The One

by Danielle Allen

  Half of the audience clapped and cheered. The other half let out shocked laughter.

  Bryce moved on and asked Tori, Samantha and Nicole the same question. They answered with nicer versions of the same thing Ana said.

  “I’m getting the feeling that those of you who actually spent time with her in the house, don’t really care for her.” Bryce stroked his chin as if he were really pondering the statement. “Audience, do you wonder why the comments for Leah seem so much harsher than the comments for Bailey in their pursuit for Julian’s heart?”

  The crowd cheered.

  “Let’s see who Julian has to choose from. Roll the tape!”

  A video montage of Leah lurking around the house collecting information and reporting back to whoever was being talked about played and a few audience members gasped. The next series of clips were Bailey being extremely likeable and hot in her never-ending supply of bikinis, but saying the most ridiculously dumb things.

  The segment was entitled Classy Bitch versus Bikini Ditz.

  “I’m not okay with that,” I spoke up, unable to stomach the title. I looked around. “Can someone remove that graphic? How did that even pass inspection?”

  “What do you mean?” Bryce asked. “I thought you of all people would like how they poked fun at Julian’s top two.”

  My heart hurt with the idea of Julian picking Leah, but more than that, my entire existence hurt knowing that I was a part of a show that referred to two grown women as a ‘classy bitch’ and a ‘bikini ditz.’

  “It’s disrespectful. And as a series that thrives off of the participation of women.” I gestured to all of us. “And off of the viewership of women.” I gestured to all of the women in the ninety-eight percent female audience. “I would like to think The One would have a little more respect than that.”

  Even though Leah was a conniving bitch who lied and backstabbed her way to the top, a show that has profited off her devious ways shouldn’t get away with disrespecting her. And Bailey was smart and beautiful and clearly a talented actress. She didn’t deserve to be cemented as a ‘bikini ditz.’ She wore bikinis, but the cameras didn’t have to follow her around as soon as she slipped into one. She purposely dumbed herself down because she was told that she would get more air time and that the audience loved a ‘dumb blonde.’ Neither of them deserved that.

  The audience clapped with force until the graphic came down.

  “I agree with you,” Bryce stated, smiling when people started clapping for him as well.

  After quieting everything down, Bryce asked us several more questions that ranged from what did we do all day to who did we think we would still be friends with in a year. I was still riding the high of standing up for what I believed in, I almost forgot what was coming next.

  “On Monday,” Bryce started. “Julian met with both women for brunch. Let’s check in to see how that went.”

  The lights dimmed and the image that flashed across the screen was sexy. Julian was driving a black and chrome car that looked so expensive that I didn’t know what make and model it could possibly be. He hopped out of his car to the delight of the valet parking attendant and entered the eatery in Downtown L.A.

  Leah and Bailey were already there and they both jumped up when they saw him. Julian embraced both of them, kissing them on the cheek and he sat down. They made small talk for a while during brunch. When brunch was coming to an end, Julian told them that they would return to the mansion and on Tuesday they would both get dressed and wait for him at two separate locations.

  ***

  “Do you know already who you’re going to pick?” Leah looked nervous as she asked. I couldn’t tell if she legitimately had feelings for him, but I knew that she felt like he was ‘good enough’ for her. She looked at him like she liked him.

  Julian looked between Leah and Bailey. “If I did, would you want to know?”

  Bailey looked happy, smiling. “I want you to take the next twenty-four hours and think about who you want to be with before making a decision. It’s not proposing marriage, but it’s serious.”

  Leah’s mouth tightened. “Yeah, I would want you to wait and think about it. What you want, who you choose, is your decision. But I want you to know that I love you.”

  I couldn’t read Julian’s expression. “I care about both of you and I will see you very soon.”

  ***

  Please pick Bailey. Please pick Bailey, I prayed and silently begged.

  If he picked Bailey, at the very least, I knew we’d have a chance. If he picked Leah, that would mean he was interested in seeing where that spark went.

  *****

  Chapter 20

  “Are you ready to hear what our bachelor has to say?” Bryce Wilson yelled, getting everyone excited.

  My stomach quivered at the thought of Julian in the limo, on his way to either Bailey or Leah. I was so nervous that I finished my bottle of water during the brief intermission and had to get another one to combat the constant dry mouth I was experiencing.

  “You’re shaking,” Mya whispered as the lights started to dim. “Breathe.”

  I inhaled and exhaled noisily. I didn’t even realize it was that loud until I noticed Nicole looking at me from the other side of the stage.

  Mya put her hand over mine and squeezed.

  Julian’s face filled the enormous screen and the catcalls erupted from the crowd. I sucked in a sharp breath.

  Julian Winters was truly breathtaking. The lines of his face were a work of art. His jawline was masculine and strong and lightly peppered with a sexy stubble that somehow made him look darker, more intense. His full lips, that looked as soft as they felt, parted to show off the hard work of some California orthodontist. His teeth were straight and white and gave him the most endearing smile. I used to think his smile was the best thing about him. But my favorite facial feature of Julian Winters was his piercing, grey eyes. It wasn’t the fact that his eye color was unique and changed depending upon the weather or his mood. It was what he did with his eyes that reeled me in.

  When Julian fixed his eyes on me, I felt it everywhere. I loved that he looked at me like he wanted to know me in every way possible. I loved that he could both turn me on and bring me to tears by just staring into my eyes. Julian looked at me and looked into my soul.

  And I’m scared I’m never going to experience that again.

  Julian started answering the questions asked of him as he sat in the back of the limo. The tinted windows didn’t give anything away about his destination. But thanks to technology, all of us as spectators saw Leah standing in a vineyard in a beautiful gown and her light brown hair swept over one shoulder. We saw Bailey standing on a pier with her gown blowing in the wind and her hair slicked and pinned into a bun on the top of her head.

  I felt sick with sharp pains in my heart. I wouldn’t have been surprised if I was just as nervous as the two of them in that moment.

  The screen flashed back to Julian as he ran his hand through his short black hair.

  ***

  “Do you know who you’re going to pick?” A male voice asked Julian in the limo.

  Julian glanced at the camera and then back out of the window. “Yes.”

  “Do you have any doubts about your choice?”

  He shook his head. “No, not at all.”

  “Do you have any regrets about this experience?”

  “I have no regrets. I would’ve done a couple of things differently, though.”

  “Like what?”

  Julian smiled. It was small and a little sad, but it was a smile. “I would use my time a little better. This process is hard. You gravitate toward people and then they’re gone. You connect with people and then they’re gone. It’s an environment that makes you question the things you’re feeling because everything seems to be on fast forward. So I would just use my time to really make the most of it.”

  “If you were able to say something to one of the contestants that didn’t make it this far, what
would you say?”

  “You want me to single someone out? Right now?” Julian shook his head. “Come on, man.”

  “Before you make your decision and pick the one, is there one woman you’d like to say something to?”

  Julian looked out the window. “The only person I’m thinking about right now is the woman who has my heart.”

  “Is this an exclusive? Are you saying you’re in love?”

  Julian smirked as he looked at the camera. “We’re here.”

  ***

  My heart was in my throat and tears burned my eyes. I felt my blood run cold as I tried to think about anything that would keep me from bursting. The urge to cry had never been that strong.

  Well, there you have it. I took a chance. I took a risk. And the embarrassment will come, I’m sure. But I’m more concerned about the way my heart feels like it’s crumbling into pieces.

  The split screen showed a black limo pulling up near the pier and although it was sad, I felt a little bit of relief. But then, a black limo pulled up at the vineyard and my anxiety peaked. Although I didn’t have hope that Julian had some elaborate plan to pick Bailey and then drop her to ultimately be with me, I still preferred him to pick Bailey over Leah.

  The suspense was killing me. I glanced around and every one of us had our necks craned to see which door opened. I figured a commercial break was being taken because of the length of time it was taking for us to see movement in either limo.

  The live studio audience stood on their feet. Taking a page out of their book, Emma, Tiffany and Samantha stood as well. After thirty seconds, Tori, Ana, Mya, and Nicole also rose to their feet. Not wanting to be the only one seated; however, not wanting to fall flat on my face from shock if Julian picked Leah, I stood slowly, shakily. Bryce must have seen how unsteady I was because he helped me. Once I was standing with my back to everyone, including the cameras, I ran my fingertips underneath my eyes, careful not to smudge my makeup.

  It was silent, yet the anticipation in the air was palpable. I could hear the buzz of curiosity as everyone stood on edge in front of the huge screen before us. I felt stifled. I felt like Julian’s decision was a cloud of smoke that was suffocating me. I started having trouble breathing.

  Hold it together for ten more minutes and then you never have to do anything regarding this show again.

  As soon as the drivers of the limo eased out of the front seat, heading toward the back door, Bryce turned to the audience and yelled, “Let’s get a clap going.”

  Clap.

  Clap.

  Clap.

  Everyone slapped their hands together along with him except for me.

  I’m not clapping to support Julian choosing someone else. I’m not clapping to celebrate him picking someone over me. I’m not clapping to applaud my heartbreak.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and a chill ran through me. I didn’t know if it was the last-ditch Hail Mary of coming on the show and proclaiming my love or what, but a calm came over me. Butterflies unraveled the knot that had been in my stomach since I woke up knowing it was the day that Julian was going to make a decision. I put my hand to my belly just as the audience started screaming. All of us on stage searched the screen for movement confused before turning around to see what they were screaming about.

  My heart stopped.

  In a slate grey tuxedo with a black shirt and shoes, Julian Winters was standing at the bottom of the steps staring directly at me.

  I let out small gasps as my mouth hung open. I was in shock and seeing him rendered me speechless.

  “Zoe Jordan…” His voice trailed off after he addressed me. Everyone else in the room faded away.

  Oh my God.

  Unhurriedly, Julian’s eyes slid up and down my body before he met my gaze again. He took a step. “I’ve thought about you every hour of every day that you’ve been gone.”

  Oh my God.

  He licked his lips. “Your beauty is undeniable, but I crave the feel of your skin against mine because I know the depths of your soul. The poet in me sees the poet in you and craves that connection.”

  He took another step. “I see you.”

  He took the next step. “I feel you.”

  He took the last step up onto the stage. “I love you.”

  He loves me.

  My lip and then my body started trembling. The first of many pent up tears trickled down my cheek as he made his way across the stage toward me. I quickly swiped it away.

  Stopping two or three feet away from me, Julian’s grey eyes stormed over. His facial expression was somber and gave nothing away. But his eyes were so expressive and deep.

  This man literally takes my breath away, I thought as my breath hitched.

  It took me a minute to realize Julian was nervous. “I love you,” he repeated. His voice was softer with a hint of agony in his tone.

  I closed my eyes for just a second, basking in his words. When I let my lashes flutter open, I handed him my entire heart. “I love you, too.”

  As soon as the words were out of my mouth, Julian inhaled deeply. The distance between us made me dizzy. It was the intoxicating blend of being in his presence and the feeling of wanting something, someone so much and finally getting it. I was overwhelmed.

  My stomach bottomed out and I felt like I was on a rollercoaster as I mentally wrestled with the desire to touch him. In reality, I stood shaking, relishing in the sexy sound of his voice when he said my name.

  “Zoe Jordan…” He paused dramatically, his eyes rooting me where I stood. “You’re ‘The One.’ There was never any doubt in my mind that you were the one for me. You are the one for me. You will always be the one for me. So will you make me the happiness man on Earth and accept this final charm?”

  “Absolutely,” I replied softly as the thunderous sound of people clapping and the loud, boisterous catcalls surrounded us.

  His panty-melting smile was reward enough, but he reached out, his hand encircling my wrist, scorching my skin. With his other hand, he clasped a number one charm onto my sparsely filled bracelet. His fingers lingered on the inside of my wrist as he stared into my eyes.

  Seconds ticked by and he didn’t advance, he didn’t kiss me, he didn’t say anything. Our only contact was Julian’s gentle grip on my wrist and the soft brush-like strokes of his thumb across my skin. The audience roars started to slow down as they waited for what was next. I was sure they were waiting for the big kiss. I know I was waiting for the big kiss. And the fact that it hadn’t happened yet only heightened the angst in the room. But between the exclamations of coos and squeals of excitement, I felt a nervous trepidation.

  My chest rose and fell in time with his as I felt us gravitating toward each other. I didn’t remember us moving, but we went from being a couple of feet apart to a couple of inches apart. The cheers and claps had completely stopped and the air was thick and heavy with anticipation.

  I took a breath…and then another. His body just barely touched mine and just when I thought he was going to lean in for a kiss, he didn’t. Instead, he smirked and started reciting Pablo Neruda’s Sonnet LXIX.

  Oh my God.

  I put my hand to my chest. “Julian,” I managed to choke out, my heart pounding.

  This is the most romantic, over-the-top, beautiful gesture. This is…

  My thoughts disintegrated as he started to move.

  The audience screamed and shocked laughter rang out over the deafening applause that echoed around us as he dropped to one knee while still holding my right hand.

  Holy shit.

  The flurry of cameras readjusting and lights brightening to capture the unexpected moment was a whirlwind. But none of that compared to what was happening inside of me.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, this has been a night of firsts here on The One!” Bryce exclaimed.

  Holy shit. Holy shit.

  I looked around to verify that it was actually happening. Everyone on stage with us seemed shocked, yet happy, with the e
xception of Tori whose arms were folded across her chest. I looked around at the audience on their feet and I squinted due to the glare of the lights. I took my free hand and wiped my eyes before I let my gaze meet his again.

  Withdrawing a ring box out of his pocket, he popped it open and I gasped. He pulled out a ring with square cut diamonds encircling the small platinum band and placed the box on the carpeted stage. The ring was stunning.

  I was speechless, not that I could be heard over the ear-piercing noise in the room anyway.

  “Dude!” Bryce uttered in shock before he seemed to remember where he was and what he was doing. “Alright, alright! Ladies and gentleman, this is live folks! Please quiet down so we don’t miss what’s coming next!”

  Even though everyone had quieted, an excited murmur traveled through the room as they waited for what Julian was going to say next.

  Staring up at me from his kneeled position, Julian made my heart skip a beat. The love and adoration he felt for me was so apparent with just that look that another tear slipped from the corner of my eye. I swiped at it.

  God, I love him.

  I was so caught up in my emotions that I almost considered accepting a marriage proposal. Almost.

  “Zoe,” he whispered my name as he ran his thumb across my knuckles. “This ring represents a promise to you that I will never again make you feel like you’re one of many when you are my one and only.”

  Holding my right hand steady, Julian slipped the ring on my finger. “So Zoe Jordan, will you…go on a real date with me?”

  I stifled a laugh. “Absolutely.”

  He bit down on his bottom lip to keep from laughing. “This is not an engagement ring.”

  The diamonds on my right ring finger sparkled under the stage lighting. “Yes, I gathered that,” I giggled.

  “This ring is a proposal for a date.”

  The gleam in his eyes made me smile harder. “Just a date? Just one?”

  “Woah, woah, woah, slow down…I’m not trying to rush into anything,” he joked. “Once we get to one full month of knowing each other, I’ll see about a second date. If that goes well, I was thinking we could go on a date every day for the rest of my life.”