‘That can’t be good,’ Declan muttered.
‘Get ready to meet by the firepit in one hour,’ Darcy continued, ‘whether you like it shaken or stirred. Hopefully, you live to die another day.’
Oliver cleared his throat. ‘Well, that’s cheery.’
An hour later, everyone was gathered except for Darcy.
Paige ceased the hushed conversation she was having through her headset and stepped forwards. ‘Darcy is running a bit late. Can you line up in couples?’
The contestants shuffled around the firepit, pairing off. Maeve turned to Oliver anxiously. ‘Are you worried?’
His racing heart said yes, but he tried to give her a steady smile. ‘It’ll be fine.’
‘Brian,’ Paige called, ‘could you get those establishing shots now? Oliver, a word?’
Paige guided him out of earshot of the other contestants and began rubbing her temples. ‘What have I told you?’
‘Er, I’m great and people love me?’ he tried.
She gave him a beleaguered look. ‘I’m on your side, and you need to be honest with me? Ring any bells?’
He rocked on his heels. ‘Ihavebeen honest.’
‘Yeah? It didn’t seem pertinent to mention you’re moving to New York and getting back together with Sophie?’ she asked, her eyes narrowing.
‘That’s n—’ he started.
She held up a hand, cutting him off. ‘Even if I believed you, the audience isn’t that stupid. It won’t make it into the episode, but promise me you won’t mention New York again. Someone will make the connection, and the viewers won’t be pleased.’
‘Would you let me explain?’ Oliver asked, annoyed. ‘I’ve wanted to dance for Manhattan Ballet since I was twelve. Just because she did it first doesn’t mean I have to give it up.’
‘Uh-huh,’ Paige said. ‘So you twoaren’tgetting back together?’
He cleared his throat awkwardly. ‘Well, um, nothing is decided.’
‘Oliver,’ she said, sighing, ‘it really doesn’t matter to me. I’m just asking you to not utter the words “New York” on camera again, okay?’
‘Okay,’ he agreed. ‘Sorry.’
She gave him a tired nod as Darcy finally stormed onto the set in silver stilettos and a garish floral wrap dress.
‘Let’s get this party started,’ she said, in the least party-starting voice possible, levelling a stare across the line of contestants.
‘We’re all set,’ Paige said, shooing a PA over to mic her as Oliver went to stand by Maeve.
As soon as Darcy was mic’d, she turned to the contestants. ‘Roll!’ she barked, pausing for only a moment before continuing in her host voice: ‘Our audience have been voting all week for their favourite Lovers. Tonight, the one with the fewest votes will be going home.’
She stared at them intently. ‘Maeve, Declan, Imogen, Jack, Zoë and Oliver…’ She drew out the pause as the cameras panned across them. ‘You received the most audience votes, and are safe from elimination.’
Oliver sighed with relief, feeling Maeve do the same beside him. Instinctively he looked at Declan, but he was hugging Zoë, his back to Oliver.
‘Please sit.’
As Oliver sat, he glanced nervously towards Niall and Stella. He was shocked they hadn’t got more votes, as the strongest couple in the villa.
‘Lovers…’ Darcy said. ‘The four of you in front of me this evening are in jeopardy of elimination.’ Her eyes locked with each of the standing contestants as she said their names. ‘Owen… Holly… Niall… Stella… You have received the fewest votes.’
Niall didn’t look nearly as nervous as Oliver would have been, betrayed only by the slight tremor in his left hand. Oliver felt a pang, recognising how upset he would be if Niall left that night. They had only known each other for a month, but each week on the show felt like a year in real life.
