Page 69 of The Cuffing Game
Alex grinned widely. “Yup, and I’ve always been kind of intimidated by him, but only because he’s so perfect.”
Damien’s eyes widened before he covered his face with his hands again.
Kallie snickered and Mia burst out laughing.
“I’m so happy for y’all!” Mia exclaimed. She threw her arms out by her sides, and they all came together in a big group hug.
“Sorry for the reason behind it,” she continued, “but I hope you feel better about everything now. And that the catch-up work isn’t too bad.”
Alex gave her a pained look. “I doubt it. But thanks, Mia. Luckily the SPC was pretty chill about us uploading this episode later than usual. No one’s in the office right now, but Carl—he’s one of the staff members I was able to reach over email—just told me to submit whenever I can todaybefore we leave Big Bear. He’s already put up an announcement on social media that there were some production delays with this episode.”
“Oh, I know Carl,” Damien remarked. “He used to be one of my TAs. Nice guy, albeit a very hard grader.”
Mia nodded. “Well, I didn’t bring much,” she said. “So it won’t take long for me to pack my bag. If anyone needs an extra pair of hands today before we leave, I’m all yours.”
Damien gave her an appreciative nod, while Alex said, “Thanks, Mia.”
“Now that we’ve all caught up, we should get started for today,” Kallie said. “The quicker we film the cuffings, the faster we can finish and upload the episode, right?”
“Agreed,” Damien replied. “Let’s do the announcements. Ready, Mia?”
“Yup.” Mia bit her lip.
She had no idea what was going to happen at today’s cuffing, but all she could do now for Noah and the other contestants was wish them luck.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Noah
Noah was lying in bed, his suitcase packed and ready to go, when Mia’s voice came from the overhead speakers.
“Attention, all contestants,” she said. “Please gather around in the living room for the final cuffing.”
As it always did, the previously quiet house came to life with the hustle and bustle of everyone making their way downstairs.
Noah closed his eyes for a brief moment, listening to the footsteps and creaks of the floorboards. This, he realized, was the last time he was going to hear that sudden rush of noise. It was their final morning in Big Bear. He was determined to enjoy it—and make whatever amends he could before he left.
Downstairs, he joined the line of contestants standing in front of the cameras in the living room. Kyle’s jaw dropped, and many of the other contestants also shot glances at him, like they were surprised he was still alive. The only person that didn’t acknowledge his presence wasCeline. Which was understandable, given what’d happened yesterday.
He stole a glance in the girl’s direction, just to check on her. Her eyes were still puffy, but other than that, she looked as beautiful as ever. She’d even added extra glitter under her eyes, so she was sparkling.
He knew Celine, like him, was great at hiding under a mask. But as far as he could tell, besides the puffy eyes, she genuinely looked okay. Maybe Kyle was good for her after all.
“Good morning, everyone,” Mia said. “We apologize for the delay due to some... unforeseen circumstances. This morning, we will do our final cuffings, after which three cuffles will move on to our finale tomorrow. If you were one of the people chosen to cuff with a Gamechanger yesterday, please step forward.”
The three contestants stepped forward. Noah and Celine stood ramrod straight, completely ignoring each other. In his peripheral vision, he saw Tiana nervously shift her weight.
“We will now cuff people in the order that the Gamechangers picked their match,” Mia announced. “So that means Celine will pick first, then Noah, and then finally Tiana. Please remember that all cuffings must be mutual to be valid, meaning both people will have to want to be in it. Whoever is not in a cuffle at the end of this round will be eliminated.”
It occurred to Noah that now that Violet was with Carlos, Noah had no idea who he was going to choose. He frowned before putting back up his mask of neutrality.
“Celine,” Mia said. “Please pick who you’d like to cuff with for the finale ofThe Cuffing Game.”
Celine didn’t look at Noah for even a second before saying, “Kyle. Because unlike some people, he’s actually a gentleman.”
“Oh yeah!” Kyle cheered, pumping his fist in the air.
It took all of Noah’s self-control to not visibly react as the others gasped.
