Ed seems to stare at me for longer than necessary before turning and walking away without a word.
Claudia approaches with white envelopes for each of us. I take mine just as Jace places his hand on the small of my back, startling me. The envelope slips from my fingers and falls to the ground face down. With a huff, Claudia crouches down and picks it up, placing it in my hand and wrapping my fingers around it dramatically.
“What a bitch,” Jace whispers behind me, receiving a chuckle from everyone as she storms off.
I’m about to reply when Ed reappears and immediately jumps back into action.
“Welcome back...” Ed’s voice fades to the background as I stand on the platform, fake smile on my face, fear in my heart.
Going through the motions, I step forward when all the girls are called down and open my envelope. There’s a golden ticket to match my dress in mine, and I’m relieved to stay another week. Looking left and right, I notice the look of shock on Natasha’s face just as Ed announces she’s been eliminated.
With tears in her eyes, she walks toward a waiting Claudia and out the door. She’ll be gone before we’re done filming. It’s a good thing we said goodbye earlier.
The guys are called forward as we return to the platform, and I focus on the sound of Ed’s voice.
“We had a tie for immunity this week and thus have decided to grant it to both of the individuals. Congratulations to Drake and Jace. You both can step back on the stage. The rest of you gentleman can open your envelopes.”
Holding my breath, I watch as each of them rips his envelope open. Milo lets out a little shout, waving his gold ticket above his head. Lennon nods in acceptance, my heart dropping in my chest. He slowly pulls out his golden ticket, and I let out a ragged sigh.
That leaves Callen, who has a smile on his face even though his envelope is empty.
“I’m sorry, Callen, but your time on Love or Lust has come to an end.”
Callen waves and off he goes. I think he was ready. This wasn’t where he wanted to be. He has shit to deal with at home and being eliminated might be the best thing for him. Not that I’m not sad to see him go.
“Congratulations to the eight of you for surviving another week. I hope you’re ready for what we have in store next. Ladies, you’ll be cooking this week for your guys. They’ll determine who receives immunity and who is going home. You’re halfway to the finish line.”
Turning back to the camera, Ed winks before saying, “Only two people can make it to the end. Will it be love or lust? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out.”
Like we did last week, the remaining contestants joined hands and waited for Callen and Natasha. A final farewell. Callen showed up first, a bag in each hand and a huge smile on his face. Natasha wasn’t as pleasant as she walked past us, shooting glares in the guys’ directions. I’m sure her feelings are hurt, they voted her off, but it had to be someone. I’m just glad it wasn’t me this week.
Let’s hope my fate doesn’t change next Sunday. My cooking skills aren’t that spectacular.