“No, it hasn’t,” I state firmly, avoiding eye contact with him as I reach into the basket and pull out the plastic wine glasses and plates.
“Yes, it has. Deny it all you want, but I know what I saw. From day one, the competition was over. If Jace hadn’t been eliminated last week, I’d be where he is right now.”
We both know he’s right, but I can’t bring myself to agree with him. Or deny it. Instead, I go for broke and try my hand at humor instead.
“You’d be in Teegan’s bed?” I giggle at my joke, but Milo cringes.
Well, that didn’t work out the way I planned.
“You don’t really think that’s what he’s doing right now, do you?”
“No, I don’t, but I also don’t want you to think you’re here by default.”
“I’ll take default. It’s one more week I get to spend hanging out with you guys. I like it here. I’m having fun. Sure, I may have messed with a few of the girls, but it was consensual on multiple levels. No strings attached. We both had needs that needed to be satisfied. That was it. And they’re gone, so what does it matter? I’ll get more money in the end. It’s the reason we all signed up to begin with, right?”
Not all of us, I want to say.
Me? Yes, that’s why I’m here. That and a poor decision fueled by alcohol and a broken heart.
Lennon admitted he came here to find love. He had no interest in lust or messing around.
A few others admitted they were broken and thought it might be a good idea to see what could happen.
But for the most part, people were here for the money. Because someone wanted to pay us to live here for six weeks and film our every move.
Was it worth it?
For me? Yes. Without a doubt.
Not because of the money. The money will help with what happens next.
Whether I take first or second place, I still win. Because I found love. I found Jace. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t signed up for this stupid show in the first place.
I need to remember to thank Naomi next time I talk to her.
“You know, I think after being here, meeting everyone, falling in love... the money may have been the motivation behind some of us signing up, but I really hope it’s not all we take away from this. I mean, think about it. Most of us have become good friends and will stay friends long after this is over.”
“Is that your way of inviting me to the wedding?” Milo asks with a grin. All I can do is roll my eyes as he pops the cork on the wine. “You know it’s going to happen, right? He’s going to propose, and the two of you will live happily ever after.”
“No, Milo. I don’t know that will happen. And if it does, I doubt it will be any time soon.”
“Right. The man sent you flowers. Lots of flowers,” he replies, motioning around the room with his free hand.
“Flowers don’t mean he’s going to propose.”
“No, but they mean he’s still thinking about you. They mean he still wants to be with you. I know you guys talked about seeing each other after this.”
How much do I want to tell him? What has Jace told him already?
“We did, but nothing was set in stone before he left.”
“Does his absence change the way you feel about him? About what you want?”
“You’re getting a little deep tonight,” I say, avoiding his question as he hands me a glass of wine. When I raise my glass in the air, he holds up his margarita and clinks my glass with his, the plastic making an odd sound. “To us.”
“To love,” Milo says before taking a sip. “Whatever you decide, Presley, I hope you don’t doubt how he feels.”
Why is everyone telling me how Jace feels about me? Why does everyone know?