Page 21 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

Marcus callscut. Rich holds out a hand. “We’ll need you to wait, Ryan. There are a few lines we’ll have you say into the camera. That’ll give us some wiggle room in the editing bay.”

“O-kay…” I watch the women as they leave the ice, their attention more on hustling toward the stairs than on me. How silly of me to think that I’d be the star of the show.

I’m starting to think that I don’t know a damn thing about being on reality television.

six

RYAN

I takea calming breath and look around the owner’s suite, which has been decked out in lavish style: velvet furniture, a swanky bar, and clusters of contestants sitting and waiting for me. It’s a little daunting.

Rich is about to say something, but before he can get a word out, the bachelorettes begin to rise.

The first wave of girls to come talk to me are Daisy and Raven.

Daisy flips her long blonde hair over her shoulder as she approaches, a devilish smile on her face. I have to admit, I like her attitude toward this whole dating on TV game.

“Hey, Ryan,” she says. “I just thought I’d come over and try to spend some time with you. Let you know that I am sweet, sassy, and down for anything.”

I force myself to look at her rather than letting my eyes trail to the cameraman watching us with rapt attention.

“Thanks, Daisy. Where did you say you were from again?”

She moves closer, cradling a glass of champagne in one hand and giving me the most winning smile I’ve probably ever seen.

“I’m from a little place called Nashville, Tennessee. Maybe you’ve heard of it?”

“Oh, I love Nashville. So much history and music.”

“Are you into country music?” she asks, fluttering her eyelashes. “I’m a country singer, well, not professionally, but that’s my aspiration. I spend a lot of time writing songs and arranging music. I’m actually a kindergarten teacher. That’s just until I meet my husband, though. I plan to stay at home with our kids and keep a perfect home.”

She winks. My mouth goes dry. Does she think that I’m looking for a housewife? Because that is not my bag. Off camera, Rich gestures to me to respond.

“Right…” I say. “Well, it’s nice to meet you.”

Raven saunters over, wearing a long black silk dress, looking every bit the goth girl. “What are you two kids chatting about?”

Daisy immediately rolls her eyes. “Just getting to know each other. It’s a private conversation.”

I squint. Daisy’s reaction to Raven joining us rubs me the wrong way.

“Hey, there’s plenty of room for everyone here,” I say. “Let’s all just relax.”

Raven slips her arm through mine, smiling.

“I was a little starstruck downstairs,” she says. “I can’t believe Ryan Haart, superstar hockey player for the Atlanta Ice Storms, is actually here. I’m completely freaking out. I’ve been to a lot of games over the past few years… mostly because I’ve had a terrible crush on you.”

I keep the PR smile on my face, but my interest in Raven drops fast. I don’t like girls who are into Ryan the hockey god.

“I’m just a person,” I say with a smile. “Same as anybody else. But I’m glad you enjoyed the games.”

Raven seems to realize she said something wrong. Her lips part like she’s about to explain herself, but before she can, the lighting in the room shifts.

I check my watch. When are the producers going to bring in Wren?

The lights dim. A spotlight shines on the door to the hall.

The host clears his throat. “Ryan, we’ve saved one special bachelorette for you. Someone you already know. Do you have any idea who might be behind this door?”