Page 37 of The Final Rose
As I approach, Sebastian seems to be the funniest guy in the world since Vera laughs big, her hands clutching his arm for dear life.
I halt by the sound of her laugh. Maybe interrupting them is a bad idea, but it’s too late when Sebastian sees me. His mouth opens in an obscene smile and his eyes twinkle. I bite the side of my cheek and promise I won’t be petty to measure the size of the smile he’s sending me versus the one he was giving to her.
That’s just ridiculous behavior.
I clear my throat, avoiding Sebastian, and look straight at Vera. “They are setting up inside the bookstore now. Maybe you want to freshen up?”
Vera nods, “Is Doris around?”
I point to the side where the makeup artist is waiting, and she turns to Sebastian, “I hope this is ok? The wind is cutting my skin, and I think Doris might have a lip balm.”
Sebastian nods. “Of course. Go on.”
Vera finally takes her hand off him, but Sebastian grabs it back and kisses it before she goes.
I won’t gag.
Vera giggles like a schoolgirl, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, and races toward Dora.
Vera and Sebastian are the perfect couple. The fact slams into me like a ton of bricks. It’s marketing genius, it’s picture-perfect. They are the reason people watch reality TV.
I want to pull my hair out. I try to regulate my breathing because, after all, everything is going according to plan. I hate Sebastian so much right now.
I’m irritated he broke the rules and came to sit with me for almost eleven hours after I ignored him for weeks. I’m frustrated that those hours made me remember how much I missed him.
And now? I’m pissed he’s not the same with Vera. I know this is what we wanted at the beginning, but now that I truly knowhim, the British robot won’t cut it. I hate the Prince Charming persona who takes over when the cameras are rolling.
I want to scream in his face.
“Do you need a touch-up?” I ask without looking at him.
“Do you think I do?”
I raise my eyebrow but end up looking up at his ridiculously good-looking face. No. He looks perfect, but I shrug instead of complimenting him.
Sebastian’s eyes narrow, and he steps closer. Out of instinct, I step back. His eyes flare, something powerful behind them. I face up to him because I’m not one to cower, but I can’t deny to myself I like how primal he looks right now.
Maybe we need to fight. I’d love to fight him right now.
I bury my hands in my battered jacket pockets and avert my eyes.
“You look upset.”
“I’m cold,” I reply quickly.
Sebastian tsks. “You were right, Calliope.”
“Callie.” I breathe. “I’m sure I was right, but about what?”
He nods in Vera’s direction. “Vera is great. I’m glad I didn’t eliminate her in the first week.”
I grunt. “I’m a genius, Riggs. Listen, now it’s the time for a bathroom break because–”
“And you know, it’s hard to see what you really want in a person right away. I knew what I wanted to feel, but I did not know what this person would look like.”
“Well, she looks like a drop-dead gorgeous Princess with a very complicated job.”
Isn’t kick-you-in-the-crotch-spit-on-your-neck fantastic?I add to myself in Rachel Green’s voice.