Page 40 of Pity Pact
He stammers before answering, “Would it be okay if we called a truce? I mean, it’s clear we aren’t a match, so what would it hurt if we were nice to each other?”
I weigh the odds of a ceasefire. Even though Chip made a terrible first impression, that shouldn’t mean we have to be mortal enemies. On the other hand, he really does annoy me. I’m quiet for long enough that he practically begs, “Please.”
“Fine,” I decide. “So long as you know I’m not interested in you in a romantic sense.”
He bristles slightly. “Which is fine, because I’m not interested in you, either.”
Got it, Not-so-Chipper. “Are you trying to start a fight with me right now?”
“Why can you tell me you don’t want to date me, but I can’t tell you the same thing?”
“Because you yelled at me while I was running into school.”Yeah, that made no sense whatsoever.
“You pulled me down on the floor and didn’t help me up!” he yells back.
That’s when we both notice the cameraman standing a few feet away. His lens is focused right on us.
“What are you doing?” I ask in horror. “You’re not supposed to be filming us out here.”
One of the production crew intervenes. “Your contract states we’re allowed to film you everywhere you go during your scheduled filming times.”
“Yeah, but …” I’ve got no comeback for this.
Chip steps forward. “Remember our truce, Paige. There’s no reason for us to fight.” I want to punch him in the nose.
In my most insincere tone, I tell him, “You’re right, Chip.” Then I smile at the camera and add, “I’m nothing if not accommodating.”
As soon as the cameraman walks away, Chip grumbles, “They’re never going to believe that.”
“Why not?”
“I’m sure they know when they’re getting played.”
Grr. I really hate this guy. “What if I meant it?”
“Did you?”
“Obviously not, Chip. I detest you.” So much for peace.
He rolls his eyes. “Then they’ll know it and if they use the footage, it will only be in order to make you look bad.”
Could he be right? Could I somehow be cast as the villain in editing?Every season reunion has the “mean girl” who begs the audience to believe her when she vows there was more to her scenes than was shown. OMG. I have to control how I come across or they might decide to ruin my life! “Chip …” I start out haltingly before gaining traction. “I formally agree to a truce, and I apologize for the way I’ve been treating you. I have not been very nice to you.” I almost choke on that last bit.
He looks dubious. And rightly so. “You know the camera isn’t on us, don’t you?”
“This time, I mean it.”
He stretches his hand out with a good deal of trepidation—smart man. “Then I accept. Thank you.”
Thank goodness that’s over. “You said Tim is in the dining room?” He nods his head.
As I start to walk away, one of the producers—the one who thought I might be into S & M during my welcome interview—stops me. He demands, “Where are you going?”
“I need to talk to Tim. He’s in the dining room.”
Instead of answering me, the “suit” picks up a walkie-talkie. “I’m going to need someone to bring a copy of Miss Holland’s contract to her. She clearly didn’t read it.”
“I read it,” I tell him. “I don’t recall it saying anything about my not being able to walk into another room.”