“Did someone call for a pina colada?” He smiled, taking in the view.
At the sound of his voice, each girl anxiously sat up to greet him.
“Hi!” A few said in unison.
Although Anne was happy to see him, she couldn’t get past the fact that half the women there had parts that didn’t move when they sat up to greet him. Every breast down the line stood at attention whether they were in the sitting position or laying flat.
Kamryn looked to her friend’s smile, which turned to a quick look of amusement.
“What’s so funny?” She curiously asked.
“I just wonder how many enhancements have been done here. I feel a little out of place next to them. Mine definitely don’t sit at attention.”
“Really? Girl! You’re beautiful!” Kamryn laughed at her friend’s expense. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“I know. It just crossed my mind. Cosmetic perfection is sometimes hard to compete with.” She looked wistfully, from behind her sunglasses, as Chad chatted a few chairs down.
It was hard not to feel a sense of betrayal, like she did with her ex-boyfriend, but she pushed it down. Chad was nothing like Brent, and he’d proven that time and time again.
Kamryn looked to Chad, whose eyes averted to find Anne’s. She watched as Anne smiled in return, and said softly, “Well maybe what he’s looking for isn’t perfection. It’s something more special.”
Anne raised her eyebrow, and lay back down. Although she trusted him, she didn’t feel like competing for his attention today. In reflection, she may have had a few special moments with him – but she only had one date so far. And if he wasn’t here to ask her out, she didn’t want to invest too much … especially not after her dreams, which had sucked her dry of any extra energy.
Between bits of conversation with Brandi and Staci, Chad watched the exchange between Anne and Kamryn. He saw her curious smile when he approached the group, and felt lightheaded that it was for him. But now, as she lay there, quiet as a mouse, it was as if she was daring him to talk to her.
Each time he thought he had Anne figured out, he came to realize that he didn’t. In Texas, she had expressed her feelings for him, but now it was obvious that she wasn’t going to trip all over him in order to get a date. He liked that about her. He had to work for it. And he knew, after their kiss, that the payoff was a big one.
“Chad?” Staci interrupted, to which Chad brought his eyes back to hers.
“Yes, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“We were wondering if you were here to have a pool party!” Brianna chimed in, and the other girls echoed her excitement with their own sentiments.
“Yeah!” Brooklyn and Denise yelled, raising their glasses for the cameraman, who’d started filming again.
“Um, I promise I will another time.” He stood and glanced toward Anne once more, who was doing her best to ignore him. Chad’s eyes traveled up her legs in adoration, as she lay flat on her lounger basking in the sun.
“Aw, why not?” Treana whined. “We’ve missed you.” She reached for his hand to pull him down.
“Soon - I promise.” He squeezed her hand in return but promptly dropped it. “Today, I’m here to take one of you on a date.”
Chantal finished sipping her drink, and looked curiously to Chad.
“Without Terrance to do any intro? Doesn’t he usually hand out cards?”
“Not this time. This was more impromptu.” He smiled down to the group, as he walked toward Kamryn and Anne. He pulled a chair in next to Anne, and waited.
With each step he took in her direction, Kamryn’s heart beat a little faster. She was hoping he was coming to ask her out, as everyone here had a date with him so far. She was the only one, who hadn’t had any intimate time alone.
As he stepped by her and pulled up a chair by Anne, she was slightly disappointed but not surprised. And by the looks of the other girl’s faces, neither were they. The group went from a fun poolside atmosphere to serious one, full of envy.
“Hey you,” Chad said quietly in Anne’s ear.
From under her sunglasses, she’d feigned being asleep, as she promised herself not to open her eyes while he was there. So as he spoke to her, it truly was a surprise.
“Whoa! You startled me,” she said with honesty, as her hand flew to her chest.
“Sorry.” He laughed, slightly disappointed that she wasn’t more aware of his presence.
“No, it’s okay. How are you? Was your flight okay?” She brought her sunglasses down to meet his gaze.
She loved his blue eyes, which almost matched the deep turquoise hues in the ocean. Little did he know that with one look he could completely bring her to her knees.
“Yeah, yours?” He watched her nod, and continued. “I thought maybe I could take you out this afternoon? And then have dinner afterward?” He saw Anne’s eyes soften, and let go of the knot that was forming in his stomach.
“I’d like that very much,” she said softly.
Chad grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it. “Okay. I’ll pick you up in a few hours. It’ll be casual but full of adventure.”
“See you then.” Anne stood to hug him, letting her body sink into his. She could stand like that forever if nine pair of eyes weren’t boring into her back.
Chad slowly released her and waved to the group. He took a few steps back toward the other girls, and said his goodbyes.
“I promise I’ll see you all soon. I have a something really special planned for you.”
The girls feigned happiness at his words, but coming second best didn’t feel good. They watched as he departed through the back gate for his jeep.
“Well, that sucks.” Treana groaned. “But, hey … congratulations Anne. Have fun for the rest of us.”
“Not too much fun,” Tina said, before glumly sipping on her drink.
Kamryn patted Anne on the arm, as she lay back down on her chair. “Don’t listen to them. They’re just jealous.”
Anne quickly sat back up to face the girls, and said, “None of you should feel bad. You heard him. He’s got something special planned for us all.”
“I know.” Chantal responded, but then said what everyone else was thinking. “But it’s obvious there’s something between you two, so it sucks that he picked you first … again.”
Kamryn shot up from her seat to speak her mind. “Hey, it could have been any one of us he picked today. Don’t try to rain on her parade. You should be showing her the same support that she would - if you were picked!”
Anne gathered her things. Somberly, she looked from each of their disappointed faces and said, “You know - I understand. And I’d feel the same way if I were you. I’m going inside to get ready.”
As she walked off, Kamryn sent the rest of the group a scowl and lay back down.
“We’re sorry, Kamryn. And you know - I’d love to hate her but she’s too nice. You can’t help but like her, but that also applies to Chad obviously – so she’s our main competition.”
“And we’re not here to make friends. We’re here for Chad,” Tina said decisively, before slipping in the water.
“Well, I think you can do both. And whatever you feel … don’t let it spill over on to her this afternoon. Think about how you would feel in her shoes right now.” Kamryn grabbed her towel and went inside to help Anne get ready.
“I’d be elated,” Denise yelled out to her.
Kamryn kept walking and lifted her arm. “Well, I’m going to go inside and show my support. You guys can join me or stay out here and pout.”
She glanced behind her as a few of them stood to follow her inside. She smiled to Chantal, who led a handful of women toward the double doors.
“Now that’s more like it!” She grinned, waiting for Chantal to catch up. The two linked arms, and stepped inside to find Anne.
“Tina – Brianna - you coming in?” Chantal hollered out to the lanai.
Brianna shrugged and hopped out of the water, t
o grab her towel.
She gave Chantal a short grimace and said, “I’m coming. You’re right.” She looked over to Tina, who was the only one left and raised her eyebrows.
“Don’t look at me. I’m happy right here. I don’t need anyone’s support, and they shouldn’t expect it from me.”
Brianna gave her a dirty look and began drying off.
“Suit yourself,” she said, and then jogged across the concrete to join the rest of the girls.
Chantal’s jaw dropped. “She’s really staying put? Really?”
“She said she didn’t care one way or the other about any of our dates and we shouldn’t care about hers.”
“Classy.” She rolled her eyes in disgust. “Come on. I think Anne just got out of the shower. We’re all going upstairs.”
“I’d love to.” Brianna took one last look outside, where Tina was flirting with one of the staff members, and couldn’t help but laugh.
That girl is digging her own grave.
Chapter 25
“Now this is more like it.” Terrance stood staring out the window to the beach, before glancing back at Ned, who was reviewing their audience feedback.
“So far so good?” Terrance asked, intrigued.
“So far – so great!” Ned beamed, and tossed his papers on the table. “This alternative twist at the camp has viewers buzzing.”
“Well, I’m buzzing about right now – but not in Texas thankfully.” Terrance drained the last of his drink, and turned back to the view. “We’ve been to a lot of exotic locations, but I never truly appreciated one like this … after being in the middle of nowhere.”
Ned chuckled. “I know camp life was rough but it was worth it. I think we’ve got some good chemistry with some of the girls and some drama brewing.”
“Have any of them found the hidden cameras at their new house?”
“Not yet. They’re not installed in obvious places, but if they went looking it won’t be too hard to find them. We’ve even used special technology, like button cams.” Ned leaned back in his chair, and propped his feet up on the couch. “Come to the production suite with me later, and see what we caught Tina doing earlier by the pool.”
“What?” Terrance dragged his gaze back inside, intrigued.
Ned shook his head. “She gave her cell number to one of the locals we’ve hired to help serve drinks.”
“Doesn’t she know we’d catch something like that?” Terrance grimaced.
“Maybe she doesn’t care. I think she’s the next bit of drama that we need.”
Terrance chuckled. “There’s always someone that steps up to the challenge. Hey, I’ll catch you later. I’m ready to hit the beach.”
Ned nodded farewell, just as his cell phone buzzed. He pulled it out from his shorts pocket, to see a California area code.
“Hello.”
“Hey, it’s Timberly. My agent got me your number. I just had to talk to you.” She sounded desperate.
“Hey girl. What’s up?” Ned was truly glad to hear her voice.
“It’s this whole Chad thing.” Timberly’s voice broke. “I mean, who does he think he’s kidding? This was supposed to be a career move! He wasn’t supposed to take this seriously!”
Ned chuckled, and had a feeling about what was coming next.
“When have you known Chad not to take anything he does seriously? Besides, he’s a big boy. What he does is his business.”
Ned hit the home button on his iphone and texted Janie a quick message, which read: Get to my room pronto.
Timberly felt like screaming in the phone at his reply, but kept her cool.
“Well it’s my business to watch out for him. And these girls don’t know what’s best for him. Not like I do! Besides, he wouldn’t know love if it bit him on the butt!”
As Timberly heard Ned’s laughter through the phone, it made her want to strangle him.
“Really? Is that necessary?”
“Well, it’s just funny. Aren’t you two just friends?”
Exasperated, she ignored his question and continued, “What if all along - he had love right in front of him, and this show is just distracting him from it?”
“What are you suggesting?”
Ned heard a knock on his door, and he leaped up to answer it. Janie walked in, and was about to ask him what he needed just as Ned put his finger up to his lips.
He hit the mute button and put his phone on speaker.
“Shhh. It’s Timberly. I think we’ve got a game changer on our hands.”
Ned took his phone off mute and listened with Janie.
“Ned, I want to come out there, and join the process. I want to be considered.” Timberly whined.
“I thought Chad made his feelings for you clear … that you’re just friends.”
“I have more history with him than these nobody’s do. And this Anne chick you introduced us too – she’s not good enough for him.”
“So you’ve been watching.” He gleamed over the phone to Janie.
“Of course! Everybody on the planet is tuning in, and it’s making me feel angrier by the second. Why didn’t you tell me that this girl, Anne, from the restaurant, was on the show?”
“Because it wasn’t any of your business. Look, I think Chad has his mind set on the outcome of this thing already. He’s got some quality women here.”
Ned understood Timberly’s competitive nature and knew this would be the last straw. Although, he thought she was wasting her time, he also realized this would make a huge impact on the show. So, Ned stopped thinking like her friend, put his producer hat on, and waited for her response.
“Listen, some of the best relationships start as friends. I should be there. I should get my chance! And as my friend, you should let me,” she pleaded.
“Okay.” He proceeded, knowing that Janie was probably already making the arrangements with her agent. He looked over to his assistant once more, and wasn’t surprised to see her typing like a madwoman on her phone.
“Okay?” Timberly asked, relieved.
“Yeah, I’ll make the arrangements. This won’t interrupt any work? You’re free for a few weeks?”
“Yeah, I just wrapped up my last project, and I’m not slated for anything new for a while.”
Ned wondered if this was the real reason Timberly wanted to come out, for her own boost in persona.
“Alright. I’ll fly you out tomorrow morning. Get packed.”
Timberly squealed in the phone and thanked Ned profusely. He said his goodbyes and hit the end button, before looking over to Janie.
“What in the world just happened? I didn’t see that coming.” He let out a chuckle. “Is her flight booked?”
“Yup.” Janie winked. “Call me if you need anything else. I have to get back out there.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Ned watched her leave and wondered how Chad was going to react to seeing someone, whom he already knew he had no affection for. Things were about to get interesting.
Anne put the finishing touches to her makeup as she heard the noise level pick up from downstairs. She smiled at the thought of Chad’s arrival, knowing the girls were jumping at their chance to spend time with him.
She sat up straight and closed her eyes, taking one deep centering breath before grabbing for her kabuki brush and adding more color to her face.
“Nerves getting to you?” Brianna asked, as her stomach was churning with jealousy.
“A bit. I’m almost ready. You don’t have to keep my company anymore. I’m not upset with you.”
“You sure?” She anxiously uncrossed her legs from the bed, ready to bolt downstairs.
“Of course!” Anne laughed. “Go! Get your time with him before the rest of the girls snatch him up down there.”
“Thanks. You look great by the way.” She ran from the room, taking the stairs two by two.
Chad heard someone bounding down the stairwell and looked up expectantly for Anne, only to see Brianna, as she practically leapt into his
arms for a hug. He hoped the disappointment he felt wasn’t written all over his face.
“Hey you! Nice to see you,” he said, almost getting knocked over. “That’s a powerful hug.”
Brianna lingered in his arms and felt like she’d won the lottery. She slid down from his arm, finally letting him go.
“You should do this more often,” she gushed.
“Looks like the party started without me.” He looked to the nine women, who assembled in the main living area – drinks in hand.
Tina swiftly cut in, and pulled him away from Brianna’s reach. “Come sit down with us.”
Brianna’s jaw dropped as Tina directed him to a large overstuffed chair, and then sat in his lap. She looked to Tina’s smug face and then to the rest of the girls, who were staring with open disgust.
Kamryn turned to Denise, and whispered, “Did she just do that?”
Denise clucked her tongue and wondered how long Chad would sit there politely. He looked as comfortable as a cat on a cactus.
“Um, Tina. Let me get you another drink.” In one swift motion, he slipped out from underneath her and gently helped back in the chair. He reached her empty glass, to retreat to the kitchen.
Anne walked down in time to see Chad’s face, as he escaped Tina’s clutches. She chuckled softly, and snuck into the kitchen from the opposite side, unnoticed.
After setting Tina’s glass down, he leaned into the counter and dropped his head, dragging in a deep breath.
Anne snuck up behind him, pressed her body to his back and wrapped her hands around his waist; before she slid her hands up his chest.
“I can’t believe you left me out there. You just wanted to get me alone didn’t you?” Anne drawled in a slow deep voice, as close to Tina’s as she could get. She wasn’t known for her impressions, but she must have gotten close – because Chad grabbed her hands and attempted to pull away.
She tried her best not to laugh at his reaction, but the sight of his mortified face as he spun around was enough to send her in a fit of laughter.
“I thought you were …” His voice dropped off, before he burst out in laughter.
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