Page 32 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

I avoided eye contact by looking at a spot on the carpet the entire time.

Inspiring stuff.

This is my villain origin story, isn’t it.

Oh, for sure. You’re halfway to a brooding monologue already.

Chuckling, I drag myself to breakfast with my executive producer slash coach, Rich. He’s patient as always, gently needling me about my feelings so far. I shovel a healthy granola parfait into my face and try to answer his questions.

“So, what do you think about Heidi?” he asks.

I nod. “She’s really pretty. Professional and polished. I like that.”

“And JacqLyn?”

“Also pretty with that girl-next-door flair, but she hasn’t really opened up yet. She’s mostly been watching everyone else.”

Rich nods. “Yeah, it’s early days right now. But what about Wren? You already know her. Have you guys found your connection yet?”

I brush his question aside. “Look, between you and me, I know Wren has to be here, but she has no chance of winning. She’s a brat. She’s my best friend’s little sister. There are a lot of ways that could go sideways. But I get why you all want to keep her around. She definitely keeps me on my toes.”

I say it like it’s a joke, like I don’t lie awake wondering what she’s thinking when she looks at me. But I do. I always have.

Rich smirks, then covers it with a sip of coffee. “Well, today should be interesting. I think if you picked Wren for your three-on-one date, it would shake things up. Let the other contestants know they’ve got real competition. Even if you don’t think Wren is a serious contender.”

I sigh. I hadn’t been thinking about who I’d pick for today, but of course, the EPs want drama.

“I’ll consider it,” I say grudgingly.

“Good man.” Rich pats me on the shoulder. “We’re leaving in a few. Get ready.”

My gut says don’t pick her. But my eyes drift to her anyway, like they always do. She’s become this gravity sink in my brain. Every thought bends toward her in a cosmic way.

“I’m ready,” I mutter, finishing my parfait with a final gulp of coffee.

We pull up to a large conference center on the outskirts of town. I throw Rich a quizzical look.

“Are you sure we’re at the right place?”

He grins. “Yep. I think you’ll be impressed. The whole day’s built around things we know you like.”

“Okay,” I say, uncertain.

Turns out, he’s not totally wrong. Inside, they’ve cleared out the entire floor to create a winter wonderland scene. It’s over-the-top. Fake snow drifts through the air, a full-sized ice rink dominates one corner. Fairy-tale style buildings have been set up like a tiny village. Trees are wrapped in lights. Benches sparkle with glitter. It’s all very romantic. Very fake. I guess pageantry is the point.

Still, I can’t help picturing Wren under those lights. Probably hating every second of it but shining all the same. God, I’m so screwed.

We arrive early, so I wander over to the themed coffee stand. They make me a damn good latte. I sip it while watching PAs dart around like sugared-up toddlers.

Rich returns with a cameraman in tow.

“Okay, Ryan,” Rich says. “Let’s talk about today. Just give us a little intro. Say you’re excited about the three-on-one. Announce who you’re picking. The rest of the girls will be seated over there by the food.”

I rub my hands together and nod. I don’t actually care about any of this, but it’s paying me hundreds of thousands. That money’s going straight into savings for the day I inevitably get hurt and can’t play anymore.

I take a breath and smile at the camera.

“Hey, Ryan here. I’m really excited about today.The Last Kissthrew me this insane winter wonderland party. I’m honestly blown away. Today, I get to take three contestants on a private date and teach them how to ice skate.