Skye’s expression softened. “McKenna, Vera, I’m so sorry, but tonight neither of you will be receiving a lei.”
Both looked equally displeased, and Lucy couldn’t blame them. The relief of being chosen was huge. For a moment, her chest felt impossibly light again, like she could finally breathe. But that was until reality set in. Being picked didn’t answer a single question. Lucy still had no idea why Skye was ignoring her.
Chapter Nineteen
Every year the production team worked hard on the cocktail party, and every year they managed to outdo the previous season. This year it was taking place inside the Tiki Veranda. Though ‘inside’ didn’t feel like the right word. The walls were half-open to the night air, and the slatted wood panels were pulled back so the ocean breeze could slip in and ruffle the sheer white curtains tied to each post. The ceilings were arched, making the bamboo beams stand out. There were woven pandanus leaves tucked between them. In one corner, a trio of musicians plucked at ukuleles, and scattered throughout the house were cocktail tables draped in sand-colored linens. Birds of paradise blooms were the centerpieces of each table, an explosion of bright orange and fuchsia from glossy monstera leaves. And along the far wall was an open bar with rows and rows of crystal-cut glassware catching the light from the lanterns.
The place was beautiful. And so too were the remaining contestants. Skye would’ve appreciated the effort everyone had made if her mind weren’t currently a havoc-wreaking storm. Not only did Alexis know that something was going on between Skye and Lucy and was using it to her advantage, but Marla was breathing down her neck too. She wanted more romance. More drama. More kissing. She wanted the women at each other’s throats for love.
But frankly, Skye was over it.
She could barely keep her head above water. And she would’ve said fuck it to everything and everyone, but Alexis wouldn’t let her. Alexis wanted to win. She wanted Skye tochoose her. She hadn’t come out and said it directly, but the message was clear. Every look she gave her, every time she brushed her fingers against Skye’s arm, and every little smug smirk made it clear that Alexis wasn’t above blackmailing. Which was a major problem. Alexis was going about things the wrong way, but she didn’t seem to care. She didn’t seem to give a shit that the entire point of the show was to fall in love, not be coerced into handing out a lei. The bachelorette was supposed to make the final decision, not the contestants. And Skye would’ve told Alexis that, except she knew doing so would open a can of worms she couldn’t close again. Because first, she’d have to admit to what Alexis had already deduced: that she and Lucy had slept together. And if Alexis ever got her hands on that concrete piece of leverage, it was game over. Marla would never give her that raise if she found out. And Skye would never be able to afford a new place. Goodbye to getting a dog. Not to mention that she’d also be solely responsible for the negative responses the show would get if the viewers ever found out. And Lucy’s reputation? Skye’s? Imagine all the crude comments they’d get on their social media accounts.
It was too much.Skye was exhausted.She desperately wanted this season to end.
“Are you alright?” Cleo asked, leaning in. Her brows were furrowed, and her lips puckered. “You look like you’re deep in thought.”
“I’m fine,” Skye said quickly, aware of everyone’s eyes on her. She was standing by the bar chatting to Cleo, Nova, and Amy, although she wouldn’t be able to tell anyone what the conversation was about. Her mind was adrift. Her gaze kept flicking to Lucy, who was standing near one of the tall windows, half-lit by the string lights. She kept thinking about how good Lucy looked in that simple pale blue sundress, and how cute her sun-kissed shoulders were. She also kept wondering how shecould possibly explain to Lucy why she was once again ignoring her.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Nova asked, leaning against the edge of the bar.
Skye had a brief moment of panic, the kind where her brain suddenly resembled a Windows error message. She couldn’t possibly tell them the truth. Instead, she smiled softly and lied. “I was just thinking about what Amy said earlier.” She couldn’t even remember what Amy had said earlier.
“About my red jumpsuit?” Amy asked, frowning as she twirled the contents of her drink.
“Yes,” Skye blurted. “I would’ve loved to see you in it.”
Amy suddenly looked disappointed. She placed her drink on the bar and folded her arms over her chest. “Now I’m upset that I didn’t wear it tonight.”
“Well,I’mglad you didn’t,” Cleo laughed. She was dressed in a lipstick-red jumpsuit herself. “It would’ve felt like a competition, and with your hips, Ames, you probably would’ve won.”
“We shouldallhave worn red outfits for tonight’s cocktail party,” Nova said over the rim of her margarita glass. “Don’t you think, Skye?” She turned her gaze toward Skye, who was once again only half listening. The other part of her brain was focused on Alexis approaching.
“Can I have this dance?” Alexis asked when she reached them. She held out her hand and smiled. Her teeth were sparkly white, and her blue eyes were icy cold.
Skye wanted to say no but knew she couldn’t. As long as Alexis suspected anything between her and Lucy, she had complete control over Skye’s every move.
“Fine,” she relented. She gave Amy and Cleo an apologetic look and allowed Alexis to tug her toward the center of the floor. The songCan’t Help Falling in Lovewas playing, which seemeda little ironic. Alexis slid an arm around Skye’s waist and pulled her close enough that she could feel the heat of Alexis’s perfume-spritzed skin. She smelled like roses on steroids.
“Relax,” Alexis said smoothly. “I just thought we could have a little fun together.”
“Fun?” Skye asked, forcing a laugh. “I think that boat has come and gone, don’t you?”
Alexis smiled as she tightened her grip on Skye. “Oh, come on. You know I won’t say anything about you and Lucy.” She paused, and Skye felt a glimmer of hope. But then Alexis spun her around to the lyricsTake my hand, take my whole life toothat were drifting through the room. She then added, “But you’re going to have to continue choosing me for the one-on-one dates. A little birdie told me tomorrow’s date is a parasailing trip. I’ve always wanted to go on one of those.”
And there it was. Blackmail.
“No,” Skye said before considering the consequences. She quickly glanced around at the production team, who seemed preoccupied with Amy and Nova taking shots at the bar. “I can’t keep choosing you. It’s not fair to the other contestants.”
“I don’t think you’re in a position to talk about what’s fair,” Alexis said, still holding onto Skye’s waist. “If things were fair, you and Lucy wouldn’t be ‘sneaking around’ behind our backs and done what you did.”
“We didn’tdoanything,” Skye lied. She sounded convincing enough, or at least she thought she did, but Alexis wasn’t an idiot. In fact, she was dangerously perceptive.
“We both know that’s not true. I think you know that I heard everything you said when you thought I was Lucy following you to your villa. Of course I don’t have physical proof, but it’s pretty obvious you and Lucy have something pretty scandalous going on,” Alexis said, staring deep into Skye’s eyes as if searching for the truth. But the truth was that she andLucy had slept together, and no amount of lying about it would change that. “And you also probably already know that I can make this very inconvenient for you.”
Skye’s stomach twisted. “Why are you doing this?”
“It’s a competition, isn’t it?” Alexis said, looking genuinely confused. “And there’s only one winner. I’m just playing the game the way it’s meant to be played, Skye.”
