I close the door behind her. “What can I do for you?”
She produces an envelope from her sweatshirt pocket. “I have a special delivery. If anyone asks, I was never here.”
I take the envelope from her, immediately recognizing Holland’s handwriting. I feel my face flush.
Daisy reaches over and pats my shoulder. “Enjoy the rest of your day, dear. Take care of our Holland, alright?”
Before I can say anything, she disappears back out the secret door. I glance at the clock next to my bed. I’m going to be super late, but I can’t help it. I tear into the envelope and find a handwritten note.
Mallory,
I know you’ll get an official date card fromMEM, but I wanted you to have one from me personally. I can’t wait to spend time with you today. Thanks for agreeing to give all of this a go. I’ll see you soon.
Holland
P.S. I’m excited to see what romance novel you pick out for me. I haven’t forgotten. Maybe we can read it together?
I pull the note to my heart. Who is this man, and what has he done with the arrogant, annoying Holland I’ve known for the past two years?
I’m a popsicle in a toddler’s hand on a summer day, melting from the sweetness of it all, and if this is any sign of how he plans to woo me—his word, not mine—I’m going to have to be very careful, or I might fall in love with him on national TV.
I steel myself. I’m going to make the guy work for it. I’m not going to rush into anything. Because it is. Just. One. Date.
But I’m willing to give him a chance.
I head downstairs, and Cece meets me at the bottom of the steps to hook up my mic pack. She gives me a once-over. “Dang, girl. You look good today.”
“Thanks. Sorry I’m late. Are we about ready to get started?”
The anticipation of going on an actual date with Holland is making me queasy. I want to backpedal. I want to go up to my room and renege on my agreement. But that would be cowardly, and I won’t let myself be a coward. I gave him my word, and I owe it to myself to see where my feelings for him lie.You’re allowed to live out loud.That sounds pretty and all, but it’s terrifying to think about actually putting it into practice. I’ve spent a long time compartmentalizing, storing up my feelings and reactions and emotions to keep them hidden away so that I didn’t project the wrong image. Now I’m about to pivot. He knows I’m interested. I know he’s interested. Our date is going to be filmed for the whole world to see.
If we don’t get this show on the road right now, I’m going to chicken out.
“I think so.” Cece checks her clipboard. “Head on over. Cameras will start rolling, and then Chad will be in to talk about the date.”
I do as I’m told, and Mindy Sue makes an opening for me in the circle.
“Hey, everyone.” I glance around and finally bring my eyes up to meet Holland. He’s looking at me with open admiration, but then he blinks, seeming to check himself.
He clears his throat. “Uh, hey. Hey, Mallory.”
His cheeks turn a little pink. Okay. He’s officially adorable when he’s not as suave as he usually is.
“Keep chatting, folks. We’re going to start rolling here,” Vivian barks from nearby. “Act natural. Jennah, remember you’re going to ask about the Grand Masters.”
Jennah shoots Vivian a thumbs up, even as Holland winces.
“And rolling!” Vivian calls.
Jennah squeezes Holland’s arm, and I have to fight the urge not to cross the circle and rip her off of him. She’s like a barnacle on an octopus.
“I’m so bummed you didn’t win last weekend, Holland,” Jennah pouts. “But it was so cool to be out there to watch you do your thing. You looked good, real good…even if you kind of blew it.” She giggles.
I realize I’m scowling at her, and I immediately erase my expression.
“It was a neat experience watching you play,” Britt cuts in.
“Thanks,” Holland says, shifting a little. If I’m not mistaken, he’s widening his stance to distance himself from Jennah. I do an internal cheer sequence. “I appreciated you all coming out. A tie for second place isn’t bad…but I wasn’t happy with how I finished the tournament.”
