Page 29 of Playing With My Heart Strings

The sound of knuckles rapping against my hotel door wakes me from the short nap I was taking. The elimination mentally and emotionally drained me, even though I knew I was safe. I pad over to the door, looking through the peephole instead of blindly opening it for whoever awaits me on the other side.

A flash of curled blonde hair and Daniella’s face reassures me, and I swing the door open.

“Hey, babe. How’s everything going so far?” She makes herself at home, walking right over to my bed to flop onto it. This is the first time in a while that I haven’t either seen her in person—since we live together—or at least texted her. But as contestants, we all had our phones taken away and have had to rely on each other for social interaction, a fact that makes my stomach churn slightly, knowing that Aspen may very well be the only person I get to talk to in the coming weeks. If I’m still here, that is.

“I swear Colette is some kind of sociopath, because what the hell was that elimination process?” I rant, letting out an exasperated sigh as I lie down next to her.

“Trust me, I had no idea until Alex told me what happened.” She rolls on to her side to face me. “But you have to admit, it makes for good television. They’re projecting that the ratings will skyrocket. I mean, it’s already looking really good for SSP.”

“I felt bad for the girls who got eliminated. And Jordan for having to go through it. I know I’m only here for a short time, but I wish I could do something about it without giving away my identity, you know?”

Daniella takes my hand, lightly squeezing it, a signal that she understands. “Just focus on getting as far as possible. You don’t have to win the whole thing, but if that’s something you want, Baylor, then I say go for it.”

“I’m not a country singer, Daniella.” I snort. “I don’t know if touring and being part of a record label is what I should be doing with my life. I mean, what would my parents think? They’d probably lose their minds right now if they knew I was on a dating show.”

“Okay, but are you saying that because that’s whatyouwant, or because that’s what your parents want?”

I freeze, my eyebrows pulling together as I quickly reply, “Me. Definitely because of what I want.” It’s the truth. At least I think it is. I shouldn’t be running around trying to be a famous singer.

“Well, you know if you change your mind, I’m always in your corner. It doesn’t matter what anyone else wants. You have to follow your heart and think about what you want, okay?” If she sees through my lies, she doesn’t say it outright. But the heart-to-heart she’s trying to have with me makes me suspect that she does.

“I know, Dani. Don’t worry about me. How’s everything been going on the production side?” Even though she’s not a producer, she still sees most of what’s happening on the show. She knows how things are going for me.

“I will admit, I’d rather be working with you than Emily. She practically drools over Alex every time we’re near him. You should see her, Baylor, it’s ridiculous. I’m surprised Colette hasn’t fired her already, even though Alex brushes off her advances every single time.” She rolls her eyes, and I’m trying to figure out if she’s annoyed because she’s jealous, or if she’s annoyed because of the rules.

Sparks Studio Productions has a zero-fraternization policy. Relationships with coworkers aren’t allowed, and relationships with contestants are definitely not allowed. Except for my case, apparently, but then again, no one knows I work for SSP.

“She’s digging her own grave if she keeps it up. Everyone knows the policy, and she’s dumb if she thinks she’s the exception to the rule.” Daniella’s face darkens for a split second, but then she rolls off the bed, hopping down onto the floor. She smooths out her pants before saying, “Anyway, I’m not supposed to be here, so I better get going. I just missed you.”

“I missed you too. But listen, give it a couple more weeks and then everything will be back to normal.”

“Right. I’ll see you around.” She heads toward the door, but as her phone chimes, she swings her head over her shoulder before reaching the door handle. “Oh, and Baylor? Enjoy your date with Dusty tomorrow. Rumor has it he had a long conversation with the producers about what he wants the date to be like and it’s completely different from what was originally planned. In fact, Alex just texted me, and I’m needed to help with the planning of all that, so I’ve gotta run.” With a wink and laugh, she walks out the door.

Oh, right. The solo date is tomorrow.

But wait. Why would Dusty want to change the plans forme?

12

baylor

Like Johnny and June

Dusty and Iwalk down 16th Avenue with enough space between us that you wouldn’t be able to guess we’re on a date.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask, trying to ignore the camera crew following us.

“That would ruin the surprise, now wouldn’t it?” He glances over at me and, after noticing the gap between us, takes a step closer so our shoulders brush every time we take a step.

My tongue ties itself up in knots as I try to figure out what to say. I’m stuck between knowing this is all fake and wanting to get to know the real Dusty Wilder.

“You’re quiet. What’s on your mind?”

“I’m just following your lead. And wondering where we’re going,” I mutter the last part slightly, although I’m sure the microphone still picked it up.

“Relax, Baylor, we’re almost there.” He reaches his arm around me, resting it on my waist. “Besides, I think you’re going to like where we’re going.”

We turn around the corner, and a few paces later, he stops. The sign above my head readsCasanova Records.

---