Page 24 of The Cuffing Game
“I was getting to that,” she said, trying her best to keep her voice even. “Tonight’s event is speed dating. You’ll have the chance to talk to whoever you wish for short periods of time. If you’re a crusher, hopefully you’ll get a chance to talk to your crush! Whoever you end up talking to today, please remember that youandanother person have to agree to cuff together by the end of the night. Otherwise, you’ll be eliminated.”
The contestants warily eyed each other, like they were all afraid the others would send them packing. The tension in the air was so thick, Mia could have cut it with a knife.
And then, of course, Noah raised his hand again.
Mia tried her best not to sigh in exasperation. “Yes, Noah?”
“For these dates, do we have to stay outside, or can we go back into the lodge?” he asked. “The firepit is nice and all, but I prefer indoors.”
Some of the other contestants made sounds of agreement, and everyone, both cast and crew, turned to look at Mia. Not for the first time, she resented Noah’s entire existence.
The original plan was to record everyone talking to each other around the firepit, since that would make it a lot easier to film the group. But of course, Noahhadto randomly suggest an alternative.
She exchanged glances with her crew. Damien looked indifferent, but both Kallie and Alex gave her a pleading look. Since Kallie was the principal cinematographer and Alex was the editor who was going to have to piece all the different clips of footage together, Mia didn’t blame them. If everyone split apart, it’d be hell to record and edit this episode.
Mia tried to think of a compromise that could keep everyone warm without making postproduction hell.
“You’re welcome to go back inside,” she finally said. “But please keep to the living room or the dining room, sincethat’s where most of the overhead cameras are. Please be sure to stay near a camera so we can see and hear your conversations.”
“Cool,” Noah replied. “I call dibs on the turquoise lounge chairs! I saw a couple cameras near there.”
Mia hadn’t known the “turquoise lounge chairs” even existed. And apparently, she wasn’t the only one, because several other people shot Noah confused looks.
Noahwouldpick the most random piece of furniture...Mia thought.
She almost rolled her eyes before remembering she was still being recorded. It took everything to keep her face blank. “If no one has any other questions, let’s get started! Feel free to wander into the rooms I mentioned!”
They stopped recording, and Mia relaxed her shoulders as everyone got up. She was officially done hosting for today, since all the work she had to do now was behind the scenes. Quickly, she tied her hair into a messy bun. It was a relief to be able to look sloppy again.
Before any of the contestants could leave, Damien held up a finger. “Wait, one more thing. The cameras around the house are lower quality, so Kallie and I will come around with the main cameras so everyone can have equal screentime with the higher-quality video and audio. Please let us know if you haven’t been recorded by a main camera by the end of the night.”
“Good point, Damien,” Mia said. “Okay, everyone, go!Feel free to go inside and mingle! But also, whether you’re a crush or a crusher, be sure to remember your objectives for the night!”
Noah was the first to leave, presumably heading for the “turquoise lounge chairs.” Most of the other contestants walked aimlessly about, trying to decide where to go. Only Celine seemed to know exactly who she wanted to talk to, making a beeline for Noah.
Mia had to hand it to her. Her roommate wasted no time when it came to getting what she wanted.
“Mia and Kallie, go follow Celine,” Damien said. “I’ll stay here and film whoever leaves next with Alex.”
“Maybe I won’t use the boom mic for this portion and instead mainly rely on the audio from the lav mics,” Alex said, already looking stressed. “Since I can’t be in multiple rooms at one time. I wish I could clone myself!”
Mia winced. “Sorry, Alex.”
Alex shrugged. “It’s fine. Noah had a point. It’s a lot colder out here than we thought it would be. It happens.”
Mia grabbed a tripod and caught up with Kallie, who’d resumed recording as she trailed after Celine. When she saw Mia, Celine waved at her before wincing.
“Wait, sorry,” she whispered. “I’m supposed to pretend the camera isn’t there, right? I’m so used to my vlogs, where I wave and talk directly to everyone.”
“It’s fine,” Kallie said. “We can always edit it out later.”
Sorry, Alex,Mia thought.Again.
The three of them found Noah exactly where he said he’d be, stretched out on one of the turquoise chaise longues in the living room. Cushioned against the plush fabric of the chair, Noah lay with his eyes closed, as if he were taking a nap. Mia had to hand it to him. The lounge chairs did look super comfy. She was almost jealous.
Celine’s eyes darted from Mia to Noah, like she wasn’t sure what to do.
“Should I wake him up?” she asked quietly.
