“I knew it was Bexley right away,” he tells me. “But the longer we got into the show, I started to worry that she wouldn’t be able to stick it out. It’s a lot for the contestants—and I know, because I’ve been one of the contestants as well. It’s part of the problem—sometimes you make this amazing connection with a person, and instead of focusing on it, nurturing, you’re forced to keep making connections with other men. That’s tough for everyone.”
“Which is why I’m ready to explore the connection with Spencer now. I’m giving him the rose tomorrow.”
I’m glad Grayson doesn’t bother to argue with me.
35
Spencer
T
henextmorning,Randand I are the last ones in the hall.
And we’re the only ones with a red date rose outside the door.
Rand picks it up and gives it to me.
36
Lyra
I
’veneverbeensonervous before a date as I am now, getting ready for my date with Spencer.
There isn’t much to get ready though—Alexa does a light makeup with extra sunscreen because we’ll be spending the day outside, then leaves me so I can get dressed. I wear black running shorts and a pink T-shirt, my hair in a swingy pony-tail.
I change the shirt four times, the shorts twice, each time Tema giving me her opinion. I’m not sure she realizes today’s date is with Spencer, or if she’s just caught up in my nervous excitement.
She’s mentioned Abigail a few times since she’s been here, off-handed comments or funny things she’s said. I know Abigail is like a second mother to Tema, while I am only the favourite aunt. I don’t want to upset her.
I don’t want Tema to think I took Spencer away from Abigail. Because I didn’t.
I have no idea what goes on in the heads of eight-year-olds.
Eventually, Bo appears to collect her. “You with Spencer today?” he asks in his gruff Bo voice, as he picks Tema up and throws her over his shoulder.
I nod.
“You look scared.”
“I’m not scared,” I protest.
“Good, because you shouldn’t be. It’s Spence.”
Of course it’s Spence. But it’s not the same.
“Tell Spencer I said hi,” Tema cries from upside down. “And Tanner. I like Tanner.”
“Tanner likes you, too,” I tell her. “And I’ll tell Spencer.” It makes me feel better that Tema seems fine about my date with Spencer, but then again, she’s eight and has no idea what really goes on during a date.
“Is that all you’re going to tell him?” Bo wants to know.
“I don’t know what I’m going to tell him. I don’t know anything,” I say, hearing the note of possible hysteria in my voice. “It’s different here. He’s—”
“He’sSpencer,” Tema points out. “And you like him. And he likes you.”
I stare at the back of Tema’s legs. It sounds so easy when she says it.
