by Leesa Bow
Mr Dunbar remains quiet, taking in my confession. “So tell me, what is it about my girl that makes you think you could spend the rest of your life with her?”
“Don’t say you’re not choosing a wife,” Ingrid all but screams in my earpiece. “If we can get a live wedding on the show we’re going for it, Rhett.”
My heart is galloping in my chest at the thought of marrying one of the girls. I like Lucy, but not enough to marry her. Marriage is—
“Rhett, answer Mr Dunbar!”
“Lucy is the kind of girl I could come home to every night and just be with.” I swallow, hard.
He takes a swig of his beer and assesses me. “Because you’re … attracted to her?”
“Yes.”
“But not intellectually?”
I frown at him. “You think being attracted to her intelligence is more important than physical attraction, and the fact we connect well?” Tilting my head, I give him a hesitant look. “Lucy is smart and witty, and I respect that.”
“So what happens if you do marry, and she has babies? The pressure of marriage creeps in and stamps out the fun, and the physical attraction fades. What will keep you together?” He takes a swig but he’s still looking at me.
“If I were to choose Lucy it’s because I believe we’ll weather the hard times, communicate so our marriage sticks. I’m aware you still need to work on the physical. My parents were great role models.” I clam up before I say more. Lucy steps out onto the patio, and Ingrid is in my ear telling me she sent her out to save me. My shoulders relax barely an inch.
“Lunch is ready, gentlemen.” Lucy sounds upbeat.
I stand and shake Mr Dunbar’s hand. “You have my word.”
Lucy links her hand in mine and walks with me. “Your word?” She waggles her eyebrows at me. If only her father had some of Lucy’s personality.
“Our secret,” I whisper. Mr Dunbar is hardly a man to be messed with, and, at this moment, it crosses my mind Lucy will not be the winner. Part of me is genuinely sad, because I like having Lucy around.
The afternoon goes much smoother than my “chat” with Lucy’s father. In a couple of hours I’m back on the plane, looking at the clouds below and thinking about Tori. Her parents live in Melbourne, and I wonder if the next time I’m visiting, I’ll be on a planned visit to meet them. I remember the first time I took her out for drinks, and how she mentioned her relationship with her mother was strained. Now I wish I’d listened more intently.
“You were great with my father,” Lucy says, linking her fingers with mine. I turn my gaze from the window and smile at her.
“I’m not so sure. He’s concerned about you and I get that. If you were my daughter on—”
Lucy lifts her lips to mine and kisses me. “Don’t even think about me as your daughter,” she instructs. Regardless of who can see us she links her arm around my neck and deepens the kiss. Her lips are soft, warm, and moist. It’s pleasant. Hell, who doesn’t like kissing a hot chick? But it’s not Tori. Lucy flinches, sensing my hesitation.
Hell. I don’t want her to question my actions. I need my head in the game, and, as fucked as it is, I lean in and kiss her hard. It’s nice, but does nothing to excite me.
“So why is your father still protective of his adult daughter?” I ask, when we finally come up for air.
“He’s always been like it,” she whispers. “Growing up he had strict rules. My brothers could do what they liked but not me,” she mocks. “So I had a little rebellious period. I got my point across before I pulled my shit together, and don’t ask,” she adds. “All that matters is my life is on track now. And meeting you feels like it’s exactly what the universe wanted for me.”
I stroke her arm. “What do you want after the show?”
“You mean if you choose me?” She grins.
“Take me out of the equation. I want to know what you want for you? What makes you happy? It’s important for me to know what in life satisfies you.”
“Well …” She taps her fingers along my arm as she contemplates her thoughts. “I want to finish my phys-ed degree. I love working with kids, and eventually want to have my own.”
I jump back to the first part of her question. “When will you finish your degree?”
“In two years. I’m studying part time while I work at the local gym. It’s damn difficult to pay rent while you’re a student.” She frowns, and I push caramel strands behind her ear.
“I’m a bit relieved you’re not living at home.”
Lucy laughs, her dimples denting her cheeks. “He’s harmless really,” she says.
Not if he finds out the truth.
The next home visit is to Sally’s family in Sydney. The day before we leave, Ingrid comes to my room to inform me it’s cancelled. Apparently, Sally is estranged from her parents and is living with a girlfriend since she dropped out of school at sixteen. She thought we could visit her friend, but Ingrid decided it didn’t feel right, so she thought it better to take Sally home to meet my mother. I don’t have the same good feeling about this as Ingrid.
“Sally is crying in her room. Go see her and give her the good news.”
“I haven’t agreed to it and, more importantly, neither has my mother. I previously told Grant my home is out of bounds.” I fold my arms, determined. “I’ll go but—”
“She can’t be the only contestant who doesn’t get a home visit. Please reconsider it, Rhett. Imagine the viewers’ reaction when they learn how you come from humble beginnings.”
I don’t care how sweetly Ingrid says it, humble is not what I call my home or my family.
“They’ll see you on a different level, understand who you really are, not the guy they’ve read about in the newspapers.”
I sigh loudly. “Give me a phone so I can call my mother. The call has to be private. No cameras or audio.”
“Done. I’ll take you to a private room on the ground floor.” She smiles as though she has won the damn lottery, and I smile back, knowing she’ll take me to a room where I can call Tori over the next couple of weeks without anyone knowing.
RHETT
Sally may have covered up her large breasts, but the red, figure-hugging dress, from her shoulders to knees, accentuates her every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination.
I take her hand to lead her to the front porch of the farmhouse. She can barely walk in the high red stilettos, along with the ridiculous tight dress restricting her stride. So I throw her over my shoulder and pat her rear when she squeals, and then take the steps two at a time.
“Smooth, Rhett, very smooth,” Ingrid says into my earpiece.
I smile, knowing I’ve done something to gain some brownie points, but the truth is I want this over. The cameras are already inside, and they’ll be filming my mother’s expression when I walk through the door with Sally.
When I called Mum a few days ago to discuss filming on the farm she was less than pleased. But my mother will always do what’s best for me, whether she understands the logic or not.
Slowly I lower Sally to her feet, and give her a chance to regain her balance. She fluffs up her sun-bleached hair and wiggles her round arse, while tugging at the dress. “How do I look?”
“You look beautiful.” It’s not a lie. Sally looks every bit a swimsuit model, and someone I would once have placed on the top of my most fuckable list.
And she’s everything my mother warned me about before going on the show.
“Show time, people,” Ingrid calls out. Yeah, I figure she wants the perfect episode filmed in the least possible time. A cameraman waits inside, giving my family minimal privacy. Ingrid is outside, watching the screen in the shade of a gum tree under the midday sun. And I’m not talking about a mild day in late spring. Today is thirty-five degrees Celsius, and it’s dry, November heat in this part of the country.
“I’m more nervous to meet your mother than I was to meet you.” Sally peeks up at me through her long, fake lashes. She smiles, but I see the ne
rvousness behind her heavily made up eyes.
“She’s going to love you, I promise.” It might be a slight exaggeration. I have faith that, in the very least, my mother will be welcoming. It’s not in her personality to dislike people. She will give everyone a chance. But she also has the ability to see people for who they really are.
I open the door for Sally and then close it behind me. I turn, taken aback by the bright spotlight and white reflective sheeting to the side of the room. The hotel setting is now second nature, but I’m not comfortable seeing my mother’s kitchen turned into a studio. And it’s something I said would never happen. But that list is shrinking by the day.
The first thing I notice is all the food on the table. It’s so typical of Mum. Jase snares my attention when he lets out a moan. It’s equally awkward and full of desire. Yeah, he’s staring directly at Sally. Nice one, little brother. Dustin shifts in his chair beside him, and I note the black tie. Since there’s not much need of it around here it’s probably the same one he wore to Dad’s funeral. I develop a sense of guilt, knowing neither of them is comfortable with this. My heart clenches as my gaze shifts to Mum, her eyes round as the cake plate in the centre of the table.
Sally laughs. It’s a nervous giggle, and then she waves. “Hi.”
For the life of me I can’t take my eyes off my mother. In this moment I realise how much I want her to be proud, how much it means to see her face light up when she smiles. Right now her expression is full of doubt, so I find the words to make her understand that what I’m doing is the best way to steer my life back on track.
“Sally, I’d like you to meet my family. My brothers, Jase and Dustin.” They both stand and move around the table to greet Sally. “And my beautiful mother, Penny.”
My words must touch Mum as her gaze lifts to meet mine. I give a nod. It’s slight, but I know she sees it.
Mum waits for my brothers to move away, and I assume she needed the extra time to compose herself adequately. “Sally. It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you. I’m so happy to welcome you to my home.” To my surprise she hugs Sally, and, even more surprisingly, she steps back and adds, “My, you are beautiful. Rhett must think highly of you to invite you here, as we don’t meet many of his girlfriends.”
“Really?” Sally’s eyes dance under the camera light. She gazes up at me, and I smile warmly back at her. Poor kid needs a pick me up after not being able to visit her hometown with her parents.
I kiss the top of her head, and then pull her into my side. “Okay, Mum, let’s not let out too many secrets. Sally is here to meet you, after all.”
“And to learn about the farm,” Sally says, too eagerly.
My mother waves a hand at Sally. “Oh, sweetheart, you won’t be going anywhere in those heels. Though I could organise some boots for you to wear.”
I hold my breath, knowing there’s a hint of sarcasm underlying my mother’s words. But when Sally laughs, kicks off her heels and says, “Consider it done,” my shoulders relax.
“You know what, I like you already.”
Hell. She sounds serious.
“Thank you, Mrs Williams.” Sally takes a seat beside Mum and immediately eyes off the lemon teacake. “May I?”
“Of course. I’ve been baking for you.”
Holy fuck, my mother is for real.
I take a seat opposite and watch Mum and Sally chat like they’ve known each other for years. When Sally dives into the second piece of quiche I know I did the right thing bringing her here.
After we’ve all laughed and eaten too much of my mother’s cooking, Ingrid announces in my ear to wind it up. Apart from the cameraman, it’s becoming easier to forget about the crew, and why we’re doing this, and that a van full of people is waiting outside. Before I say anything, Dustin asks Sally to join Jase and him on the verandah, alone. I go to object, but my mother gives a curt nod. I’m not sure what to think. Had they decided this on their own, to determine her suitability for me? Or was it Ingrid’s idea for better ratings, conveniently leaving me out of the circle to add the element of surprise? In case it’s the latter, I straighten my spine and smile.
“Don’t take any of their crap, Sal. If you need me, I’ll come running.”
She smiles, although she looks delighted about talking to my brothers. Ethan gathers up the camera and follows them outside, leaving Mum and I alone in the kitchen. As soon as the door shuts, Mum nods toward the doorway. I follow her to the lounge and remove both our microphones quickly and easily, since it’s now becoming a habit.
“Sally’s a good kid,” I begin, ready to explain myself, knowing we don’t have long.
“Enough. Tori came to visit,” she says in a low voice.
It takes a moment for me to comprehend what she’s telling me. “I thought she was going to call?”
“She did. And then I invited her out. She filled me in on both of you. I know what needs to be done.”
“To be done?” My relief is short lived. “Then what’s happening out there now?”
Mum rests a hand on my forearm, like she did when I was a boy. “It was Ingrid’s idea to have your brothers quiz Sally, lay some hard questions down. She said it will reveal how close we are, and how much they care about you.”
“Some hard questions,” I spit. “You think they’ll stay focused and not be staring at her tits?”
“Could you? I’m sorry, but you brought her here and we’re only doing what’s instructed of us.”
“Je-sus, Mum.” Hell, I have to save Sally and myself from any on camera nonsense, then realise I haven’t asked about Tori. “How’s Tori?”
“She’s fine. You need to remain focused and not do anything foolish.”
I tilt my head at my mother. “Like, get with Sally?” Mum’s lips press to a thin line. “I also know what needs to be done, and if it means acting it up for the camera then I’ll do it.”
“Is it really acting, son. I saw the way you were looking at her.”
“What does that mean?” I grit my teeth. “I have to see her as desirable. Christ, what hot-blooded male wouldn’t? But I know my place, know my career is at stake. I’m not doing this show because I need to ‘pick up.’ You know I could do that anywhere.” I cock her an eyebrow. “If you believe everything you read in the papers.”
“Look, I trust you, Rhett. Tori’s a nice girl, and it’s plain to me she’s in love with you.”
I jerk away, hearing the words. “Yeah?” I smile at my mother, my thoughts now solely on Tori. “What makes you think so?”
“By the way she was talking about you. Be careful. I know you’re taking a huge risk.”
I nod. “Yeah. Well, if I get a chance I’ll call you. Otherwise, I’ll see you in a few weeks.” I lean over and squeeze my mother into a bear hug. “Can you do me a favour and keep in contact with Tori? I think things might get tough for her having to watch the show, and I don’t want her to think I’m anything but focused on what happens after I’m re-signed with the Blackbirds.”
I switch on my microphone to the sound of Ingrid’s voice. “Rhett, where the hell are you?”
“I have to go,” I whisper, before heading out the door. “Can’t a guy take a piss without you getting up in arms?”
“Get your sexy arse outside now. Sally needs her Prince Charming.”
TORI
I need you to tell me you trust me.
After reading Rhett’s message, butterflies swoop inside me. I can’t deny I’m insecure about him being around beautiful, willing women twenty-four/seven.
I stop my thoughts. Of course I trust you. Why?
Are you watching the show?
Should I?
Not if you don’t want to. I’m doing it for us. There’s nothing real with the contestants on the show. Please remember that if you watch.
Shit. Now I have to watch.
Contest is on three nights a week, and this is the fourth week. So far I’ve managed to be conveniently busy on those nights.
; I trust you. Be careful with the phone and delete all messages xx
I pour a glass of Sav Blanc and set myself up in front of the television, ready for Contest to start. The intro music is catchy. I like it, and hum along as Rhett’s beautiful face comes to life on the screen, along with flashing images of all the contestants. The show starts with a shot of the resort, flowers covering every piece of greenery. Ingrid has done a wonderful job with props on the set, and I hope to use the same florist and artist for AniMate. Though it’s going to be a hard gig to pretty up a wildlife park.
The first scene dramatises the competitiveness between Kaetrin and Lucy. Shit. I have to admire Ingrid’s handiwork. She knows how to edit to get viewers hooked. At first I’m annoyed at their bickering, and hope it’s not undoing the hard work to raise Rhett’s image from playboy to gentleman. On cue, Rhett walks in on the girls and sits beside Kaetrin. He initiates a discussion about her competing in the Commonwealth Games, and includes Lucy with her gym instruction. The conversation touches on his commitment to football, and he has set the tone to professional, responsible commitments in life. None of it has anything to do with sexual attraction.
Good boy.
I’m so proud I fill my glass and salute him.
It’s short lived when the next scene shows Emma lying on a daybed, satin awnings blowing seductively in the wind. Rhett appears and clambers in next to her. She giggles and makes room. One minute he’s chatting, and she’s cuddling his side, the next he’s on top of her, and it’s the closest thing to clothed sex permitted by the show. I’m gaping at the television. What. The. Fuck?
Emma?
The sight of them together burns my retinas, but I can’t seem to tear my eyes away. Every touch, every kiss, is as though he’s touching me. I want to feel him on me, feel his erection pushing into my hips. My eyes widen in realisation. Does he have an erection?
Oh, please God, no. If he is aroused—
The camera zooms in, showing a close up of their faces. Fuck. Then he’s whispering how he’s glad she’s opened up to him, showed him how she really feels.
