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)
“I can handle that.” What I can’t do is leave this set until I have a report for Jessica.
What I don’t want to admit is that the idea of never seeing Luca again disturbs me.
“I’m sorry, Anika. I like you. You seem like a great PA, but I’m not going to fire the one we had to hire in,” he says. “So it’s your decision. The producers will be thrilled if you stay. Your numbers are great. The audience we’ve tested the first night tapes with are most excited about seeing you with the king. The only person they’re as invested in is…”
I know what he’s going to say. “Shelby, because everyone loves a great villain.”
I doubt that’s how Shelby sees herself. I’m sure she thinks she’s being forthright and assertive. Both great things—and things women aren’t allowed to be. But there’s a line between forthright and mean, and she’s crossing it. Production will use it all to make her the one the audience loves to hate.
“Yes,” he agrees. “She’s giving us everything we need. You, on the other hand, are not. Anika, please understand that you are lovely no matter what you wear and the whole hair thing looks comfortable.”
He seems to be tiptoeing around the point.
“I look like hell.” I don’t have to. I can be honest.
“I wouldn’t say that. I would say you look like a woman who doesn’t want to be here,” he argues with a gentleness I wouldn’t have expected from him. “That’s not going to hurt you. It’s going to end up hurting Luca. He has more at stake here than any of us.”
So I should leave.
But I can’t leave.
If I’m honest, I don’t want to leave.
“I’ll take more care with my appearance tomorrow,” I promise. “I have nicer clothes.”
“So you’re going to stay?” He asks the question with a wary expectation.
“I’ll stay until Luca lets me go.” I’m not sure how I’m going to convince him to keep me until I figure out if his friend is a sexual predator, and when I’m sure then let me go immediately so I don’t get my heart broken when he asks me to marry him on national television and I have to say no. But that is a problem for another day.
“Good.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad because you and Luca have real chemistry. If you two were actors, I would cast you as a couple.”
“Sir, we’re ready for you.” Patrick is standing behind me. His perpetual glower is there, too.
“Excellent.” Joe starts to walk toward our temporary set.
Patrick frowns my way. “You had a chance to leave. Staying is a mistake, but you clearly have issues with judgment.”
He follows the director.
I sigh and look in the mirror. Yep. I could definitely use some gloss.
And those meatballs Tonya promised me. I glance over to the craft services table where my mom is setting out a big tray of sandwiches.
“Have you decided to join the rest of us in makeup land? Or are you planning on staying all-natural Barbie, complete with mom hair?” Ashley F asks.
I don’t have mom hair. Except I realize my mom is literally wearing her hair exactly like mine. I pull the ponytail holder out. “I’d like to freshen up a little. Now that the game’s done.”
Ashley F opens her makeup bag. “Oh, honey, the game has barely begun, but I think it’s going to be interesting to have you as a real player.”
I sit in the makeup chair and let Ashley start to make me look like I care.
Confessionals
Hannah
He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met. I can’t believe he picked me for the first one-on-one date. I’m over the moon. I just know I’m going to absolutely fall in love with him.
Shelby
Reg is everything a woman could possibly want in a man. I’m going to be the one who marries him. These other women shouldn’t even try.
Riley
I didn’t notice the works of art. Not when the real work of art was standing right in front of us. Reg is so amazing.
Tiara Kate
I’ve already won the crown. See. I have a real crown. I mean it’s not real. But once I marry the king, it will be. I was born to be a queen, and Reg is the perfect king for me. Renvalia won’t know what hit it. What? Regalia? Renlava?
Ashley F
The group date was amazing. It was so wonderful to see Reg in a more casual setting. He’s so funny and down to earth. I’m definitely falling for him.
Ashley W
I really wanted that one-on-one date, but I like Hannah. I can see where he would pick her. She’s lovely, but I don’t think she’s ready to be a queen. I am. I’ve become royalty on social media. I can bring the kingdom into the modern age.
Emily
I’m a lawyer, and I think that man is guilty. Guilty of stealing my heart.