Page 30 of The TV Show Rival
“Alright, yoga fairy. Let’s see how long your Zen warriors last when the real training begins.”
“My team will be strong, both physically and mentally, while yours will be a bunch of burnt-out, overtrained zombies.”
This woman was infuriating! “Zombies? At least my zombies will be able to walk straight after a workout, unlike your incense-burning, chanting crew,” Jess retorted.
Jamie’s smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, her gaze steady. “Just because you can’t handle a little introspection, Jess, doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. You might even learn something new down in Costa Rica, beyond grunting and lifting weights.”
The competition hadn’t even begun, and already sparks were flying. One week. That’s all they had to prepare their teams before their unconventional showdown in the Costa Rican paradise.
One thing was certain—Ultimate Body Battle was about to witness a clash of titans, and paradise was about to get a whole lot hotter.
9
JAMIE
Stepping off the private jet, the humid Costa Rican air enveloped Jamie like a warm hug. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, the only sounds were the melodic chirping of unseen birds and the rhythmic crash of waves against the nearby shore.
“Showtime!” A sly smile tugged at Jamie’s lips.
Perfect. This environment was tailor-made for her holistic approach. Here, amidst the calming beauty of nature, she could truly help her team connect with their bodies and minds.
Two sleek black vans awaited each team, whisking them away from the tourist throngs and deeper into the heart of the jungle. The paved road soon gave way to a bumpy, gravel track, the dense rainforest pressing in on either side. Howler monkeys screeched their territorial calls, a symphony of exotic sounds that filled the air.
Finally, the van lurched to a stop, and Jamie emerged, blinking in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the towering trees.
Before her lay a sight that took her breath away. A series of open-air bungalows nestled amongst the lush vegetation, their thatched roofs blending seamlessly with the surrounding jungle. Paths, made of crushed coral, snaked between them, leading to a central pavilion that sat nestled on a small bluff overlooking a crystal-clear river.
The bungalows themselves were works of rustic elegance. Polished wooden floors gleamed underfoot, and walls woven from woven bamboo panels provided a natural, open-air feel.
A gaggle of excited contestants milled about, but Jamie spotted Jess across the way, barking orders at her team to shut down their excitement. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally. All bark and no bite, Jess.
Jamie didn’t know what had come over her when she had kissed Jess in the bathroom at their interview. All she knew is that she had really enjoyed it. She kept having flashbacks to Jess’s lovely sculpted ass all bent over and open for her and Jess’s sharp blue eyes as they submitted to her in the mirror. She had looked really fucking beautiful as she came.
But fucking her into submission didn’t seem to have done much for Jess’s smart mouth.
Jess’s jibes were constant, both in front of the camera and when they thought they weren’t being filmed.
Why did Jamie find her so attractive? Jess Thompson was fucking infuriating.
A tall man with a broad smile and a mane of salt-and-pepper hair approached them. “Welcome to Casa Tranquilo, the home for Ultimate Body Battle season ten! I’m Roger, your host for the next month.”
Roger, Jamie noted with approval, had a kind, calming presence. Different from the producers back in LA, all sharp edges and manipulative glee.
He led them down a winding stone path that snaked through the vibrant foliage. They emerged into a clearing, where a sprawling open-air pavilion stood amidst the trees. This was clearly where the group workouts would take place—a floor of polished wood, a thatched roof offering dappled shade, and the sound of the ocean breeze whispering through the palm fronds.
Next to the pavilion, a separate building housed a state-of-the-art gym with all the equipment one could need. A quick walk further revealed their dining area—an open-air space with communal tables crafted from local wood, overlooking a glistening freshwater pool. Already, a team of chefs scurried around, preparing a welcome feast that promised a taste of Costa Rican cuisine.
Finally, he led them to their living quarters. Two distinct structures stood nestled amongst the trees. Each lodge boasted a communal living area and individual sleeping quarters.
“Alright, superstars! This is the Boot Camp Brigade. Plenty of space for all your boot camp shenanigans,” Roger announced, gesturing towards Jess’ team quarters.
Jamie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Boot camp shenanigans indeed.
“And this is for Zen Warriors. A place to unwind and recharge after those intense training sessions.” He points at the other structure.
Across the clearing, separated by a stone’s throw, stood Jamie’s and Jess’ cabins opposite each other. This was a private bungalow, its exterior crafted from smooth, polished wood and adorned with hanging baskets overflowing with brightly colored orchids.
Jamie knew living in close quarters could be a recipe for disaster, especially with Jess’ abrasive personality and the still concerning fact that she was so attracted to her. Jess, ever the braggart, puffed out her chest a few times, but Jamie refused to rise to the bait. She knew the real competition wouldn’t be won with petty arguments but with results.