Chapter Two
The aftermath of Nolan’s announcement was surreal, or at least it felt that way to Susan. A strawberry blonde woman burst into tears, a few seconds after Nolan finished his list of names. Her wailing acted like a prod on the rest of the group, and Jennifer’s assistant dispensed tissues.
Susan waited her turn to speak with Hailee while groping to understand Nolan’s choices, and in specific, her.
“Are you excited to make it to the next stage of the competition?” Hailee asked.
“I’m more surprised than anything,” Susan said. “I didn’t think our speed date went very well.”
“Oh?”
“We didn’t exactly hit it off. Nolan suggested that since my experience with country life is nil I wouldn’t enjoy the isolation and lack of facilities.” No way was she going to mention the reveal of her high-cut lacy panties. Maybe the cameraman would take mercy and leave that part on the cutting room floor. But then again, recalling his snigger of appreciation, perhaps not. She’d have to wait and see.
“Maybe he took one look at you and decided you’re worth taking a chance on,” Hailee cooed.
That was spreading the bullshit a bit thick. Susan knew she wasn’t pretty in the conventional sense. Dressed right, she could stretch her appearance to striking. No, most people who checked her out probably thought prissy, although since taking up dancing, she’d slid out of that slot.
“I think he took pity on me,” Susan said. “I almost took a nose dive while I was walking to meet Nolan. The embarrassment at being such a klutz put me off-balance from the start of our date.”
“Oh? Tell us more.”
“I don’t think so,” Susan said with a smile to mute her bluntness. “I believe the cameraman recorded everything on film. That’s all I’m saying at this stage.”
Hailee laughed, a tinkling sound that would’ve been right at home in a feel-good cartoon. “That sounds very mysterious. We’ll look forward to seeing you on camera. Good luck with the next stage, Susan.”
“Thanks, Hailee.” Susan forced her lips to remain in their curve while her mind struggled with the people of New Zealand seeing her arse on film.
“And cut,” the assistant said. “Well done, everyone.”
Susan dropped into a booth atMaxwell’sand watched a dancer go through her paces. “She’s good,” she commented as Julia Maxwell—an attractive blonde and her boss—slid in beside her. Christina and their other friend, Maggie—a full-figured brown-haired woman with an impish smile—joined them. A minute later, a waitress arrived bearing a tray of glasses and a bottle.
“Champagne?” Susan asked.
“Ryan and Caleb sprang for the bottle when they heard you’d made the next round.”
“But they’re in China doing a show.”
Julia grinned. “I rang them. Ryan said they were cheering for you both, and they wanted to hear the results straightaway.”
Susan ran a finger over the condensation on the neck of the bottle. “The champagne is chilled.”
“Ordered before Ryan left. He and Caleb figured we’d celebrate or commiserate. Either way, champagne would work.”
Christina chuckled, her eyes gleaming behind the lenses of her glasses. “Julia, I love your husband. He has style.”
Julia nodded. “Yes, he does. Caleb too. You could always hook up with Caleb.”
“I’m not upset about today, about not making the next round,” Christina said. “We had a lovely day and lots of fun. I don’t need to snatch a man just because I struck out in the show. I like Caleb, but he’s like a brother rather than a prospective lover, you know?”
Maggie fiddled with one of her brown curls. “What about your farmer, Susan?”
Susan scowled at her glass. “I don’t understand why he picked me. He made it clear he thought I wouldn’t enjoy country life. He didn’t think I’d last the distance, and when he learned I danced burlesque that was the full stop on his decision.”
“He’s cute,” Christina said.
“True,” Susan said. “The physical attraction is there—at least on my side—but I hated his disapproving manner.” She sipped her champagne, savoring the tickly bubbles bursting against her tongue. “Jennifer wants us to chat about our experiences online. Her assistant has set up blogs for us on the station website. Oh, and I gaveMaxwell’sa plug. Hopefully, they won’t cut it from the final show.”
“When is the first episode showing?” Maggie asked.
