe you have the wrong impression,” I began, choosing caution with my words.
I knew exactly why she was exhausted in the mornings, but that wasn’t something that needed to get out to the other contestants.
“No, I think she’s up to something, and I thought you should be aware. I know you two have history since she’s from here too, but I’m also not sure she even likesyou.”
For the first time, she had my attention. Didn’t like me? I’d never gotten that impression. Not here in the inn, not in our stolen time at her café.
What had she heard?
“Why would you think that? Lexi, that’s a pretty serious accusation to just be throwing around.”
She shimmied into a straighter position, reminding me of a proud peacock with her sly smile.
“Honestly, she doesn’t have very nice things to say about you. Just a few nights ago, I walked in on her talking about how you’re just a giant player. Something about you counting down the days until you can chase snow bunnies again. But I know that’s not true.”
She leaned forward a little and tilted her head, almost looking proud of bringing me such news.
“I’ll talk to her about it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
“Of course. I can’t tell you who you should be with, but you certainly shouldn’t keep someone here that doesn’t accept who you are.”
While she had a point, I couldn’t reconcile the Harper she talked about with the Harper I knew, or even the one I’d been getting to know again. Even worse, she’d brought a matter to my attention on camera, which meant I’d have to deal with it on camera.
“You’re right, I appreciate the concern for my well-being.” Even as I said them, the words were bitter on my tongue.
Two more weeks.
That’s all Harper and I had to make it: two more weeks.
She stood, tossing the blanket back on the patio couch, and I walked her back inside to the crowd of waiting women. Harper sat nestled between Candace and Danielle, two women I’d kept from week to week to ensure Harper had friends in the house. I’d noticed early on she was outnumbered. The producers had probably ensured it from the get-go.
“Harper, can we talk for a minute?” I motioned to her with a nod of my head.
“Sure.”
A quiet murmur spread through the girls as they looked around at each other. I’d have given anything to sneak out for a beer with Steven, get just an hour to myself with my best friend and ask him what I’d gotten myself into. He’d laugh and tell me I signed up for it.
