Now all she needed to do was sort out just who Pam and Ally would choose as their final three. That would have to wait. For now, she had the final face-to-face for each contestant. They would have ten minutes alone and on camera with each queen. Once all eighteen contestants had cycled through their on-screen time with the queens, they would vote for the one they wanted to be with. She’d set it up so the voting would take place in the three locations where the private meeting would be held. That way, no one could compare the results, except her and maybe her editor. She assumed some would be surprised when Rene was eliminated, but that was to be expected. Upsets were good as far as reality TV went.
It took a gruelling six hours to film the one-on-one sequences and the elimination vote. When Connie finally joined everyone in the ballroom, she could see they were tired. Determined to make this scene work, she sent the contestants off to change into their designer duds, explaining she needed time to prepare the three queens for this scene. Once the room cleared, she pulled out chairs for Rene, Pam, and Ally. “Are you guys ready to film this last scene?”
“When do we get to see who voted for whom?” Pam asked.
“Never, you brat. The voting is confidential. All you get to do is stand there and smile or frown if you’re eliminated. Now here’s what I expect you each to do…”
Ally stood on the spot marked with an X in gaffer tape. She just wanted to get this over. Already it felt like the longest three weeks of her life, and she wanted her life back. She felt her part had been a clusterfuck from the start. Not that the production was disorganized or anything, it was just that she knew she was nothing more than window dressing for Pam’s big moment. At least she would be eliminated tonight and could leave this whole fiasco and get back to work. It would be hard. Her heart still felt completely stomped on and shredded to bits, but once she was back at home she could concentrate on work and wouldn’t have to see Erin ever again. Erin. What the hell had she been thinking? The woman was smart, poised, beautiful. Women like that never went for her unless they knew about her family, unless they were clued into her financial success. And those weren’t the kind of women she wanted to share her life with. She wanted a partner. A confidant. An equal in heart, mind, and soul. A pipe dream. She scolded herself for her lapse in judgment, but honestly, she had thought, had truly believed that Erin had felt the same.
* * *
Connie watched as one by one the women entered the ballroom and took their place like a choir, situated on one side with Ally, Pam, and Rene standing center stage. Tommy was back with mic in hand, ready to announce the two queens who would remain. Tomorrow morning they would have time to play by the pool with the two remaining queens, not alone, but as a group. It would be time for the women to strut their stuff for Pam and Ally because they would then select the three contestants they were most attracted to. That was a conversation she would have to have with Ally and Pam but later, after they had this scene in the can and Rene said her farewells.
“ACTION!”
Tommy began, “It’s been four weeks since our queens chose just six women they wanted to get to know and an amazing six weeks in all, with high-flying antics to romantic getaways to life-threatening drama. You’ve just watched the women vote for their final two choices. They’ve had time to get to know each of the queens and spend time with their favorite. Now it’s time to learn which queen is their Queen of Hearts.” Tommy continued his scripted dialogue, explaining how the two Primaries with the most votes would continue and how they too would soon need to cast their votes in an elimination round that would reduce the number of women competing for their hearts to just three each. “That’s right. Only three contestants each will remain. Who will go home we can only guess at because tonight the choice is not that of the queens but the women who will eliminate one, bringing us closer to learning who will truly be the Queen of Hearts. Ladies, are we ready to let these hopefuls know who it is you favor?” They nodded and offered encouragement as directed.
Dramatically, Tommy moved to his second mark, placed strategically in front of Rene, Ally, and Pam. “Are you three ready to learn who our wonderful women have fallen for?” He looked first to Pam, then Ally, and finally Rene. On cue, each gave her scripted permission to proceed. “When I call your name, please step forward and take your place as the final two queens competing for the love of one of these amazing women.” He paused for effect while the cameras focused on the tense faces of the three queens. “With the most votes, our women have chosen… Pamela.”
There was applause and a certain amount of revelry from the contestants, all of which the cameras caught, and Connie would carefully edit in later.
“Pam, please join me,” he invited her, and with a breathtaking smile she walked to the place marked on the floor. “How do you feel knowing you’re the favorite among these ladies?”
“I’m overwhelmed with joy. All I can hope is that I live up to their expectations.”
Allowing another pause for the cameras to move to the next position, he waited for Connie’s cue, explaining, “As much as we have come to love and respect our two final queens, we know there can only be one Queen of Hearts.” Looking dramatically to Rene and Allyson, he waited for Connie to cue that he could continue. “Rene, Allyson. You two have had quite the ride. Rene, you shared your love of car racing, and Ally, your passion for flying, but in the end, the women have made their choice, and only one of you can continue. I will say the vote was close, closer than expected. Still, only one can proceed. Are you ready to hear which of you that will be?”
Rene answered first, as Connie directed. “Tommy, I have loved every minute here and these women, I never expected to meet so many interesting and sexy ladies. No matter what the verdict, it’s been my pleasure to take part in the Queen of Hearts.”
“And you Ally. How are you feeling?” Tommy asked on cue.
“I’m nervous, but as Rene said, I’ve had the time of my life. In my work, it’s rare to meet any women, so my time with so many smart and beautiful women as those gathered here, has been a gift I’ll always cherish.” Contrary to Connie’s direction, it was clear she was delivering these words to just one of the eighteen women standing carefully arranged for the cameras.
“The second queen selected tonight is… Allyson! Rene, I’m sorry, but you are not the Queen of Hearts. I must ask you to say your goodbyes and leave Glendennon Castle.”
They watched as Rene nodded her understanding then walked first to a stunned Ally, giving her a hug and shaking her hand in congratulations, then to Pam. She waved to the women and exited out the grand entry where another cameraperson was waiting and would follow her out to her car. Once she was out of sight, Tommy called on a confused and overwhelmed Ally to join him.
Stepping clumsily to her mark, she looked more like someone who had just been eliminated, not the other way around.
“Ally, I must say, you look a little shocked. Are you surprised to be chosen by our women?”
“Surprised? Tommy, I’m downright…” She stopped herself from falling on a well-worn expletive. “I…I’m beside myself. I had no idea there were enough women who had taken an interest in me to keep me in the competition. I’m…thank you,” she said, looking thoughtfully at the contestants. “I’m honored and hope I can live up to your expectations.”
“Now I know you and Pam are cousins. Do you feel any rivalry coming into this final round?”
“I guess I should, but I don’t. Where my heart is concerned, I can only try to be open and honest.”
“Pamela, why don’t you join us?” He waved for Pam to stand beside Ally. “Now tell me truthfully, are you feeling any competitive pull with Allyson here?”
“Oh, Tommy. What a question! I know Ally’s right about one thing. The Queen of Hearts is about finding love, true love. In a way, this competition has given us so many opportunities and the flexibility to make choices that fit us both. I just hope when it gets down to selecting our final three women, we aren’t com
peting for the same one.”
“Do you believe the way the women voted tonight will influence your choices going into the final elimination round?”
“Not at all. First, we don’t know how they voted. Both Ally and I will have to depend on our hearts to steer us in the right direction. Honestly, I’ve grown attached to many of the women in this room. Going into next week’s elimination, I already know the three women who have the greatest chance of taking my heart forever.”
“And you, Ally. Are there three women dangerously close to winning your heart?”
“Tommy, these women are all unique and who wouldn’t fall for any of them. But three? No, at this moment there is only one I have my heart set on. But…this isn’t like other shows. It’s not just me getting to choose. Each woman gets her say, gets to choose if I’m right for her. She could prefer Pam and why wouldn’t she. It’s not a one-way thing, and I can only hope my heart finds the right woman for me.”
Ally tried to listen as Tommy prattled on. It was all she could do not to fixate on Erin in her stunning cocktail dress. Her long legs and carved calves made her mouth water to be with her again. The dress she suspected was too short for Erin’s tastes was stunning, but it was the woman wearing it that took her breath away. Trying not to give herself away or make Erin any more uncomfortable in her presence than she already was, she turned her full attention to Tommy and Pam and the conversation flowing around her. All I have to do is get through the week. I’ll be eliminated in the final round, and Pam can have her day, or night or whatever. Just as long as I’m out and I never have to see Erin again, there’s a chance I’ll survive. That’s all I can hope for now.
Chapter Seventeen
Connie let them sleep in. Of course, sleeping in was a relative term with her. A PA had awakened Ally at eight thirty and ordered her into pool attire, with instructions to get her ass down to the patio by nine. Tired and a little cranky, she had done as she was told, dressing in a suit with boy shorts and a tank top. When she reached the ballroom where the buffet was set up, Connie grabbed her, ordering her to switch out the tank top for a T-shirt she was carrying.
“Is this mine?” Ally asked in confusion. Connie was holding up her Cabbagetown Boxing Club T. Except someone had cut down the crew neck to a deep V and removed the sleeves. At least they had sewn the edges so it didn’t look like she was wearing a ripped-up shirt. She would never do that, not even with her workout wear which was what this T-shirt was for. She started to pull it over her suit when Connie stopped her.
“No, take the bathing suit top off and wear this instead.”
“I…Connie, that’s a bit much for me.” The T-shirt was a tight fit. Good for a sweaty workout but not for hanging out by the pool. It would show off just a little more than she was comfortable sharing. But Connie pointed out the French doors to where Pam was laughing and joking with several women. She was wearing a skimpy bikini. Ally wasn’t surprised. Pam had always been proud of her body, even a bit vain.
Groaning, and turning her back to the few women still milling around the buffet table, she tore off the bathing suit top and pulled on the T. “There! Now can I have a blessed cup of tea or am I supposed to throw in a table dance too?”
Connie grinned. She was long used to Ally being a grump in the morning. “Get your ass outside. I’ll have someone bring you some tea and maybe a leg to chew on, you brute.”
Ally groaned for effect. She did love the kid, but man oh man, Connie was going to owe her big for this. She walked out on the patio, noticing the cameras and how the lounge chairs had been arranged into two very separate groups. Before she could decide which set was for her, Mary, the overtly fresh woman who had crossed her personal boundaries during the first-week regatta, was at her side and didn’t waste a second claiming her prize. Ally had been saved from her advances when she set her sights on Rene. Now that she was gone, it looked like Mary was hedging her bets on her.
Allowing Mary to direct her to the loungers set out for her, Ally quietly removed her hand from her ass, and taking a seat, stretched out her legs to prevent Mary from sitting on the end. Across the patio, she couldn’t help noticing Erin’s eyes on her. She was so caught in her look, she almost missed Mary cocking her leg like she intended to straddle her. Grabbing the leg in motion, she smiled decisively. “Geez Mar. I haven’t even had my first coffee!” That sent the woman scurrying off to bring her a cup.
Another woman, this one from her group, laughed at her move. “She doesn’t even know you don’t drink coffee!”
The woman beside her added, “She would if she’d taken half a second to get to know you.” Of the five women who had spent time with her over the last week, Teresa and Bobby Ann were the only ones who had bothered to join her. I guess that tells me everything I need to know about who is interested in me. “Please, please, please don’t let her get that close again.”
Teresa was giggling while Bobby Ann moved two loungers closer to Ally. “There, we’ll each cover a flank, but you’re on your own if she comes at you in a frontal assault.”
“Spoken like a true tactician. Thank you, both.”
They gabbed and talked about last night’s ceremony with Ally, generally making her feel better. One of the caterers delivered a full pot of tea and all the accoutrements. Not sure what to do with the tray, Ally asked her to set it on the foot of the lounger. She hoped Mary would get the hint. As far as she was concerned, this was the woman’s last day at Glendennon Castle. She had no idea who Pam wanted for her three finalists, but Mary didn’t even come close to making Pam’s list, and she certainly wouldn’t be on hers no matter how fresh she got. When she returned, coffee cup in hand, Ally was kind but frank. “Why don’t you go enjoy the pool and the amenities.” Her message clear—this is your last day so enjoy it.
Beyond angered, Mary heaved the cup at her. For a moment it looked like the coffee mug would hit her square in the head. Ally wasn’t sure if Mary was a bad shot or she had ducked fast enough, but the resounding sound of china hitting the patio stones behind her was enough to stop all conversation.
Ally stood. Never one to back down from a fight, she was stunned by the level of vitriol that sprang from the woman’s mouth. The camera crew, of course, caught the whole thing while Connie and two of the PAs wrestled with Mary, pulling, then leading her out. Across the patio, she noted Erin’s look. She didn’t hide a smile. Was she pleased the woman was angry with her? It was all so confusing.
It didn’t take long for the place to right itself. As conversations were resumed, a few other women strolled over to ask Ally what had brought on Mary’s assault. Thankfully, Bobby Ann came to her rescue.
“Turns out Mary doesn’t like tea.”
A few laughed, and that was that, at least for them. Sitting back, she finally got to pour her tea. The first sip was like an instant tonic of pure relief. Confiding in Teresa and Bobby Ann, she admitted, “For a second there I thought she’d follow that cup with her fists.”
Teresa, a little shocked by it all, was reluctant to understand that women could be as badly behaved as men. Bobby Ann, however, had seen it before. “I dated a woman like that once. I’ll be honest, she was a tiger in the sack, but boy oh boy, there was no talking her down when she got angry. It’s no way to have a relationship.”
“Please tell me she didn’t hit you?” Ally asked with concern. “I mean, I know it happens, but why? I just can’t figure why.”
“Once,” she admitted. “After that, no amount of great sex could lure me back.”
“Good for you,” Ally said. She noticed the camera crew had followed Connie and the PAs has they hauled Mary out. Looking around and trying to relax, she spotted Erin’s eyes on her again. She would look away every time Ally caught her eyes, but she still kept looking.
Bobby Ann too, picked up on Erin’s continued interest, asking, “Just how many women have you pissed off?”
“It’s my superpower.”
Teresa, quieter and more reserved than Bob
by Ann, almost spewed her coffee all over them. She swallowed hard, releasing a snorting laugh before clamping her hands over her mouth.
“Better hide,” Bobby Ann advised. “Looks like your superpowers are in full swing.”
Storming out from the ballroom, Connie marched to her side, practically manhandling her from the lounger and dragging her back inside.
Clear of the French doors and any view from the patio, she couldn’t keep the act up and began laughing harder than Ally could remember her ever doing. Finally under control, she hugged Ally. “I don’t know what the hell that woman thought she was doing but fuck me, this is going to be a great show!”
“You liked that, did you? I just admitted to my two, and my only followers, that pissing women off is my superpower.”
“You.” Connie shook her head, leading her from the ballroom and up the stairs to the classroom used as her production office.
Ally hadn’t been in this room since the first day when they were hanging 8x10 photos of all the participants. Now the whiteboard was rearranged, but all the photos remained. Rene’s pic had a red X through it and had been moved to the sideboard where the X’ed out photos of the eliminated contestants hung along with Virginia’s, the first queen out. On the main board, Pam’s and Ally’s pics were on top and the group of contestants still vying for their queen clustered below.
Queen of Hearts Page 19
