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CHAPTER 7
This is it, the first of three gauntlets we have to survive in order to win. And the first elimination.
“You got this,” I tell my reflection as I sit in my parked car. “You’re strong. A winner.”
Reese’s old Eclipse, very similar to the one my sister used to drive, is already parked in front of me right beside Liz’s white Audi. Sheridan wouldn’t be making it today because of work, but she called me this morning to wish me luck.
Looking all around as I walk through the full parking lot, I finally spot the car that makes my heart skip a beat. A lifted blue Jeep. Dean is here. I haven’t seen him since I dyed my hair.
There’s a local reporter at the door waiting to greet everyone as they walk past. I’m no exception.
“Are you a member or just here for the competition?” he asks, and I realize he doesn’t recognize me.
“Here to have some fun,” I respond vaguely, and take advantage of the fact that no one else seems to know who I am either, making my way inside unbothered.
It’s another crowded day at Maxx Boot Camp, the space filled with Maxxers, friends, family, and local reporters. The sound of their chatter creates a loud hum that makes it hard to hear my own thoughts. I search the room for a familiar face, but all I see are strangers. Even with my height advantage, I can’t find my kid, my sister, or anyone who works here.
Giving up, I head to Julie’s office, where I find the staff. Julie is showing Dean something on her laptop, while Meg stares off into space and Jose is playing with his iPhone.
“Hey competition. Who’s ready to go home?” I ask teasingly.
They all look up simultaneously. Julie gasps and accidentally swallows her gum. Meg looks at me slightly confused. Jose grins at me and gives me thumbs up.
But none of their reactions matter. The only one that’s keeping my heart from beating is Dean’s, as he looks at me from head to toe with mouth agape. Does he like it? Does he hate it?
“Why’d you dye your hair?” Meg asks me.
“I was ready for a change.”
“Looks great,” Jose says, leaving the office closely followed by Meg. Her eyes never leave my hair as they walk past.
Julie composes herself and smiles at me. “You look beautiful, Cat. As always. Now, let’s get out there so you can get warmed up before we begin.” She walks out, leaving Dean and I alone.
I watch him expectantly as he comes closer. He does that thing, where he stands too near to me, and reaches for my hair. He studies the dark brown strands. “I love you as a brunette. It brings out your eyes,” he says looking up. The truth is so obvious now. He likes what he sees. A lot.
“I thought you liked me as a blonde.”
“I do. And I’d love you as a redhead, if you decide to change it again later. Even if you shave it all off, you’d be the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.”
“Don’t say that.” I nearly whimper, half relieved that he liked it, half afraid.
“Go out with me tonight, Cat. Let’s spend some time together.”
Rolling my eyes, I pull away. “Here we go again with this whole date thing. Why don’t we go to your place instead? Maybe you can pull on my hair,” I tell him, lowering my lids so he doesn’t mistake my meaning.
“You like it a little rough, kitty cat?”
“I like it a lot rough.”
His lips pull to one side. “I’ll have to keep that in mind, for after we get to know each other.”
Sighing heavily, I say, “You’re not going to wear me down,” and start heading to the gym floor.
“We’ll see about that.”
The crowd has split, with half the onlookers against one side of the gym, and half on the other. Local reporters have been allowed to set up at the edges of the floor so that the cameras have an unobstructed view of the challenge.
Today is upper body. That’s all I know. A whiteboard has been set on a stand at the front of the room and covered by a “Be Your Maxx” poster.
