Page 23 of The TV Show Rival

“You got that right,” she said, her voice a little tighter than she’d like.

Perhaps she could use this newfound attention to spread the message of yoga’s benefits further than ever before.

Jess Thompson might have started the fire, but she could use it to illuminate the path to inner peace—for everyone, even boot camp-loving bullies like her.

Stepping inside with a sigh, the air conditioning instantly washed away the morning heat.

Just as she reached for her water bottle, a notification chimed on her phone.

She unlocked the screen, hoping it was nothing else about the online brawl, and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Ultimate Body Battle?” she said out loud in confusion. This couldn’t be real. Could it?

Tapping on the notification, she was greeted with an email subject line that made her heart skip a beat:

Ultimate Body Battle: Interview Invitation.

Her stomach erupted in a flurry of butterflies. No way!

She quickly scanned the email, each word confirming her wildest dream. The producers of Ultimate Body Battle, the very same show she spent countless evenings curled up on the couch watching, wanted to interview her, Jamie Nguyen, for a spot as a trainer on their upcoming season!

A joyous squeal escaped her lips before she could contain it. Doing a little happy dance in her living room might seem silly, but right now, she didn’t care. This was incredible!

The email detailed the interview date, time, and location—a studio there in Los Angeles.

The thought of guiding a team through physical and mental challenges, of sharing her passion for yoga with a wider audience, sent a thrill coursing through her. This could be a game-changer for her career.

Suddenly, the Jess Thompson situation paled in comparison. Who cared about a petty online fight when this kind of opportunity came knocking? Ultimate Body Battle. Her. A chance to truly inspire people and show them the transformative power of yoga.

A wide grin split her face as she reread the email. It was time to take her practice—and her message—to a whole new level.

Pulling her Mazda into a parking spot outside the imposing glass and steel complex housing the Ultimate Body Battle studios, Jamie straightened her pantsuit and took a deep, centering breath.

Today was the day. Just as she was about to step away from her car, she noticed a silver SUV gleaming under the harsh sunlight, parked right next to her. And like some kind of cosmic joke, Jess Thompson was just getting out of it. She must have been invited for the interview as well. Damn it.

There she was, preening like a beautiful blue eyed peacock in her window. Their eyes locked for a beat, tension crackling between them thicker than the smog hanging over the city.

Neither made a move to greet the other. In fact, a silent competition seemed to erupt—who could appear the most nonchalant? Then, just as quickly, Jess looked away, pretending Jamie wasn’t there.

As far as Jamie was concerned, Jess was a ghost, a figment of her recent online past. She was here for an interview, and that was her sole focus. But even as she marched towards the imposing glass doors, she couldn’t help but replay Jess’ features.

The Jess Thompson of the internet, the one spewing fire and brimstone about the superiority of boot camp, was one thing. But the Jess Thompson she just saw in person? She was a goddess.

She might be the competition, but Jamie had to admit, Jess looked even more impressive in person. Her pictures online didn’t do her justice. Tall and statuesque, with a lean, muscular build that spoke volumes about her dedication to fitness.

Even in a simple T-shirt and ripped jeans, she exuded an aura of raw power and confidence. Her sun-kissed skin glowed, highlighting her flawless complexion, and she had a combination of strength and grace that was oddly captivating—different from the aggressive persona she projected online.

A traitorous part of Jamie, a part she quickly shoved back down, was even a little curious. What was Jess Thompson really like? Was the online persona just a carefully crafted image, or was there more to her?

Ugh, Jamie, focus! This was a professional interview, not a beauty pageant.

Jess might be a walking advertisement for human potential, but Jamie had her own strengths to offer. Her passion, her knowledge, her ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

Pushing those thoughts aside with a determined shake of her head, she squared her shoulders and entered the cool, air-conditioned lobby.

The Ultimate Body Battle interview awaited, and she was ready to show them exactly why she deserved to be a trainer on their show.

Pushing open the studio doors, Jamie was greeted by a wave of nervous energy.

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