“Okay,” I say, agreeing with him.
“No, don’t just agree with me. I have experience with douche bag producers and they’re putting this twist in for a reason. Something’s happened that they don’t like and they’re not able to change the outcome of the game in their favor. Remember what they did with Jules?”
“How could I forget?” I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes. He knows how I feel about that little stint, so a reminder really isn’t necessary.
Josh pulls me into his arms, enveloping me in his warmth. I could live here, if allowed. Society frowns on this much physical attachment, although his movies would be interesting. My fingers bend into the back of his shirt as I hold him to me.
He kisses me lightly on the cheek before he pulls away, looking into my eyes. I wish his eyes matched mine and showed me that he’s scared of what our future holds, but they don’t. His are full of strategizing and game play. He’s trying to figure out how to win over the fans, especially after the Jules incident. I try to win them over by eating cake, not knowing if that even works, but the thoughts are there. I know I’m scared, scared of the unknown. Maybe I need this shake-up to keep me grounded because his eyes alone make me feel like I’m floating and that will get me into trouble.
I push his hair out of his eyes. It’s gotten longer, and he’s in need of a cut, or maybe not. He could like it. I know I do. I like him for who he is on the inside, not the celebrity he is, or what he looks like. Those feelings have changed … no, they’ve gotten stronger since I’ve gotten to know him. I’m forever going to be his number one fan.
I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been wondering if I’ve been blinded by stupidity as far as this game is concerned. It’s felt too easy, like they’re just dangling a million dollars in front of us and it’s ours to lose. Maybe that’s where I fail at this game because I never watched the show.
“I’d like for us to win the master suite comp,” I say, looking for a reaction.
“Oh yeah?” he questions in a husky tone as he leans in to kiss me. The exact thing I was looking for.
“Yeah, I miss you,” I mumble against his lips, putting myself out there for him to crush.
“I’m all yours, Joey.” His fingers thread through my hair, holding me to him. I refuse to read into his comment, but will totally live in the moment.
“We should get back out there,” I tell him.
“What for?” he asks as he leans in,
kissing me again. If we weren’t in the bathroom stall, I’d be all over a serious make out session. For the past couple of weeks, I haven’t been playing to the best of my ability because simple looks and shy touches from him turn me into a puddle of goo. I can’t be like that if we want a chance at winning. I need to be strong. I don’t want to let him down.
“Let’s go kick some Married Blind butt.”
Josh gives me a reassuring smile that doesn’t quite meet his eyes. He’s nervous and I’m not sure why. It’s just a game, and while the payout is large, it’s not like he can’t make that in a big hit movie.
“Whatever this game is, we’ll get through it together,” I say, trying to reassure him.
“Together,” he replies as we walk out. I glance in the mirror and hate that I’m not standing there fixing my make-up or hair. Everything is as it was when we walked in.
Walking back into the main part of the house, Gary can be seen sitting at the table with a beer in his hand and sweat rolling down his face. My guess is that he and Amanda had another fight. One day they fight, the next they’re making out on the couch. I have to use a lot of Lysol when I clean. I pat Joshua on his chest and motion for him to go speak to Gary. I think this new mystery couple has everyone on edge.
I sit down next to Millie, who tries to smile.
“Are you okay?”
She nods, but tears fall. I pat her hand, hoping to convey that I’m a great listener if she needs an ear.
“Yeah. I’m just worried.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Millie shrugs and dabs at her eyes with her tissue. “I watched the first two seasons, so I knew what to expect when I came on the show. Last year, they brought on everyone’s exes and it put the house into a tailspin. I’m really praying that it’s something different this year.”
“Oh,” I say, trailing off. I agree; the last thing I want is to spend time with Jules, but maybe it’s better to end things now than on the final show. If Jules Maxwell shows up, I can guarantee that Josh and I won’t win. Honestly, I’ll likely leave the studio.
“I’m in love with Cole, but we’ve never discussed our past. We’re happy. Well, as happy as you can be living your life while being on national television.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but they said a couple. They’ll be married, like us, and they’re going to compete. Patrick didn’t say anything about exes.”
Millie looks at me completely distraught. “What if?”
“No, I don’t play the ‘what if’ game because if I did I’d be in my room packing my bags. If they were going to bring in an ex, you know they’d bring in Jules. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll exist if she’s in the room.”