“You too.”
Holland’s mom takes on the role of hostess like a professional. “This is Mack, Holland’s older brother, and his wife, Poppy.”
A tall, serious-looking guy with dark features nods at me and gives me a small smile. The brunette next to him launches herself at me and wraps me in a hug. “I’m so glad it’s you,” she whispers into my hair. “I had a feeling about you and Holland!”
“Oh, n—“ I stop myself from correcting her. “Nice,” I amend with a forced smile.
“Alright, everyone. Let the lady breathe.” Holland appears behind me. He shakes his brother’s hand and gives Poppy a kiss on the cheek.
Poppy steps back from us and motions to the people standing farther into the house. “This is my sister, Magnolia, and her husband, Collin. And you may already know Rose and Anton.”
I nod. “I recognize you from the last tournament.”
I try my best to keep my cool, but Anton Bates is a princeanda Super Bowl champion. He seems perfectly down to earth when he shakes my hand and smiles warmly, but still.
Holland runs through a bunch more introductions. There’s a slew of Mack’s employees. He’s an electrician with a team of people working for him, apparently. I also meet Willow, the town librarian and her husband, as well as Mia, the owner of Mood Reader, the local bookstore. All the names and faces are a blur by the time we make it to the backyard.
The Bradleys have the deck outfitted with string lights that cast a glow on the yard in the early evening. There’s a table spread with an assortment of food, and Poppy and her sisters are piling plates high with fruits and veggies and chips and dips.
“Want any?” Poppy holds up a plate in my direction. “I’ve heard they don’t let you eat on these shows, but that’s not going to fly here with Darla—or with any of us. We’re big eaters.”
I glance beyond the camera to Cece, my producer, and she shrugs, so I turn back to Poppy. “I could eat.”
“Attagirl.” Poppy motions me over, and I join her and Rose and Magnolia, who tells me to call her Noli, around the snack table. A breeze kicks up, stirring the bud-speckled branches of the old trees in the backyard. Goosebumps pop up on my arms. I wish I’d remembered a jacket. I hate being cold, and it’s going to be a long night if we’re outside for the most part.
Poppy starts chattering about the weather and the different things that I have to see while I’m in Cashmere Cove.
Rose clears her throat, and I think she’s reaching for a ham-and-cheese slider, but then I realize she’s pointing at a notecard that’s been strategically placed behind a bowl of chips.
I squint and read the words,We can’t wait to get to know you for real…off camera!!! Hang around after filming?
Poppy keeps rambling on, but she crinkles her eyes a little at me, and I give her a subtle nod in acknowledgement. I have noidea why these women want to get to know me, but if I’m going to be hanging around Cashmere Cove—in the capacity of Holland’s coach—for the next month or two, it might be nice to have some friends.
There’s something about these three that make me feel comfortable. I’d like to talk to them too. If for no other reason than to get some dirt on Holland. Not sure how we’ll pull off getting out from under the watchful eye of Vivian, but I’ve done it once before with the help of the Corvette, so maybe?
A glass clinks behind us, and Holland’s dad summons us all to join him around the table.
“A toast to Holland and Mallory.”
Holland appears at my side and loops his arm around my shoulder. I stiffen but force myself not to scowl. I refuse to draw unnecessary attention in front of the camera, but I’m afraid I’m doing this all wrong because I’m pretty sure I look constipated right now. Holland is holding in his laughter, and I can tell from the way his arm jiggles ever so slightly along my upper back that he thinks it’s hilarious that we’re acting like a couple. I lean into him, and he sucks in a surprised breath. I press my lips together to cover my smile. Two can play at this touchy-feely game, and if I can soak up some of his body heat in the process, all the better.
“Holland, we’re so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes you,” his dad begins, forcing me to focus.
“Thanks, Dad.” Holland stands a little straighter next to me.
“And Mallory, here’s to you and getting to know you in a new way. We’re thrilled to welcome you to our home.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“To family and home.” Drew raises his glass.
“Cheers!”
“Everyone, you know the drill.” Darla claps her hands. “No one leaves hungry! Whatever you see, there’s more of it, so eatup!”
Holland’s producer, Hazel, sweeps him away to do a one-on-one sit-down interview while I make small talk with the crowd.
“Now, Mallory dear. Are you a big reader?” the older lady with the silvery hair asks me. Willow, if I’m remembering correctly. The librarian.
