“I’m a sports agent, not a talent agent,” Belle said, returning the handshake. “But if I hear of anything, I’ll pass it on.”
Tim peeked his head in. “Okay ladies, it’s time for the ceremony.”
Belle straightened the bodice of her dress, breasts nearly spilling over the scoop neck. She’d never felt more put together in her life. Hair controlled in a sleek upswept style, highlighting the earrings on loan from a local jewelry store that, alone could pay off her credit card debt. She walked out after Irina. Tension tightened her stomach, the click of her heels feeling like a death sentence. Crazy, since after Erik proposed to Irina, Belle would fade into the background.
Tim motioned for her to move into the nearest elevator. Irina entered the other one.
Shoulders back, Belle waited for the cue to move out onto the stage. Like the first show, this one was filmed in front of a live audience. Darius had been on stage interviewing the six women voted off and showing dates throughout the show. Erik had been forced to narrate.
She hadn’t seen him in person since their last night together. He’d started practice that week and the preseason would be in full swing soon. Their time together would be even more limited.
The familiar music swelled and she inhaled, willing her hands to stop shaking. Erik was going to pick Irina. She’d pretend to be happy for them. Unlike the other times on camera, she was determined not to cry.
“And now the minute you’ve all been waiting for. Erik will be announcing his Fiancé to the world,” Darius said over the speakers.
A distinctive mechanical whir sounded and the door opened. The familiar blue and green lights of the fountain showed and she stepped out. Thirty minutes tops and she’d be in her car heading back to her apartment. Easy breezy.
“Belle, you look lovely,” Darius offered his elbow to her. She met Erik’s gaze from across the small space. The tux fit him to perfection and they’d trimmed his beard short. Right before the first game, he’d shave it off. It was a tradition for him to do so. She’d grown to like the beard, but people had weird ideas about luck when it came to football.
She stood off to his left side and caught the faint smell of woodsy cologne. He reached over and squeezed her hand. She glanced up at him and offered a weak smile. Standing in front of crowds wasn’t her thing, even when the end was near.
Darius escorted Irina to Erik’s right side and dropped her hand.
It was like standing at the altar. Except she’d be the rejected bride. She stifled a hysterical laugh at the irony of it all. She was mourning a position she had never desired.
“I’d like to start off by thanking all of the contestants for making Season 8 summer edition of My Future Fiancé an epic event. Erik, it’s been a pleasure to work with you.” Darius held out his hand and took Erik’s, shaking it. “Would you like to say something to the audience?” Darius asked Erik.
“Yes, I’d like to thank you for the record-breaking social media participation and your warm thoughts toward me and my career. No matter which one of these talented women I choose, I want them both to know I respect them, and wish them the best of luck in life.”
Belle had to give him kudos for an excellent speech. If the places were traded, she wouldn’t have been able to utter a single word. Millions were watching. Millions. She kept her feet planted on the stage and willed her knees not to shake.
“In one of these two boxes is the last charm.” Darius lowered his voice, adding to the drama of the moment, and lifted the box with her name on it. He handed it to Belle. Turning to Irina, he gave her the other one. “Will it be for Irina or Belle? Erik, are you ready to announce your future Fiancé?” Darius asked.
Music sounded once more and the murmurs of the audience could be heard, faint but real.
She clasped the box, hands damp with nerves. It was ridiculous but she was caught up in the moment.
Erik turned to her, blue eyes cutting into her soul. She squared her shoulders, prepping for the rejection. Once he told her he’d chosen Irina, the cameras would be on the other woman. Belle would basically disappear. Panic set in and she clenched her hand around the box. Why she was having this reaction at this time was surreal. It was only a TV show and he was acting.
He lifted her free hand and stared deep into her eyes. It was difficult to look away. The last time he’d looked at her with such intensity was in the car while they were having sex.
“Belle, you’re a beautiful soul and funny, smart, everything a man could ask for in a wife.”
She waited for the but.
Erik took the box from her and opened the lid.
She glanced down and froze. Instead of an empty box, a small silver charm shaped like an engagement ring was nestled in the red velvet. “There must be some mistake,” Belle said, frowning.
“No, there is no mistake.” He lifted the charm and tilted her chin with his finger. “Belle, will you marry me?”
A collective gasp rose from the audience, then, complete silence. Blood pounded in her temples and she almost lost the war with her weak knees.
She wasn’t the only person shocked by the pronouncement. “Oh Erik, my heart is breaking,” Irina said, holding a shaking hand to her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes.
If Belle didn’t know better, she’d think Irina was truly upset.
“I’m sorry Irina,” Erik said, giving her a compassionate smile. “I never meant to hurt you.”
