Page 11 of Playing With My Heart Strings

baylor

America’s Sweetheart

The producers insisted I went last. Unfortunate, considering Aspen, the girl who went right before me, practically has Dusty drooling over her like a lovesick puppy.

I’m standing in front of him when he finally snaps out of her trance. His eyes meet mine, and his brows furrow in confusion.

“What are you doing—” Recognition flashes in his eyes, but I cut him off, giving him a sweet smile.

I am not losing my job today. “I’m Baylor.”

Suspicion is written all over his face, but he reluctantly introduces himself. “Dusty… I know you. You were at?—”

“I don’t think so,” I interrupt, not letting him finish his sentence on camera. “You must have confused me with someone else.”

Come on, you idiot. Help me out here.

“Right, no, you’re right. I apologize. It’s very nice to meet you, Baylor.” He takes my hand and presses his lips to the top of it, sending a shockwave through me.

Get it together, Baylor. This is fake . You are not going to fall for his phony charm. Play the game.

My experience working in public relations and my education have prepared me for these things. Interviews are all just acting, after all, how hard is it going to be with this?

It’s just an act.

A performance.

No feelings involved, just a way for me to keep my job then advance my career.

I’ve spent the past couple hours in the house with the rest of the women waiting for our respective “speed dating” rounds with Dusty.

Most of them seemed sincere, genuine. But I’ve been around women my entire life, and I know it’s only a matter of time until the claws come out and some of the “nice girl” facades start to fade.

“So, what brings you to the show?” he asks, causing my focus to snap back to the present.

“I’ve always loved music,” I reply, going through my rehearsed speech in my head. That was the truth. Music has always been my outlet, a way for me to release whatever I’m feeling. “The opportunity to have a musical career alongside someone I’ve fallen in love with is very appealing to me.” Lie .

I’m sure several other women had similar answers, so I’m just hoping that Dusty doesn’t see right through the act.

Neither of us say a word, the pause hanging in the air between us. I’m hyperaware of the cameras as Dusty flicks his eyes to the side where the producers are gesturing for him to continue, to do something.

He clears his throat. “Music definitely has that effect. When I was growing up, there was no better stress relief than turning my music up as loud as possible, lying on the floor, and just letting myself feel .” He pauses, like the confession feels a bit too vulnerable, too deep for reality TV, but then throws in what I assume is a quick joke.

“Definitely also helps when your music gets you millions of fans.”

I give him a quizzical look, trying to figure him out, but snap out of it quickly. “Yeah, it must be nice having a passion that people see value in. Anyway, I’m very excited to be here, meeting you in person.”

“Oh, yeah? You seem absolutely thrilled to be here.” His lips quirk up in a cocky smirk as though a girl like me being excited to meet him strokes his ego.

I playfully roll my eyes. “What gave it away? Wait, don’t tell me, was it my undeniable charm ?” Sarcasm drips from the latter part of my comment, but it doesn’t seem to phase him. Instead, when a strand of hair falls in front of my eyes, he simply tucks the traitorous lock behind my ear.

My gaze darts to his hand brushing my cheek as he pulls it back. Even with the absence of his touch, it’s as though flames lick at my skin, and I hope to God my face isn’t showing how flustered I am.

“Something like that.” A small glint of amusement shines in his expression as he studies my face.

“Well, I’m glad you think it’s endearing.” I smile, forgetting about the cameras for a moment. But one glance over my shoulder is all it takes to bring me back to reality.

dusty

Baylor smiles, continuing to joke with me, but I can’t control the muscles in my face as they contort into confusion. Before she can ask me what’s wrong, I quickly fix my expression and blurt, “I don’t remember seeing your name or hearing your voice during the auditions.”

“Yeah, that’s because I didn’t audition.” She breaks eye contact with me for a moment. “I was the lucky girl chosen by America to be on the show.”

“America’s Sweetheart, are you?” I tease, willing her to look back up at me. “Well, I can’t blame them. From first impressions alone, I’d say America has pretty good taste.”

“T-thanks.” Her brows pull together, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ve said something wrong.

But I’m not given an opportunity to find out, because the producers cut us off, pulling her away.

I’m not sure why, the signal that our time had come to an end hadn’t gone off yet, but I don’t fight them.

If anything, it just deepens my level of intrigue.

“I’ll talk to you soon, Baylor,” I call after her, cementing the look she gives me over her shoulder in my mind.

“So, after meeting the ten women and finally putting faces to their voices, how are you feeling, my man?” Jarrod and I stand in the courtyard where filming first took place.

I think back to the conversations I had today, mainly with Katherine, Aspen, and Baylor, and the smile that pulls at my cheeks is a genuine one. “Optimistic, Jarrod. I think I’ve got a great group of women here, both in personalities and musical talent.”

“That’s amazing to hear. The fun isn’t over yet.

In a few minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to choose one woman who really captured your attention today to go on a solo date with.

You’ll spend a romantic day together to get to know each other better.

This date will hopefully help you determine if you see the potential in spending your career and life together. ”

The pressure of his words weigh heavy on me as the reality of how big the decisions I will be making on this show are. This isn’t just my career at stake. It’s the rest of my life, or at least until this contract is over.

I try my best not to trip over my words. “Jarrod, I don’t think reality has set in until now. These are big decisions I’m making.”

“Sure are, buddy. But I have complete faith in you that you’ll make the best decision at the end of the day. Just listen to your heart.”

Said heart drums in my chest, and I take a deep breath as the cameras cut.

“Who are you thinking of taking on the first solo date?” Brett asks as we walk to our next location.

I think for a moment. “Baylor, Aspen, and Katherine were my favorites from the conversations today.”

What looks like a mix of surprise and confusion flashes across Brett’s face as he flushes a rosy shade of pink. “B-Baylor?”

“Is there a problem with her?” I narrow my eyes.

I remember how she answered my questions regarding why she came on the show, and while I believe half of her answer—the part about loving music—the other half seemed rehearsed.

It felt a bit like the answers I’ve been giving to the producers, but it only made my interest in her grow.

It made me wonder what her story actually is.

I also didn’t miss how her eyes darkened a bit when she mentioned people seeing value in my passion for music, like shadows settling in.

“N-no, there’s no problem with her, I’m just surprised,” he mumbles, his words slurring together as he races through the sentence. “I’d say Katherine is your safest bet, though. From everything we’ve seen so far.”

I slowly nod at his suggestion. Our pace never slows through the entire conversation until we come to a stop at the double front doors of the house. “So, you’re telling me I should pick Katherine?”

He confirms, nodding. “Yes, you should pick her.”

“All right, then.” I agree, because I’m confident that my time with Aspen and Baylor will come. It just has to be the right time.

When the producers open the doors, ushering me into the house, the chatter that once filled the living room comes to a halt, silence embracing the space before a burst of cheers.

“Dusty!”

“He’s here!”

A collective of cheers and greetings welcome me, and warmth spreads through my chest. It reminds me of the cheers from the crowd when I walk on stage during a tour. It’s electrifying. Exhilarating.

“Hello, ladies.” I tip my hat as I walk to the center of the living room, the expectant eyes of the women glued to me the entire time.

“It’s been an absolute honor and joy getting to speak with you all today.

I’m very excited for this opportunity, and I’m doing my best to embrace it all.

I’m not much for interviews, much less being on national television, so we’re all in this together. ”

A few giggles arise in response to my miniature speech.

“I’m not sure if you’ve been informed of what’s next”—I sneak a quick glance at the producers off to the side, who give me a thumbs-up—“but we’re jumping right into this process. I have the pleasure of taking one of you lovely ladies on a solo date tomorrow.”

My eyes scan over the room. I can’t help but notice that while some of the girls look anxious, a couple of them look almost bored, America’s Sweetheart being one of them. Normally, the disinterest would be a turn off, but all it does it make me want to know the truth of why she’s here.

I dismiss the thoughts of my mystery girl and focus on the one who I’ll be taking on a date tomorrow. “Katherine?” I think it shocks her a bit, as she startles in her seat, eyes blinking rapidly. “Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?”

“It would be my honor.” She beams, and I let out a breath of relief.

“Well, ladies, it was great to see you. I look forward to this journey together.” I clasp my hands, and they all wave as they’re ushered out of the house, toward the bus that will take them back to their hotel for the night.