Page 22 of Ever's Last
“Brick. He might not remember me, but I remember him.”
I glance behind me and the crew is gone. So is Brick. I do remember him giving me a weird look when I picked her, the anger that rolled off him that first night, and how he is always around when the girls are doing something. I think he might like Ariel but doesn’t know how to say it.
“I think he remembers you.” I might not find the love of my life, but I will try to make it so for Ariel. “Tell me more.”
And she does. I kissed her that night of the party and she left to find her friends to gush about it, but a guy ran into her, knocking her down. Brick was there to save the day, sticking up for her when the guy was a jerk. What’s worse is her friends ditched her. Just like I did to Ever. Brick took her home that night, and then on a few dates. He stopped calling after a few months, but he never told her why. I think I know why and it’s because he’s afraid of facing any feelings he has. He’s a hopeless romantic, but he can’t take that leap.
“I think we can make a deal. I think I could use you to spy for me.”
“They won’t expect me. I don’t think they notice me.”
“Exactly. Especially Skye. All of them put on faces in front of me, but I think it’s different behind the scenes. And I want to know if they say anything about Ever.”
“You hurt her pretty bad.” Again, she’s not judging me, just stating a fact I already knew.
“I did. And if I could take it all back, I would.”
She nods.
“For your help, you can join us in the house. Plenty of rooms.”
“Why are we staying in tents?”
“I grew up here. Sal wanted authentic, so to speak. If I were to be in a relationship with someone, this is where we would spend a couple weeks out of the year. If they can’t get used to this, they can’t be with me. That’s the premise.”
“Thank you. When do I move in?”
“They won’t think anything of it if they see you at breakfast early. Walk to your old tent, and then after a bit, make your way back up here. I’ll let Ever and Shane know.”
She smiles. “Thank you, Memphis. By the way, I think you’ll find that love again. But it’s not one of them.” She points to the tents. “She will forgive you. You just have to work at it.”
I sigh sadly. It’s none of them. “I agree.”
But I’m going to have fun rejecting these women along the way. Why not?
Chapter Seventeen
Ever
Today the girls have to collect eggs from the chickens and then actually cook breakfast for Memphis. Best breakfast gets a date in the city. A chance to dress up. I look at my closet and think about what I would wear. Nothing, because I don’t have money for that. Or the body. Or the date. I close my door with a sigh and head downstairs to feed the chickens and rile them up. I want to see them peck the girls. I know that will cause a laugh. The girls won’t like it, but I’m tired of the shit they talk about my dad’s cooking. Bitch, we’re feeding you, you should thank us.
“Morning,” Memphis startles me.
“Morning. Just getting them ready.” He winces when I say that. Sal must have told him the breakfast part this morning because when Sal told us, he was still on his date. He almost looks green thinking about it.
“Thanks. I have a feeling that none of them know how to cook. Oh, by the way, Ariel is moving into the house.”
“She talked to me this morning,” I tell him just as Sasha walks in.
“Oh, Memphis.” She rushes to him, trying to rub herself on him like she’s marking him.
I clear my throat.
“Oh good, I need a smoothie this morning.” She tries to order. Umm, no, I don’t think so, and just because you’ve probably had his cock down your throat, that doesn’t give you an edge.
“You got the wrong person. Breakfast is on you guys this morning.” I smirk and walk away. I don’t miss the look she gives him. And then she starts with the questions. They have no idea.
There are tables set up with cooking stations, one for each contestant. On another is fresh fruit and veggies. They just need the eggs.
