Page 46 of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

I hadn’t even thought about that. ‘No. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. This is his dream. I just…’ I hesitate. Ever since last night when I dumped my trash on Dax, I’ve been thinking about this. ‘My old life wasn’t making me happy and I’m here to change. I felt like me doing this favor for Dax, without expecting anything in return but a distraction from my failed attempt at life, would maybe help me figure out who I am again? What I want out of life.’

‘You’re trying to be selflessinstead of selfish. It’s a good start, Hols. Just be careful with Dax.’

‘I promise. I’m not looking to fall in love.’

11

DAX

The Next Day…

‘Your job, Hollyn, will be to support Dax in whatever way he needs during the challenges,’ McKenzie says.

I requested she meet us at my mom’s because Hollyn knows nothing about flowers and we’re going to practice once McKenzie leaves. I’m sure she’ll learn quickly. She’s smart.

‘You’re his new bitch, Hols.’ River laughs from the edge of the garage.

It would be just my luck that he pulled into his parent’s place right as she and I pulled into my mom’s next door.

Hollyn shoots him a glare.

‘Ian is the cameraman we’ve assigned to you,’ McKenzie continues. ‘He’ll follow you around during your challenges, asking questions as you work. We want to knowev-er-y-thing. From what kind of team leader Dax is to what you thought of his ideas and direction. Is he a terrible boss? A great one? If the challenges are affecting your relationship, tell us. The more honest you are, the more viewers will fall in love with you and the more votes you’ll get.’

‘Relationship?’ Hollyn asks, her eyes darting from McKenzie to River to me.

‘We aren’t an item,’ I say, motioning between Hollyn and me, saying the words I know she’s thinking.

McKenzie laughs as she massages her forehead with her fingertips. ‘I never insinuated it was aromanticrelationship. It could be friendship, working, rivals, even family. I don’t care. No matter what it is, how it plays out will make you an OK, great, or terrible team. The relationship between you may make or break you.’

‘They’re childhood frenemies, both competing for my attention, who aren’t allowed to date because he’s my best friend, and she’s my sister. Bro code rules,’ River says, filling McKenzie in on everything she never wanted to know.

McKenzie stares at him, a confused look on her face. ‘Whoare you, andwhyare you here?’

‘He’s River, and he’s nobody. Wasn’t even invited,’ Hollyn says, irritation dripping from her voice.

River glares her way. ‘I’m a production guy eavesdropping on a show in production. It’s research.’

‘What do you produce?’ McKenzie asks.

‘Local commercials, music videos, and currently a documentary about a once-famous pop star.’

She nods, clearly not impressed. ‘Well, you helping the two of them with anything to do with the show is completely against the rules and will get them kicked off, so choose your visits wisely.’

‘He won’t be helping,’ I say quickly. ‘In fact, he was just going home.’ I speak directly to River, pointing at his parents’ house as though he’s a dog who’s followed me off the property.

‘Is this show likeThe Real World?’ River asks as he backs away. ‘Because everyone bones in that show, and no boning allowed.’ His eyes are right on me.

‘Go. Away,’ Hols says to River, pleading with her eyes.

‘Riv!’ Penny calls his name from their front door. ‘Come film something for me.’

He shoves his hands into his pockets and walks away, leaving us to get back to McKenzie and the instructions on our first challenge, which happens tomorrow.

‘Now that we have some peace,’ McKenzie says, ‘I went through your file for the Brightly wedding. Did you talk this through with the couple?’

My responsibility is to discuss a plan of action with my clients for anything the show throws at me and, to my surprise, they’ve all been more supportive of this venture than I expected.

‘Yes.’

---