Page 64 of Collateral Damage
I can’t help but wonder if word got around about the set dresser. I’m sure. If there’s one thing people love, it’s good gossip.
We’re standing against the windows, which are currently covered by curtains. The other side of the room has been turned into a wall of televisions mounted to the wall to show the different camera feeds upstairs. Not only are there three camera people up there, but there are several permanently mounted cameras all over the shared living spaces.
Some of the show’s content will be staged interactions we get to watch play out, like putting people around a dinnertable together and seeing what they talk about. But a lot of the content is going to come from the cameras set to catch everyday interactions.
Conrad strides into the room with his arms over his chest and a little line between his eyebrows.
“I thought you were leaving,” Cooper says.
“I was,” he clips. “But I wanted to go upstairs first, and some tiny woman with purple hair yelled at me.”
I snort, and Conrad frowns. This man isneverchastised. I make a mental note to give Ricki a high-five next time I see her. She’s such a badass. If I were gay, I think I’d already be in love.
“Alright people, it’s go time,” Roland announces, and everyone quiets down.
Our attention turns to the television with the camera feed facing the front door of the penthouse. Anticipation vibrates through my veins and doesn’t let up until Sloane and Dane McGuire step through.
They’re beautiful, wholesome-looking blonds with giant blue eyes and huge, enchanting smiles. America’s sweethearts or America’s demons, depending on which side of the political spectrum you fall under.
Their family has deep roots both in democratic politics and in the state of New York. As children, they grew up in the governor’s mansion, constantly in the spotlight, and nowTop of the Worldis introducing them to the world.
“Wow,” Sloan gushes, turning to her brother and pulling him into a side-hug. “Isn’t this place incredible? Oh, and that view! Reminds me why I love this city so much.”
Dane strides toward the floor to ceiling windows. He smiles, dimples popping in his clean-shaven cheeks. Dane is an out and proud gay man, and definitely gorgeous enough to have women all over the country crying that life isn’t fair. Once again, the gays won this one.
“You’re right Sloany-bologna,” he says. “This is going to be fun.”
Cooper snorts. “Sloany-bologna? That’s cheesy as fuck.”
“It’s cute,” I counter.
Sloan turns on her brother and points at him. “Don’t you dare use that nickname around the others. Last thing I need is those hot men thinking of me and bologna in the same sentence.”
I laugh to myself, already loving this girl, and Mom elbows me.
“This might work,” she whispers, giving me a wink.
I sure hope she’s right.
What we just witnessed was something enduring and sweet, and I loved it, but we need more. Enduring and sweet is not going to make good reality television. It’s important to balance the softer moments with juicy drama, at least that’s what Perry told us.
I have to trust this is all going to work out.
“Let’s go find our rooms,” Sloan says, and the two head off to explore the apartment, finding their bedrooms on separate floors. Hers upstairs and his on the main floor.
Exploreis an operative word, considering they’ve already been here. The camera follows the siblings, getting their reactions, but I’m sure most of this will be cut from the episode. This is the boring part. The fun stuff comes next.
Five minutes later, someone else walks through the door.
“Let’s see if your guy was worth all that money,” Cooper says under his breath, nodding to Benton’s ruggedly handsome face filling up the screen.
Mom whistles low, and I suppress a grin. Benton is gorgeous. He’s got that I-will-beat-up-my-enemies and steal-their-girlfriends swagger, and he strides into the apartment likehe owns the place just like I told him to… not that he needed me to tell him how to look good.
I catch Cooper glaring daggers at the screen. He’s like a big dog who marked his territory, and another big dog has come to play.
“Relax, will ya?” I place my hand on Cooper’s upper arm. “Benton called me this morning super nervous. He’s putting on a front like he usually does. Itoldhim to exude confidence. Doesn’t mean he’s feeling confident right now.”
Cooper tenses even more, and I can’t help but notice how nice and large his bicep feels under his dress shirt. I bet it would feel even better without the shirt.
