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“Unless you’ve decided you’re into dudes.” He laughs before adding, “That might be even better revenge.”
I’m not sure how that would be true, and I don’t bother to ask. “I don’t want to lead anyone on.”
“There are no guarantees for anyone who goes on a dating show.”
“No, I guess not.”
“And if you’re truly open to meeting someone, then you’re not using them.”
“Even if it ultimately helps me get retribution on Eva.”
He flashes double peace signs before saying, “That’s what they call a double win. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Thanks, Ter. I really needed a guy’s perspective.” Lifting the menu, I tell him, “I’ll take a look at this and get back to you.”
I stay on the couch after Terry leaves and think about what he said. I’ve pretty much decided that if the right woman comes along, I might be ready. But so far, the only person I find interesting enough to date is Paige. And there’s no way she’d believe me if I told her that. She’d undoubtedly question a change in my motives.
Not to mention she seemed to be getting pretty cozy with Jake in the kitchen …
At four o’clock I go to hair and makeup, but I don’t see Paige. I ask Brittany, “Do you know where Paige is?”
“She’s changing in the other room, but she’s been gone for a long time,” she tells me.
I pull my phone out of my pocket and call her. In lieu of a traditional greeting, she answers, “I’m so screwed.”
“Um, hey there, it’s Tim.”
“I know who it is.” Something is clearly wrong.
“Why are you screwed?”
“I must not have been paying attention when I packed my clothes for the show, because I put the wrong thing into my bag. Trina says there isn’t time for me to go home and change.”
“Why can’t you wear what you wore when you were cooking?” I ask.
She grumbles, “I got so hot in that chef’s coat, I took it off. My clothes are covered with grease splatters.”
“Then wear the outfit you brought. How bad can it be?”
“Walk out into the hallway, Tim. And come alone.”
I didn’t peg Paige for such a diva, but I do as she says. Once I’m in the hall, I expect to find her wearing something slightly less than perfect, but that is not what I see. As soon as I spot her, I have to force my mouth shut to keep from gaping.
“Now do you see what the problem is?”
“How … how … how …” I burst out laughing before I’m finally able to manage, “did you pack that instead of actual clothes?”
“I don’t know!” she shouts. “I was in a hurry; it was on my bed … I guess I just picked it up without thinking.” She looks like she’s about to cry.
“You sleep in a Winnie the Pooh onesie?”
“In my defense, I sleep alone and it’s warm.”
“And Trina’s seen it?” I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t let Paige go home to change.
Paige nods her head. “She’s seen it. She thinks it’s funny and would make for some great TV.”
“Except you’re embarrassed,” I guess.
