The next day is a Friday. I should be watching reruns with Dad or saving Meredith from another bad date. Not here, stuck in this coffin of a confession booth, running through a mile-long list of questions. How the hell did I get here? To the finals, and here, in general, in the middle of the fucking woods. Ihatethe woods.
Blake smiles sympathetically from where she’s leaning against the open door of the booth. A P.A. stands nearby and fans her occasionally. “Thanks for being patient, Dean, I know this is a lot, but you’re part of the final three. You made it this far—it’s important to take the time to reflect. Plus, it’s tradition. We always have an interview before the final challenge.”
I try to muster up a polite smile, but I think I’m just grimacing. My bones ache with exhaustion. My brain feels like mush from everything that’s happened in the last… how long has it been? Twelve hours? In the twelve hours since shit hit the fan. “It’s fine. I’m ready for the next question.”
She flips one of the pages on her clipboard. “Why did you decide to end your relationship with Seyoon when you did?” She leans inwith a smile. “Your alliance is obviously going to be one of the big storylines this season. Not just because the romance arc is compelling, but to have you, Seyoon,andCarter in the finale is a director’s dream come true. The relatives oftheFinal Three competing against each other twenty years later—God, I couldn’t have written this any better. So, if you could ham up the heartbreak and conflict of ‘falling in love’ with a rival, that would be perfect. Thanks, hon. Whenever you’re ready.”
CONFESSION TAPE—Dean Parker, Contestant
[tensely]
I made the tough decision to end things with Seyoon because we’ve both been competing for the same spot. And I realized I didn’t want to take that from her anymore. That’s why I cut things off before the aquatic challenge, so she didn’t have to split points with me. I wanted to make sure she made it to the finale. I wanted her to win.
Blake leans forward and lowers her voice, her face somber and curious. “Do you still feel that way after finding out she formed an alliance with somebody else?”
I inhale sharply. A piece of my rib punctures my lung. “It’s complicated.”
“Tell the camera, not me.”
“How many more questions do we have left?”
For the very first time in recorded-human history, I’m relieved to see Garrett approaching.
“Come on, Blake. Can you lay off with the sad questions?” Garrett leans against the other side of the doorway. “Star-crossed lovers are way better for ratings than bitter exes, anyway. How willthe bastards at the network approve our spinoff show if the season finale is so depressing that everyone stops watching?”
My nose scrunches as I recall the spinoff Garrett mentioned to me and Seyoon awhile back. “Moxley to the Maximum?”
Garrett lights up. “See? The name sticks.”
So do leeches.
Blake stifles a sigh. “Is that why you’re interrupting my contestant interview? To critique my direction?”
“No, to ask if I can handle Seyoon’s interview later.”
“Sure. Anything else?”
“Yeah. I talked to Carter.”
Blake stiffens. She recomposes herself and turns to me. “I think we’ve got enough. Thanks for your time, Dean.”
I hop out of the booth, my curiosity piqued, but not enough to stick around longer and risk having to answer any more painful questions. Garrett waves as I leave. Warily, I head to the showers to scrub the day off. When I’m finished, I wrap a towel around my waist and exit the stall. This is probably the only moment of peace I’ll have until the finals. I try to savor it—when the bathroom door opens. With my luck, it’s another Moxley. One was alreadymymaximum.
Carter turns off his clip-on mic and hangs it on the hook where I left mine. I’m intent on ignoring him, but he sidles right up next to me. I clutch my towel tighter.
“Can I… help you?”
“Are you and Seyoon really done?” he asks. “Seriously, this time.”
I blink at him. “I’m not interested.”
“What—no!”
“Well, I don’t think Seyoon would be, either.”
Carter rubs his hands over his face and groans. “That’s not why I’m asking, moron. Just answer the question.”
I have no idea what his motives are, but I don’t trust them. “That’s none of your business.”
