Page 96 of Never Ever Getting Back Together

“Not a fan. Skye says she wasn’t, either, before her trip, but she kind of got used to it. She says Europeans are huge drinkers. Especially in the UK.”

“Yeah, I’d agree with that.”

I try to relax into the massage again, but I can feel the cameras staring at me on one side, and Jordy staring at me on the other.Fine.“How about you?” I ask. “We’re getting close to the end now. Has it been what you hoped?”

“Yeah, it is, actually. You know, things have been different for me since… Samantha. You might think it’s all good stuff, being famous. Sponsorships, all the clothes and skincare you could ever want. Electronics, cars, all given to you at the snap of a finger. People excited to see you wherever you go. Hearing all day every day how you’ve changed strangers’ lives, and all that. But girls throw themselves at you, you know?”

There’s a long pause. “Oh, was that last part supposed to be bad?”

“It is bad, Maya! I mean, obviously I’ve always had attention from girls, but it’s gotten hard to tell when I’m being used. It’s been a breath of fresh air, hanging out with you all. I mean, you all liked mebeforeI was named one ofOpulent Condition’s Top Fifty Sexiest Men. That means a lot. You know, that I can be pretty sure none of you are gold diggers, or chasing fame, or whatever.”

“Wow, Jordy, that’s beautiful.”

“Thank you, yeah. I thought so.”

“You should make sure you tell that to Skye. She’ll besupertouched to hear it.”

I think I do a pretty great job of disguising my sarcasm. But the snort Jordy gives me tells me he doesn’t miss it. I guess hedoesknow me.

After the massage, we’re given half an hour to get dressed and, in my case, touch up my makeup, before we’re led to dinner in the spa courtyard. Although the area is set up formultiple guests, the place has obviously been rented out for us, as the only table that’s been set is the one overlooking the gardens, with a single lit candle in its middle.

We sit, scan the menus, and place our orders.

“No offense to the catering at the manor,” I say to Jordy once they take our menus, “but I amdyingto get some food that isn’t group dining. Skye would die if she were here.”

Jordy gives me a searching look, then leans an elbow on the table. “You bring up Skye an awful lot,” he says. “Have you noticed?”

“Oh. Not really. I think I mention the other girls pretty evenly.”

“Nah, you’ve definitely mentioned Skye about a dozen times tonight.” He gives me an infuriatingly knowing smile. “Are you trying to test my reaction?”

I give my head a quick shake. “Huh?”

“You know. Bring her up to see if I act any different?” When I continue looking bewildered, he gives me a patronizing hand pat. “It’s okay if you’re feeling jealous or insecure about Skye. There’s history there, and you’re only human.”

“Oh.”

“Look. Maya. I’m not the same person I was back when I dated Skye, and neither are the two of you. We’ve all grown.”

“Thank god for that,” I say sweetly.

“Ha, yeah. You know, this morning, the producers were annoyed at me when I asked them to let Skye sit out of the challenge. It made the competition smaller, you see?”

I glance at Isaac, Wai, and Violet. They’re watching, expressionless. It seems kind of weird for Jordy to talk about them when they’re a few feet away from us, but sure.

“Right,” I say, not totally sure where this is going. Does he want an apology?

“I did it anyway,” he goes on. “But only because you asked me to. Only for you.”

The bullshit artist returns. “For me?” I ask, channeling old-school Disney princess energy.

“Yes. Haven’t you noticed, Maya? Is it really possible you haven’t noticed?”

“Noticed what?” I play along.

He takes my hands across the table. “How you’ve captured me.”

Oh, fucking gag me with a wet rag. “Did you write that line, or did you have help?”

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