Ozzy makes a show of opening the envelope. Then he clears his throat, adopting a dramatic TV announcer kind of voice.
‘If you’re holding this,’ he starts, pausing for dramatic effect, ‘you’ve won a prize. But first… everyone gets to play a game.’
A mixture of groans and whoops comes from the group.
Ozzy keeps reading.
‘There are cards in the envelope. One at a time, islanders will take a card and complete the challenge written on it – sounds easy enough.’
He pulls out the stack of cards and places them in front of us.
Honey claps like a toddler at a birthday party.
‘Oh my gosh, I love it, I love it.’
We circle the firepit, taking our seats, letting Ozzy hand everyone a card.
Honey goes first. She looks at her card and giggles.
‘Kiss the islander who is your usual type,’ she reads out.
She swivels her head towards Tony. Then Lockie. Then Ozzy. Pretending to deliberate in real time – but then she looks at Lockie and you can tell her mind is made up. She stands, totters over to him, and plants a kiss on his lips. It’s slow – romantic even – with lips parted. And I’m… I’m jealous? Surely I’m not. I already dodged that bullet.
Lockie gives a little bow.
‘I’m honoured,’ he says with a smile.
I notice him glance at me for a second, then quickly look away.
Next is Tony. He grumbles as he reads it, like it personally offends him.
‘Fuck sake – do a sexy dance for the islander you fancy the most,’ he reads.
He looks at Camilla for a split second. She scowls back at him.
‘Don’t you dare,’ she warns him.
He chooses Honey instead. His ‘dance’ involves two hip thrusts, a dab, and what I think is supposed to be the worm, but he can’t get off the floor so he’s just sort of humping the sand. It’s a dance – it’s not sexy.
Camilla’s turn.
‘Whisper something flirty to the person you think would be the worst kisser,’ she reads.
Poor Tony – her eyes go straight to him. She doesn’t hesitate. She walks over, leans in, and says something in his ear that makes the colour drain from his face. I don’t know if he looks turned on or terrified.
Ozzy goes next.
‘Shake hands with the islander you think would steal your partner,’ he reads.
He glances over at Lockie.
‘Just because you’re competitive, mate,’ he tells him, offering him his hand to shake.
‘Fair enough,’ Lockie replies, taking it in good spirits.
My turn – I’m dreading it.
‘Oh!’ I say, seeing that it’s not that bad. ‘Give a hug to the person who you think will look after everyone. Well, that’s easy… Ozzy?’
