Holly
“But why would you want to be on a dating show?” Jane asks, scrunching her nose in distaste. “Especiallythatdating show. They’re filming it in my ex-grandparents’ house, and let me tell you, that place is a nightmare. Evenafterthey got rid of the dolls in the doll room.”
We’re in Tea of Fortune—Cole, Jane, and me—having some afternoon tea with Tina and her future sister-in-law, Kennedy, aka the star of the imminent reality TV horror showMatchmaking the Rich. Tina invited us, having heard of our Thanksgiving-off with the Labelles, and while Cole isn’t into gossip, he’d do just about anything to make Jane smile—andme. The store is closed, mostly because Kennedy is supposed to keep a low profile off camera. (Fat chance, I’ve noticed at least two dozen people peering in through the window over the last twenty minutes.)
Cole smiles indulgently at Jane, and I slip a hand onto his leg, because that’s something I can do now, and if it’s possible to have your hand on Cole Garrison’s leg, you’d be a real fool to keep it to yourself. His gaze shifts to me, and he smiles and lays his hand on top of mine, sending more zip through me. This man… I’m still baffled by the brilliance of my own creation, because Judith, that saucy wench, saw through us when we couldn’t. She knew we were perfect for each other, and I’ll be goddamned if she wasn’t right.
I let her know as much the other night, and she responded:Of course you think I’m amazing. You helped create me.
True.
I’m really rooting for things to work out for Mikey too, although rule-follower that he is, he hasn’t attempted to meet up with Applejack yet. (Not that he’d be able to—I was quick to fix the bugs that I exposed.) That’ll happen soon enough. It’s November 30th, and tomorrow the matches’ identities will be revealed to each other. Only if the people involved elect to know, of course.
Honestly, it’s basically going to be like Christmas.
Anyway, back to Kennedy…
If she’s confused by Jane’s word vomit, she doesn’t let on. Then again, I get the sense she’s the patient type. Although she certainly looks the part of the “rich” contestant, all classy clothes and sleek, perfectly wavy dark hair, there’s something sweet and innocent about her. She’s nothing like the Labelles, that’s for damn sure.
“Here’s the thing,” Kennedy says softly. “I work for a non-profit that helps abused women start their lives over, and we’re on the verge of having to close our doors. We need attention—and money—to stay afloat. This is…an innovative marketing tactic.”
“But aren’t you rich?” Jane asks loudly.
Tina chuckles, and Cole sighs and says, “Jane, you’re not supposed to ask people about how much money they have,” but it’s obvious he doesn’t think he’s going to actually get through to her. Smart man.
“I have a trust fund,” Kennedy says, although she looks almost angry about it. “But my parents made sure I can’t just give the money away. It’s not really mine…not in the ways that matter.”
“So you could spend it on, like, clothes and stuff?”
“I could,” Kennedy confirms. Suddenly, she looks pissed as hell, shifting my impression of her. Huh. Ms. Innocent has a backbone. Then again, sheisZach’s sister, and he’s a play-by-the-rules type if I’ve ever met one.
“That’s messed up,” Jane says. Then, proving she’s the coolest child ever, she says, “No wonder you decided to game the system.”
I smirk at Cole. “Wonder where she learned that?”
He squeezes my leg. “Like you’re any different.”
He’s not wrong.
“It is,” Kennedy says firmly. “It’s safe to say my parents and I don’t see eye to eye.”
“I know what that’s like,” I say. “So, you do know my grandmother is a psychopath, right? Tina has warned you?”
Kennedy laughs nervously. She obviously thinks I’m joking, and I’d better disabuse her of that notion quickly.
“This is no joke. She’s almost certainly certifiable…but she’s also wily enough to convince people not to certify her.”
There’s a point in there somewhere, even if it’s buried beneath shitty word choices. I mean, Cole has started stroking my leg, and there’s only so much brainpower left to me.
Tina wraps her arm around Kennedy’s shoulders. “She’s been forewarned. Zach does nothing but forewarning these days.” She gives a beleaguered sigh. “He really does take the protective big brother act too far sometimes.”
Kennedy leans into her. “Yes! Thank you. I mean, seriously, I’m an adult. I know how to handle myself.”
“So…what are you going to do?” Jane asks. “Are you actually going to date these guys? Like, will you kiss them?”
Kennedy shrugs. “I’m not doing this because I’m looking for love.” A small smile crosses her face. “But if I find it? All the better. I mean…it would be a pretty great story, wouldn't it?”
Curiosity getting the better of me, I ask, “So you’re not opposed to meeting someone?”
