“This smells so good.” Abbey’s mouth watered.
Her mother gave her a reassuring look. “We made enough for us too … don’t worry.”
Anne smiled and rubbed Abbey’s back. “Kammy, did you think I wouldn’t keep you in mind? We made enough to feed an army. Claire was a trooper in helping me get it all done.”
Allyson leaned out of earshot of Anne, and whispered to her daughter. “I like this one.”
Abbey nodded and lifted her tray in preparation to walk out the door. Each tray held two plates. They’d make a few trips, but everyone would get served quickly.
All three walked out in time to hear Terrance greeting the ladies, before their meal.
“Tonight is a special night for one of you. In a few minutes Chad will be joining us, but will have an invitation in hand for one lucky lady.” He smiled at the group, who visibly perked up.
As if on cue, Chad walked in the door with a note card in hand. His heartbeat picked up when he saw Anne and his family carrying in trays to the other girls. It seemed natural for them to be working together.
He smiled across the room to her, wishing he could skip to the end of this show. He already knew in his gut that she was for him, but this is what he signed on for. Ned kept reminding him that it wouldn’t hurt to take a few girls out. He reassured him that if anything it would give Chad a ruler to which he could measure or gauge if his feelings for Anne were the real deal.
Not that Chad could argue with Ned. He was in a contract for the show. So for the mean time he had to grin and bear it.
Chad swiftly walked up to join Terrance, but waited to speak until all the girls had their plates in front of them. He watched Anne hand the empty trays to his sister, and take her seat next to Kamryn at a table toward the back of the room.
“Today was great.” Chad started, and then looked for Anne to make eye contact. He smiled before breaking his gaze away and focusing on the group.
Anne drew in a quiet but deep breath. One look from him sent her reeling, and she immediately chastised herself and wondered how to stop feeling something so quickly for someone she just met.
“Oooh.” Kamryn whispered in Anne’s direction. “I told you that you owe me.”
It wasn’t lost on anyone how he looked at Anne.
“But…” Chad took a deep breathe, before saying the words he dreaded. Ned coached him a few times before coming to the mess hall, on what the message needed to sound like. And as much as he wanted to cut to the chase, he’d signed on for the whole package.
He slowly continued, praying Anne could hang in there with him through this process. “There are twelve other women here. And since one of you has decided to heed our advice, in using her gift – this is for you.”
Terrance took the card from Chad’s hands and glanced at the name on the envelope.
Anne’s heart fell right after the words, ‘twelve other women’.
This sucks, she thought and twisted a napkin in her hands, below the table.
“Cara, come get your date card,” Terrance said happily toward the group of girls.
Anne watched at Cara jumped up from her spot with enthusiasm.
“Yeah! Finally.” She laughed, running up to the front.
Chad opened his arms and hugged her, realizing it was nothing like holding Anne. If anything, it made him miss Anne’s embrace even more.
Cara released Chad and took the card from Terrance. She opened it up and read it aloud, “Let’s fall for each other.”
Chad smiled down at her, and then looked to the group. His eyes searched for Anne’s, only to find her staring out the window.
Anne knew this was the process, but Cara? She sighed, and watched the sun setting over the trees. Was it only a few hours ago that she and Chad were out there, sharing intimate details with one other? And now only a few hours later he was hugging Cara, and planning their date? She quickly lost her appetite.
Cara watched Chad’s gaze and immediately stepped back into his side for a hug.
“I can’t wait. What time should I be ready?”
He dragged his eyes back to situation at hand.
“After breakfast. It’s casual so don’t dress up on my account, okay?” He smiled to Cara, but felt miserable. This was a ruse, and it seemed sad to lead her on when all he could think about was more time with Anne.
“Alright ladies. Enjoy your dinner.” He offered to the group. “I hear Anne’s a great cook. I’m taking my plate back with me. Thank you Anne for such a wonderful gift for us.”
Anne’s head whipped back around. Was he talking to her?
“I’m sorry?” She asked, confused.
Cara’s eyes squinted. Was Anne jealous? She was staring out the window, like she’d lost something. Cara sneered in her direction. She could work with this.
It wasn’t obvious to everyone, but Chad recognized Anne’s slight distress over what just happened. If he put himself in her shoes, he’d hate seeing her with another man. In efforts to reassure her, he walked over to her table, leaving Cara to her own devices.
Chad quietly came up behind Anne and reached for her hand, to stand.
“Come here. This is the only way I can thank you in advance for the best meal I’m ever going to have.”
When he drew her in, he noticed how reserved she felt, like she’d already withdrawn from the girl he knew from their date earlier today - and he hated it. That meant he’d have to work even harder at earning her trust. Chad just hoped she’d stick around long enough for him to do so.
Anne stood, but felt like walking out the door. Chad seemed genuine. She knew this was a show. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, as he was in a hard position – but her history with Brent had her walls immediately going back up.
He pulled her into a soft hug and whispered for her ears only, “Just hang in there. I have to go out with other girls, but can’t wait to see you again.”
Anne shivered at the feel of his breath on her neck. She pulled away from his embrace, and looked up into his eyes. They were the same sincere ones, from this afternoon. She decided to give him some room and credit for the part he had to play.
“Thanks,” she said, softly smiling.
He relaxed some, seeing that her smile reached her eyes. He nodded in assurance, knowing she understood.
“Okay girls.” Chad waved at the group. “I’m off. Cara – see you tomorrow.” He walked out the door and headed for the back of the building. He wanted to eat in the kitchen with his family, to get their input on today.
Chapter 19
Chad sat marveling at how far he’d come from the boy, who used to play basketball on these courts. Although it felt good to be at such a familiar place, where he spent so many summers as a kid, he knew he lived in a different world now.
Except in moments like these, it was almost like he was home in many ways, as this camp was a family tradition. And now here he was starting a new chapter in life, searching for someone, who would cherish this place as much as he did. Happy to be playing hoops once more, he dribbled the ball to half court, turned, and quickly drove past Ned, to make an easy lay up.
“Aw, come on man. You got to put up more of a fight than this. I’m killing you!” He tossed the ball to Ned.
Ned sent a bounce pass in return, and stood at the free throw line.
“Hey, I’ve got game. It’s just not on the court.” He lifted his shirt to wipe off his face.
Chad stood with his hand on his hip, while dribbling with his other.
“No, man – I believe you, but I’m still kicking your butt.”
Before Chad knew what hit him, Ned spun around, grabbed the ball, and sent it flying effortlessly from behind the free throw line directly into the goal.
“And, nothing but net.” He took a step back and puffed up his chest, while his arms flew in the air.
“What?” Chad yelled. “You’ve been holding out on me!”
Ned chuckled. “Nah, man. I can’t play at all, but
I’m great at free throws.” He saw his friend’s doubtful look, and continued, “Really. I never made the team in high school. I was the towel boy, but I practiced free throws in my down time.”
“Can you do it from half court?” Chad asked.
“Used to be able to.” Ned shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s see.”
Chad jogged over to retrieve the ball, and passed it to Ned, who sent it sailing over the half court mark. The ball bounced from the rim and went rolling.
“Aw, so close.” He winced.
“You hit the rim! That is awesome!” Chad encouraged, retrieving the ball once more. “Try again.”
Ned caught it, and studied it, as he rolled it in his hands. He dribbled a few times for good measure, and pushed off hard with his legs to throw it in.
They both watched the natural arc it made as it left Ned’s hands. This time it didn’t hit the rim. It only swished, as it fell through the net.
Chad swung his arm over Ned’s shoulders. “That was a thing of beauty man. You still got it.”
Ned was beaming. “Yup. Thanks for inviting me out here, because I needed something to break up the madness of camp life.”
A look of guilt washed over him. “Are you getting stir crazy too?”
“A little bit. When are you getting us out of here?” Ned wiped his face off once more, and started walking to the bench to gather his gear.
Chad grabbed the ball, and joined him. “I know … soon. I thought we could change it up after the next round of eliminations. You know as a celebration for the ten finalists.”
“Do you know where I’m planning to take you guys?” Ned knew he didn’t have a clue.
Chad shook his head. “Tell me.”
“Hawaii ... more specifically Oahu.” Ned’s eyes gleamed. “Then I can start rolling tape of bikinis on the beach.”
“You need to get a life.”
“Why? When I can live life vicariously through yours?” He laughed whole-heartedly. “Speaking of your life … how was your date with Cara?”
“It was nice.”
“Nice?”
“Yeah. She seems like a nice girl.” He shrugged, remembering her kiss.
Chad had taken Cara repelling down a small mountain, just outside camp. He thought she seemed the adventurous type and would enjoy it.
And true to what he told Ned, it was nice. She had kept up pleasant conversation … laughed at some of his jokes … and seemed to be a really bright girl. He liked her okay. There wasn’t spark … at least on his end.
“Hey, earth to Chad.” He waved a hand in front of Chad’s face. “It must have been better than nice, or you wouldn’t be so far off.”
Chad frowned. “No, I was just thinking that even though I could place a check in all the boxes with our date – that my time with Anne was better.”
“Hey remember. We talked about this. We still have to do a show here.”
“I know. And, at least Cara is someone that is pleasant to look at. I know I have to play the game. It just sucks.”
“Just pleasant? I’ve seen her man. She’s drop dead gorgeous.”
Ned was blown away. He’d brought Anne on the show to give Chad a challenge, and now he had a lovesick bachelor. This just wouldn’t do at all. He had to think of some way to shake things up, or this season would be an open book for the viewers.
“She’s hot. I’ll give you that. But there’s more to life than looks. There’s chemistry and that special something about someone that you can’t quite place your finger on.” Chad persisted, much to Ned’s chagrin.
“Speaking of chemistry. I saw the tape. It seemed to me that you had plenty of it with Cara.”
“The kiss?” Chad looked worried.
“Yeah. Enjoy it. That’s what this show is all about. Man, if I were you – I’d be all over who ever I wanted.”
“I know, and I’m not going to lie. She had skills.” Chad half smiled, remembering how Cara approached him at the end of their date.
After the two had finished repelling down the cliff, he had a large meal prepared for them by a waterfall. It was pretty romantic.
Once some fun bantering back and forth ensued, he stood to help her from her chair and drive her back to the cabin. It was then that Cara knew she had to seize the opportunity. She quickly reached for his hand, and stepped in to embrace him, looking up to him with a warm smile. Chad thought she was pretty, and was flattered but not overwhelmed.
“Want to go for a swim? I wore my suit underneath this.” Cara got on her tiptoes, and opened her top so he could see inside.
Chad’s eyes went wide. He was not expecting this. “Um …” He said, and looked to Janie for help.
Janie winked in his direction and nodded for him to follow through. He was hoping she’d back him up, but this was not the case.
“Sure, Cara. I can have them bring my swim trunks.”
“Why bother, when boxers will do?” She cast a teasing look, and took off her top. “Is it okay to swim here? The water looks decent. And the waterfall is beautiful.”
Chad looked to Janie for direction. He was hoping she’d radio in, for someone to bring him his swimsuit. She didn’t. Instead he got a nod, to get in the water.
“Okay. Let’s do it.” Chad couldn’t believe he was disrobing on national television. His mother was going to kill him.
He quickly threw his T-shirt and shorts aside and jumped in the water, as Cara slid in next to him, wrapping herself around his body.
He could feel her strong legs around his waist, and couldn’t deny there was an initial sexual attraction. What normal guy wouldn’t enjoy a beautiful woman throwing herself at him? But he felt like he was cheating.
“Now this is nice.” She whispered into his ear.
Cara couldn’t be happier. She got exactly what she was looking for … Chad’s undivided attention, some camera time in her swimsuit, and the chance to brag about her date to the girls.
Chad cleared his throat and tried to swim, but she wasn’t letting him loose.
“No way, mister. This is what I’ve been planning for a while.” She slowly ran her hands over his shoulders, letting cool water slide down his back.
“Come here,” she whispered and leaned in for a passionate kiss. Her full lips softly coaxed his mouth open, for kiss, which was smooth and slow.
Chad peeked one eye open to get a glance at Cara, wanting to pull away. He normally would have kissed wholeheartedly, with his eyes closed, but obviously his heart wasn’t in it.
As soon as he opened his eye, he noticed hers were open too. He pulled back, astounded, wondering who kissed with their eyes open. He thought it was weird, but what made him even more uncomfortable is what she did afterwards.
She glanced to the cameras, and whispered; “Think they got a good angle on that?”
Chad pulled out of their embrace and frowned. “I’m sure they did.”
For him, it was a defining moment. He realized it didn’t matter how beautiful she was or how great she looked in a bikini … she wasn’t there for him. She was there to win the game.
The sound of Ned’s phone brought Chad back to the present. Ned smiled down at the screen and quickly brought his eyes back up to Chad.
“Our show is in the top five trending hash tags on twitter.”
“We’ve only shown one episode. How many weeks out are we?”
“Although we have a couple weeks left of production, we’re a handful of shows behind what America sees.”
“So, Anne won’t know about my kiss with Cara for a while?”
“She’ll find out right away if it’s my guess. You know girls talk.”
“Ugh.” Chad groaned.
“You really like her.”
“If anything, Cara’s over aggressive moves gave me what I needed to confirm how much I like her. She’s real. Anne isn’t here with an agenda and there’s definitely chemistry – it’s just not on display for everyone to see.”
“But this is television –
we did see it. Have you watched your date? You may not have been all over each other, like with Cara.”
Chad interrupted. “I wasn’t all over Cara. It was the other way around.”
“I didn’t see you protesting.”
“What guy isn’t going to test the waters? But there was nothing there,” he insisted.
“Well, anyway. As I was saying … the chemistry you have with Anne was louder than with Cara. It was the silent undercurrent that can suck you in kind of chemistry. Whereas with Cara, it was all out in the open.”
“And one sided.”
Ned chuckled. “I know. I know. A guy can dream though right? Listen, you’ve got to keep playing these dates up. Understand?”
“Yeah,” Chad said softly.
“And the idea with your mom and sis was ingenious.”
Chad nodded. “They’ve been busy too. The girls have been bored to tears, so it’s been nice to see them get into different team activities.”
“Your gifts seemed to help spur them on. So far, we’ve had a concert, a play, a basketball game, Anne’s cooking of course. And now we have a softball game coming up.”
“It’s been awesome seeing these girls in their element, teaching others about their gifts. My mom was a teacher, so I love seeing others learn from those around them.”
“Well heads up. The winning team of the softball game?”
“Yes.” Chad waited for Ned to finish.
“They get to be your next group date.”
“Great. Sounds fun! I’ll be there with my umpire shirt.” Chad laughed.
“Would you? That’s a great idea!”
Chad stood and pulled his buddy up. “Sure. Come one. I think Anne is going to cook again tonight. Let’s get cleaned up.”
Ned rubbed his stomach and groaned. “She’s going to put twenty pounds on me.”
“It’s well worth it, Ned.”
Ned eagerly nodded in agreement, and was grateful for Chad’s season on Broadcast Affair. It was definitely turning out to be the most fun season he’d been involved with yet.
Chapter 20
Coming Home Page 12