Page 107 of House of Desire

“They have free food, a private bathroom, and an open bar,” Lore says. "And the comfy seats."

“Okay, fine. I hate my brother. I would have worn something else if I had known. I’m a little surprised she even knows my name.”

We place our bags on the conveyor belt as we move through the metal detectors, our conversation on pause.

“I heard through the grapevine she is a huge fan of House of Desire and has been obsessed with this season.”

I roll my eyes as we collect our things. The Desire Suite dates aired two days earlier and my phone has been blowing up with interview requests, all of which I’ve rejected.

“Goodie.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Do you want to know the only thing people want to talk about? Me falling after getting out of the limo.”

She tries to keep in her laugh as we move to the elevator that will take us directly up to the suite area.

“It’s important to be memorable, sweetie,” she says, patting my arm.

“Not for falling down, Lore!”

“Well, okay, I’ll give you that. Do you want to hear some gossip I’ve heard from Alec? To distract you?”

“Always.”

“After the hometown episode was aired, people were crazy for Dom and they’ve thrown his name in the running to be a contestant for the next female led season.”

“Could you imagine Dom on the show? How would that even work? Don’t they film during season?” The thought of my brother being on a dating show makes me nervous for him. I know that professional football is all he’s ever wanted to do and I would hate for him to get distracted from that for a show.

“Yeah, that’s the only problem.”

“The only problem after the fact he wouldn’t want to do something like that,” I tell her.

She loops her arm through mine and we make our way to our seats in Sasha’s box, where she’s chatting with a few other spouses I haven’t met yet. She gasps when she catches sight of us out of the corner of her eye.

“Anastasia! I’m so excited to see you,” she says, pushing through the group around her, flinging herself into my arms. The hug is a little awkward, but I return it as best I can. “Come sit with me.”

She pulls back, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from Lorelei without even acknowledging her and we take two seats in the front row of the suite. Lore waves goodbye and heads to the bar.

“Please tell me you kissed Parker during the Desire Suite date and then tell me about it in excruciating detail. Also, girl. How embarrassing was it falling on night one?”

Annoyed I’m being asked that question, again, I keep my feelings from my face.

“More than you could even imagine,” I say and then share a few details that, if they got out, would not be detrimental to anyone on the show.

With the anticipation of seeing Parker tonight, it feels like the game takes an eternity. But the time clicks down second after second, until finally we are at the two-minute warning and I can’t wait any longer. I turn toward Sasha and grab her arm for a moment.

“Hey, I’m going to get going. Thanks for inviting me up here.”

She gives me a hug. This time I’m ready and able to return the gesture in a relaxed way.

“Sounds good. Tell Dominic he did a great job.”

I nod, surprised she knows his first name, but she’s already turned back to watch her husband. Lorelei sees me moving and meets me at the top of the stairs.

“Leaving now? There’s only two more minutes.”

“Parker is coming over tonight. To talk.”

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