Chapter 133
“Ugh, I can’t wait!”
As if the universe is attuned to Eliza and her desires, a maid steps out into the pavilion to politely inform us that the selections for this evening’s dates will hold in thirty minutes.
Eliza is so excited, I fear she’ll burst with excitement.
“I have to go pee,” she announces. “If I don’t do it now, I’ll do it when Peter calls out my name.”
Lara and I burst into laughter as Eliza scurries away.
I start a little when Lara takes my hand. “I’m glad you’re going to be with Nathan,” she says, her smile melding into something sincere. “You two are perfect for each other.”
I blush. “You only saw us in the closet that one time.”
She scoffs. “You forget that I know him almost as well as I know Lucas. Nate’s reserved and withdrawn to the point where he comes off as stoic. But inside, he’s a lonely, lost boy who needs someone’s hand to hold. That someone is you, babe.”
My mouth drops open. Not at her interpretation of Nathan, but at how accurate it is. If she sees Nathan so well, why can’t she see Lucas?
The question dances in my mind as we stand, Lara’s hand still in mine, and head to the ballroom.
The buzz of the final selection is in the air. So far, only Lara, Eliza, Valerie, Jamie, Bea, and I have been chosen. Leaving Sa and Willow.
Rachel,
But if what Lara said earlier is true–and God, I hope it is–the three of them are practically out of the running. Performative contestants, as Easton so eloquently put it.
And after the heirs make their picks tonight, even Jamie, Valerie, and Bea won’t matter much anymore.
I can’t bring myself to feel bad for them. This isn’t just any contest. It’s my future and that of two girls who are quickly becoming everything to me.
“Today,” Easton starts without preamble, “the selections will not be random. The Ashford heirs themselves will pick the girls with whom they want to date,”
A ripple of excited whispers runs through the crowd as Lara, Eliza, and I exchange a giddy, conspiratorial look.
I glance up at the stage to see Nathan looking at me, his lips twitching like he’s engaged in the fight of his life against a smile.
More than the eliminations, which showed who the heirs weren’t really feeling, this selection is a statement: “Out of all the girls here, I like you. I choose you.”
I wonder what everyone will think when Nathan calls out my name, selecting me just like he eliminated me.
At least we have a dramatic story to tell our kids and grandkids one day. The thought sends a spiral of happiness through me. Just like that day when I watched him with June, I imagine what our kids would be like–little green–eyed angels with blonde hair or grey–eyed
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Chapter 133
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cuties with curly brown hair? Will they take his natural talent for sports or my eye for design? Will they be shy or outspoken? How many will we have? I think I want two–a boy and a girl, but it Nathan wants more, I don’t-
“April Farrah.”
My heart skips a beat as I snap out of my reverie. My smile is automatic as I look up at Nathan, who
Who is looking at Lucas, his face tight with shock and rage.
And Lucas…
Lucas is looking at me, his lips quirked into a private smile, like he and I are sharing an inside joke.
I don’t understand what’s happening.
I glance at Eliza and Lara, Eliza is stunned, confused.
Lara looks…betrayed.
“1-”
“I choose April Farrah,” Lucas repeats, and understanding dawns on me like a scalding shower of acid rain.
I’m going on a date with Lucas Ashford.
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