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Today was day one of filming, which meant reveal day. I was excited, nervous, and a whole jumble of other emotions I couldn’t quite name.
“Wow, that was rough.” I sighed once my stomach settled. I looked over at Jess, who had a hand pressed to her ear. She had an earpiece jammed in there and was nodding along with whatever someone said on the other side.
“Yeah, sorry about that. We have to keep you from seeing each other until the cameras roll. Are you okay?”
I waved my hand, dispelling any worry. I didn’t want to be known as the difficult one by the crew. “Fine. Just getting my land legs back. I’m Sophie, by the way.”
The petite brunette took my offered hand with a smirk, shaking it firmly. “I know.” My face must have contorted into something resembling confusion, because she clarified, “We know all of your names, allergies, and background. It’s all part of the job. But it’s nice to meet you in person.”
She had a utility belt like Batman, but instead of the crime-fighting regalia, she had mic packs, tape, and two different walkie-talkies. She seemed at ease, and her friendly demeanor helped calm my nerves.
“You too,” I said, smiling warmly at her. “Are you here for the entire month?”
“Yeah. Well, kind of. The place is set up with cameras to do most of the heavy lifting, but there will be a crew at the next house over in case of emergencies. We’re also around for filming, letting you guys know what’s coming up, and setting up the challenges or workshops you’ll be doing.”
“That’s awesome. I hope we’re not too much of an unruly bunch for you guys. Seems like a waste to come all the way down here to babysit a bunch of adults.”
She laughed. “It’s literally my job to look after you guys, but I’m secretly hoping for some beach time in my off hours.”
Her hand came up to her ear again, and she pressed a button on the microphone pack attached to the back of her black cargo pants. “On it. I’ll get her mic'd up now and send her out.”
Jess looked over, giving me a warm smile. “You’re up, Sophie.”
I gulped as she fitted a belt around my waist with the mic pack on the back and handed me a necklace with a fuzzy little microphone hanging from the center. I pulled the sarong a little higher to hide the belt on the front and checked myself in the mirror one last time.
“Ready?” she asked.
“Yep,” I replied, recalling the packet of information the production company had sent after I’d been selected. I was supposed to go through the courtyard to join the others down at the beach, following the little yellow strips of tape on the floor.
It was time to do this.
Jess opened the door with an enthusiastic, “Good luck!” and I took a few hesitant steps out of the room. I looked down, finding the little yellow pieces of tape and followed them like some cheap version of Dorothy’s yellow brick road.
“Head up! Show ’em whatcha got, Soph!” Jess called behind me, making me smile because I had at least one person rooting for me.
She was right. I was making a grand entrance, and I needed to own it. If only for the air time this swimsuit would get with the viewers. Plus, Esmerelda and our friends would be watching, and they’d be disappointed if I didn’t give this all I had. My parents, on the other hand, had sworn to avoid the show at all costs. A promise they would likely break as soon as the first episode went live, because who could resist live TV drama, especially when their kid was on it?
I straightened my shoulders, shook out my hair, and set off. I could totally do this!
The breeze hit me full on when I rounded a corner, tousling my curled, honey-blonde hair around my shoulders and really testing the glue strength of these new false lashes.Must remember to leave a review on Amazon when I get home. Two cameramen were on either side of the stone walkway, rolling backward on tracks as I approached.
Flicking my hair over one shoulder, I shot the closest camera a wink, exuding the confidence I wish I had. Fake it till you make it, right? No matter how good I looked now, those barbs from the schoolyard liked to occasionally surface over the years and poke at me.
I would never be a size two; and honestly, I didn’t want to be. There had been enough dieting in my lifetime to make anyone swear off it. I was comfortable in my skin. I was healthy, I was curvy, and I was here to play.
My hips swayed, causing the sarong to flutter around my calves. The sun’s heat warmed my nerves, and I found myself excited about what came next. I blew a kiss at the other camera and followed those little yellow strips all the way to a set of stairs.
Enthusiastic shouts and hollers went up from down on the beach.
Beautiful people congregated at the standing tables with their glasses lifted in the air, cheering for me to join them. Their liveliness was infectious, and I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excited energy. Letting my smile widen, I waved back at them as I descended the few stairs leading to the sandy beach.
The gorgeous backdrop behind them snagged my eye—nothing but cerulean water and white sand as far as the eye could see.
I was smiling so widely that my cheeks ached. I tried to rein it in so I didn’t look unhinged on TV and refocused my gaze on the people at the tables just a few yards away. Doing my best to not trip while being filmed—wouldn’t that be a lovely way to make a first impression?—I took careful steps and finally reached them.
Two women immediately stepped forward to welcome me to the party.
“Hi! I’m Cheryl!” one said. Cheryl looked like an Instagram filter come to life. She had long blonde hair, a perfect camera-ready face, and a gold bikini that shimmered and sparkled, catching my attention.
