Matchmaker

by Lauren Landish

  With a grin, Meredith says, “Cut! All right, bring them in.”

  A group of young boys and girls comes in, and although I’m smiling warmly, I’m confused as to why they’re here.

  Meredith points at the men while the children giggle in the background. “They’re here because they will help make up the two teams. They’ll be playing touch football, and the winning team gets a group date with you. Emily, you’re to be a cheerleader for both teams, but maybe one suitor more than the others?” She asks like she’s leading me, and I panic for a moment. Oh, God, please don’t tell me that Hayden and I were on camera.

  I cast a guilty glance to the sidelines to where Brad and McKayla are watching, but McKayla simply shakes her head. Next, my eyes fall on Hayden, but he appears calm and collected, only giving me a soft nod of reassurance.

  Meredith stares at me and makes me feel like she’s about to accuse me in front of everyone when she finally puts me out of my misery. “What, no favorites yet? Well, production definitely has favorites, so we’ll see how it plays out.”

  I let out a big sigh of relief. She doesn’t know.

  We head out to a big backyard area that’s been spray-painted to resemble a football field. It occurs to me that Meredith had to know the wheel would land on football to have the kids on set and field ready. And the same is true of the horseback riding yesterday, but I was too caught up in Hayden’s jeans-covered ass to give it much thought. Just how ‘random’ are these supposedly random computer-controlled choices, anyway?

  Of course, I knew there’d be some element of set-up to the show, but that seems pretty planned out and gives me a moment’s pause. If they’re orchestrating the dates, what else are they pulling the strings on? Before I can dwell too much, the game starts. The team quickly named Fire has Hayden, Matt, and Dean, while Diamonds has Lee, Cody, and Carlos, each with a gaggle of boys and girls ready to play. “Hey, why Diamonds?” I ask.

  Lee grins and calls back. “Because we’re a girl’s best friend!”

  I turn to the other team. “And you guys?”

  “Because our hearts burn for you!” the three guys all call back in unison, making me blush as Meredith grins from the side.

  The teams run back and forth, the guys trying to protect the children as they run for touchdown after touchdown. It starts off pretty casual, and as the score goes back and forth, everyone is still giggling well into the third quarter. As the fourth quarter starts, the score is Fire-49 / Diamonds-42. I can tell that the suitors are a little more serious now, especially with such a close score and a small group date on the line.

  Their smiles get a little dimmer as tension forms in their faces, and I see Lee saying something to Hayden that obviously makes him angry.

  On the next play, a little girl on Lee’s team has an opening, and Lee scoops her up, dashing for the touchdown. Once they’re safely in the end zone, he spins her around, smacking her hand with a high-five. It’s perfect and adorable, making me smile as the girl runs back for the huddle.

  My smile falters when I see the look on Hayden’s face. Even if they are competitors, whose heart wouldn’t melt at the sight of that? I can’t help but wonder what has him so upset. With a check of the clock, there’s only a couple of minutes left.

  Both teams line up, and when the play starts, the smallest boy on Lee’s team intercepts a pass by Dean. He’s off to the races, running as fast as his little legs can go while Lee does what he can to block for him. With unexpected speed, he makes it all the way to the end zone.

  “Diamonds win!” someone yells from the production area near the scoreboards.

  All the kids explode with excitement and I find myself cheering just as loudly as I rush into the crowd, caught up in the excitement. The tiny boy is up on Lee’s shoulder, taking a victory lap like the MVP that he is.

  The two teams line up, walking past each other for high-fives and handshakes. It looks like Lee and Hayden smack each other’s hands just a little harder than necessary. I try not to let the image bother me as I follow down the lines, high-fiving all the players, suitors and kids alike, with a smile plastered on my face.

  From the sides, Meredith waves her arms, yelling, “Cut! Great job, everyone. Emily and the Diamonds team . . . hang back, and I’ll let you know where you’re going for the group date. Everyone else, off set.”

  Almost immediately, the mood dims as everyone realizes this is a competition. The kids seem a little confused at being hustled away, but Hayden seems to catch it. “Hey, guys, I know our fridge has a ton of hotdogs and ice cream. Who wants to have a little post-game barbecue?”

  The mention of ice cream has a few of them screaming, the mood back up, and even a few of the production crew smile. Everyone walks off, leaving me with Lee, Cody, and Carlos. The look Hayden flashes me as he walks off, one of resigned defeat, nearly makes me want to chase after him and join him for the barbecue.

  But Meredith walks up, looking between all of us, ready to give orders. “All right, this is going to be exciting. You’ll be going bungee jumping. The car leaves in one hour, so get ready!”

  Suddenly nervous, I look at the guys, who all look back at me. They don’t look quite as scared as I am.

  “Have any of you bungee jumped before?” I ask. “I’m kinda freaking out . . . not sure if that’s good or bad.”

  Cody, a tall blond who looks like he’s been imported from Scandinavia, chuckles. “Not sure if they’ve got a rope that’ll hold me. I went with some buddies once and I was too tall and too heavy for them to let me jump. Life of a linebacker, I guess.”

  “I haven’t,” Carlos and Lee both say.

  “Ugh, so we’re all newbies,” I groan. “No one to assure me that everything’s going to be okay.”

  I try to keep my smile on my face and pretend like I’m having a good time as we walk back toward the house. I’m nervous. I’m not exactly the risk-loving adrenaline junkie type. Just thinking about having to bungee jump has my stomach queasy.

  I’m so preoccupied with my thoughts that I don’t notice Lee slithering up next to me, putting his arm around my shoulder. “New experience for both of us, huh?” he asks.

  I jump, causing him to chuckle.

  “Don’t worry, I got you.” He grins, pulling me a little tighter.

  I flash him my fake smile. “I’ll be okay, but yeah, I’m a little nervous.”

  “They say intense situations like this make you get close to people faster,” he says softly. “I’m sure that’s exactly why they have us doing this. And I have to say” —he leans in closer to whisper conspiratorially— “I bet you’re not as nervous as those two girls over there,” he says, pointing at Cody and Carlos.

  I feign a laugh and lightly swat at his arm “You’re so bad. They’re your teammates and helped you win.”

  Lee shakes his head. “Nah, I’m pretty sure that ringer of a kid got us that win today. One of the other kids said he was an All-Star PeeWee player. I couldn’t quite picture it with his size, but it seems to have worked out in my favor.”

  Lee’s being sweet, and I love how he let the kids play out there. It could’ve easily turned into a macho fest, and I smile genuinely at him.

  We reach the porch steps, and the guys say their goodbyes, all promising to see me in the car.

  Lee stops, coming in close. “Emily, I had a great time today, and I think it’s just beginning.” Before I can react, he quickly leans in and presses his lips to my cheek. I’m a little surprised at the boldness out in the open, but the kiss is over almost before it began.

  With a wolfish smile at the look on my face, Lee turns to head in, leaving me feeling more than a little bit confused.

  Chapter 13

  Hayden

  I head into the house with Matt and Dean, all of us disappointed that we lost but pretty stoked after a fun morning with the kids. Even with missing out on the group date, it’s hard not to smile at their excitement. The production crew stepped in while we were heading back to the
house, and they’re going to get catering to set up an impromptu barbecue outside in twenty minutes.

  Still, I can’t stop thinking about Emily. Our moment we shared has been the only thing on my mind since this morning. If it weren’t for this whole charade, I’d have had her screaming my name by now. Then again, if it weren’t for this show, I probably would’ve never met her. But I can’t stop thinking about how she felt and when I can feel her again.

  I grit my teeth as I remember Lee’s slimy smile. During the fourth quarter, I had to bite my lip when he taunted me. “Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon, and she’ll be on my cock . . . right where she belongs.”

  What he said was crass enough, but something about the way he said it sounded so condescending, it made me want to punch him right in his smug face even more. He doesn’t respect Emily. He’s doing this for the fame, for his Instagram fans or something. She can’t see it, I don’t think, but I can understand. He’s playing the cameras just right. Of all the men left, he’s the one I’m most concerned about being able to win her heart because of his bullshit façade.

  “Well, that sucks,” Dean complains as we all flop down on the couch. Sitting next to him, I prop my feet up on the large ottoman in front of us. “I thought I was finally going to get my time to shine. Nice save on the party idea though.”

  He’s my competition, but I get Dean’s frustration. Whatever his real reason is for being here, he’s not an asshole. Or maybe I’m just biased because we have a mutual disdain for Lee.

  “You’re not the only one,” mutters Matt, who’s sitting across from Dean. He looks over at me. “Speaking of which, how was your date? What’s she like? We’re here competing for her and I’ve hardly had a chance to talk to her.”

  Despite my irritation, I grin. “A gentleman never tells.”

  Dean lets out a laugh, kicking my foot off the ottoman with his own. “Dude, you’re so full of shit. You’re seriously not going to tell us?”

  I chuckle. “You’ll find out for yourself soon enough.”

  At that moment, all of our heads swivel simultaneously as Lee comes strolling in, all swagger and attitude, with Cody and Carlos behind him.

  “Too bad, guys. Us . . . winners . . . are off for a day of on-camera bungee jumping while you sit around wanking off and wishing you were us,” he sneers. His eyes are on me as he says it and it takes a colossal effort not to jump up and make his face a part of the furniture.

  Before I can reply, Dean snorts. “Trust me, Lee. If I’m wanking off, you’re the last fucking thing on my mind.”

  Matt laughs, eying Lee up and down. “I don’t know, dude. I might let Lee rock my fantasy world. He seems like he could take a pounding.”

  For once, Lee looks at a loss for words, a range of emotions crossing his face. “Dude, what the fuck did you just say—”

  Matt interrupts him. “Calm down, asshole. I’m just fucking with you. I’m not really going to make you my bitch.”

  Lee shakes his head while the rest of us try not to laugh. “Well, gotta get ready. Don’t want to disappoint my fans. I’m up another half-mill followers since I got here. Need to keep making those good impressions on Emily too, if you know what I mean. We’ve got a connection,” he says, bringing his hands together and interlocking his fingers. With a cocky smirk, he walks out of the room toward his bedroom.

  Watching him go, Cody and Carlos shake their heads, having been silent during the whole exchange.

  “Holy fuck, if we could switch places,” says Cody, clenching his fist so hard his massive knuckles pop like small firecrackers. “I’d let either of you go in my place just so I didn’t have to put up with his fake ass. I’m gonna have a hard time not calling him out on his shit. Knowing my luck, I’ll probably come out looking like an ass on camera.”

  Carlos nods, looking like he wants to chase Lee down. “I know. I might be a dog, but that guy is just downright wrong. All sweet and sexy to Emily and when the cameras are rolling, then a crude douchebag any other time.”

  Carlos and Cody both give us a nod, then head off to get ready while Dean and Matt decide to change t-shirts before the barbecue. I hang back, sipping on a Coke and thinking.

  I’ve got to see Emily again, I think to myself. If only there were a way to see her off-camera. I feel like I need to warn her off Lee, but mostly, I just want to get to know her better without the cameras. Suddenly, I have an idea.

  McKayla said we were lucky there were no cameras in her room, so she has to know where the cameras are. She can get a message to Emily for me. It might not be the best idea, but it’s worth a shot.

  Jumping to my feet, I head back down to Hair and Makeup, running into Nate in the hall.

  He looks at me with surprise, blinking rapidly behind his wide-rimmed glasses. “Where you headed, Hayden?” he demands.

  I grin, trying to appear like I’m not up to something. “Oh, just to the kitchen. Our mini-fridge is out of water and I wanted to hydrate before the party.”

  Nate peers at me for a moment before sighing. “Really? Well, I’m sorry about that. I’ll let catering know immediately.” Scribbling something on his clipboard, he scurries off.

  I watch him leave and then continue on my way. I get to the room and knock once before stepping inside and closing the door behind me.

  McKayla, who’s messing with a wig while Brad complains about his feet being too big and wide to fit into Emily’s heels, spins around in surprise. “Oh, hell no!” she snaps, shaking her head. “You can turn your hot ass right back around and get the hell out. Emily isn’t here and you’re not supposed to be either.”

  Brad smirks, kicking the high heel to the side and flipping his hand at me. “Speak for yourself, hooker. I don’t mind at all. As long as he’s willing to show some of his . . . assets. Squats? I bet you do squats, don’t you?” he asks as he tilts his head, analyzing my lower half.

  I’m not sure whether to laugh or not, so I just ignore him and look directly at McKayla. “Look . . . hear me out. You said earlier that there were no cameras in here. That means you know where they are. I need to talk to Emily, no cameras, no production crew, just us. Can you help me with that?”

  If looks could kill, I’d be roadkill right about now, but I stand my ground. “Please.”

  McKayla scowls at me. “And why would I do that? You’re asking me to risk my job. Just wait until the show is over and talk to her all you want . . . regardless of who wins. I’m not going to let you drag me into this mess.”

  “I can do that too,” I say, “but . . .” I pause, at a loss for words. This is frustrating.

  Brad leans forward. “What’s your game plan?”

  “I like her,” I say. “She’s—”

  Brad rolls his eyes. “No shit, Sherlock. That was obvious when we busted in on you two doing the Twister—”

  “She’s smart, funny, and I want to talk to her for a few minutes, not try to play with her emotions just to win the show like some of the guys who are left. Which reminds me, she should probably know a few things,” I continue, talking over Brad. I stop, surprised at how much I said as McKayla and Brad go silent.

  McKayla looks me up and down, then bends her head toward Brad and starts whispering. I stand there uncomfortably, hating how foolish I must look.

  McKayla pipes back up. “Fine, you’ve got balls. I like that. Not a rule follower. I like that, too.” She stops to scowl darkly at me with warning. “But if you hurt her or ruin this opportunity for her, I will take those big balls of yours and snip them off with the dullest pair of scissors that I have. Questions?”

  It takes great effort not to start laughing in her face. This chick is seriously one card shy of a full deck, threatening me with that dark look on her face but then brightening right back up at the end. Mood swings, much?

  I shake my head, keeping my tone serious. “Nope. No questions. So, what can you tell me?”

  McKayla taps her ruby red lips with her fingernail. “Hmm, inside the house is tou
gh. There's cameras in almost all the rooms you can access except the toilets. Not particularly romantic. Ah, the pond . . . how do you get there without being seen?”

  I watch as her mind whirls, not interrupting. She’s nuts, but she’s smart and devious. I like it.

  Brad suddenly lets out a squeal, raising his hand like he’s trying to get the teacher’s attention. “I got it!” he exclaims excitedly. “Out the side door to the smoking area, you know that place where you can pop through the big hedge?”

  “Holy shit!” McKayla snaps her fingers, smiling at Brad. “You’re a genius! I would kiss you if I knew it wouldn’t turn you into a flaming hetero who wanted me day and night.” She snaps her finger, strutting around him.

  Brad rolls his eyes, unfazed by her backhanded praise. “Bitch, please, you could be the last pussy on earth with the human race depending on us to procreate and I still wouldn’t get within ten feet of that. You forget, I know where it’s been.”

  “So anyway,” she says after a moment of glaring at Brad. “On the other side, y’all can go down past the back lawn area, to the trees at the back of the property, and then sneak up to the private pond back there. It’ll just be you and the ducks.”

  I grin, happy to find a resolution “Perfect. Thanks.” I pause. “What time will it clear out and be free of security guards?”

  McKayla lets out a hum, thinking. “Guards don’t patrol back that far, but they might catch something on the monitor when you slip through the hedge.”

  “Don’t worry about that,” Brad says. “Slip through right at the eleven o’clock shift change, and I’ll swing by to tell Harvey about my date last week. He loves hearing about my escapades. He claims he’s straight, but it’s so obvious. Getting back in won’t be a problem. People always rag on him because he’s asleep at the monitors by two. Just come in separate doors, at least twenty minutes apart, and it’ll look like you’re both just having trouble sleeping and decided to wander if you do happen to be seen.”