Page 83 of Idle

Marge plays with her wine glass. “That’s too bad, honey.”

“Now you can focus on banking.” Leave it to Homer to stick true to his career.

I wipe my hands on my napkin. Everyone’s quiet for a few minutes until Marge asks, “Is this something you’d like to pursue? Carpentry?”

“He’s on his way to becoming a chief compliance officer, for goodness sakes. Of course he isn’t interested in going any deeper into the trade.”

Homer’s use of the word “trade” is exactly what I expected. Not the white-collar profession of banking like him.

“We only want you to be happy.”

“Which he’ll be with his new promotion,” Homer completes her thought. And mine.

24

Paige

Acouple of months have passed since we lost the competition, and I haven’t heard from Jesse. He hasn’t responded to any of my texts or messages or emails. The fact he ghosted me after the last taping, as if I meant nothing to him, still stings. Especially when he meanteverythingto me.

After the taping ended, no way was I going to return to my parents’, so I stayed with Theo and Amelia for a few weeks, until their happy-happy-joy-joy gnawed my insides raw. Luckily, Chloe was able to put me up in her sister’s room. Uncle Ward doesn’t seem to mind the extra person in his space, considering he generally stays in his wing anyway.

Chloe brings a huge bowl of popcorn into the media room and sits next to me. Tonight’s the finale ofNYC Views, which I didn’t want to see, but Chloe insisted. Not only that, but she invited all my brothers and cousins plus the two fiancées to join the watch party. I was able to stop her from inviting any non-family members, but it was touch-and-go for a while.

A buffet table has been set up on the side, complete with various snack foods. The three rows of leather seats have been laid out with their own bowls of popcorn and glasses, so people can choose their beverages at the wet bar.

“I don’t see why we need a viewing party,” I grumble.

“Because we’re celebrating the fact you made it all the way to the finals. This was a huge accomplishment, even if you didn’t win.” Chloe puts a metal straw into her glass of root beer.

Not interested in any of the alcoholic drinks, I choose a water—cucumber flavor—which I drink from the bottle.

The intercom buzzes and Chloe flits out of the room to greet our guests. I’m not excited for tonight’s show at all. Watching Jesse fall on his face, no matter the fact he’s ignoring me, isn’t my idea of fun. Yet, here I am. Getting to my feet, I prepare for the onslaught.

Theo’s the first through the door, and he gives me one of his bear hugs. His fiancée Amelia comes in next, and Xander, plus his fiancée Madison all file in and each give me a warm welcome. When everyone’s settled into their seats, Xander says, “I invited Jesse to come over and watch with us.” He spears me with his blue eyes, causing my eyebrows to shoot to the ceiling. “He turned me down. Flat.”

Not a shock. The only surprise is they’re still talking. I shovel popcorn into my mouth rather than ask about the man who doesn’t want me. No one except for Chloe knows we were involved. Even she has the abridged version.

“You’ve done a great job this entire time, Paige,” Amelia remarks. “I can’t wait to see what you do with the primary suite. I know you didn’t win, but your design has been great this whole time. Very creative.”

“Thanks,” I mumble around a piece of popcorn.

“Shhh, it’s starting.” Amelia’s unneeded warning quiets the room.

Relieved no one else from my family was able to make it, I watch this episode with an analytical eye. They highlighted Jesse’s challenges with the carving which, at least on television, looks pretty darn great. I can read the frustration on his face, but his finished product appears on point. The other furniture he made for the room is gorgeous. When I’m on screen, I force myself to pay attention. And cringe at my critical tone and perfectionist expectations. His work was fine. Mine, on the other hand, is where our team fell short.

Why did I insist on painting the headboard?

Why didn’t I pay attention to all the little details in the bathroom?

Why did I ignore the harder design elements in favor of easier carpentry items?

It’s almost as if I was sabotaging our chances at coming out victorious. I shove my body into the overstuffed recliner.

By contrast, the videos of Bo and Mary Ellen don’t depict the couple I knew in the ViewPad. They worked well together, even if she let him take the lead most of the time. Yet, her ideas enhanced their room. All in all, their design wasn’t better than ours, only different.

I was the reason we lost.

When the winner is announced, everyone in the room boos and yells at the screen. Theo’s “You were robbed!” doesn’t make me feel any better about my poor performance.

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