Day 7
We were having toomuch fun for something not to go wrong.
A Hawaiian-themed pool party. We’re all wearing leis, drinking one of Jace’s fancy cocktails out of wooden tiki cups with twisty straws. The bar is decorated with grass skirting, and they even brought in fake coconut trees to add to the ambience.
But I’ve learned that nothing is as it appears, and after last night, I wasn’t sure what to expect. So when I spotted Ed walking toward us in casual clothes, I prepared for the worst.
Whatever.
I didn’t want to be here anyway. This wasn’t even my idea. Naomi is going to be disappointed, but she’ll get over it. Probably faster than I’ll get over not being able to ogle Jace and Lennon shirtless, which is what I’ve been doing for the last twenty minutes behind my sunglasses.
Not that either are unaware of what I’m doing. I made the mistake of looking away the last time they looked in my direction.
Yup, gave myself away. Oh well.
It looks like I’m going home anyway.
All eyes fall to Ed when he clears his throat, Gage reaching for his phone to turn down the music.
“Okay, after a lot of thought, we’re going to be taking a break from filming today.”
There’s a sharp gasp from behind me. When I look over, Teegan’s delicately covering her mouth with her hand, shock written all over her face.
“What does that mean?” Drake speaks up from across the pool.
“It means we’ve never encountered a situation like this before, and we’ve been caught with our pants down. For now, today, enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow night you’re still expected to be in the community room for filming unless told otherwise.” He pauses, as if contemplating what he’s going to say next. “This should go without saying, but I feel obligated. The show hasn’t aired yet, but there’s been a lot invested into it. Should the executive team be forced to shut us down, there may be consequences for anyone involved with their decision.”
“So basically you’re saying that if we stand up for ourselves and walk away, we could be looking at a lawsuit.” My words are laced with anger and hatred.
“Basically, yes. Each and every one of you if you stand together,” he answers before turning but not walking away. “I’d weigh your options carefully. I have no idea which way the pieces will fall.”
He motions for the cameramen to follow him, and without a word, the pool area clears out in minutes. It’s not until long after they’re gone that I find myself surrounded by the people I’ve come to call my friends. Even Gage, who I still want to slap across the face for the stunt he pulled.
“I fucked up, and I’ll suffer the consequences of my actions. You guys shouldn’t have to fall with me.”
I can’t bring myself to look any of them in the eye so, instead, lower my head and stare at the ground. My feelings are all over the place. Angry, sad, disappointed. I can’t seem to reign them in. Closing my eyes, I suck in a deep breath and then let it out slowly.
“You do realize we’ve already talked about this, right?” Bella asks, moving to sit next to me. “Before we followed you last night. What they asked you to do was wrong.”
“Wrong or not, it’s a game, and I’ve been checkmated.”
“There was nothing in the contract stating one person would be forced to make a ruling like that. In fact, it was specific as to how voting would be handled.” Callen’s words don’t fill me with hope the way I prayed they would.
“It’s their show, their decision. If it comes down to it, and it’s me or canceling the show, let me leave, guys. I know this is supposed to be fun. Some came here for the money, some for the actual chance for something more. Let me walk away and not destroy it for everyone.”
“If she goes, I go,” Jace says, his voice closer than I was anticipating. When I open my eyes, I’m staring at a pair of manly feet with perfectly manicured toes.
“If she goes, we all go,” Lennon’s voice booms. He’s always been soft spoken, which is probably why it startles me to hear the anger laced in his words. “We voted. It’s the way it’s going to be, but Callen has a point. I read the contract front and back. Legally, they can’t eliminate either of you for not playing the game.”
When I lift my eyes to meet his, he winks at me. Playful Lennon is back. “Law school is finally coming in handy.”
I should have known. He looked hot as fuck in a suit. It was perfectly tailored to his body. I guarantee his closet is full of similar suits.
“So, here’s the plan,” Jace says, pulling my attention from Lennon. I guarantee he did that on purpose even after our little chat last night. “We stop talking about it, stop thinking about it, get sloppy drunk and have some fun while we can. We can’t control what they decide, but I can’t imagine they’re going to cancel the show. We may have fucked up their plans a little, but if they’re good at what they do, they’ll find a way to Feng shui the shit.”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes my lips. “Do you even know what Feng shui is, Jace?”
“Unfortunately, I do. My last girlfriend was big into it, and she thought the vibe in my house was all wrong, so she worked her ‘magic’ and changed shit around.”