Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Crew usually don’t worry about calories. They are always on their feet, always working. They will burn the calories. “Moms? Huh. I guess they are. I mean Tonya’s been around since before I was born. She’s my mom’s best friend. When I think about it, she’s my mom’s most serious and long-lasting relationship.”
I might not have learned how to have a healthy marriage from my parents, but I did learn longtime friendship from those two. Tonya and my mom have been there for each other through broken marriages and terrible dates. Tonya didn’t have kids, so she served as a backup parent to me.
Patrick touches his earpiece. “Yes, she’s here. We’ll be ready to shoot in five. And the coffee is on its way.” He looks back at me. “Give me a list of what you need and I’ll call your friends. They’re cool. Your friends that is. Not you.”
“Never me,” I agree and sigh as Luca walks up to us, a bright smile on his face.
“Have I told you how lovely you are today?” Luca asks like I’m not wearing grass-stained sweats and a snarky shirt.
Patrick touches his earpiece again. “We’re going to need to schedule a medic to look at the king’s eyes.”
He walks off, grumbling.
That is a deeply unhappy man.
I turn to Luca. “Are you going to cut me today?”
He simply smiles, an expression that literally makes my body tighten. I’m pretty sure I just spit out an egg. “Why would I do that when you look so good?”
“I look like crap.”
“You look real. Don’t get me wrong. You look perfect when you’re beautifully made up, but you also look perfect like this. You looked adorable when you caught that ball I threw to you,” he says. “Out of all the women, you’re the only one who took the game seriously. That’s what I’m looking for in a bride. Oooo, that’s the perfect thing to say in those… What did they call them?”
I can see clearly now all the mistakes I’ve made. “Confessionals.”
Known in the scripted world as the talking head. This is where the contestant speaks directly to the camera and confesses all their feelings about what’s happened. On a show like this, the word falling will be in heavy rotation.
He nods. “Yes, confessionals. I will confess that of all the women today, you are the one who I will remember. We looked at each other across a crowded field and I knew I had to get the ball to you.”
“I was playing on the opposite team. It was an interception,” I point out.
His perfectly coiffed head shakes. “Not how I remember it.” He moves into my space, his voice going low. “You should know that I’ve told the producers about the laws in my country concerning public displays of affection when it comes to the royal family. It’s sad, but we must maintain standards. Shelby didn’t take it well.”
“You told them you wouldn’t kiss anyone the whole time we’re filming?” I have to wonder how that had gone over.
“I explained to them that when I’m properly engaged, I can kiss my fiancée. Until then, I can’t kiss women.”
Then I’m safe. “So you won’t try kissing me again.”
“Oh, I’m going to sneak into your room again for a make-out session as soon as possible. I said women. Plural. I can kiss one in private. Lucky you.”
“No, not lucky me. Luca, this isn’t fair.”
“It feels fair to me. Come on. I got us ice cream.”
He leads me back to a sitting area the production assistants have put together. Patrick fluffs the pillows on the bench, and I can see the assistant who’s waiting with two cones in hands. One chocolate and one…
“You remembered I love strawberry,” I say, my heart clenching slightly.
“I also remembered that you love it from the cart near the zoo, not the one closer to here. I had an assistant get it. He kept it in a cold bag. I hope it’s acceptable.”
I nod.
I’m so often the forgotten one. It’s not that my friends don’t love me. Or that my mom doesn’t care. They do, but they’re busy. They’re all big personalities, and I can get lost in the shuffle. The truth is I’m excellent at helping people. I’m not sure how good I am at anything on my own. Being part of a team has always been my strong suit. But it doesn’t get me noticed often.
Luca notices me. He sees me.
That might be the nastiest trick the universe could play on me.
“Are you ready?” Joe is suddenly there, and he’s frowning. “You trying to stand out, Anika? That’s not the way to do it.”
I’m supposed to stay in his good graces. How can I do that if I’m pissing him off? “I got my clothes late. Sorry. I’ll be better tomorrow.”
“She looks fine,” Luca argues. “We’re playing sports. I can’t believe the women who are wearing heels. You should thank her for not being a medical hazard. Come, Ani. Let’s get our ice cream before it melts. What shall we talk about?”