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She gets one wrong about me, some random question about my favorite thing to sleep in. It’s shorts, but no doubt she chose the shirt and shorts option because that’s what I’ve been sleeping in since she moved in.
“I was trying to make you more comfortable,” I whisper in her ear. “Especially since you showed up in flannel pajamas for our wedding night.”
Her cheeks turn pink, and she hides behind her cards.
All of a sudden, we’re tied with Matt and Deborah, and a rapid-fire round begins. The competition is fierce, but Trina and I manage to yank the victory out from under their noses.
We leap to our feet and cheer, hugging and jumping around.
The look on Victor’s face puts a damper on my enthusiasm, but it’s got nothing to do with us. He and Regina have been arguing off and on all night.
“Whew.” Deborah fans herself with her cards. “That was fun.” She stands. “Any of you ladies care to join me for some female talk?”
Regina leaps to her feet. “Count me in.”
Alyssa follows at a slower pace, but soon all the women have gathered in one corner of the room, leaving us men in the middle. An uncomfortable silence settles.
Matt clears his throat. “Anyone up for some basketball?” He grabs the remote. “Liam, I think I have one of your games recorded.”
“Oh no. Please don’t indulge him,” Trina calls out from across the room. “Make him watch an opposing team.”
The men chuckle, and soon Matt has a game going. I don’t mind. It gives me a chance to study and gather intel on other teams we mightcompete with.
Trina’s head is bent toward the other women. They seem to be having a wonderful time. I’m glad. Maybe it will help her get through the rest of our time together. It’s rapidly coming to a close. I try to ignore the pang in my chest at the idea of never seeing her again. It’s for the best, but it’s not what I want.
***
TRINA
I lean over the island counter, swirl my juice, then take a sip. “Deb, I love the beach art on the walls. Was this originally your place or Matt’s?”
She flashes a smile. “Matt’s, but as soon as I moved in, we redecorated.” She points to the shells lining a white-washed shelf. “They’re from my house. Matt wanted me to bring some of the themes I had going so this would feel more like home.”
“It looks great,” I say.
Regina crosses her arms. “I wish Victor was thoughtful.”
I’m so going to write an article about Victor and Regina, but Melanie already told me they’re at the bottom of the ladder. But where is couple number five? Time for some investigation.
“Hey, Deb. Was anyone not able to make it tonight?”
She leans over the island, and the other ladies mimic her. “Apparently, they’ve dropped out. The producers haven’t released the episode yet, but Shona and Jayden had a big blow up. They can’t stand each other.” She places a finger to her lips. “But you didn’t hear it from me. I asked about them since I was hosting, and Nicholas told me.”
I straighten. My boss is going to be so pleased. We can leak this gossip days before the show airs. But I need more info about these ladies too.
I face Alyssa. “Do you think you’ll last the full three months?”
Alyssa’s cheeks flush pink. My tact isn’t great. I’ve built no report with her and just reached for the jugular vein.
“I mean . . .” I offer a small smile. “You seem like me—a little uncomfortable about this whole ordeal.” I wave a hand down. “Which I totally get.”
Her smile brightens, like she’s grateful for the connection. Alyssa gently touches her throat, her voice filled with vulnerability. “It's the strangest experience, isn't it? It feels like being caught in some bizarre version of the Truman Show. How are we supposed to genuinely fall in love when we virtually have no privacy? I find it hard to be myself and relax.”
My fingers skim Alyssa's shoulder in a comforting gesture. “Exactly. I feel the same way.” My hand naturally falls back to my side. “But you know what? As time goes on, I find myself getting more comfortable in front of the cameras. I even look forward to the journal videos.”
Alyssa frowns like she’s chewing on sour candy. “That’s the worst part for me.”
Regina tosses her hair over her shoulder. “The journal booth is my favorite spot in the house. Sometimes I hide there until Victor comes looking for me.”
