Page 98 of Taking the Heat

Rafaela:Sim.The Dominatrixshows women how to take what they want when it comes to the bedroom.

Miles: Ladies, be sure to tune in for that one. Now, Beau, although you and the princess knocked boots, you’re still single at the moment?

Beau: Hopefully not for long, ya’ll. Now the farm is finally safe, I can turn all my attention to finding a lady to be my wife. I’ve been approached by the producers to star in a show calledShip of Lust. They want to line me up with some girls—apparently there’s been some, uh, interest from my female fans.

Miles: I can only imagine. Well, good luck, yee-ha and all that. And our other single, Aanya, you’ve also raised quite a stir since returning home, yes?

Aanya: I have been very blessed. With the money from the show, I have been able to pursue my humanitarian works in Mumbai.

Miles: That’s not the only work I hear you’ve been doing. You’ve just wrapped a Bollywood film, right?

Aanya:(Blushes) It is true. I agreed to shoot the movie as long as half the proceeds went to starting a school in the slums.Isle of Loveis the romantic tale of a girl who goes to a tropical island searching for a husband, and instead discovers who she really is.

Miles: Looking forward to seeing you singing and dancing on screen soon! Speaking of singing divas—Clara, fresh from your latest tour, I believe?

Clara: As if you don’t fucking know. The whole world knows my name now, bitch.

Miles: Indeed. The catchy ‘FML’ has been dominating radio play worldwide for almost twelve weeks now, while your surprisingly moving second single, ‘Power is Letting Go,’ has garnered critical acclaim. So, what’s next for you both?

Clara: Motherhood, apparently.

(Stunned silence)

Miles: Toshi … is this true?

Toshi:Hai.Clara is with child.

Miles: Well, this is quite a surprise!

Clara: Not to us, fuck-knuckle! This was planned. I’ve always wanted to be a young mother, and I’ll do a fucking amazing job, you fucking watch.

Miles: Alright …

Clara: You can all fucking watch. Our show,My Mom’s a Pop Star, will be airing internationally next year. Pink does family and career, and I’m gonna make her look like a fucking hack. Right, baby?

Toshi:Hai,my beautiful songbird. (Kissing, with some groping)

Miles: Gosh, how exciting! Did the rest of you know about this?

Meghan: The girls and I did. We chat once a week, on Skype, and I’ll be visiting Melbourne to see Tara on my way back from New Zealand in a few months.

Miles: So, you’ve made your choice then? Nik is the man for you?

Meghan: I love both Nik and Callum, and I’m not ready to pick anyone just yet. Three weeks on an island wasn’t enough to base the decision of a lifetime on, so I gave myself a year. In the last six months since the show finished, I’ve spent time at home, getting to know Callum again, introducing him to my ma and pa.

Miles: Did you make amends with Meghan’s family, Callum?

Callum: Sure did. I can never give Han’s family back everything they lost, but I have spent time and money helping them renovate their house. It gave me a great idea. With the rest of my cash, I’ve started up a business called Second Chance. We employ at-risk youth to work alongside our qualified builders, helping them learn a trade. It’s been grand!

Miles: And how do you feel about Meghan spending half a year in New Zealand?

Callum: She knows I love her, and I’ll wait forever for her. Nik’s a good guy, but he’s got a fight on his hands. (Stares Nik down, then laughs)

Nik: (Laughing too) Cheers, bro. Happy to fight for Megs. Can’t wait to show her everything Tane and I have been up to since the show. The NZ government is helping me to fund a film about Maori culture, due to start production next year.

Miles: Wonderful! So many different happy endings, it’s such a shame not all of you can be here to celebrate. Is anyone missing Dante?

(Groans and swearing)

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