Page 47 of The TV Show Rival
“There’s a certain way couples move. A subtle language in the way you look at each other, the way you brush hands… it’s something a woman can’t help but notice.”
“You’re a perceptive one, Isabella,” Jamie said with a weak smile.
Isabella’s smile widened. “My sister, you see, she’s like you both. So, I have a bit of experience recognizing love between two beautiful women.”
Jamie and Jess exchanged a stunned glance. Relief at Isabella’s acceptance was quickly replaced by a spark of curiosity.
“Your sister?” Jamie finally managed.
Isabella’s eyes softened. “Sí,” she said, nodding. “She lives in the capital city with her partner, a wonderful woman named Sofia. They’ve been together for many years now, and their love is as bright as the sun.”
A wave of warmth washed over Jamie. Here, in a remote Costa Rican village, they’d found not only acceptance, but a kindred spirit. Jess, too, felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Isabella’s words were a balm, a confirmation that their love, though hidden from the world, wasn’t wrong.
“She’s the one who taught me that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and it looks like you two have found something pretty special,” Isabella added.
“See? Nothing ever gets past my wife. She’s got eyes like a hawk, that one.”
“Good thing I do, mi amor. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble you’d get yourself into!”
Everyone laughed, including little Rico who was playing with his food from his highchair.
In the warmth of the shared laughter, Jamie found her hand instinctively reaching for Jess’ under the table.
Jess squeezed Jamie’s hand back, a silent message of gratitude and unspoken affection passing between them.
14
JESS
The crisp morning air bit at Jess’ exposed arms as she stood with the other contestants, facing Roger. He clapped his hands, the sound echoing through the training field.
“Alright, teams! Let’s give yourselves a round of applause! You’ve all come a long way, and the progress has been phenomenal.”
A smattering of applause followed.
Jess internally rolled her eyes. Roger’s motivational speeches were starting to grate on her nerves. However, she couldn’t deny she felt proud when he specifically mentioned her and Jamie’s great coaching.
Roger cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. “But, let’s be honest, some of you are here for the win, not the group hugs. So, with that in mind, the collaboration experiment is officially over.”
“In this final phase, we’re going back to full-blown competition!”
“This next challenge is a mental marathon. A test of strategy, memory, and pure grit. This is a no-pity zone. Do whatever you can to win, as long as it stays within the rules.”
Jess’ competitive spirit ignited. This was her domain, the arena where she thrived. A mental challenge? Bring it on. She wasn’t sure what Roger had planned, but one thing was certain—today, it was every woman for herself.
Today, she’d prove to everyone, including Jamie, that she wasn’t just a drill sergeant with a sharp tongue. Today, she was a force to be reckoned with.
Roger continued, “Here’s how today’s challenge will work. Each team will be led by their coach, and I’ll provide a starting clue that will point you towards a specific location in the rainforest.”
Silence.
“Once you reach the designated spot, you’ll need to search for a hidden container holding the next clue. This could involve some physical challenges, like scaling a small rock face or navigating a dense thicket.”
A murmur of apprehension went through the team. Jess, however, felt excited. A little physical exertion wouldn’t deter her. In fact, it might even give her an edge over some of the more… fitness-averse contestants.
“The next clue will be another riddle, leading you to the next hidden container and so on. This will continue until you reach the final location and discover the treasure chest containing a prize that will give you a significant advantage in the competition.”
They gasped. The stakes were suddenly higher, the pressure amplified. This was about gaining a crucial edge in the competition.