“I didn’t call you. Your friend Taylor called me and said that you needed to talk.”
Why would Taylor do that? What had she been trying to accomplish? Something was going on and it made me uneasy.
He asked me some questions about the show, how it was going, and when I thought I would return home to Atlanta. I explained the circumstances and what the producers wanted, and how I couldn’t risk my career by just up and leaving.
Someone must have come into his office because he put his phone on mute and I heard a voice say something before Sterling started speaking again. “I need to go. I love you. See you soon.”
He hung up before I had the chance to tell him that I loved him, too.
But some part of me wondered whether I would have said it back.
The “Getting to Know Me” dates ended, and Dante sent Lisa home. Apparently she couldn’t shut up on their date either, and Dante had gotten to know more than he wanted. Jen K. was next, followed by Ashley S., who swore at everyone on her way out and apparently during the entire limo ride to the airport, too. The other Ashley was sent home after that, and I hoped she and her giggles had a nice flight home.
Which left me, Genesis, Abigail, and carbonated Michelle.
At this point we were scheduled to go on exotic mini-trips with Dante. In other years the girls had traveled together to each location, but this year the producers decided to continue the one-on-one time with the remaining girls. Dante chose where we would go.
I was left until last, again. When I complained to him, he winked at me and said, “You always save the best for last.”
Genesis pulled me aside before her trip and asked if she could talk to me. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to, but the nicer part of me prevailed. She sat on her bed, and I sat on mine.
“They just told me that we’re going to Cozumel. That’s in Mexico, apparently. This is my first time traveling out of the country,” she confessed. “And I’ve never gone alone anywhere with a man before.” Her eyes were downcast, and I got what she was trying to tell me.
Why did I keep making friends with virgins? It wasn’t like I had good life experiences to share and guide them with. I was the last person they should seek advice from.
“First of all, you are never going to be alone. You will have a camera crew with you at all times, and production assistants who will show you where to go and what to do.” I realized how that sounded. “I mean like at the airport and customs and stuff. And for the other part, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Or anything you aren’t ready for. And if you get really freaked out or worried, you call Taylor and she will find me. Don’t put any pressures or expectations on you or on him. Okay?”
She hugged me. She was such a sweetheart. I had to find a way to be okay with her and Dante. If he could really see who she was, how kindhearted, how loving, how fun, he could have a real relationship with her.
And since we shared a room, I was often subjected to the happy glow and private smile that she carried around with her constantly. I knew they were hitting it off. Or at least she really liked him and he was being Dante and couldn’t help making her fall in love with him.
Genesis gathered up some last-minute things and asked if I had any advice about Mexico. I told her not to drink the water and not to get kidnapped.
Abigail stomped by our room, apparently upset that she hadn’t been chosen to go first. She hovered in our doorway, looking angry. “What brings you by, Abigail?” Genesis asked.
“Cloven hooves?” I offered.
She only glared at me as Genesis and I dissolved into laughter. She went off in a huff, and I probably should have felt bad, but I didn’t. Genesis had told me about how Abigail had crashed her last date with Dante, and he’d had to send her away. Abigail had told him that they belonged together and it was what everyone wanted and was waiting to see. Genesis had been impressed by how much of a gentleman he was, and he promised Abigail he’d talk with her more when it was her turn. But at the same time, Genesis had been pretty furious that Abigail tried to sabotage her date.
“I don’t know why he keeps her around.”