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I nod. It will be. We don’t have to be mic’d up or on camera when we’re in our rooms, so I plan to spend most of my time in here. Not a bad place to hang out.

“Thanks again for having us. I’m sure it was sort of last minute, and it’s all a little chaotic.” I wince, hating the production of the whole thing.

Daisy smiles good-naturedly. “Anything for Holland. I have a soft spot for that boy. Most of the town does, matter of fact. We’re all hoping he picks a good one.”

She peers at me, and I swear she’s looking directly into my soul, as if she can scan the contents of my heart and determine if it might be me, the one whom Holland will pick.

I wish more than anything I could let the woman in on the secret that I’m only here for the money…

and the golf. But as much as Daisy feels like my mom, I don’t know her that well.

At least not yet. I can’t risk word getting out .

“I hope so too,” I manage to say with a smile that I hope looks genuine. I am genuine. I hope, for Holland’s sake, he finds someone who can be a real partner for him. Right now, Mindy Sue has my vote.

“I’ve got a good feeling about it.” Daisy beams and then motions me out the door. “Come now. I told them I’d hurry you along. All you’re to bring is your room key and a light jacket.”

“I’ll be right there.”

She nods and turns away. “Let me know if you need anything, anytime at all. My room is up on the third floor,” she calls over her shoulder.

“Thank you!” I close the door and tap out a quick message to my family’s group text.

Mallory

Made it to Wisconsin. It’s actually gorgeous here. Family trip sometime in the future?! Off to get my marching orders now. Wish me luck. And by that, I mean, wish for Holland to eliminate me ASAP. winking face emoji

I tuck my phone back under my pillow and head downstairs.

Eight other women are already assembled.

“Good, good.” Vivian counts heads. “We’re waiting for—“

“I’m here. Sorry! I couldn’t get my hair curled fast enough.

” Belle skids to a stop next to me, hopping on one foot to put her shoe on.

She’s wearing a long, sleeveless, white bodycon dress, and she has a denim jacket tucked in her elbow joint.

Next to her, I look completely underdressed in my wide-legged jeans and plain black t-shirt. At least I put earrings in, I guess.

One of the other women—Zelda, maybe?—mumbles, “Someone’s trying too hard.”

Someone else snorts in response. I try not to outwardly frown. I was hoping we’d avoid the petty drama these reality shows are known for, but the claws are coming out, I see .

Belle tips her chin up in defiance, and as the mic pack gets attached to her waist, she declares, “I’m giving this my all, and if I’m going to be on TV, you better believe I’m going to look good.”

Honestly, good for her. She may be borderline over the top, but she owns it, and I have to give her credit for that.

“Alright, ladies.” Chad steps out from an alcove, and I see that Vivian has stepped out of the camera frame, and is motioning that we’re rolling. “I hope you’re all settling in nicely.”

Chad waits for us to agree, and several women verbally do, while the rest of us nod and smile.

“Keeping with the theme of home and family,” Chad goes on, “we’re starting this journey with a special one-on-one date.”

There’s a collective intake of breath when he produces an envelope from behind his back and wiggles it in front of his face.

“Liz.” He nods at the woman standing closest to him. “Why don’t you do the honors?”

She steps forward, and Vivian calls, “Cut!”

She goes on to explain to Liz how she’s supposed to open the envelope, pause in certain places for dramatic effect, and read slowly enough.

When the cameras start rolling again, Liz opens the envelope as directed. I pretend to pay attention even though I’ve mostly tuned this out. I’m dreaming of the comfy chair in my room, and reading my book, and—

“Mallory.” Liz glances up, and my gaze snaps to hers.

“What?”

“Um, that’s the first line of the note,” she says, a hint of condescension in her tone. Her face is awash with annoyance, but she clears her throat and reads the rest. “Welcome to Cashmere Cove. Nothing says home like Sunday Family Dinner. Join me? Tee Time – 4:00 p.m. Holland.”

The girls cheer as Vivian instructed us to do, and Liz hands the card to me.

I look down at it, confused as to why Holland picked me for the one-on-one date and mildly miffed that he ruined my plans for a quiet night at the inn, curled up with my book.

I’m one hundred percent certain he did not write this note.

He’s left-handed like me, and his handwriting is crap.

Also, this was written with an ink pen that would have for sure smudged if he would have had anything to do with it.

Maybe he doesn’t know that production chose me?

Maybe he didn’t have anything to do with it?

I’m not sure if that would make me feel better or worse.

“Are you excited?” Mindy Sue asks.

“Um, yeah. It should be…great.”

“I’d be so nervous to meet the family today,” Jennah admits.

“I don’t think it’s fair.”

The circle of us turns to Liz, who is glowering at me.

“Pardon?”

“You have a clear advantage here.” Liz looks around like anyone who isn’t seeing it is stupid.

Several of the other women are nodding their heads in agreement.

An uneasy feeling makes my stomach twist. I hate unwanted attention, and right now, I’m at the center of this conversation.

What would these women think if they knew I’m being paid to be here?

Then again, maybe some of them are also being compensated.

“What do you mean?” Mindy Sue steps up next to me, and I appreciate her show of solidarity.

“Mallory has a history with Holland,” Liz says. “She’s his coach . They already know each other, and she’s getting one-on-one time with him off camera at their practices, and now this time? It’s unfair.”

The entire circle is looking at me, and the cameras keep on rolling. Beyond the one pointed directly at me, I see Cece motioning for me to say something. What I wouldn’t give to tell these women they have nothing to worry about from me. I don’t want to fall in love with Holland.

Instead, I settle on another truth. “Actually, outside of golf, I don’t really know Holland at all. ”

Before Liz or anyone else can say something, Mindy Sue jumps in. “You’ll have a chance to get to know him tonight!”

“What are you going to wear?” Britt asks, picking up the conversation.

I glance down, and then at the clock on the wall, and realize for the first time that it’s nearly four. And shoot. I forgot to grab a jacket. “Uh…”

There’s a shifting of the camera crew, and Holland saunters through the front door of the inn.

He looks effortlessly handsome in dark jeans and a white button-up shirt.

A few of the women scamper over to greet him.

I hang back, suddenly self-conscious about my attire and about the narrative that’s being woven about me.

“I guess I’m wearing this,” I tell Britt with a wince.

“You look great,” Mindy Sue assures me.

“You do,” Britt agrees.

I smile, genuinely grateful for their support. “Thanks.”

Holland holds up his hands, getting everyone’s attention. “Ladies, it’s great to see you all again. Thanks for coming to Cashmere Cove. I’m looking forward to showing you all around. For now, Mallory…” His gaze settles on me, and a claw of heat rises up my neck. “Shall we?”

I square my shoulders and nod, plastering on a smile because what choice do I have? If I have to deal with these women judging me and meet Holland’s family to secure financial stability for my own, then so be it.