“It’s hard to say. Even before Lena came to me, I already knew Kyle was my biggest competition. I made the choice that was right for me. Really, it was a compliment to Kyle.”
“He might disagree,” the host grinned, and then turned to me expectantly, waiting for my answer.
“Wow, thanks, Kenzie,” I answered, sarcastically.
The audience laughed.
“Honestly, though, there are no hard feelings. At the time, I was just butt hurt. Kenzie played a smart, kick-ass game. More power to her.”
“So have the two of you had a chance to talk since the show ended?”
We exchanged knowing glances, and then Kenzie said, “We kissed and made up.”
“And then some,” I added, grinning.
The audience, as well as the other cast members, went wild at my comment. Lena actually got up and scooted me into her seat so I could be beside Kenzie. I put my arm around her, and she gazed up at me with a surprised but ecstatic smile. So much for keeping it quiet.
Once everyone had settled down after my unexpected comment, the host asked, “So then are you two a couple?”
I placed my hand on her knee and gave the most vague of answers, “It’s, you know….”
He waited for me to elaborate, and when I didn’t, his demeanor changed, and I knew what was coming. My stomach clenched in anticipation.
“Of course I have to ask you about Jake. There’s been such an outpouring of support for him. Has your family drawn strength from that?”
His question surprised me. It was thoughtful and didn’t sensationalize the tragedy. I was grateful for his compassion and answered as honestly as possible. “Yeah, you know, on behalf of my family and Jake, I want to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes. I promise you, they haven’t gone unnoticed.”
“Has there been any change in his condition?”
“No.”
“Well, I think I speak for everyone when I wish you and your family the best.”
The conversation moved on to Carl and what he planned to do with his winnings. I had stopped listening. My heart was pounding out of its chest. Kenzie grabbed my hand and squeezed, and I let out a sigh of relief. That hadn’t been so bad, and with Kenzie by my side, I was finally breathing a little easier. Now all I needed was Jake back.
38
Kenzie: Facing the Truth
Losingout on the million dollars was not a surprise. I already knew it was a long shot. Carl had killed it during the final vote. So honest and human, he deserved the money as much as anyone, and I was happy for my friend. I had long ago come to the realization that I’d be playing for second, and when Lena received no votes at all, I knew I’d done it. The prize money for a second-place finish was nothing to sneeze at. I would have enough to give some to my dad and then start up my new life here, in Southern California, near Kyle. I understood that there were no guarantees, but I’d kick myself in the butt if I didn’t give it a shot with him. I was young and free and had some cash in my pocket. The future looked bright.
Immediately following the show, the cast members’ families crowded the stage. My dad and siblings pushed past the throngs of well-wishers to be by my side. You would have thought I’d won the whole thing by how excited my siblings were for me.
My sister tugged on my arm and whispered, “Is that Kyle’s brother?”
I followed her wide, swoony eyes to a teenage boy standing with Kyle. “I have no idea, but he looks like Jake, so probably.”
“He’s so hot. Take me over there and introduce me.”
“Caroline, no. I haven’t met his family.”
“Kyle’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?”
“What? No. I don’t know. Maybe. No.”
“So what is it? Make up your mind.”
“I have no idea what we are.”
