on who has won. As he stands, I catch Hayley bristling, fully expecting to win. Which she should, really, if this were an actual singing competition. She was easily the best, with Reggie, Kennedy, and Phoebe as runners up—and me an extremely distant last.
But this is a dating show, not a singing competition. We all know Sebastian will choose the contestant he wants to spend the evening with.
“It was a very hard decision today, ladies,” he begins. “I want to thank all of you. For some, singing is clearly a talent you possess, and for others,” he looks directly at me and I want to shrink into my chair, “less so, shall we say?”
No need to rub it in, dude.
“But all is fair in love, war, and reality television, so for tonight’s romantic dinner for two, I choose Kennedy.” He beams at her.
Kennedy?
I turn to look at her. Her gorgeous face is alight with happiness, a grin spreading from ear to ear.
“Thank you so much, Sebastian,” she breathes. “I would love to have dinner with you.”
Something unpleasant twists inside.
As Sebastian takes her by the hand to lead her to their date, I feel odd. Unsettled.
Which is crazy, right? I didn’t want him to pick me. I want to go home.
And yes, I know I told him to go for her, plus I told the production crew she was the girl for him. And let’s face it, choosing Kennedy over the loathsome Camille or scary Hayley is a much better decision. But Kennedy’s my friend, she’s not insane, in fact she’s a great girl.
I know she could win his heart.
And I’m good with that. Really, I am. She’s an amazing woman, she deserves every happiness, and if that happens to be with Sebastian, then she’s got to go for it.
But I can’t help feeling deep down that I’ve done something I might grow to regret.
Chapter 14
Cattle. That’s what we are. Fancy cattle in our Regency period clothing. Well, without having to wear cowbells and live in fields, that is, but you get the point. Like cattle, we’re rounded up, herded, and constantly told what to do. How to sit, how to stand, how to pour freaking tea into delicate china cups. Give me my large café mocha with extra whipped cream any day of the week.
And now, here we are once more, herded together for the next card ceremony. We’re squished in like sardines in a can, awaiting the verdict as Johnathan and Sebastian face us.
At least it’s not all bad. This may be my third card ceremony, but I’m also pretty sure it will be my last. Two contestants are long gone, so it’s got to be my turn to get to leave the insanity of reality TV far behind.
It feels great, but also ... odd.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy to be leaving, particularly after those unexpected feelings surfaced when Sebastian chose Kennedy for the date.
It’s just ... nope. Forget it. I don’t care to delve into whatever it’s about. FOMO, maybe? But Fear Of Missing Out with Sebastian, a guy I don’t even particularly like? It doesn’t make sense.
This place is messing with my mind.
The sooner I get out of here the better.
As the contestants are being picked off and sent to the other side of the room, clutching their cards to their chests as though they were a large wad of cash, I can’t help feeling a little wistful. Yes, this whole process is like being back in high school, waiting to be picked for a game of basketball. But the excitement and anticipation in the air is palpable, and a small part of me (infinitesimal, really) will miss a few things about the show. Phoebe, Kennedy, even Shelby with her deluded sense of destiny. In their way, they’re all interesting women, and I’ll be sad to say goodbye to them.
And the clothes. Sure, the stays are tight and annoying, and I’ve added bloomers to my list of least favorite things, but there is a certain romance to dressing like Elizabeth Bennet and living in a Jane Austen world.
I glance at Sebastian. He’s all rigid and formal in his Mr. Darcy outfit, his jaw locked as Johnathan calls out each name.
Will I miss Sebastian?
His eyes meet mine for a second before he looks away. I chew on my lip. No, I will not miss him and his pompous game-playing. He’s flirty one minute then all formal the next. It’s confusing as all get out. And