Oliver frowned – he and Paige had already discussed the date extensively in the days prior. ‘Well, I wasn’t pleased. But he wasin a vulnerable position, with Zoë choosing James, and I guess he felt like he had to do anything he could. No harm done, ultimately.’
‘You were pretty angry with him,’ Paige said neutrally.
‘That’s not a question,’ Oliver joked.
She rolled her eyes. ‘Okay, why were you so upset? It seemed to me like it started before he was flirting with Eavie.’
Oliver shrugged. ‘He was being a prick, wasn’t he? Nothing more to it.’
‘Specifically,’ Paige pressed on, ‘when Declan punched James, some contestants came to his defence. You stayed out of it. Why?’
‘Er…’ Oliver had no idea what she was getting at, asking the same questions he’d already answered. ‘I don’t like to get caught up in feuds that I don’t know anything about.’
‘And yet, it’s quite clear whose side you’re on,’ she said, with a glance to his shirt that made the blood rush to his cheeks. He crossed his arms self-consciously.
‘Yeah, Declan and I are mates. We had a bit of a row, and he apologised to me. It’s all good. Sorry I can’t give you more drama than that.’
Paige pursed her lips. ‘I’m trying to get to the root of the conflict, that’s all. No need to get defensive.’
Oliver hadn’t felt like he’d been acting defensive, but he tried to soften his posture. ‘What exactly do you want to hear, Paige? I’m shattered. I’ll give you the clip if you ask nicely. Playing coy doesn’t suit you.’
‘Nor you.’ She paused before asking, ‘Why do you think Imogen chose him tonight?’
‘Dunno,’ Oliver said, relaxing slightly. ‘She’d always thought Declan was fit; she flirted with him even when he was still with Zoë. So it’s not shocking she’s gone for him again.’
‘All right,’ Paige said. ‘I think I’ve got enough to cobble something together. Thanks, Oliver.’
The red light flicked off, and Paige tucked a stray curl behind her ear. ‘One more thing, before you go.’ Something about her manner made him relax – it was clear the questioning was over.
‘Yeah?’ he asked, standing.
‘How are you feeling about being this far along? There’s only a couple weeks left. Do you think you have a shot at winning?’
‘Well,’ he said, ‘you’d know that better than I would.’
‘Do you still want it like you did at the beginning?’ Her expression was unreadable.
He was surprised to catch himself genuinely considering her question. He’d been so distracted the last few days, he’d almost forgotten about the competition, about the whole reason he’d come on the show in the first place.
If he won, the prize money would upheave his whole life. He wouldn’t have to worry about staying afloat in his crappy flat, wouldn’t have to make difficult decisions every day. And, amazingly enough, it was within his grasp. Oliver was sure he could find a balance between stolen moments with Declan and his performance on the show. If he stuck with Eavie, committed to her on camera, they had a possibility of making it to the end.
He looked at her. ‘Yes. I still want it.’
She nodded. ‘Good. I’m rooting for you, Oliver.’
Chapter 18
Declan
Two and Half Weeks Until Finale
Neil Steel: And the hits keep coming for Declan King…
James Rowe: ‘That is so you, Decs, trying to fight your way out of this.’
Neil Steel: It looks like Declan’s not willing to go down without a fight – though some swings may be landing a bit too close to home.
Oliver Wright: ‘What the [bleep] is wrong with you?’
