college basketball team drinking at the pool bar checks them out. The guys are waiting for a chance to pounce, and I have a feeling if Griff or I are distracted, the girls will be happy to receive the attention.”
I have to laugh at the image he’s painted. I’m sure their sisters just wish Griff and Beck would leave so they can flirt with older guys. “Fine, I should call my phone and ask Camila or whoever has it now to hold onto it for me until tomorrow, or drop it at the front desk if she’s staying here.”
My skin is still tight and achy when we hang up. It’s kind of astonishing to me that Beck’s voice alone can get me into this state. It’s not like we were talking about anything sexy.
When I call my phone, Camila answers, telling me she’s at the same hotel and can drop it at my room. “It’s fine, I’m actually about to go to sleep. Would you mind leaving it at the front desk?”
“You sure? I’m already on my way back. I’ll just be five minutes.”
“Okay, if it’s not too much trouble. Thanks.”
Maybe I should be more wary of Camila after her hostility toward me and her behavior on Shred Live, but it’s so much easier to think the best of people. At least, for me it is. As I finish up brushing my teeth, there’s a knock on my door and Camila is on the other side.
She hands me my phone with a tight smile.
“Thanks.” It comes out a little bit like a question, and I’m not sure why.
“Hey, can we talk for just a minute? I know you’re about to go to sleep but I have some things I feel like really need to be said.”
Studying her, I try to decide if I’m being naïve by giving her my time. I already kept things on peaceful, friendly terms during dinner, letting her pour her heart out about the shunning she’s experienced from the Shred Live cast.
But it isn’t in me to shut the door on someone, and I can’t help it, I’m curious what it is she wants to say. I open the door all the way, allowing her to step inside. There’s only one chair in the room, and I gesture for her to sit on it while I take the edge of the bed.
“I just want to explain the footage from the season finale of Shred Live, and apologize.”
I nod, trying to keep my expression neutral. She sounds so steady and sane now, but her behavior around Beck, constantly accosting him, inviting him to her room, appeared anything but. Sure, video footage can twist reality, but I’ve heard Beck’s version of events, and I really can’t imagine what her explanation will be besides that she was overcome by her desire for my boyfriend. I brace myself for the most awkward explanation of all time.
She puffs out her cheeks and looks somewhere over my head.
“I did try to get Beck to hook up with me, repeatedly, while we were filming and living at the Shred Live house. I knew he wasn’t responding how I hoped, but I kept trying for two reasons.” She laughs quietly to herself. “Fine, three reasons.”
Yep, this is definitely one of the most awkward conversations of my life, not that I’m really contributing. I do say, “Okay,” prompting her to continue.
“The first reason isn’t one I’m proud of. Well, none of them are, but this one is hardest to admit.”
“You did it to get air time and buzz?” I guess.
She finally makes eye contact, and seems surprised at my question. “Yes, actually. I guess I’m more obvious than I thought.” She laughs softly again, but doesn’t look nearly as uncomfortable as I feel. “I knew he’d make it to the season finale, and I knew he was the most popular, most famous person on the cast. Being on the show was a huge opportunity for me. I’ve been on the edges as a pro. I’ve never had consistent sponsorships and they barely paid the bills. I knew this was my chance to get to the next level, where I could actually count on earning a living from sponsors and people recognizing my name.”
“So you decided the best way to get air time was to continually hit on Beck?” I try to keep the disgust out of my voice but I’m not sure I succeed.
“I’m not as naturally talented as you or the Sarah Kases of