Page 73 of Pity Pact
“Our contracts state we can only socialize while we’re here for filming,” I remind her.
“Fine.” She stomps her foot like she’s getting ready to throw a tantrum. “Way to ruin the night, Tim.”
“I didn’t ruin the night, I saved it.”How in the world am I the bad guy here?
Rolling her eyes, she demands, “How do you figure?”
“If we didn’t have a double date, then one couple wouldn’t have had a date. This way we can still get to know each other better.”
“I already know you.”
“And I know you. Now we can get to know Cami and Fielden better.” I say Fielden’s name like I’m referencing the bubonic plague.
“But you hate Fielden …” she reminds me unnecessarily.
I really do. “What’s not to hate? He’s boorish and rude.”
“Not to me.”
“He told Chip that the two of them were in different leagues. He said that Chip was in the minors, and he was in the pros.”
Paige comes to his defense. “He was just nervous. He apologized to me for the impression he made when we first met. I think he was sincere.”
I really don’t want to fight with her about this, but at the same time, I want to make sure Fielden treats her well.Okay, not really. I hope Fielden shows his true colors so Paige will consider me. “Well, it’s too late now,” I tell her. “We’re going on a double date, so I suggest you make the best of it.”
As I sit down next to Cami at the makeup table, I once again worry how tonight is going to pan out. A recipe for fun does not include a mad Paige, an indifferent Cami, or Fielden right across the table. Lucky me, I have all three.
This is bound to be reality TV gold!
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
PAIGE
The last couple of days away fromMidwestern Matchmakerhave been a breath of fresh air. There’s been no stress, no camera crews, and a reprieve from worrying about men. As much as I’m hoping Fielden and I are a match, I’m equally concerned that if we are, I’ll eventually have to move away from Elk Lake.
I know how pathetic that sounds, but I like to think my life is going to turn out to be Hallmark-movie perfect. You know, if anyone moves, it will be the big city person looking for a quieter, more authentic life. And even though Elk Lake isn’t Vermont, and my family doesn’t own a Christmas tree farm, we still have a lot to offer.
As I change into my dress for tonight, I realize I’m not as angry at Tim as I made him think I was. It’s not likehedouble booked our dates. Also, having two couples might take the pressure off a little. The main problem is that Tim dislikes Fielden so much I’m afraid he’s going to make things awkward.
Not to mention the fact that I find Tim attractive and am actively trying to ignore my feelings for him. All the while watching him date someone else—someone I like and respect.
Yeah, this is going to be a good time.
At five o’clock, the four of us meet in front of Conference Room A. That’s where I fill Fielden in on the double date. He doesn’t have time to react before Trina walks over to us and announces, “We’re going to take Cami and Tim in first, and then we’ll bring in Paige and Fielden.”
“See you soon,” I tell Cami.
As they walk away, Fielden declares, “I don’t like this. I don’t want to share you.”
“That’s sweet.” Then after a beat, I tell him, “Tim told me about how you guys first met.”
He looks slightly chagrined. “I think I already explained that my nerves sometimes get the best of me.”
“Which I totally get. But tonight might go smoother if you apologize to him.”
Fielden’s shoulders square. “I’d rather not do that on camera.”
“But if they got your first meeting on camera and use it, apologizing will make the audience like you more.” Look at me, playing all the angles like a pro.