Page 44 of Idle

“For what it’s worth, I agree with your decision. You deserve to be with someone who values you above every other woman. Bo is not that guy.”Other womendeserve this. Me? I’m only in the market for someone who checks off all my boxes—whom I haven’t met yet.

Jesse calls, “Need any help in there?”

My pulse skips at the sound of his voice, but I remind myself he’s failed miserably with my checklist: he’s never responded to my hints, nor has he ever brought me a present, let alone every day. The ice cream doesn’t count. So what if he passes the threshold one of being tall and good-looking? Men like that abound in this city.

I reply, “Be right there!”

Mary Ellen places the flutes onto a tray, and I follow her into the living room. When we each have our glass, Bo raises his. “To a great competition! May tomorrow’s challenge be met by both of our teams, and may the best one of us win.”

Before we can raise our glasses, he adds, “Meaning Mary Ellen and I will be helping you pack!” He swallows his flute in one gulp while the rest of us stare at him.

Jesse takes over. “To the end of an era!” We all drink to Jesse’s toast.

I’m about a quarter of the way through my drink when Mary Ellen jumps up. “Oh. We didn’t set the dining room table. Paige, help me?”

Surprised she asked, but knowing this is a task I’m well equipped to handle, I take one more quick sip of my drink. “Sure thing.”

I go to the drawer where the placemats are kept and pull them out while she clicks the silverware together. In the dining area, she apologizes for Bo’s terrible toast.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re not responsible for him.” I bring the napkins into the dining area and together we put forks and knives at each of the settings.

She sighs. “I appreciate that. He was out of line.”

Much of what her ex-husband says and does crosses it. With thoughts like these, I’m more convinced than ever that I’m through with him. It doesn’t matter that he left me a cute note on my pillow when I returned from the High Line.

The intercom buzzes and we hear Bo allowing the delivery person up. Looking forward to my Quiche Lorraine, we join everyone at the island to divvy up the food. When our plates are full, we bring our meals into the dining area. Jesse dims the lighting.

“Nice job,” Bo compliments him.

I agree but keep my thoughts to myself. The ambiance in here is amazing, especially overlooking the water. He pulls out my chair and motions for me to sit. The sound of Bo’s chewing cuts through my serenity, though, and I return my fork to the napkin.

“Music!” I leap to my feet. “We need music in here.”

Jesse wipes his lips. “Let me get my phone.” He remains seated. “Okay. That’s not going to work.” He casts his face toward mine. “Sorry, Paige. I think we’re SOL on this one.”

“Yeah, no can do, Little Cowgirl.” Bo points at me with his fork.

I smile and try to enjoy a little of my meal, which is tasty despite Bo’s unappetizing soundtrack. “Oh, I forgot wine. Anyone want any with your French cuisine?”

“I’m good,” Mary Ellen replies. Bo nods in agreement.

“I’d like some,” Jesse says.

“I’ll get it.”

“Thanks.”

I duck into the kitchen, open a bottle of red Zinfandel, and pour it through an aerator into two glasses. I remain in here for a couple of minutes to get the sound of Bo’s chewing out of my mind before returning to the dining room.

Bo finishes his plate and chomps on some bread while we finish. Talk, naturally, turns toward tomorrow and the beginning of our last challenge.

“We’re psyched,” Bo says. “We finally figured out how we’re going to dress these special rooms. We can be creative under pressure, right Mary Ellen?”

“I’m happy with our design.” She looks at me. “Are you?”

I’m beyond proud Jesse agreed to do the carved headboard. His one-of-a-kind piece will make the biggest statement in the room by far. Although, my curtains will be awesome too. “We’re excited. Our design is taking us away from our comfort zones.”

Jesse swallows his beef bourguignon. “Paige can be persuasive. I can’t believe I agreed to let you create the side tables,” he chuckles.

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