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)
It’s unheard of. Editing on a show like this is everything. Heroes and villains are made in the editing room. I would love to sit in on the editing just for the experience. And yet I can’t make myself say yes. Saying yes seems like a slope I don’t want to slip down. I can make a mess of things, and I’m supposed to be flying under the radar here. “Have you called a casting company? I’m sure they can have someone here soon.”
His expression tightens, but the words that come out of his mouth are patient. “Not soon enough.”
“We need to get the introductions filmed in the next two hours. The live elimination ceremony is scheduled for eleven,” Christy points out. “We can’t be late.”
“It’s going to be tight as it is,” Joe agrees. “But the live stream is going to have millions of viewers. It’s going to whet their appetite for the show. And it’s going to make our premiere numbers skyrocket.”
“I think I’m too nervous. I’m going to be terrible at this. I’m the girl who threw up on stage in fifth grade when they wanted me to say one line. One.” I never lived that down, and there are still people out there who call me Vomitting Ani. It’s not something I want to do on national TV. I’m a behind-the-scenes person.
“Can we have the room for a moment?” Joe asks.
My nerves shoot up because I’m not sure I want to be alone with this man. He’s been nice so far, but I get the feeling I’m about to meet his ruthless side.
The makeup guy shakes his head as he leaves, as though he’s done what he can and can’t help me anymore. Christy puts a hand on Joe’s arm as though offering him support and then she leaves, too.
I’m left alone with the very man I’m supposed to be investigating. He stares at me for a moment. An awkward, long moment.
“Anika, this show is important. I know everyone thinks it’s all bullshit, but I have a different point of view.” He keeps a respectful distance, his tone still calm and soothing.
I know it’s important to him. That’s part of the problem. “I’m sure it is, and that’s why I don’t want to mess things up for you.”
He seems to consider my words, those brows of his furrowed in concentration. “Ah, you’ve heard the rumors and think this is all about me proving to Jessica Wallace that I’m in control and I won’t go off on a bender.”
I feel my skin flush. “I don’t think that.”
His expression gentles. “Then you’re the only one. I understand what I did made everyone question my capabilities. I’m an artist, but I still have to be insured, and she can’t pass me that gorgeous franchise if I can’t get insurance to cover me. But that’s not why I think this project is important. There’s more at stake here than my career.”
“I know it’s a massive production and it employs so many people,” I begin.
He holds out a hand. “Again, this isn’t about me or anyone in the crew. This is about our bachelor. I’m friendly with the king. I shot part of a movie in his country.”
“I’m sure he’s nice,” I allow.
“It’s not about him being nice. The king is a great guy, but more importantly he’s a magnificent king,” Joe says. “Reg is a very modern monarch. He’s out there with his people every day. Look, don’t tell anyone because we have an illusion to create, but there’s not a ton of money in Ralavia right now. After the floods a couple of years back, the king used an enormous amount of his own money to rebuild the capitol city. He’s doing this because he thinks if people see how beautiful the country is, they’ll come back. Tourism was wiped out by the floods, but the country is ready to welcome them again. They need those tourist dollars or they’ll have to default on their debts soon.”
I’d heard about the tragedy that had taken place in that part of the world. “So this is like a tourist ad?”
He nods as though happy I’ve caught onto the idea. “Yes. The ski season is coming up right after this airs, and we’re going global with this one, so we’re hoping Europeans remember Ralavia exists and bring their money back to the country. Put some food on the country’s table, so to speak. Reg isn’t doing this because he wants true love. He’s doing it to keep his people from starving.”
My heart hurts for him, but it also hurts for the contestants. “But what about the women who are here for the right reasons?”
Damn. I just said it. Told you there would be a lot of that phrase.
Joe chuckles. “I assure you they’re all here for the same reason. Fame. How many of these things end up working out? One in a thousand? No one expects them to genuinely get married. The winner of the show will do some press with the king, wave from the palace a couple of times, and then they’ll quietly break it off and no one will be all that surprised.”