We’re talking today.
My stomach does a nervous flip. I want to talk to him, but I also don’t. It doesn’t sound like I’m going to have a choice, though.
twelve
Dalton
Dalton:How did you know Trin was the one?
I’m on a lounger by the pool, waiting for my brother-in-law and best friend, Linc, to text me back. I’ve got a break from filming this afternoon, so I swam laps to burn off some nervous energy.
Alice is out with Farrah. I’m eager for them to get back because I haven’t even seen Alice today. I heard Farrah’s voice in her bedroom when I was bringing breakfast this morning, so I just left the tray.
Not seeing her is making me crazy. Even though I can’t say what I want to say to her when other people are around--which is always because there are like thirty people in the beach house at any given moment--at least I usually get to see her. Checking her out without getting busted for it is my new pastime.
Lincoln: You really want to know?
I cock my head as I read the message, narrowing my eyes at my phone screen.
Dalton: Spare me the intimate details, and for fuck’s sake don’t tell me the only way you knew my sister was the one is because of the sex.
Lincoln: I knew I loved her before we left the cabin. But when I got back home, that’s when I knew. Home didn’t feel like home anymore. She did.
A splashing sound makes me glance up, and I see June getting into the pool. She bites her lip, trying to look seductive, I think? I give my phone my full attention.
Dalton: I know this sounds crazy. I met someone here and I can’t think about anything but her. Haven’t even kissed her yet.
Lincoln: Why not? Never alone with her?
Dalton: The producers and league people have this show scripted. They tell me who to fake chemistry with. It’s not what I expected.
Lincoln: Really? You thought a reality show would be something other than manufactured drama?
Dalton: Good talk, man. Helped a lot.
I set my phone on the table beside me, put my sunglasses on and lie back in the chair. Just like every time I close my eyes at night, I imagine Alice’s face when she pulled away from me on the beach. There was so much vulnerability and gratitude swirling in her eyes.
She’s so used to being the listener. The planner. The doer. I want to be those things for her. I want to make her smile and laugh and...other things, too.
What do her eyes look like when she’s turned on? How does she sound when she moans? Does she ever completely let go and give in to what she really wants?
And more importantly, could that be me? It would be fucking brutal to finally feel this way about a woman who doesn’t feel the same way in return. I’ve definitely felt something from her,but I don’t know if it’s just surprise or her indulging me with kindness.
I have to find out. I need to know if this thing is one-sided. That’s why I gave her that note this morning.
A kitchen attendant comes out with a tray of drinks, offering me a lemonade. I drink half of it, dehydrated from the sun, and then check my phone.
Lincoln: Sorry. I’m happy for you, that you found someone you’re into. You think she could be the one?
Dalton: I don’t know. It feels as crazy as it sounds. But I can’t stop thinking about her. I hate having to fake interest in other women here.
Lincoln: That sounds dicey. Does she have to fake interest in other guys?
Dalton: No, because she’s not a contestant.
Lincoln: The plot thickens...
Dalton: She works for one of the contestants.
