Page 8 of All the Drama from New York

Ryan’s thoughts turned once more to that kiss, and hope grew in his heart. He’d fallen hard for Kaylee, and the kiss they’d shared had been nothing short of pure magic. The sparks between them setting his world alight.

I can’t wait to see Kaylee again, to hold her in my arms.

The show would soon be over, and then he and Kaylee could begin their new life together.

I love her. She loves me. This is the beginning of my happily ever after.

Seated on the couch, with her tray of sushi on the coffee table in front of her, Camille picked up her chop sticks. She lifted the first of the fresh tuna to her lips and groaned. It was so fresh. So perfect. The sushi chef at Royal Resorts Manhattan had been poached from a major Tokyo hotel and the food he prepared was beyond amazing.

Sushi and champagne. I am a very lucky girl.

There was also the not so minor fact that at present she wasn’t expected to pay for any of these delicious goodies out of her own pocket. While her uncle Edward was officially siding with her father, in the background he and her aunt Alice made sure that Camille had everything she needed. Every day a food delivery came to Bryce’s apartment from the kitchens of the nearby family owned hotel.

But once she moved to her new apartment, then she’d be expected to earn the money to pay her own way.

Thoughts of food, family, and money were pushed to the back of her mind as the familiar dulcet tones of Derick Stad filled the room.

“And now for the show twenty million viewers have been waiting all week to watch, folks it’s the grand finale of Bachelors on the Beach!”

Camille gleefully clapped her hands together and squealed. “Yesss!!!”

She leaned forward taking in every second as a six-minute montage of the former contestants played on screen. As one of the early favorites appeared, she sighed. “Oh, Grant, Kaylee was stupid to have gotten rid of you. Big mistake. Big mistake. You should have made it past episode five.”

The gorgeous commercial architect from Chicago had been voted off on the fifth night, after which Camille had been forced to find a new favorite to root for on the show. At first, she’d dismissed the blond Ryan Collins as a bit of joke. The guy’s hair was a disaster, and the producers seemed willing to go to every length in order to make fun of him.

But Ryan baby you are still there. You shook off all the Thor gags and made it all the way to the end.

There was something about the barista from New Jersey which she found charming. A fresh and honest guy who seemed genuinely in love with Kaylee. Who deserved to find his happily ever after.

She didn’t mind the other finalist, a handsome tech entrepreneur named Steven McDowall, but in her opinion, he was far too slick. Too well put together. Every time the show had put him in a tight spot, he’d somehow managed to wriggle his way out of it.

By episode four, Camille had begun to suspect he was being openly groomed for the final. He’d inexplicably known what sort of color roses Kaylee loved best, and that she had a weak spot for cream pie.

The music and memories all faded away replaced by a tuxedo clad host. Derick was standing on the deck of a black and silver maxi yacht, with the dark-haired Kaylee by his side. The bachelorette was dressed in a long flowing cream dress, which to Camille’s mind gave off serious wedding gown vibes.

“It’s been seven long and loving weeks Kaylee, but now it’s time for you to go and choose your man.”

Taking her hand, Derick raised it to his lips. “Good luck Kaylee. We hope your heart finds its home. I’m going to get off this boat and let you sail away.” He turned to the camera and smiled. “Don’t go away folks. After this short commercial break we will return to see which one of our handsome finalists will be crowned the winner ofBachelors on the Beach.”

The show cut to a car commercial, and Camille went back to her sushi and champagne.

There was a cacophony of noise in Ryan’s ear. People all talking at once. At times the behind-the-scenes chaos of the show had driven his task orientated brain to the edge of madness.

The showrunner was shouting his instructions. Crew members were all adding in their comments. Too many opinions being voiced, and not enough people focused on their own jobs. Ryan could barely understand anything that was being said.

And then came a sudden silence. For a moment he wasn’t sure which he preferred. The noise or the deathly void.

Ryan let out a slow breath. The sound of his heart thumping hard in his chest filled his ears. He’d been told to expect this, the rush of adrenaline. To help stop from throwing up he was taking long deep breathes, and doing everything in his power to remain calm.

And keep smiling.

He glanced down at his suit. With his long white hair and the sage green fabric, he wondered if the wardrobe department had deliberately dressed him to look like a pistachio ice cream cone.

I wouldn’t put it past them.

His ear piece crackled, and a voice came on the line. “Ok Ryan. We are coming out of a commercial break in twenty seconds. The show is live, and there won’t be a second take. So just remember, look toward the water and smile.”

CHAPTER FOUR

---