I head over to him, hand outstretched. “Thank you so much for your hospitality and for letting us invade your business for the day,” I say, pushing the exhaustion back to manage a pleasant smile. “My father has an interest in a micro-brewery in Laandia, and this—” —I wave my hands— “—is how he envisions his place. I’ll tell him to visit and get some inspiration.”
“The king is always welcome,” the owner stammers. “As are you, Your Highness.”
I smile warmly and shake his hand. “I’m just Lyra here.”
*
Grayson doesn’t let me pick Spencer for tomorrow’s one-on-one date.
After today, it’s obvious I need to clear the air with Spencer. The expression on his face when he saw me kissing Liam was so many things—haunted, frustrated, angry… and with so much regret in his eyes.
I’ve told him my side, and it’s time I listen—really listen—to him.
I tell all of this to Grayson and Ria after Rue drops me off.
I’m still not happy with her.
“You can’t,” Ria says in a firm voice. She and Grayson were already at the kitchen table, the whiteboard list of names as well as the remnants of Madame Carol’s berry pie tempting me. “The sponsors expect love and drama to last for the entire season, not just two weeks before you skip off for your happily ever after.”
I’m not going to be happy with Ria much longer either.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell them, gathering a fork and the pie dish before I sit down. “But you really have to start feeding me more. At least let me eat on dates.”
“Is there anyone other than Spencer?” Grayson asks. “Can you get through one more one-on-one date? I’m really sorry, Lyra, but we need him around for a little longer. Viewers turn in for the drama as well as the romance,” he adds apologetically. “We need the tension between the two of you to ramp up a little. The chemistry between you and Spencer is already off the charts and I’d really like to expand on that.”
“Do you think that’s fair to whoever I pick for the date, knowing I would rather be with Spencer?”
“This show is about multiple men getting their hearts broken. There’s nothing fair about that. Look at it as giving someone a chance that they wouldn’t get.”
I finish my mouthful of pie. “One more solo date and then Spencer. I have to see where this is going, Grayson. This is my life.” I try out the princess voice again, the one I use when I expect to get my own way—yes, there are many situations where it comes in handy—but I’m too tired from the day’s adventures for it to be very effective.
“Which you’re sharing with the world,” Ria points out.
“Trust me when I tell you I know exactly how you feel,” Grayson says. “I’ve been where you are, and it doesn’t feel good.”
If I didn’t trust Grayson, this might be very different. “You’re very good at this.”
He smiles his blinding white smile at me. “And so are you.”
“Who do you think I should pick?” I hate myself for asking. I told myself that the picks would bemydecision, and now I’m handing over control.
Or at least asking for suggestions.
“Honestly?” Grayson looks at Ria and she nods. “I say Tanner. He’s going to win over the audience in the first episode, with him being so excited about your brother, and then the stuff with Tema. And if he doesn’t win your heart…”
“You’re thinking about him for the next Suitor,” I finish.
Grayson shrugs. “I have to look for possibilities.”
“And Tanner would be a good one. He’s a sweet puppy, but I don’t think he’s for me. So, sure, I’ll take him for the next date. Do you want me to send him home after?”
“Oh, god, no. The viewers would hate you. We’ll keep him around for as long as we can.”
I nod and finish my pie. I don’t care who stays as long as Spencer is still here.
27
Spencer
