AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I think I do.”
I say those words over and over as the driver navigates early LA traffic. I’m like theLittle Engine that Couldexcept my uphill battle is three thousand miles away and has already been on national TV this morning with Bronx and Rebekah. She was so vague when asked about our marriage, making comments about how she really enjoyed the show and that I’m really nice.
Nice? That’s how she sees me? I mean, nice is great, but I’m her husband. I want her to tell the world how she felt about meinsidethe house and let me fix the rest. I want her to answer her phone when I call and not send it to voicemail the second she sees a California area code pop up on her phone. I’m banking on the fact that she doesn’t know it’s me calling and is avoiding any numbers she doesn’t recognize. I’m grasping at anything right now that will help me keep my sanity.
As soon as the driver enters the studio lot, the pressure starts to build even though I’ve done this for what feels like a million times. Questions will be asked about the show, the other couples, and of course Joey. Only this time when her name comes up, I won’t be able to help the grin that spreads across my face. Regardless of what’s going on, she makes me feel. She makes everything brighter and livelier. I knew from that first kiss we shared that Joey Mitchell was someone special and meant to be in my life.
The PA I’ve been assigned meets me at the stage door. She starts rambling on about shows, times, meets and greets—all words just going in one ear and out the other. The only show I care about isHelen. That’s the day where Joey and I will be in the same space, sitting next to each other.
My microphone is put on, my hair fixed, and the obligatory stupid powder spread all over my face during the commercial break. My PA is talking a mile a minute about things I need to be sure to say and cover during my interview with the ladies ofThe Chat. She also encourages me to bat my eyes and turn on my charm, which is easy because these hosts are great to be with.
I walk out on stage during the commercial break and shake hands with the four women sitting around the table, drinking coffee. My spot is at the end, facing the audience. I wave and they scream. A few of the audience members hold up signs professing their love for me. I’m in my element, but not having Joey here with me is upsetting. I wanted her to see me like this—to make sure she can handle it—before we get too far.
“Welcome back toThe Chat.We are joined by America’s heartthrob, Joshua Wilson, who surprised us all by his appearance on the reality TV show,Married Blindthis season. Welcome, Joshua,” Allison Avery says.
“Thank you. It’s good to be back here with you beautiful ladies.”
One of the other hosts, Beverly Blake, fans herself while the other three blush and Cindy Drew says, “Isn’t he to die for?” causing the audience to become louder.
“Tell us, what were you thinking when you signed up forMarried Blind?” Hayley Gunner asks. She’s the focal point of the show and married to one of the network’s big wigs.
I smile toward the viewers and tilt my head slightly before looking at the hosts. “Honestly, I signed up so I could help the community center I grew up in to start a rebuilding effort. With the economy the way it’s been, funding for centers like this—ones that help the youth stay off the streets—is hard to get. I’m trying to pay back everything that was given to me.” It’s the same lie I’ve told a few times to save face from the drunken incident that landed me on the show.
“I sense a but coming,” says Beverly Blake.
“I fell in love,” I state before I realize the words are coming out of my mouth.
The ladies gasp, but it’s the audience members who catch my attention. I can hear rumbling amongst them and the last thing I need is for Joey to be on the receiving end of bad press from the fans.
“You guys are going to love Joey,” I tell them as if I need their approval. “She’s very excited to meet you all.”
“I have to say, Josh, the chemistry between you and Joey washot!” Allison Avery fans herself. “How much of that was acting?”
“None,” I answer matter-of-factly. “From the first kiss, I knew.”
“Well there you have it, ladies. Joshua Wilson is officially off the market,” Hayley Gunner announces, much to the displeasure of the audience.
As soon as the commercials are rolling, our microphones are shut off. Cindy Drew leans over and asks, “Are you legit married?”
I nod, and start removing my microphone. She shakes her head, tsking while doing so. “I think a lot of your fans were banking on this ending as soon as the show was over. We heard one couple has already filed.”
“Sorry to disappoint,” I say, as I stand. “But this is the real deal.”
The moment I’m off stage, my cell starts to vibrate in my pocket. It’s Matt, and as much as I don’t want to speak with him, he’s my agent, so I take the call.
“Hello.”
“You must’ve lost your mind.”
“No, my mind is fully intact. Do you have a new contract for me with a new co-star?”
Matt sighs, sensing that the topic of Joey and my interview is off the table for discussion.
“They want both of you,” he says.
I motion for my PA to follow me out the door and into the waiting car. The driver knows where to go and my PA works on my outfit for the next show.
“Not gonna happen, Matt. I don’t want to work with Jules, ever.”
