Blind Reality (Blind Reality 1)

Bronx doesn’t answer and I can’t be bothered to press him for more. This is his avoidance tactic, and it makes me wonder if he’s in this game to win, or if he was a diversion sent in. I wouldn’t put it past the producers to do something like this.

“I meant when everything is done. You know, when you’re no longer obligated to Josh.”

It’s times like this when I wish I could get up and leave. Even after the show is over, I won’t be able to escape. The show is in charge of everything from where I stay to when I eat and what I wear. The only benefit is that I don’t have to pay for any of it and I get a new wardrobe.

“I’m not sure. We haven’t discussed anything in detail.” I chance a glance in Bronx’s direction. He’s spread out on the grass with his arms behind his head, eyes closed.

“And what are you going to do when Jules is waiting for him?”

I roll my eyes and turn away from him. “What makes you think she will be?”

Bronx tugs on my shoulder, turning me toward him. He lifts my sunglasses away from my face, forcing me to look at him.

“Joey, I’m not trying to hurt you. I just want you to protect yourself. When the show is over, he’ll go back to her. They’re like magnets. I would know because at one point I really liked Jules, but even when she was with me, she was with him. It sucked because being in the middle of the Wilson Maxwell drama isn’t anything to write home about.

“I fell for that girl, so I know what he’s thinking. I tried my hardest to be what she wanted, but it was never enough. Even their public break-up wasn’t everything the media made it out to be. She didn’t cheat on him, but the pictures of us in public were enough for him to end it. She and I gave it try, but she couldn’t stay away and neither could he. This time isn’t going to be any different.

“Jules Maxwell will be here tonight, waiting for him. His lawyer will be waiting for you. I just want you prepared.”

“We’re married,” I mutter, unable to find my voice. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep the tears at bay. I will not cry over Josh, definitely not on national television.

“Yeah, and so are Rebekah and I, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings for Gary. Hell, once again I’m in the middle and will have to make a decision. She knows him from church and they’re far more connected than her and I. I’m turning a blind eye for true happiness and all that other crap you women want. It sucks knowing your wife is in love with another man and it really hurts knowing you came onto a reality show only to have that man thrown in your face.”

“I don’t think Josh is like that, Bronx. We’ve talked about tomorrow and even when Jules had a video message for Josh, he was repulsed.”

“It’s acting,” he says very nonchalantly.

“And what if you’re acting now?” I ask as I sit up, officially pissed off. “What if you’re bullshitting me so I make some rash decision? Maybe you want me to walk away from Josh so I can be with you? I thought we were friends, Bronx?”

“We are,” he says, matching my position. “If I didn’t care about you, I wouldn’t be telling you this. Jesus, Joey, just watch yourself because the last thing I want is to see you hurt.”

I shake my head, sliding my sunglasses back on. I don’t want him to see me anymore and I can’t really look at him without wanting to choke the life out of him. “How do you know she’ll be here?”

“She told me.”

I nod and stand up, leaving him as he calls my name. Amanda says my name as well, but I ignore her. No sooner do I step in the house is my name called for the confession room. I pause at the door and take a deep breath. What just happened outside will not carry over to this video feed.

Sitting down, I slide my sunglasses to the top of my head and wink at the camera. Game face is on and I’m ready.

“It’s your last day, Joey.”

My smile is big and cheesy. “I know. I’m thrilled to start my life with Joshua.” Because yes, he and I will have a life, regardless of what Bronx says.

“Are you happy you came on the show?”

“I am,” I tell the viewers. “I’ve met some great people and have developed lasting friendships. The food was good; competitions were a little stressful, but enjoyable.”

“What will you miss the least?”

I laugh because the list is long. I pretend to think even though I already know the answers. “The cameras,” I say truthfully. “I won’t miss them at all.”

“And the most?”

“Ah, I think the lack of responsibility. It’s sort of like being on vacation.”

“Thank you, Joey. We’ll see you at the finale.”

The bathroom is a cloud of perfume and hairspray. We each did each other’s hair and make-up, except Amanda had to add a bit extra to hers. We don’t care because in a few short minutes we’ll be out of here.