Page 18 of The TV Show Rival

“But,” he added quickly, holding up a hand, “when I saw you weren’t interested, that you liked girls… Well, I just buried those feelings. Figured it wasn’t fair to either of us. And I got over it and found a woman who makes me happy.”

“Marty… I-I had no idea.”

He smiled gently. “It’s okay. I didn’t want you to know. All that matters now is you find someone who’s deserving of you, like I did. Someone who appreciates your strength, your kindness, and your killer fishing skills.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound the chirping of crickets and the distant call of a loon.

“Speaking of which, the client you sent my way for yoga? He’s doing fantastic. Says his anxiety has improved tremendously,” Jamie said in an attempt at changing the subject.

Marty’s face lit up. “That’s great news! Mental health is no joke, you know. Glad I could connect you two.”

Suddenly, Marty’s rod jerked violently, pulling him forward in a surprised yelp.

“Aha! Looks like someone finally decided to join the party!” he shouted with a laugh, as the fishing rod bent with surprising resistance.

A frantic battle ensued, with him expertly maneuvering the rod as the unseen creature fought back.

Jamie let out a whoop of delight, clapping her hands together. “There you go, Marty! I knew you wouldn’t let me down.”

She was relieved not just for the fish but for the shift in the emotional tide.

Finally, with a triumphant flourish, he hauled a glistening bass onto the bank.

“There you are, you little rascal!” he exclaimed, holding the fish up proudly.

They laughed as Marty expertly removed the hook and prepared to clean the fish.

“So,” Marty said, wiping his hands on his pants, “Let’s head back to my place? Laura would love to see you after all this time. We can throw this guy on the grill and catch up properly.”

The idea of some delicious grilled fish and Laura’s warm company was also undeniably appealing.

“That sounds great, Marty. Thanks.”

“Excellent! Let’s get this fish cleaned up then. Laura’s a whiz with marinades, you’re in for a treat.”

6

JESS

Grocery weekend. Jess’ fridge was officially a wasteland—land of the wilted lettuce and questionable cheese chunks.

Ugh, the grocery store was a jungle on Saturdays, but she was able to fight through the crowd. Basket in hand, she weaved through the produce section, dodging rogue elbows and mentally ticking off the list. Eggs, milk, bread—the holy trinity of any respectable fridge. She grabbed some frozen veggies, then headed towards the hygiene section.

Her skin had been freaking out lately, so she needed a new moisturizer. There were a million options, all with names that sounded like they belonged in a spaceship.

Just as she was about to grab a random bottle with vaguely appealing packaging, a voice cut through her internal debate.

“Ooh, that one’s not bad, but have you tried this?” She looked up to see a woman holding a different bottle, a familiar smile plastered on her face.

Wait. Was that…? No way. Of course it was Sam. Her ex. Here. In the moisturizer aisle. Couldn’t she have just picked another grocery store? Another planet?

Sam smiled hesitantly. “I’ve been using this one for months and my skin loves it.” She held up the bottle for Jess’ inspection.

Great. Just what she needed. Moisturizer advice from the woman who broke her heart two years ago.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll stick with this one,” Jess mumbled, grabbing the bottle she was originally eyeing.

“Jess, hold on a sec,” Sam said, reaching out and grabbing her wrist.

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