Sweet Reality

by Laura Heffernan

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. I can’t believe I almost lost you.” After one last kiss, he pulled me toward the elevator. “Come on.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Up to the Lido Deck. We’re having an impromptu party in your honor. Ed and Connor are in charge of drinks, and Rachel’s making sure we have some food. Danielle’s already got the chairs reserved for us. I’m not the only one who needs to see you in one piece.” He paused. “Ariana and Dominic are there, too. But I can make them leave if you want.”

  A rush of love for my friends passed through me. Even considering the horrible start to this cruise, I was the luckiest woman in the world.

  “No, it’s fine. Let’s all enjoy the rest of our last night onboard.”

  * * *

  After a quick trip to my cabin to change into dry clothes, I found my friends at the bar on the back of the Lido Deck. Everyone oohed and ahhed over me. Danielle complimented my dive, giving me a score of six out of six. Ed suggested I thank Tammy Rae for my new aerodynamic scalp.

  “Hey!” Rachel said. “That was my idea.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Ariana approached cautiously. I smiled at her, unsure what to say. Luckily, she spoke first. “So, um, I’d already forgiven you. No need to steal the show by almost dying.”

  “Well, that fall wasn’t really part of the plan,” I said. “But somewhere in this vast disclaimer they’re making me sign, I’m going to make sure they agree not to air the video of you and Dominic. There must be plenty of other footage of us fighting to explain the fall.”

  For the first time I could remember, Ariana’s smile reached her eyes. “I can pretty much guarantee it. Anyway, thanks. I officially promise never to bother you and Justin again.”

  “I officially promise to say nice things about you at the funeral, if I’m invited.”

  “Awesome.” She eyed me. “We don’t need to hug, do we?”

  “Better not. I could have a concussion.”

  Instead I offered her a hand, which she took. A few minutes later, after saying good-bye to Justin, she and Dominic left the deck. With the ship returning to Miami the next day, I wondered if I’d ever see either of them again, other than on TV.

  Under the stars, my friends and I ate and drank and talked and joked like I hadn’t just almost died. The earlier horror of the evening evaporated. Other than the addition of Danielle and no Birdie or Abram, it felt like being in the Fishbowl. I never wanted the evening to end.

  After eating three cupcakes from the ship’s bakery (which were nothing compared to Madison’s recipe) and draining my second hot cocoa with Kahlua, I leaned against my lounge chair with a happy sigh.

  “Looks like I got my perfect final evening on the cruise after all,” I said. Ed raised his eyebrows at me. “I mean, sure, I fell into the ocean, but now I’ve got an awesome story to tell when I get home. People will come into the bakery purely to ask me about it.”

  “That’s my girl,” Justin said. “Always looking at the bright side. I’m just glad this chapter of our story didn’t turn into a tearjerker.”

  “Also, I’m surrounded by some of the most important people in my life. I love you all.”

  “I love the way you look at things,” Rachel said. She and Justin exchanged a look. “But I wouldn’t say the evening is perfect. Not yet.”

  “It’s awesome for me,” Ed said. “The truth has come out about Ariana, so we can all process it and decide how to deal. The three of us are rocking the new ’do. The Network is going to give me and Connor a suite for the evening as a thank you for the awesome drama we provided. Jen and Justin are together and happy, as they should be. Plus, Jen got to show off some bad-ass Olympic diving skills.”

  I chuckled. “I’m far from Olympic quality. I never even made it to the state championships in college.”

  “Hush,” Ed said. “We’re celebrating you. Smile, nod, and take a drink.”

  “State Championships or no, you’re a survivor,” Justin said. “That’s part of your indomitable spirit, and I love you.”

  Squeezing his hand, I said, “I love you, too.”

  Rachel cleared her throat.

  “Now?” Justin asked.

  She nodded. “What are you waiting for?”

  Ed shrugged at my questioning look. “I have no idea what they’re talking about.”

  Before I said anything else, Justin stood, raising his glass. “I’d like to propose a toast. All I wanted for this trip was to spend some time alone with my girlfriend and have a nice, quiet, romantic voyage. Clearly, that was never going to happen.” We all chuckled. Of course the Network would throw some wrenches into our plans for a nice, relaxing vacation. We never should’ve expected anything less.

  “But through it all, we managed to come out closer than ever. We’re lucky to be surrounded by all our friends.” Justin swallowed and continued, speaking only to me, despite the crowd. “First I wanted to do this before we left, but with the other store opening and Sarah burning the cupcakes, it didn’t pan out. I wanted to do it in the Bahamas, but I let worries about losing our identities get in the way. Then I wanted to do it in Jamaica on the beach, but I missed the boat. Literally.”

  I bit my lip to keep from squealing. Was this it? Did he have the ring with him? No. It wasn’t possible.

  “I missed you so much all week. I hate fighting with you, and I don’t ever want to be apart that long again. The moment you kissed me in the casino, it reaffirmed that you’re the one for me. I should’ve asked right there, but I wasn’t ready. I’m an idiot for waiting so long. I thought I needed the perfect timing or the perfect thing to say. I don’t. All I need is you, because you’re what matters.”

  “We’re what matters,” I corrected him.

  “Shhh,” he said. “I’m kind of in the middle of something important here.”

  Oops. “Right. Sorry. Please continue.”

  “I finally realized: what could be better or more perfect than this moment right here, right now when we’re surrounded by old and new friends? Better than sharing our love and happiness with all of the viewers who’ve been with us for every major step of our relationship?”

  My heart pounded in my throat, preventing me from saying anything. Tears prickled the backs of my eyes. To my horror, my nose started running. But nothing could ruin this moment for us.

  Justin knelt in front of me and produced a box from the pocket of his shorts. My eyes widened. After an entire week of wondering and waiting, our moment finally arrived. He was going to do it.

  My breath caught when the box creaked open. The world blurred. Inside the box lay the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen. A dazzling diamond nestled between two triangular sapphires sat in a platinum band. It would’ve been truly tragic if I’d swallowed it.

  Justin’s eyes met mine, shining with love. Was he crying, too? “Jennifer?”

  My ears perked up. This had to be the real thing. He never called me by my full name. No one did.

  “Yes?”

  “The past sixteen months have been the best time of my life,” Justin said. “Ever since I saw you at the audition for The Fishbowl, I knew you were someone special. But I never dreamed I would care about anyone as much as I love you.

  “I know we’ve had some ups and downs, but being down with you is better than being up with anyone else. Life with you promises to be challenging, exciting, and full of surprises. Nothing excites me more than the thought of us sharing that life.”

  I barely registered the words. Before he finished speaking, I started nodding and babbling, “Yes!” over and over. He could have been saying anything, and I would have agreed to it.

  “He hasn’t actually asked you anything yet,” Ed said helpfully. Rachel elbowed him in the ribs before I got the chance to tell him to shut up.

  To Justin, I said, “I love you, too. More every day.”

  “Will you marry me?”

  Those words, the sweetest I’d ever h
eard in my life, I heard very clearly.

  “YES! Absolutely! Of course I will.” My nose flowed freely by then, and I was babbling, but I didn’t care.

  Tears of joy streamed down my face. Justin gave me a long, lingering kiss, full of tenderness. He pulled me against him, holding me like he never wanted to let go.

  All around us, the cameras rolled. Behind me, I heard clapping. Someone whooped. Probably Ed. I’d almost forgotten everyone else surrounded us. Justin and I kissed again before I pulled away to accept his gift. Justin slipped the platinum circle over my left ring finger. It fit perfectly.

  We turned to the growing crowd and raised our clasped hands. “Guess what, everyone? We’re getting married!”

  A roared went up around the deck. Cameras flashed. I beamed and hugged Justin again. Then, he pressed his lips to mine, and the rest of the world fell away. This was what mattered. The two of us, and the way we felt about each other. Nothing else.

  “No more cameras, Jen,” he whispered. “Just you and me. Forever.”

  “Forever.” I agreed.

  No more being on display. We were done with television. And we were going to live happily ever after.

  SHOCKING ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ONLINE

  He went down on one knee, and you won’t believe what happened next

  The Fishbowl couple betrothed?

  by Talky Ted, Nov. 10

  Inside sources tell me Justin Taylor was spotted onboard the Queen Kelly on bended knee, talking to a visibly flustered Jen Reid. Are wedding bells on the horizon? Official sources for the show declined to comment. Ms. Reid and Mr. Taylor are at this moment still onboard, leaving this reporter anxiously awaiting communication from anyone in the know.

  Still, thousands of people aren’t known for their group secret-keeping abilities. If Jen and Justin are headed down the aisle, the news should break before they disembark. The Network may be regretting their choice not to air this show live, after viewers saw with their own eyes what happens when Double J gets together.

  Jen’s ex-boyfriend Dominic replied to an email seeking comment, quashing any rumors of a shotgun wedding. “Jen was drinking heavily on the cruise,” he said. “No way she’s pregnant. But based on what I saw, there’s no way Justin proposed to anyone onboard. Ariana told me Justin and Jen are done. Mark my words, Jen will come back to me any day now.”

  This turn of events opens the door to multiple questions:

  1. Will the Network televise the wedding?

  2. Foot the bill?

  3. Will they make Jen pick Ariana for a bridesmaid? Does this mean Birdie will return to television?

  4. What drugs did Dominic pick up ashore that he thinks Jen wants him back?

  Click here for rest of article.

  Related Stories: Get the inside scoop on the most amazing reality-show reunion of all time.

  Leaked footage shows The Fishbowl/Real Ocean: Caribbean star Jen Reid falling overboard. You won’t believe what happens next.

  Deaf Teen Mother Madison leaks major news; Tammy Rae’s upcoming memoir canceled.

  The Fishbowl’s Carrie “Birdie” O’Brien announces pregnancy.

  THE MIAMI BEAT

  Sign Me Up for Another Season of Sweet Reality!

  Reality show–themed bakery a breakaway hit

  By Beth Schumann, Dec. 2

  Ever since the premier of Real Ocean: Caribbean, this reporter has eagerly awaited the opening of Sweet Reality in downtown Miami. After all, what could be better than combining my two greatest addictions: baked goods and bad television?

  The shop’s interior delivers on its name’s promise. From the glittering floors to the portraits of America’s favorite reality TV stars decorating the walls, this place is utterly adorbs. Jen and Sarah know their target demographic. The elegance of Patty’s Cakes might pull in Miami’s older crowd, but Millennials created a line ’round the block leading into Sweet Reality. A gentleman to the core and the brother/boyfriend of the co-owners, Justin Taylor stood outside, handing cups of water to those tapping our feet against the sidewalk. (No confirmation yet on the engagement rumors, but I’m ready for the Real

  Ocean: Caribbean finale on Dec. 23.)

  Anyway, I digress. What matters at a bakery is the food, right? Sweet Reality does not disappoint. The names may be a bit odd to anyone who’s not familiar with Jen’s history, but then so might the decor. Either way, everything tasted delicious. The fishbowl-shaped cookies were thick and buttery, with a creamy vanilla frosting that’s making me drool a bit as I write. Not very hungry? Enjoy a “sneak preview”—mini-cupcakes and bite-sized cookies or brownies. Or get a shot of icing called the “commercial break.”

  The Jen Cupcake slides into first place, a yellow cake with chocolate frosting and a cookie dough center. Despite the name making no sense, the cake tasted delicious, and I love that they also sell the “Cruise Jen,” a “bald” cupcake (i.e., no frosting). The Cruise Jen unfortunately sold out before I made it to the counter, but 50% of the profits from those cakes are being donated to cancer research, so chow down, Miami! The Madison, an amazing chocolate, banana, and peanut butter creation, also ranks an honorable mention.

  Cardboard cutouts of Jen and Justin stand in the corners for patrons who want pictures taken with the “stars.” Alas, no Sarah cutout to be found. Where’s the love?

  Whether you’re a reality TV fan or not, Sweet Reality is worth a peek. Personally, I’ll be binge (watch)ing there on a regular basis. Hope to see you! 5 spatulas.

  Related Stories: Patty’s Cakes: Too big, too fast?

  If you enjoyed Jen and Justin’s story, the adventure continues in the next Reality Star novel . . .

  REALITY WEDDING

  by

  Laura Heffernan

  Available in spring 2018 from Lyrical Press

  Read on for a preview . . .

  Chapter 1

  THE NETWORK

  requests the honor of your presence

  at the marriage of their stars

  AMANDA LEE HUNTLEY

  and

  BRADEN ANDERSON

  Saturday, the tenth of June

  in the year two thousand seventeen

  at one o’clock in the afternoon

  at the Marrying Kind mansion

  Black tie

  Invitation required for admission

  Reception to follow

  Unlike most brides, nearly every milestone of my relationship with my future husband Justin had been captured on video and broadcast to America as part of Season 1 of The Fishbowl: our growing attraction, our first fight, our first kiss, the proposal. So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I answered my phone in the middle of a lull at work to find my favorite reality show producer asking if we wanted to get married on television.

  Shouldn’t have, but Connor’s words stopped me in my tracks. I stared at my phone, watching the timer tick upwards. Five seconds seemed an eternity. Then ten seconds passed. The bustle of the bakery continued around me, but all I saw was my phone. That timer ticking.

  “Jen?” His voice was tinny. Far away. With effort, I returned the phone to my ear and found my voice.

  “Hold on,” I said, ducking through the kitchen out the back door for some privacy. I didn’t want anyone to overhear this conversation. “You want us to get married in Los Angeles? On what, a special episode of The Fishbowl, Season 3?”

  “No, no, no. That doesn’t start filming until July. We want to give you your own show. Jen & Justin’s Reality Wedding. J&J’s Big Day. Becoming Mrs. Taylor. The title’s still a work in progress,” he said. “Anyway, we’ll film everything: cake tastings, dress fittings, meetings with the officiant. Then we’ll film the ceremony for a two-hour special. The viewers will eat it up, and it’ll be a great lead-in for The Fishbowl’s new season.”

  While theoretically having your own reality show sounded awesome, this wasn’t my first rodeo. I wasn’t sure how I felt about having every last detail of my wedding ceremony broadcast to the wo
rld. This seemed more personal than going to solve some puzzles or taking a cruise. And the stakes were higher. I didn’t want the Network interfering in my relationship again.

  “Being on TV last time almost broke us up.”

  “And being on TV the first time brought you together,” he said. “You’d never have met if not for the show.”

  That was true, but when Justin proposed, we both swore to leave the reality TV community behind forever. No more pop-up appearances. No more reality fun runs. Maybe a fundraiser or two for the right charity, but absolutely, positively No More TV Shows. I refused to risk our relationship a second time.

  “I’m sorry, Connor, but we can’t. Justin and I are ready to retire our reality show personas.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m afraid so. But I appreciate the thought. And you and Ed better still come to the wedding when we have it.” My best friend Ed, The Fishbowl’s official runner-up, lived with Connor in Los Angeles, where he’d built a successful stand-up career after our appearance on two reality shows.

  “We wouldn’t miss it for anything. You sure I can’t get you to change your mind?”

  “If you want, I can ask Justin to be sure, but I’m guessing the answer is no. I’m sorry.”

  “What if we offer to pay for everything?”

  “Everything?”

  “Including the honeymoon.”