Page 20 of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

‘Ian, a cameraman, will follow you around while you work. Those clips will be part of the show. Every other week, at the end of each challenge, we’ll talk about your designs, and on Sundays, you and your assistant will fly to another contestant’s hometown for judging from a pro. Our judge, Jillian Winston, is one of the most well-known wedding florists in the industry. She’ll give her advice based on the videos Ian takes while you create these arrangements. Episodes are uploaded Monday evenings, which will include you and your assistant at the wedding, Jillian’s thoughts and her predictions on top and bottom two. Viewers will have seventy-two hours to vote for their favorite florist,American Idol-style. A contestant team can be in Jillian’s predicted top two and still be voted off by fans so don’t get comfortable. Jillian will announce the viewer voting results live with a short show recap every Friday.’

I’m staring across the table at her with a single eyebrow raised, trying to process everything she’s just said.

‘Basically, you create floral masterpieces for your weddings like you always would, we film it, you and your assistant fly to another contestant’s hometown to meet with Jillian, she discusses your arrangements by video in front of you, the other contestants, and the cameras. She’ll then have a word with each of you, give advice, tips, then predict her top two and bottom two. After that it’s up to how much the fans like you as to whether you stay or go.’

‘This is a lot.’

‘It seems overwhelming, but you’re just competing for a cash prize that we expect you to invest back into your business. Brynn tells me you’re hoping to buy back your father’s old floral shop?’

‘Yeah.’

What didn’t Brynn tell them? I drag a hand down my face as I think this through as quickly as possible.

‘Let’s say I decide to do this. How long would all this take, from start to win?’

‘Should you win, I’d think we could have a check to you just after the finale.’

We’re in the first week of April. That means I could own my dad’s shop by June if things go my way.

‘Any idea who you’d choose as your assistant?’

‘Most of my friends would probably offend your audience,’ I say with a laugh. ‘So, no.’ I grab my beer, taking a long sip. ‘You really think I’ve got a chance at winning this?’

She grins. ‘I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.’

Weeks of challenges. Risking my reputation if I lose. The clients I’ve earned will have to put their faith in me that I don’t screw up their vision of the most important day of their life so I can attempt to grasp at my dreams. That’s a lot of pressure.

I cut into my steak. I can feel McKenzie’s stare boring through me as I dip a hunk of meat into the lake of A.1. Sauce on my plate. I have to do this. If there were another option, I’d take it. But at this point, unless I’m prepared to do Kevin some kind of favor, I’ve got nothing.

‘What do I need to sign?’

* * *

Back at Dax’s Apartment that Night…

‘Hey,’ I say when Hollyn walks out of River’s bedroom.

Besides occasionally hearing her in there crying, I hardly know she’s here. I haven’t worked up the nerve to knock and make sure she’s OK. I figured if I could hear her, she’s at least alive. I’m entirely out of my comfort zone in this situation, and River seems to have dropped off the face of the planet.

‘Oh.’ She stops suddenly at the sight of me, surprise on her face. ‘Hi. I thought you were gone for the evening?’

‘Nope. It’s a wild Friday night for me.’

‘What are you playing?’ she asks, walking to me, glancing at the game controller in my hands.

‘Madden.’

She grins. ‘Still a gamer, eh?’

‘You can take the boy out of childhood…’ I say with a wink, pausing my game.

‘Riv said you like to entertain the ladies. I figured you were out doing that, so I ordered food.’

‘He said that did he?’

Fucker. Why he continues to tell her my business, I don’t know. He’s hardly even talking to me right now since he’s too caught up in being Summer’s new temporary live-in boyfriend while avoiding his broken-hearted sister.

‘River likes to act like I’m the town madam, but I swear, I’m not charming the panties off ladies any more than he is.’

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